Amsterdam Russ

Without question the hardest to find on the Loma label are: * The Soul Shakers - I'm getting weaker (Loma 2047 - issue) * The G-Clefs - I can't stand it / Whirlwind (Loma 2048 - issue or promo) It's interesting to note that both of the hardest to find on the label came out one directly after the other! Also, two or three of the non-soul releases on the label are very difficult to get hold of as issue copies.

In my book it has to be the one, the only... Lorraine Chandler.

I'm surprised that people didn't realise which Gloria Jones was being referred to here as soon as Ed Cobb was mentioned!

And what about overseas orders?

"Don't ask who said it. Ask what they said."

To paraphrase Samuel Johnson: A man who is tired of waiting for that elusive 45 to turn up is tired of life.

But have you got a copy to sell?

Great, but I'd have to get one first!

Thanks for that...

Wanted: Faye Adams - The Hammer - Herald. Minimum condition VG+, preferably better. PM's please.

The song was written in support of the then presidential candidate Jimmy Carter. He was elected to the White House in 1976. The label of the Bareback release gives a year of 1977, when Carter was already in office, so I would be inclined to believe that the APO release came first. Also, I'm presuming that the name APO is contrived from the initials and letters of one of the songwriters, Art Polhemus (although I'm aware that as an acronym APO stands for Army Post Office!).

I think it would be a marvellous idea (although I suspect you would be better served by asking the question in a fresh post).

An excellent soul travelogue. Looking forward to the second instalment.

Parka was her husband's label. Isn't there a third release as well - on Expo?

It's not so much that it's a sore point, Leeham, it's more a reflection of the undefined nature of 'Northern Soul' scene as a whole. There are and never will be any clear cut definitions of what 'Northern Soul' is (or any supposed genres or sub genres associated with it and everyone has a unique point of view). My own definition of 'crossover' is very simple: to me it's just soul music that 'crosses over' decades, styles or genres. Soul recorded in the 60s that has a feel of the 70s to it, for example. Or early 70s recordings that sound as if they might have been recorded in the late 60s, but you just can't be sure which side of the 60s/70s divide it comes from. The thing is, when referring to Northern Soul, people often use the terms 60s and 70s as if they were clearly defined and entirely separate musical forms. Of course, the reality is completely different. When the clock ticked from 1969 to 1970, the musical styles of the old decade did not just stop. On the 1st of January 1970, musicians didn't just say "Hey, we better stop with that old 60s shit and start playing 70s now." On the contrary, many aspects prominent in 70s soul can first be heard in the recordings of the late 60s. Music evolves & styles evolve, but it happens more slowly than people sometimes realise. Styles and influences cross over - from one record label to another; from one year to the next; from one city to another; from one decade to the next. To me that's true 'crossover'. Relative to the 'Northern Soul' scene, the term applies more specifically to the blending late 60s and early 70s styles and flavours. And that is all... Note: the opinions expressed here are merely those of the poster and should not be taken as binding, conclusive or legal in any way. If in doubt, consult a qualified Northern Soul expert. No, on the other hand, don't. It's far better to make up your own mind.

As you say Kev, I'm perfectly entitled to my opinion. Neither are great, but both are definitely grating.

A very good write-up, Dave. I have to say it really was a top night. Quality tunes all round and a crowd that lapped it all up. As one of the 'expats on a bicycle', I have to tell you that the first leg of the 16 mile round trip was a rather foggy experience. On the way back home however, and cycling through the woods of Amsterdam at 4:30 in the morning, the fog was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Visibility was down to about 10-20 metres. Mind you, the ride back home is always an experience after a good few beers! From what you say, it's apparent that you really enjoyed it 'over here'. That's great, as we're already lobbying Jos to bring you back again soon. The punters demand it!

Agreed, Mark. Horses for courses. We can't all like the same things. But at least now you've managed to get rid of it

Dreadful earache of a record.Thought it was so bad I gave my copy away to a mate. It's almost as painful to listen to as The Emotions "I can't stand no more heartaches"/"You better get pushed to it" on Brainstorm!

And similar views from a Ceroc forum here... https://forum.cerocscotland.com/showthread.php?16151-Talc-or-No-Talc

Who says they have to be leather? I don't like leather soles for dancing and have been wearing smooth, resin-soled and slip-on shoes for years. Thing is, even these are increasingly hard to find nowadays because of the fashion for chunky tread soles.

That clears that one up then - thanks both