Sweeney

Who's the naughty owner who was manipulating the price? I think we should be told!

I'm Gone - Eddie Parker Landslide - Tony Clarke

I put up a soundfile of Skip Jackson & The Shantons - Promise That You'll Wait (Dot-Mar) about a week ago - top quality Vietnam record. As is Ortheia Barnes - Waiting For Joey (Coral) other side of I've Never Loved No-one (Like I love You).

I agree. I wouldn't presume to think I knew better than the people who made the records. It's messing with the original vision of the artist. It seems like sacrilege, just for the benefit of making it have the 'required beat' for the dancefloor. But, hey, they're your records, so do what you see fit with them.

I know this doesn't add much to the debate, but isn't this the coolest line-up for a gig you've ever seen? I'm starting to build my time machine now! Plus, it makes you think about how much cross-pollination of ideas, musical styles between different cities etc. must have happened. Probably much more than we know about. Excuse the quality, it's taken from the front cover of Dave McCadden's legendary Soul Galore Issue 6.

Surely the point here is that you can't really make any scene do what it doesn't want to do. Talk of fundamental change to the musical policy of nights to cater to younger people is a red herring. Surely this would just dilute this thing of ours? Please just take a look at the various photo galleries of events you see on this website and ask yourself these fundamental questions. What exists here that is of interest to people in their late teens/early twenties, who are (mostly) style/media led? Why would they eschew going to a "hip" and "happening" night full of their peers to hang out with old gits that look like escapees from a secure home for the elderly? If they did turn up, what sort of a welcome would they receive? When you were that age, would you go to such a place? I''m sorry to say, there's nothing there that would induce 18-24s to turn up in the first place let alone become a regular attendee of Northern/Rare Soul Nights. Those that do are exceptional young people (or lunatics, depending on your point of view!) Yes, it is the best music ever made, yes, students may like certain aspects of it mixed in with other musical forms, if it's not too challenging, but I just can't see there ever being a vibrant Northern Soul youth scene like there existed in the early to mid seventies.

I disagree that they were poor. As mainstream pop acts went The Jam were pretty decent. Weller was responsible for some very good pop songs which stand up reasonably well even today. Not much to do with rare soul, I agree, but many were moved to delve deeper as a result of their cover versions and press interviews.

You've already highlighted my top contender for the worst record ever played on the scene (Fascinating Girl, although his version of Uphill Climb to the Bottom is EVEN better, if you see what I mean). My second 'favourite' is Penny Gold - Lindy Stevens (Decca). I don't even think Lindy's mum could like this. Truly shocking to think this was played out and even made it onto a Kent LP.

Friction - The Soul Children (Stax) Not a bad track on it. If you're tempted to buy it don't buy the UK pressing as it's sonically far inferior to the US one.

I see, if people don't agree with you you resort to ridicule. Yep, and the only thing that stopped me having a glittering career as a professional footballer was a complete lack of talent and application. Yet I'm PASSIONATE about football. Funny that. I wonder how many passionate yet ultimately talentless dancers Martha Graham employed in her dance company?

Nice sentiment, but I guess that the people that dance with "passion" but little or no technique are the ones that at the very least get laughed at or accused of "taking the piss" in the "Northern Soul World". Also, I would imagine that this "Amateur Champion" probably spends a sizeable amount of his leisure time sweating buckets practising to make it look so effortless and "passionate".

Thanks for posting this up Mr Smith. I must admit to having a guilty liking for Hand of Fate as well. There - I've said it.

I've watched this topic with interest. And have these observations to make. When you enter a forum such as this, it's akin to entering someone's house. You abide by their rules. If you don't like it, don't enter. I think this forum is admirably moderated. Just the right level. A benign dictatorship, as it should be. Believe me, I've been to some forums where moderation is desperately harsh, and this ain't anything like that. Calls for the right to use foul language is laughable. We've got on without it for this long and I can't honestly see how the forum will be materially improved by allowing it. Puerile IMHO. If the forum has become boring, it's because we as users make it boring. Use your imagination people. If you think topics are tedious, then start one that isn't. I must admit I do find a lot of the topics are repetetive, but I just ignore them and view something that will interest me. With people joining all the time, this is to be expected. Posts should be like gold. I think far too many people post for the sake of it. There's not another site that caters to the capricious demands of the Rare Soul Scene as well as this one does. Mike and the Moderators do an admirable job for no real reward other than the knowledge that by their sterling efforts they're helping to preserve the legacy of the most amazing musical form that's ever existed. Now for a nice cup of tea and a scone...

Just thought of another... Garfield Fleming. I love his vocals on "Don't Send Me Away". Remarkably soulful voice.

I'm quite partial to the superlative vocal stylings of Lee Jones from the Masqueraders.

Northern Soul trendy? in vogue? when did this happen? I think we should all be told.

Why not go to the PPL Website and find out. They're best placed to answer your queries. PPL Website

Howard Tate - Half A Man (Verve)

Baz Interesting points. The vast majority of records I own come from the 60s, however, I just recognize that soul records from other eras have their own qualities, some of which I like, some of which I don't. I certainly don't regard my musical preferences as being any better than anyone elses. I mostly collect Deep Soul these days as anything remotely interesting and "Northern" is vastly overpriced IMVHO. These debates are fine for the first 20 or so times you see them, but ultimately they just polarize opinion needlessly.

I don't understand. What "problem" exists? The 60s v so-called "Modern" argument is very boring and not really that relevant in 2006. I (and I'm sure many others) get bored of hearing the same tired old doggerel week after week and want to hear new and interesting records from ALL eras, with quality being the only criteria. There are plenty of venues (some would say too many) playing this sort of "old school" stuff if that's all you want to hear.

I received a record from the States inside a 9" pizza box - used, I hasten to add. The record sleeve had been sellotaped to one side and the padding was torn up strips from a farming supplies catalogue (the seller was from rural Ohio).

I think his reply makes no points relevant to this transaction. Who cares if others are happy with the lots they received? You're not happy with your lot. Why should you try and flog off all the dross to get your money back? Who cares if the dollar is weak? I'd certainly try and get the money back via Paypal as the goods are patently misdescribed. Good Luck.

She also did a version of "Time Will Pass You By"!

The words foot, bargepole and ten come to mind....

Mikey I have it on good authority that your JJ Arrington card is a boot. If your Football Card forum did the decent thing and discussed live auctions you'd have been informed and spared the heartache.