Northern Soul Uk

I was first introduced to 'Northern Soul' through a friend of mine 'Dave Maltas' in a record shop in Leeds. I was in there buying my weekly fix of Motown tunes, when I got talking to him and in passing he mentioned a club in Stoke called 'The Golden Torch' and did I fancy going that night? I asked him what went on there and he told me that they played Northern Soul, I had absolutely no idea what that was, but it sounded like a good idea anyway. So off we went, we got on a coach outside Leeds train station and ended up in Tunstall, Stoke a couple of hours later. I can still remember as if it was yesterday the feeling that I got when I walked into the Torch, I have never since experienced such a rush of atmosphere that hit me when that door opened, and I don't think I ever will again. It was hot, dark, packed and very loud, I had never seen or heard anything like it. Lads walking round in vests, all that seemed to have a sewn on badge of some sort, with sweat dripping from their foreheads and their jaws going ten to the dozen chewing on gum. The dozens of girls all seemed to wear long flowing skirts and ankle socks. I must admit that the music sounded strange to me at the time, but try explaining what Northern Soul is to anyone that doesn't know. Well there's no need for me to do that, as I am sure that if you have taken the trouble to get this far, you already know what it is. I couldn't believe how these folks danced to the music all night, but I soon found out. The rest is history, I went to 'The Torch' every week from then on until it closed, Then came 'The Leeds Central 'Wigan Casino', Cleethorpes pier and Winter gardens, Va Va's, Blackpool Mecca, Manchester Ritz, and literally anywhere that Northern was played, anywhere in the country. Extract from my profile on Myspace - myspace.com/soulfull_1

Does anyone remember what date the 'Edwin Starr' gig was at the 'Torch' ? I remember it so well, cos i was so wired that I jumped up on the stage and started dancing at the side of him, didn't get thrown off either, in fact Edwin thought it was a good idea and signalled the crowd to join me, within seconds the stage was packed. One of my claims to fame that :-). I was also at the 'Major Lance' gig, top nights them, oh to be there again.

Esther Phillips- What a difference a day makes, Carstairs - It really huts me girl, Was Willy J and Co - Boogie with your baby one as well? God yes! and what about a forgotten one 'Tolouse - Lindberg 2 on 'Magique records (Canada), top track, should be revitalised. Also 'Mystic Moods - Astral Trippin' on 'Soundbird', another one rarely played these days. One more addition from the top of my head was another one by 'The Brothers, 'In the pocket' def' got played at the Mecca, not sure how may times though.

Great nights at the 'Unity hall' I met me first ever girlfriend there Janice Lofthouse from greengates. Thats when I first realised that there was more to life than Northern Soul and dancing, I was wrong. :-) Great times.

Ah well! each to his own I suppose :-)

and here's another one, the master Tom Jones does it again, love this Oh! and seasons greetings to you all! Steve

Top track this, very Northern I think, what do you think? Robin Thicke - magic

About the same record, has anyone heard the version of this that is featured in the film 'The Warriors'? I think it's martha Reeves but it is definately a different version.

Does any one know or has anyone ever heard of an instrumental version of Linda Jones - Just can't live my life? I have been listening to the track quite a lot recently as I think it is the epitome of Northern soul, and I got into listening through the vocal and realised how awesome the backing track is. If there isn't an intrumental there damn well should be in my opinion. Steve p.s. Still after a copy of the track BTW, only got it on mp3 at the mo'

OOPS!! yes that's what I meant, and that's what it's advertised as, just a slip of the brain DURRRRR!!! Thanks for the info anyway (please note the edited original post)

Hi Dudes :-) Picked up an instrumental version of 'Fantastic Johnny C - Don't depend on me' today, on the same label 'Phil-L.A. of soul' but by 'The Philly sound'. On the 'B' is 'Waiting for the rain' again inst'. Is it a rare one or are that thousands of em? Also got a demo copy of 'Little Anthony & the Imperials - Better use your head/gonna fix you good' on United Artists, but I already have one so I've stuck it on the bay. Little Anthony Demo Thanks for any help.

Oh! not sure then, is the date on the normal copy? not checked.

Thanks for that Dave, I agree, now and again an album jumps out at you and you just have to have it. I know when I saw this for 3 quid, I got the unmistakable little twinge that you get when you spot a bargain, you know, the butterflies in stomach thing and light headeness?. What an amazing feeling that is. Can't understand why some folks won't entertain albums, why not? many a top track has been discovered as an album only track, take 'The Spinners - What more can a boy ask for' for instance, what a tune! and believe me it looks well on the turntable.

Hi Mike, thanks for the offer matey, but I love this tune and I love the Demo too so I'm gonna hang on to it I think. and where would I get another one for £8

Also I love the way that the exact date of release is included beneath the Logo 'September 12th 1963' Wow! what a day that was, priceless.

Also got this at the same fair, had a good day today, few and far between like. I know it's not rare, but what a tune, played the track a few weeks ago and it went down an absolute storm. Hey! £3 for the album in mint condition with a track like this included, can't go wrong can yer?

Hi fellas Went to a Record fair today and bought this. I already have it on UK President, but thought this was really nice demo and well worth purchasing at the price it was up at. The guy also had a 'Herb Ward - Honest to goodness' excellent condition demo on US RCA that he wanted offers over £200, couldn't afford it unfortunately but I'll bet it's worth a lot more. Any ideas on the price of both please. Thank you

Depends if you want original or not, if you just want a copy to play you can get one for about a tenner on the Island re-release.

Can anyone please advise me how to tell the difference between the orig' and the boots (if there are any) of 'Walk like a man - Johnny Moore on 'Date' records. Thanks in anticipation.

Just had a reply from the seller saying that I shouldn't be so rude? heheh, wasn't rude, just told him that he shouldn't be selling records if he doesn't know how to package them properly to send them half way round the world. that's right isn't it? Anyway, says he thinks he has another copy and do I want that if he has? I said yes as long as it is the same colour label and release and he wraps it properly. We'll see, I'll let you all know in a month or so, well! that's how long it took to come last time.

To be honest Gaz I don't see why you should even have to return the record especially with it being in the states. The only reason that a seller would do this is to make you pay more to get your money back and to put you through the maximum inconvenience that he can. I mean, what's he gonna do with a cracked record anyway apart from throw it in the bin, he can't sell it can he? I have sent a top quality photo link with my letter, and he can see that the record is the same one that he sent to me because of the markings on it so there is absolutely no reason tio return the record at all as far as I can see

Wow! thanks Pete, that's invalubel mate, you should be selling that :-), couldn't make a worse job than this prat LOL

That's right Ste, the more people that let him know that they are not happy with his service by leaving appropriate feedback the better. Otherwise how will he know? he needs a short sharp shock to make him come to his senses.

Thank you for that Ste, that is very kind of you. Also, yes Pete, I've seen the item you got, I will NOT be leaving good feedback though I'm afraid as neither the packing or the record are any good.

Yes Ste, have done already, not heard yet. It just makes me pewk!!