Seano

I thought this might be of interest to everyone hankering to get back to the dance floor: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/07/dutch-clubbers-dance-study-easing-lockdown-music-event-coronavirus

Haven't been over since 2009, but we used to go to New York to stay with my cousin who moved over there for 9 years. I always took my messenger stye over the shoulder bag, and would put all the records in that to carry on as I was always worried they'd get cracked chucked around in the hold. I don't think I ever brought more than around 100 back in one go. The only time I got stopped for the records (got stopped on the way in nearly every trip!) was when a security dog took an interest. The guard checked my bag out and told me that 2nd hand records and sleeves do often seem to trigger the drugs dogs' interest....

I'm pretty sure both of mine came via soul packs, and I hung onto the Mystery ? Men 45 as I was aware there was some interest in it connected with TTLFL. Unfortunately mine's got the same City Skies instrumental on both sides, I can't see any difference making side two part 2. The Living Color one does have vocal on side A and inst (titled City Skies) on side B, but of course it's the inst of TTLFL not the one you described as 'shocking'!

I've had an email from Ticketmaster saying the Blackpool International Soul Festival has shifted to 17-19 June 2022, but not heard anything about this soul night.

Arrived today. Fine selection as always. I always love the informative booklets, and was struck by the opening sentence "Lockdown has brought soul music benefits." Obviously I knew this was a 2021 issue, right in the midst of our 3rd lockdown, but it stood out as something that really sets the moment of this release. Tantalising note in the write up of the Brothers of Soul track ('I need your love') that there will be another unreleased recording of theirs on 'This is Lowrider Soul Vol 2' ; 'Can't nobody'.

Sitting by my deck since it dropped through the door. Very nice.

I don't get out that much (good prep for this past year!), so apologies if some of these actually didn't get much play, and of course some of these came out during the pandemic so unless they got on the turntable at the Covid Arms then they probably didn't get played out anyway! Taking a leaf out of @Soulstrutter's book, here's a few that made it to my turntable: Durand Jones & the Indications 'Morning in America' on Colemine 2019 Jr Thomas & the Volcanos 'What a shame' on Colemine 2017 The Love Rights 'Talk of the town' on Kimberlite 2019 Broken Hearts Inc 'Please don't walk away' & 'Heartache (is all you get) on Kimberlite 2018 Lay Biggz Lemons 'You the glory' on Tesla Groove 2020 Bobby Burn 'I'm a lonely man' on Diggin' Deep 2020 Jerry Williams 'Oh Lord, what are you doing to me' on Soul For Real 2020

Sorry to be late chipping in. Bit of an odd day; first ever lockdown Valentine's day, but this has to be a play for me as @Eddie Hubbardplayed it for us at our wedding party back in 1987:

Heard the news on radio 4 this morning with Stuart Cosgrove giving an interesting bit of background. I think I've read over the years that she worked hard for civic life in Detroit, making good use of her fame and background. A sad loss.

Yes a beer always welcome! I don't remember if there was a follow on soul do. But the next soul night in Coventry that many of us also went to was at the Jamaican club for The Brothers of Soul. That was a brilliant night; put on by Roger Saint and Robb Moss I think, and I recall that one of the warm-up DJs was John Manship

A bunch of us from Banbury went up to that Coventry performance of the play too. I remember really enjoying the event, especially the sense of atmosphere.

Mine arrived yesterday, looks to be a fantastic and evocative read. Really excellent quality (I hadn't even realised it was hardback!), and a great bonus of the CD too. The trips must have been extraordinary, it really helps to see the video.

Hi Gilly, I've just emailed you for details - I did try back when you posted this but it might not have reached you, so hopefully this one will! Sean

Looking forward to this, you'd think quality might have dipped by volume 7, but no sign of that!

Fascinating article thanks. You mentioned about any examples from Sidney Barnes' book (Standing on Solid Ground). I've taken photos of 2 pages in the section where he writes about Motown and working at the Brill Building. One referencing Herb Abramson's A1 Studio for cutting demos, and the other talking about getting a release for his group, The Serenaders, of their record 'If Your Heart Says Yes' initially on the Motown label, and then as the first release on the new V.I.P. label.

Unexpectedly received a copy for Christmas! Looks interesting. Also got the Cellarful of Motown Vol 5 (some really good tracks on disc 1) along with the Al Green biography by Jimmy McDonough 'Soul Survivor'.

Arrived yesterday - another quality double sider, great work Sean.

Looks interesting. Could do with a bit more to give a flavour of the book (here and on Amazon). Will it be available through other outlets, such as Mark Windle's 'Nickel and a Dime'? Nice to support independent booksellers rather than Amazon if possible, especially in the context of the generous nature of your book's proceeds supporting artists.

Looking forward to this.

Just had a listen to Tommy Søvik's set; very interesting and varied. Good work folks.

Terrible to watch it all through and know that people are still having to fight and campaign for equity and rights today, and not just in America of course. If you haven't read Stuart Cosgrove's book, Detroit 67, do give it a go. It covers what's in the film and a whole lot more that all fed into that chaotic period.

Arrived today. Very nicely packaged and a cracking pairing.

Looking forward to this; don't have Sky.

I've just seen, via a tweet from John Crace, that this is on BBC2 at 9.45pm on Saturday. Apparently he's seen it, so I'm not sure if it's been on before, but sounds worth a watch.