Anoraks Corner

There is also the unissued alternative take which is longer, but lacks the brass...and indeed the punch. Thank gawd they included the brass at the vinyl stage.

Thanks mate, 'preciate it.

Anyone got a line up for the Avons? I've been quietly picking up lotsa Southern based label stuff over the last few years (lots of it to be found over here), and I've a soft spot for Excello releases and indeed Ted Jarrett stuff. There's a previously unissued Avons track on a Kent CD ('Uptown Down South'), Boba. Must get that book you mention Jocko...what's the ISBN?

So, there's the plain light-blue demo, the plain WD, the 'star' design demo...any other variants...a stock copy perhaps?

Depends where in the world one is, I s'pose. It seems there is a copy in every 60's collection over here...so there is a 25 count box for starters.

I had a Hytones Bell demo from the Bowl. Flogged it to Tim Brown in the late 90's along with some other nice Amy/Mala/Bell pieces (Timmie Williams, Jeffrey Allen, Don & Juan, Morris Chestnut etc). I've only ever had one copy of Bobbie Smith on Bell, mind. (Label scans on my website of all of 'em.)

There you go, 2 seconds difference Odd. Very odd. I distinctly recall playing an Optimum copy after a Bell one many moons ago, in order to check that there was a noteable difference...which there was. Maybe there are differing cuts on Optimum...time for a label discography maybe?

boba -My fave Jester 45 by them is their version of, 'I want you 'round', which is a cover of Marvin and Mary. Trev - just clocked the Bell version and it is defo 3:12...time the Optimum one, there's a good fellow as I'm sure it is 10 seconds or so shy?

ARP?

Anderson and Mick Smith had quantity too in the 80's. At one stage I think every London collector/DJ had one...they were £25 each as I recall.

I have seen a couple of different label variants of this one, with the difference being with the font used. One of them seems to use a 'Times Roman' kinda style for the title/artist, which makes it look odd and indeed questionable. Not 100% sure of authenticity as it was a while ago I had these discs, so can't check...but worth noting.

Here's a nice bunch of proper Northern 70's classics...all up for sale...prices are >>> HERE <<< on my site. The Cody Marshall is a very tough piece...it is Searling's old 'Pierre Hunt' c/up...not seen it for sale for a long, looooooooooong time, and also not in every price guide due to it's rarity. Offers invited, quality 60's trade will be considered. The Rick Sheppard reminds me of the Casino 6th Anniversary...another Searling spin...still sounds good to me! The Nite Train just sneaks in there...not a classic YET...has been sleeping on the flipsde of their version of Bobby Hill's 'To the bitter end', but it stands alone easily and puts TTBE in the shadows for sure. Recommended.

Superb. Great vocals, backing, production and beat for dancing! Prime candidate for further exposure and price jump. imo

I recall seeing a copy with deeper-red than those scanned, label, complete with the ridge (like a Rite press) and sporting a much larger font for the artist/title/credits. It was £300 in a knowledgable collector's sales box, and that was well over a decade ago...but I've never forgotten it...probaboly because I didn't buy it! The ones already scanned I've always considered to be 2nd presses.

This was played by Pat Brady at Stafford/other venues around that time. It also came out on Bell, which is a longer take. In fact, it almost sounds like they cut the tape at the wrong place/too short for the Optimum release...odd. Great track and mileage left in it imo. (Flipside is good too, albeit moving away from Soul a tad.)

Have known some them for almost 8 years now...and mighty decent chaps they are too...even if they prefer 80's/70's tunes (hehehe)! (Actually, thanks for the reminder Simon, as I may have a few bits for them )

And the 'R' stands for >>> Look under the RCA section <<<

Don't think so...maybe you have your wires crossed, Tony (a thought that would probably have you reaching for a soldering iron!)...Arin Demain also recorded as Lord Jim (& The VIPs) on Blue Star...plus as Ernie Lucas on Okeh and Karl Evans on Skyway. I reckon he should've gone for Lord Demain or Ernie Evans, though on reflection the latter doesn't actually conjur up a soulful image!

With all due respect that clip is of a Mod night, and we all know that Mods can't dance inna proper Norvern way, can they?! (Dons crash helmet, runs for cover and awaits the flak hehehe!) The real (only) Northern Soul collectors over here (count them on your hands) are down in the Kansai region, have nearly all sampled the UK scene, and know the score (and collect/DJ with originals only)...but they all dress and dance just like Keb (hehehe!).

I went round Froggy's mum's house to meet up with him (for the first time) back around 84/85-ish. It was a record buying trip along with my friend/well-known Gloucester-based record dealer, Adey Pierce. (Come to think of it we later also went round Docker's house on a similar mission!). Froggy's stories turned out to be more interesting than the records he had left, but it was certainly an fascinating session for myself, being a 'second-generation' soul collector in Gloucester (I was almost young enough to be the son of some of these pioneers!). He told some stories about that trip across Europe and touched on the South American experience, which had obviously taken it's toll on his well-being. I also recall the news filtering through of his untimely and tragic passing...a terrible shame. I had to smile at the earlier reference within this thread of Froggy looking like Jimmy Cagney...so true, even though his hair was long and yes he sported the Afghan coat! I still consider myself lucky to have grown up in such a soul-rich area and bow my head in a nod of respect to all the pioneers and mentors that gave this little whipper-snapper the benfit of their knowledge, and indeed some favourable record deals, back in the day. Allow me to give a special mention to both Steve Smiths ('Big' and 'Little') and my adopted 'Soul-Dad' the ever-enthusiastic (and it was great to see you at Christmas!), Hippo.

Soul records were released over here back in the 60's***, as they were elsewhere all over the world. People heard them, some really liked them, and they then wanted to hear more...simple. Yes there are also some US Military bases over here too, but their influence via Forces radio and imported discs was very limited. Some collectors were also frequenting/communicating with the States buying up vinyl back in the early 70's, and are still active today. There is a hard-core nucleus of collectors still, but Sean is actually probably correct with his, 'there are more Soul collectors in Newton Aycliffe, than in Japan' comment. I am writing a more comprehensive piece on the Soul collectors and Northern Soul scene over here, but am still working on it three years down the line! *** - I collect them avidly and will be creating several pages featuring them on AnoraksCorner.com one day.

There is an original 7" Bell acetate of this by, as Pete points out, the Fascinations. I believe it resides with Kenny Burrell nowadays...come to think of it he played it at the Dome once upon a time.

Yes, there is a Big Top LP in existance...only the one copy, mind. It includes one nice mid-tempo track which doesn't appear on a 45 too. Along with Roy Hamilton and Chuck Jackson, this guy is right up there in my estimation.

PM'ed you, Spud.

Good call...looking forward to the CD already. Anyone got a West Coast demo copy...is it a WD?