Ian Dewhirst

All horribly complicated Jayne. All the details are here: www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk. I've always thought it's a little bit cheeky for the PRS to charge for Northern Soul stuff since none of the money will ever get back to the original acts in most cases as most of 'em aren't registered in the UK! I think it's fair to say that most U.S, acts from the 60's and 70's wouldn't have a clue about registering for PRS/PPL/MCPS in the UK. Musicians in 60's Detroit, Michigan just didn't think like that. Anyway, hope it helps....... Ian D

It's amazing just how Northern it is when the Beach Boys harmonies are removed. I've just done a comparison and you can plainly hear a straight Northern backing underneath the vocals. If it was the Sons Of Moses we'd all be lapping it up LOL......... Ian D

Yep, very sad but it's the nature of the beast I'm afraid. The stuff we look for was commercially unsuccessful for the most part, so not many fairy stories there unfortunately. Found it sad when Steve Mancha turned up in the UK to record a vocal of a song we were doing and he patently couldn't sing anymore plus it was a bitch even getting him to the studio LOL..... Such a shame that many of our heroes ended up with nowt. But we must remember that it's not our fault. Everyone got ripped off in the 60's music biz and many turned to drink or drugs as a result. Some of 'em died as a result - anyone ever read the Frankie Lymon story? Worst thing for me was seeing Jackie Lee spark out on a park bench in L.A. in the 70's......... Ian D

Just going through some gear and I came across a Beach Boys album called "Stack O' Tracks" from '68 which is the original instrumental backing tracks of their hits from the mid 60's. Track 1, Side 1 is a 100% storming Northern instrumental version of "Darlin'" which sounds incredible. It is the 'Wreckin Crue' (the cream of L.A. session musicians) so it's obviously vintage stuff - not a million miles away from Mike Post IMO. Anyone know it? Ian D

Found in a junk shop a while back - a nice white promo of "Get Out" - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes on Landa for the princely sum of 10p. It certainly looks original but is it too good to be true? I dunno. But why would they bother booting it? The record had been a mini-hit on a UK re-issue so can't see the point really. So, did it ever get booted on a white? Ian D

Nah, that's greedy Dave! You should be sharing your vast knowledge with some up-and-comers and give 'em the chance to be played out. If you can bear to part with 'em that is LOL..... I know it sounds nuts, but I regularly flog stuff to people I think can use certain tunes - that's how things like Si Hightower and Bobby Taylor finally got out there. I'd almost rather see 'em being used than have 'em on the shelves gathering dust if you see what I mean. I'm just going through all my gear at the moment and finding that I've got a ton of oddball stuff and quite a bit of this crossover gear too.... It is fun going through 'em and wondering why you kept something - I've still got some right oddballs though...... Ian D

Don't think I've heard either of those two in a gaff EVER Max! Bet not that many other people have either........ Ian D

Ever wondered why I collect weapons as well as records LOL? Always handy to have at least 2 different-sized extendable steel coshes (in case there's a few of 'em), at least two different types of liquid disablers - US government endorsed mace or a really potent pepper spray will do and a stun gun with an effective range of 50 feet. That's just for the UK..... For the US stronger measures are necessary. I'll put you in touch with the old Death Row boys - they seemed to rule the turf the last time I was over. "Gangbanger Slim" will look after you..... Ian D

Yep, the TUME's an issue. Other side is a Philly beat ballad "I'll Be Your Everything" with Howard Huntsberry on vocals and written and produced by Bobby Eli. Typical Philly groover not disimiliar to William Devaughn...... Ian D

