Ian Dewhirst

There were never any agreements with the importers (possibly John Anderson excepted). Selectadisc would get 'em in as quickly as possible whether they were big or not. Records like Edie Walker "Good Guys" and Lou Courtney's "Me And You Doing The Boogalooo" didn't need to be pressed so quickly. Obviiously it was handy having advance info on what Selectadisc might have coming in as, 'cos if you were still holding an original then it would down in value as soon as the pressing hit these shores. Ian D

You must have gone later Nick. I was 18-19 when I started @ Wigan, Richard was about the same age as me and Kev was a year younger. It was kids playing to kids in the early 70's which is probably why it was so different to now...... Ian D

It's the original Philly Groove listing which was compiled by Reid Whitelaw of Brookside Music and who formally reperesented Philly Groove. I specifically asked him about this and he's always stated that Major Harris sang lead on "Saddest Smile In Town". It seems feasible to me..... Ian D

And let's forget that track popped up again here..... Ike and Tina Turner "Somebody Somewhere Needs You" Ian D

It is Major Harris Bob..... Major Harris / Ultra High Frequency Saddest Smile In Town Felder, Harris, Baker 11262 Philly Groove 1973 3.38 Ian D

Looks like they've wacked another 30p on for sending an album or 12".... Ian D

Houston's a fun city but I never found jack shit there. Maybe I was having too much fun not looking properly but that never affected me elsewhere. Not a key city for me. Wrong demographic over the last 40 years I wonder......? I couldn't even stumble into any decent Backbeat or Sure Shot records which I thought was weird....... Ian D

Just noticed that the Amazon price has dropped to less than £60.00 including delivery for this 8 x 12" vinyl package in a beautiful collectors box! Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philadelphia-International-Moulton-Remixes-Special/dp/B00B9RP0D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362676440&sr=1-1 Get it ordered before the exports take the lot! Ian D

Amazon Links now added under track-listings above folks! All less than a fiver each including delivery! By far the cheapest way of obtaining Junior McCants.......... Just over 2 weeks to release date! Ian D

Always wondered about this. I had one of the first "After The Sessions" but then several people got duped with the mis-press so I always wondered how that happened. The same song and backing track had been sold to 6 different companies so maybe the Moonshot release was a step too far and they may have withdrawn it quickly? I did ask Teddy Vann about this around 10 years ago and he just chuckled but never answered the question unfortunately.... Ian D

I've got two record store day releases coming up this year. Might be of interest to S.S. Readers..... ASHROCKS1 Ashley Beedle Rocks Re-Edits — Record Store Day Limited Edition A special treat for Record Store Day! We’re delighted to release two classic Rock tunes which have never been on 12” ever and now both have the benefit of receiving spanking new Ashley Beedle re-edits, which take both tunes to another level. Family’s “Burlesque”, always one of the GREAT Funk/Rock classics, now gets re-booted into a tour-de-force of sonic wizardry with a 5.33 booming Ashley Beedle workout designed to shake the foundations of any room. From the second that Rob Townsend and John Wetton’s drum and bass establishes the groove and Charlie Whitney’s guitar riff kicks in we know we’re in for a masterpiece Funk/Rock opus before Roger Chapman floors everyone with his best razor-gargling wailing ever. A masterpiece! Appreciated in collector’s circles and with Rolling Stones aficionados for decades, Ruth Copeland’s incredible version of the Stone’s "Gimme Shelter" has been many a DJ’s ‘secret weapon’ for the last two decades. Ashley Beedle has weaved his magic again and produced 9 minute plus marathon workout which features such luminaries as bassist Billy ‘Bass’ Wilson, guitarist Eddie Hazel and keyboardist Bernie Worrell among many others. Has to be heard to be believed and the best way to do this is on this one-off 12” release! HELLFIRE1 The Heaven N’ Hell Remixes — Ashley Beedle & Tom Moulton - Record Store Day Limited Edition Ever since the inclusion of the Tom Moulton remix on the best-selling “Philly Re-Grooved” album, Heaven N’ Hell’s hypnotic “Whatcha Gonna Do” has been the No.1 most requested track for Harmless to release on 12” vinyl. Well the wait is finally over and it’s been worth it. We’re proud to announce that this iconic anthem now gets a full 12” release for the first time ever! Plus we’ve added a brand new 9.54 Ashley Beedle rework which is currently blowing people away together with the original 9.48 Tom Moulton remix and as a special treat we’ve rescued a never-before released 10.19 Tom Moulton Instrumental remix. Demand will be extremely high from the off as none of these tracks have ever been available on 12” before and our indications are that this tune will very much become one of the anthems of summer 2013. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya! Ian D

