Ian Dewhirst

Interesting. The 'buy' button came on around 6 hours ago so already a lot of interest via Amazon..... Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,443 in Music (See Top 100 in Music) #11 in Music > R&B and Soul > Motown #31 in Music > R&B and Soul > Soul #34 in Music > Vinyl > Vinyl Album But how do you gauge potential demand? Richard's Motown 7" Vinyl Box Sets are probably the best thing to measure by thus far. But that's killer in-demand unreleased Motown with a built-in specialist audience. But, all 28 of these tracks are bonafide tested Northern classics with the benefit of an incredible film coming up and all the attendant PR and ballyhoo etc, etc. Killer package. Who wouldn't want one? So how many exports? How much indie demand in the UK? Will it translate to Japan? What about the U.S.A. with the Numero audience? Will the film get a pan European release and, if so, where? You know, very similar questions to when we're assessing a record's value, but just a different scale. Ian D

It's always difficult to gauge something like this. It's expensive to manufacture so the bean counters are very very careful. I suggested at least 2K (I'm always optimistic) but it looks like a 1.5 initial run with 1K spare parts. I don't think that's enough personally but, hey, what do I know? Ian D

Absolutely Mikey. Will be available from all good record stores as they say. Additionally I think that Amazon price will zonk right down shortly. A tremendous reaction after only a few hours, so all looking good! Ian D

OK, folks, the vinyl edition is all good to go on Amazon now:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Soul-Soundtrack-Vinyl-VINYL/dp/B00LJWCGO6/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1406040730&sr=1-2&keywords=northern+soul+the+film Ian

Not really. We had problems maintaining contact with the German copyright holders so it just fell through eventually...... Ian

Agreed. There's never any problems with Ace/Kent masters! Ian

Hi Andrew, We're just waiting for the magical 'buy' button and the track-list to appear and then it'll be all systems go. I'm pretty sure that the film will have been filmed in the highest quality possible and likewise the sound. In the meantime here's the info on the 7" Vinyl Box Set:- In one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Harmless are proud to announce that we will be issuing the soundtrack to the forthcoming film, “Northern Soul” directed by Elaine Constantine. Early viewings confirm that “Northern Soul” will be the most accurate portrayal yet of this legendary musical movement which started in the north of England in the late 1960s and has now spread around the world and become a huge international scene. The film is due to launch in the UK in October 2014 and there will be considerable mainstream media coverage following the recent TV coverage via The One Show on BBC1 and the Culture Show on BBC2. Since 7” vinyl remains at the epicenter of this 46 year old scene with the original records still establishing world-record prices in collecting circles, we felt duty bound to issue a very special edition of the soundtrack on 7” vinyl. We’ve specially licensed all the Northern Soul tracks from the soundtrack plus one bonus track for 14 x 7” discs, all in pic-sleeves featuring key scenes from the film, together with a specially commissioned 60 page hardback-bound book of carefully selected film stills which has been painstakingly edited and re-touched by Elaine Constantine, the director of ‘Northern Soul’. A perfect collector’s item from what will be one of the most distinctive films of recent times. So, that’s 14 x unique 7”vinyl singles and a 60 page hardback book collection of unique stills from a unique film all housed in a solid collectors heavy-duty box. To be treasured forever. Needless to say, these 14 discs present 28 of the greatest Northern Soul classics of all-time, many of which are making their UK release for the very first time. Every one of these tracks has been a floor-filler on the Northern Soul scene throughout its history and many of the original U.S. releases still command a huge value. In fact the cumulative value of all the original pressings in the set comes to an astounding £35,260 (as valued by John Manship in July 2014). This will be Harmless’ key release throughout 2014 and for those enthusiasts who like to smell the vinyl, well here it is! A ‘must-have’ purchase for anyone who is interested in British musical culture, U.S. soul music and collecting serious Northern Soul music on its original vinyl format! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Soul-Soundtrack-Vinyl-VINYL/dp/B00LJWCGO6/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1406040730&sr=1-2&keywords=northern+soul+the+film HURTBOX007 Northern Soul: The Film: 14 x 7” Box Set — Track Listing Disc 1 A1. The Right Track 2.28 - Billy Butler B1. Back Street 2.48 - Edwin Starr Disc 2 A1. Soul Time 2.39 - Shirley Ellis B1. I Got To Find Me Somebody 2.22 - The Vel-Vets Disc 3 A1. If This Is Love (I’d Rather Be Lonely) 2.45 - The Precisions B1. Seven Day Lover 3.08 - James Fountain Disc 4 A1. You Don’t Mean It 2.59 - Towanda Barnes B1. The Night 3.23 - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Disc 5 A1. I’m Com’un Home In The Morn’un 3.27 - Lou Pride B1. (Just Say) You’re Wanted And Needed 2.38 - Gwen Owens Disc 6 A1. They’ll Never Know Why 2.52 - Freddy Chavez B1. Tear Stained Face 2.27 - Don Varner Disc 7 A1. Crying Over You 2.17 - Duke Browner B1. Exus Trek 2.39 - Luther Ingram Disc 8 A1. Too Late 2.22 - Larry Williams & Johnny Watson B1. Your Autumn Of Tomorrow 2.26 - The Crow Disc 9 A1. I’m Gone 2.42 - Eddie Parker B1. I Really Love You 2.06 - The Tomangoes Disc 10 A1. This Love Starved Heart Of Mine (It’s Killing Me) 2.43 - Marvin Gaye B1. Stick By Me Baby 2.20 - The Salvadors Disc 11 A1. Time 3.00 - Edwin Starr B1. Come On Train 3.16 - Don Thomas Disc 12 A1. Lonely For You Baby 2.46 - Sam Dees B1. Gone With The Wind Is My Love 3.05 - Rita & The Tiaras Disc 13 A1. Suspicion 3.04 - The Originals B1. Turning My Heartbeat Up 2.16 - The MVP’s Disc 14 A1. Time Will Pass You By 2.16 - Tobi Legend B1. I Surrender 2.06 - Eddie Holman Ian D