OK, I've been having a vinyl purge and will be sticking these up ont' bay shortly. Thought I'd offer 'em out to Soul Source first though just in case there's anything which rings someone's bells. Dunno what they're worth particularly, so I guess if anyone wants anything then PM offers per item and it'll hopefuly save me the hassle of listing 'em..... All copies will be VG-Mint - will grade more deeply if anyone wants more info Anyway, here goes: Albums: Clyde McPhatter "Welcome Home" LP UK MCA MUPS 418 The Miracles "From The Beginning" LP UK Tamla Motown TML 11031 Deon Jackson "Love Makes The World Go Around" LP US Atco 33-188 Nolan Porter "Nolan" US ABC Promo LP ABCX 766 U.S. 45's: Early Editions "What Is Wrong With Groovin'" Aries Gregory Washington "Tea & Understanding" Brainstorm The Newday "Wait A Minute" On Top Deniece Chandler & Lee Sain "Glorious Feeling" Toddlin' Town Eddy Ray "Glad I Found You" Prix 100 Proof Aged In Soul "90 Day Freeze" Hot Wax Promo Kenny Lupper "Passion Flower" Motown Garnet Mimms "Somebody, Someplace" G.S.F. Joe Towns "Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music" Top Dog James Gadson "Got To Find My Baby" Cream The Right Combination "I'm Still In Love With You" Gold Mine Aged In Harmony - "Theme For Someone Special" More-Tones New Birth "Fastest Gun" Ariola Leon Collins "I Just Wana Say I Love You" Elf Promo Troy Keyes "Love Explosions" ABC The Ebony's "Making Love Ain't Fun (Without The One You Love)" Buddah Webster Lewis "Love Is The Way" Epic Stamped Promo The Spinners "Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music" Motown Promo Carol Dionne - I'm So In Love With You" Gateway The Donations "I'm Going To Treat You Good" Dee Perfect Touch "What Goes Around" Celebrity T.U.M.E. "Love Shortage" MGM Guitar Red "Share Your Love" Mod-Art Promo Eloise Laws "1000 Laughs" ABC The Livin' Inn "It's Hard To Stop (When I Start Lovin You)" Epic Promo London To Rome "Let's Not Wait" Roulette Promo Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes "Prayin'" Source White Promo Mystique "What Would The World Be Without Music" Curtom Promo Charles Veal "I Believe In You" Capitol New Experience - "Soul Music" Ariola America The Magic Touch - "Lost & Lonely Boy" Roulette Hopefully something for everyone..... Ian D

And those are SLOW compared to some! Mind you, "My Little Girl" is FAST! You could have had a heart atack! Ian D

I thought that there may be generational aspects to the speed of the records played. Given that the average age of Northern Soulers was in their teens in the early 70's, I just wondered whether the beat has slowed down to compensate for older legs! The last few gigs I've been to, I've noticed that the tempos are considerably slower than 30 odd years ago. I mean CAN anyone in the UK dance to "I've Gotta Find Me Somebody", "You Don't Mean It" or "Being Without You" these days LOL or is it too knackering? I've never really danced so I don't know........... Ian D

Sartorial elegance and digging for Northern aren't regular bedfellows as I pointed out to Tim Brown, who was wearing a badly torn jumper which was falling off him when I flogged him a Duke Browner for £11 in '74! Enough for 4 brand new jumpers at the time...... Ian D :smile:

Well, there's another interest which came a close second to vinyl and occasionally even took the top spot! Ian D

Brilliant story Blake! But the difference between you and me, is that I would definitely have taken off with the Entertainers 4 guy. Your wife was at the bloody hotel - she had sun, food and roof over her head! You could have taken off for HOURS at least LOL...... Are you nuts? EVERYTHING would've been there! Ian D

Mmmm. I could imagine it going for 3 figures. I don't think I've seen that many on UK and I've always kept an eye out. Nice thick pressing too. Cheers Mossy, Ian D

Neil had Mel Britt's as well? Were they originals or the last of the re-presses? Sounds like a bargain either way....... Ian D

LOL! That's probably what she said when you popped out! Ian D

Yep, sounds about right to me. Any ideas on Clyde McPhatter, the Miracles and Nolan while yer at it? Cheers. Ian D

LOL! I bet you did! I think there was a steady stream of us @ Bostocks that week! It went from a one-off to a thousand-off in about a week LOL.... 20 copies at a fiver apiece could cover your whole weekend in those days! Ian D

Sorry Rachel, Will have to learn Refosoul which I'm dreading......... Have trouble learning most technology especially when it's clunky but I'll make the effort. Ian D

Yeah, I think so. I certainly seem to recall the name. Wow, when did your missus buy the Central? I used to know Tony Gedge and I know the Hi-Fi Club guys - I used to do the Queens Hotel Northern Soul Do's on New Years Eve..... And I've bumped into Sally Ann a few times down here - she like's a drink does our Sall LOL.... ! Lovely lass - certainly livened up my Saturday nights at the Central LOL! Ian D

In fact here it is..... Always worth a listen and lovely sentiment! The 12" version is phenomenal as well if you have an 70's/80's crowd in - playing it now in fact 9.43 of perfection........... Ian D

Can't really go wrong with the Intruders "I'll Always Love My Mama" if yer mum's there! Works for most Souly audiences IMO. Whatever you do don't play "Mama's Gone" though! Ian D

Can't win 'em all Prophonics.... Good job I have it anyway.... He really can do no wrong can he? Ian D 25_Someday_The_Sun_Will_Shine.mp3 25_Someday_The_Sun_Will_Shine.mp3