And 'Do The Pearl Girl' - Matta Baby and 'Pearl' - Tamiko Jones......... Ian D

Something to look forward to for the beginning of Spring. Yep, we have 6 more Backbeats releases coming up on the 25/03/13 and these 6 will hopefully appeal to anyone who likes 75+ minutes of Soul for less than a fiver each! These are still being loaded onto Amazon, so will add the links as soon as they go live...... BACKB031 “Dance Floor Revolution — 70’s Modern Soul Stunners” Compiled by Ian Dewhirst 1. Happy Feeling — Earth, Wind & Fire 2. Once I’ve Been There — Norman Connors 3. Hey Mr Melody Maker — Johnnie Taylor 4. Are You Ready For This - The Brothers 5. I Couldn’t Believe It — David Ruffin & Eddie Kendricks 6. Love Don’t Come No Stronger — Jeff Perry 7. Am I Cold, Am I Hot — Bill Harris 8. Keep On Trying — LTG Exchange 9. What About My Love — Damaris 10. I’m In Need Of Love — Lou Courtney 11. Make Me Believe In You — Patti Jo 12. Talking ‘Bout Poor Folks — Lou Edwards & Today’s People 13. Didn’t Say A Word — Patti Austin 14. This Time Around — S.O.U.L. feat Larry Hancock 15. Lead Me On — Gwen McCrae 16. I’m Hopelessly In Love With You — The Modulations 17. Get Out Of My Life — Sharon McMahan 18. You Made A Believer Out Of Me — Betty LaVette 19. Ripe For The Pickin’ — The Trumains 20. Funny How We Changed Places — Debra Anderson 21. Lady In Red — Ronnie Dyson 22. Can We Share It — Rick Shephard 23. Home Is Where The Heart Is — Bobby Womack Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Backbeats-Dance-Floor-Revolution-Modern-Stunners/dp/B00B1MBHFS/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362674439&sr=1-1 BACKB033 “Metropolis Stomp Time — Northern Soul From The Big City” Compiled By Kev Roberts 1. I'll Always Need You - Dean Courtney 2. Walk Like A Man - Johnny Moore 3. Get Down With It - Little Richard 4. I Can't Help Loving You - Paul Anka 5. I Need You - Shane Martin 6. Cause You're Mine - The Vibrations 7. Change Your Ways - Willie Kendrick 8. Do You Love Me Baby - The Masqueraders 9. Ain't No Soul-Ronnie Milsap 10. Try Me For Your New Love-Junior Mcants 11. Help Me-Al Wilson 12. In The Long Run — Curtis Blandon 13. I Got What It Takes — Brooks & Jerry 14. One In A Million — Maxine Brown 15. They’ll Never Know Why — Freddy Chavez 16. Livin’ The Nightlife — The Charts 17. This Man — Wally Cox 18. Never Love A Robin — Barbara & Brenda 19. Tightrope — Inez & Charlie Foxx 20. You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down — The Gentlemen Four 21. Let’s Get Back Together — The Honeybees 22. Please Stay — The Ivories 23. Chains Of Love — Chuck Jackson 24. Carlena — The Just Brothers 25. That’s No Way To Treat A Girl — Marie Knight 26. Dearly Beloved — Jack Montgomery 27. The Magic Touch — Melba Moore 28. My Heart Cries For You — Porgy & The Monarchs 29. Last Minute Miracle — The Shirelles 30. I Got My Heart Set On You — The Toys 31. I’ve Got To Live While I Can — Freddie Williams Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Backbeats-Metropolis-Stomp-Time-Northern/dp/B00B1MBHBW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362674621&sr=1-1 BACKB035 “Lay Back & Chill — More Superior Sensuous Soul” Compiled by Ralph Tee 1. Once You Know How - Luther Vandross 2. We Never Said Goodbye - Dionne Warwick 3. Stay - Glenn Jones 4. Say You Love Me - Patti Austin 5. What Do You Want Me To Do - Lou Courtney 6. Brother Brother - Esther Phillips 7. Paintings Of Love - Keni Burke 8. Ain't That Love, Baby - Lou Rawls 9. No Love, No Where Without You - Linda Williams 10. How Can I Be Sure - Randy Jackson 11. They Don't See - Earth, Wind & Fire 12. We Found Love - The Dynamics 13. Gonna Make Changes - Phyllis Hyman 14. Be My Girl - Michael Henderson 15. The Makings Of You - Gladys Knight & The Pips 16. We Need Love - Chapter 8 17. By Your Side - Tower Of Power 18. I Once Had Your Love (And I Can't Let Go) — The Isley Brothers 19. Love Light - Angela Bofill Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Backbeats-Back-Chill-Superior-Sensuous/dp/B00B1MBI2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362674812&sr=1-1 BACKB036 “Unexploited & Under-Rated - Contemporary Soul Gems” Compiled by Simon White 1. Don't Wait Around (2004) 45 version - The Elgins 2. You Are The Rhythm In My Life (Remix) - Billy Preston 3. Just A Lucky Fella - Noel McKoy 4. I've Seen The Light - JJ Barnes 5. Hurt The One You Love (2008 mix) - David Ruffin 6. Got To Win You Back - (2008 mix) - Contours 7. If I Were Your Woman - Vermettya Royster 8. No Need To Explain - G.C. Cameron 9. All The Love In The World - Ebony Allayne 10. Talk To The World - Pete Hoorlebeke 11. Back In Circulation (Metropolitan Soul Mix) - Sweet James Epps 12. Crying Shame - Lynda Laurence 13. Love Still Lives In My Heart - The Originals 14. My World Will Never Be The