It's generally down to whether we are supplied with masters from the original tapes or not. We always re-master everything anyway so there should be no issues on quality touch wood. In the event that we analyse a master we've had sent and find it's been a vinyl dub (an increasingly common practice these days), then we'll source as mint an original as we can find and re-master and re-build where necessary. I'll be checking the masters on CD2 of this, this week actually so fingers crossed! Ian D

Massive at the Mecca and Cleethorpes Pete. Right up there with the biggies. Ian D

Kenny Smith "Lord What's Happening To Your People" Ian D

Haha LOL. Tremendous answers. However, I'm not sure that that being a man of mystery with a nicked paper boy's bag ticks all the boxes. Half the point of wielding a big bag of albums and 12"'s is the subliminal message that you're carrying records, therefore must be a DJ, therefore must be cool and therefore women will want you and men will want to be you.....no point in disguising the records with a unfeasible bag..... Ian D

Trolleys are just much more practical for Albums & 12"s these days. I can't believe that I used to lug 2 x 200 count crates of 12" vinyl to every gig 10 years ago. These days I choose carefully and select the 50 that I wanna play. Same with 7"'s. I used to take a 400 count box minimum. I've now whittled that down to a 200 count box which fits in a suitcase. Naturally I also have my portable hard-drive with another 200,000 tunes as backup. Ian D

I just remembered that I saw 'em live in the late 70s somewhere (maybe Manchester?) and they were just exceptional. Hamish Stuart is the most soulful Scottish vocalist of all time in my view. He's just incredible. I was lucky enough to be living in the U.S. when they ruled the airwaves, so I've always had a lot of regard for 'em, for songs like this:- "Queen Of My Soul" - Average White Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L62VdWyfy6E "If I Ever Lose This Heaven" - Average White Band "Work To Do" - Average White Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IEDC52o0nk And my favorite of 'em all.... "Atlantic Avenue" - Average White Band Ian D

But think about the archive you're accumulating. Those precarious piles of stuff are worth more than money can ever buy. Being surrounded by indiscriminate piles of music formats makes you a much better person and will guarantee you a long and happy life. Ian D

Actually for the Asda of Northern Soul, I'm surprised you haven't discovered the LIDL heavy duty carrier bag, recommended to me by Mike Ritson when I had to move house. Those f*ckers are indestructible and take huge weight. Very very handy to move bulky stuff quick. However, being a top international DJ, I simply cannot afford to be seen turning up at gigs with LIDL bags. Sends the wrong message. So I'll stick with my heavy duty Red Bull Music Academy trolley bag which is better than Greg's 'cos I can nonchalantly wheel it through airports whilst locating my limo...... Ian D

OK, how about I substitute 'usually' with 'used to'? You've got a point though. How come I've got so busy that I can only squeeze 3 or 4 shags a week in these days.......? Ian D

Funnily enough I usually do it the other way round - celebrate, watch film and then mate. To each their own I guess.... Ian D

Nah, that must be some other good-looking hustler My kinda thing though..... Ian D

Grab 'em while you can. The book will be re-promoted when the film comes out, so I doubt you'll see 'em that price again once those copies have gone..... Ian D

I know what you mean Jim. It's been painful. The kind of machinery you need to launch even a 'little' UK film like this against the Hollywood blockbusters is pretty formidable. We have a date of 15/09/14 for the soundtrack and 20/10/14 for the film. The plus side is that it may have been a long frustrating lead-up, but the sheer buzz from everyone involved in the film is that this is something very, very special. Looks like it's gonna be a key U.K. film for 2014. The overall vibe from everyone involved across all areas is just incredible - everybody is taking this film very seriously. Quite right too. It'll be worth the wait don't worry! Ian D

Glad you like it Russ. This film has been a very very delicate balance of being true to the essence of the scene without compromising any quality, whilst hoping to also appeal to a wider international audience. A tall order for a very British film. However, if ever a U.K. film captured the whole essence and experience of an incredible cultural scene, then I can think of no one better to have directed it then Elaine Constantine. She has my undying respect for managing to capture a piece of historical magic that happened in the North of England in the late 60s and early 70s which I think will be the template that future generations will look fondly upon and wished they'd been there. Like us. Can't wait to see it. Ian D