Same — Gina Foster 15. Prime Time Lover - Linda Griner 16. You Take My Breath Away - Moonstone 17. Too Great A Price To Pay - Bettye LaVette 18. Soul Searching - Barbara Randolph Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Backbeats-Unexploited-Under-Rated%C2%A0-Contemporary-Soul/dp/B00B1MBI16/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362674865&sr=1- BACKB039 “Crossover To Soul - More Crossover Soul From The 60’s & 70’s” Compiled By Sean Hampsey 1. The Common Broken Heart - Lou Courtney 2. Thanks But No Thanks - General Crook 3. I'm Not Ready - Ujima 4. Trapped In A Love - Barrino Brothers 5. People Keep Telling Me - The O'Jays 6. Satisfactorize Your Mind - Africano 7. You’re The Best Girl In The World - Johnnie Taylor 8. Main Squeeze - Syl Johnson 9. Cry Like a Baby - Aretha Franklin 10. Home Is Where The Hatred Is - Esther Phillips 11. Sweeping Your Dirt Under My Rug - Ann Bailey 12. Wait Till I Give The Signal - The Shirelles 13. Remember Me - Laura Lee 14. Fool's Hall Of Fame - Ike Lovely 15. Will There Be Another Love For Me - Winfield Parker 16. Who Am I Without You Baby - Will Hatcher 17. I've Come to Save You - 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) 18. Think Nothing About It - Major Lance 19. Let's Try It Over - Willie Hutch 20. I Gotta Keep My Bluff In — Freddie Hughes 21. After You There Can Be Nothing - Walter Jackson 22. Midnight Sunshine - The Soul Children 23. It's Gonna Be Alright - Maxine Brown 24. One Step Ahead - Aretha Franklin Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Backbeats-Crossover-Soul-More-60s/dp/B00B1MBI2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362674912&sr=1-1 BACKB041 “Detroit Gold — 70’s Soul Grooves From The Motor City” Compiled By Jaffa 1. Something New About You - Silent Majority 2. Let's Change The Subject - Satisfaction Unlimited 3. Trapped In A Love - The Barrino Brothers 4. The Truth Will Come Out - Honey Cone 5. I'm In Love Darling - General Johnson 6. 90 Day Freeze - 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) 7. I Shall Not Be Moved - The Barrino Brothers 8. Only Time Will Tell - General Johnson 9. Happy Heart - Freda Payne 10. Nothing Sweeter Than Love - 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) 11. Tighten Him Up - Eloise Laws 12. Let Me Down Easy - Chairmen Of The Board 13. Two Can Be As Lonely As One - Danny Woods 14. A Woman's Prayer - Honey Cone 15. The Day I Found Myself - Honey Cone 16. Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right - Freda Payne 17. Bright City Lights - Satisfaction Unlimited 18. Everything Good Is Bad - 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) 19. Deeper And Deeper - Freda Payne 20. You've Made Me So Very Happy - Honey Cone 21. Just As Long - The 8th Day 22. Ain't It Good Feeling Good - Eloise Laws 23. We've Gotta Find A Way Back To Love - Freda Payne Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Backbeats-Detroit-Gold-Grooves-Motor/dp/B00BIPYHBO/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362676215&sr=1-1 Naturally these will also be available from anyone who still has a local store left and from all the usual suppliers. There'll be another 6 in April, making a total of 42 Backbeats multi-artist compilations and 10 artist compilations all for less than a fiver each! I think most of 'em are listed here:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=backbeats+series Ian D

I used Porky's on every Mastercuts album I released. The "Porky's Prime Cut" signature was always written onto the lacquer by either Porky or Dennis, right before they were sent off to the pressing plant. Their mastering was fantastic. They had a secret weapon in there with the particular version of a mixing desk they owned! Ian D

Blimey. A large part of the first pressing is being engulfed with huge export orders. Nice problem to have unless I run out............ Ian D

I'm pretty sure it was played in '74 at the Mecca but it took almost a year before it started to take off. It was around in quantity on the yellow 77 label and it wasn't unusual to see it for a quid or two in many people's boxes. It was a 'last hour' record at the Mecca for ages and built up a cult following and eventually started featuring earlier in the evening. It translated elsewhere at exactly the right point where people were a bit more receptive to different rhythms. It kinda surprised me when it started going big. I thought it was a bit too Southern for the tastes at the time but I was wrong. A guaranteed floor-filler across the country but that was probably 2 years later from when it was first played. A real grower! Ian D

Yep. I've long wondered how Bobby Treetop fared after Tuff. Seriously. What happened to him, what was his story? I'd love to know more about these guys and girls.... Ian D