Just to bring everyone bang up to date, here is the confirmed track listing, details and expanded pack-shot:- HURTXCD125 Northern Soul: The Film: Soundtrack Plus - 2 CD/1 DVD Box Set 15/09/2014 In one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Harmless are proud to announce that we will be issuing the soundtrack to the forthcoming film, “Northern Soul” directed by Elaine Constantine. Early viewings confirm that “Northern Soul” will be the most accurate portrayal yet of this legendary musical movement which started in the north of England in the late 1960s and has now spread around the world and become a huge international scene. The film is due to launch in the UK in October 2014 and there will be considerable mainstream media coverage following the recent TV coverage via The One Show on BBC1 and the Culture Show on BBC2. The soundtrack package for “Northern Soul” consists of CD1: the soundtrack itself containing all the key Northern Soul tracks from the film, CD2: an additional CD of specially chosen Northern Soul tracks compiled by “Northern Soul” director Elaine Constantine and an exclusive DVD with Elaine Constantine being interviewed about the making of the film by actor James Lance who plays top Northern Soul DJ Ray Henderson in the film. Plus there will also be some nice extras on the DVD including an early Richard Searling interview with Elaine Constantine and some other extras! This beautifully packaged 2CD/DVD package will also come with a 24 page booklet specially written by Gareth Sweeney — co-author of the bestselling accompanying book “Northern Soul”. This will be Harmless’ key release throughout 2014 and early demand and interest are already indicating that this will be a ‘must-have’ purchase for anyone who is interested in British musical culture, U.S. soul music and no doubt everyone who will see the film. CD1: Northern Soul: The Soundtrack Right Track - Billy Butler Back Street - Edwin Starr Soul Time - Shirley Ellis I Gotta Find Me Somebody - The Velvets If This Is Love (I'd Rather Be Lonely) - The Precisions Seven Day Lover - James Fountain You Don’t Mean It - Towanda Barnes The Night - Frankie Valli I’m Com’un Home In The Morn’un - Lou Pride (Just Say) You’re Wanted And Needed - Gwen Owens They’ll Never Know Why - Freddy Chavez Tear Stained Face - Don Varner Crying Over You - Duke Browner Exus Trek - Luther Ingram Too Late - Larry Williams & Johnny Watson Your Autumn Of Tomorrow - The Crow I’m Gone - Eddie Parker I Really Love You - The Tomangoes This Love Starved Heart Of Mine (It’s Killing Me) - Marvin Gaye Stick By Me Baby - The Salvadores Time - Edwin Starr Come On Train - Don Thomas Lonely For You Baby - Sam Dees Gone With The Wind Is My Love - Rita & The Tiaras Suspicion - The Originals Turning My Heartbeat Up - The MVP’s Time Will Pass You By - Tobi Legend CD2: Northern Soul: Further Inspiration from Elaine Constantine She’ll Come Running Back - Mel Britt Little Love Affair - Patrinell Staten You Don’t Love Me - Epitome Of Sound I Just Can’t Live My Life (Without You Babe) - Linda Jones What Good Am I Without You - Darrow Fletcher I Surrender - Eddie Holman I Don’t Like To Lose - The Group feat Cecil Washington In Love - Tony Galla I Was Born To Love You - Herbert Hunter I Really Love You - Jimmy Burns Blowing My Mind To Pieces - Bob Relf Please Stay - The Ivories The Chase Is On - Johnny Howard You Left Me - The Admirations Ain’t Gonna Run No More - The Royal Esquires Love Slave - The Antellects As Long As You Love Me (I’ll Stay) - Ronnie & Robyn My Lonely Feeling - Milton James Can You Win - Charlene & The Soul Serenaders This Won’t Change - Lester Tipton Love Factory - Eloise Laws Under Your Powerful Love - Joe Tex It Really Hurts Me Girl - The Carstairs Hung Up On Your Love - The Montclairs Baby Don’t You Weep - Edward Hamilton & The Arabians The Magic Touch - Melba Moore If You Ever Walked Out Of My Life - Dena Barnes Compiled and Sequenced With Love by Elaine Constantine DVD: Actor James Lance interviews Elaine Constantine — director of ‘Northern Soul’ + an early Richard Searling interview with Elaine Constantine + Audio Extras https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Soul-Soundtrack-Various-Artists/dp/B00JYDGFXA/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1405507512&sr=1-1&keywords=northern+soul+the+film Ian D

That price is nuts. Gotta be worth it just to have 'em on the shelves I'd have thought...... Ian

I played on the show when General Johnson passed away. Not a dry eye there either. Probably one of the best funeral songs ever..... I'm On My Way To A Better Place - Chairmen Of The Board Ian D

Actually these aren't mine Scal. I'm posting 'em up for a colleague. And I'd do a Foundations anthology in a second! Although this one does the trick at the moment:- https://www.discogs.com/Foundations-The-Foundations/master/672571 Ian D