Northern Soul Examples and Info Request

[Bernie]

A short time back we had gotten into a discussion how some Disco classics were actually covers of Northern Soul songs. There are many of us not familiar with Northern Soul, but have probably listened to it a million times and just didn't know it.

I recall that even some 80s Hi-NRG tunes from Ian Levine were based on Northern Soul and Motown tracks like the Flirtations "Read All About It" and others I can't even remember.

Can some of you more knowledgable in this area expand on this and perhaps give us examples of classic tracks, artists or just the scene in general? Thanks.

[DISCODISK]

good question bernie and a big one too,and one that cannot be answered in one post ill begin this by saying something about the early days up to say 73 after that things changed and that can be gone into later. a scene that grew out of the mod[modernist]youth and coffee bar scene of the 60s and legendary clubs like the twisted wheel-manchester/the golden torch-stoke on trent/the cats-wolverhampton/up the junction- crewe/the pendalum-manchester/va va-bolton.
take the very first legendary all night club the "wheel"enjoing the latest r&b and motown sounds on english labels with plenty of live acts from the states people started taking the d.js other imported records to play like "dr love"-bobby sheen-capitol/"thats enough"-roscoe robinson-wand/"theres nothing else to say"-the incredibles-audio arts/6x6-earl van dyke-soul/"to win your heart"-laura lee-ric-tic. that was enough to make people realise there was much more of this stuff in the states so the hunt was on to find it ALL !!these records were so rare in many case one offs so people were prepared to travel,beg a lift,hitchhike or "jump" the train all over the country just to hear those sounds and clubs were springing up everywhere.the licencing laws were very strict so to obtain a licence for a "nighter" no alcahol could be served but that was no problem as amphetamines were becoming a very big part of that scene as people just wanted to dance for 8 hours non stop.
nobody really realised what was going on with northern soul but the authorities soon started to realise that drug stores were being raided by the dozen they started putting the heat on by harrasing people,going undecover,road blocks,planting drugs on kids and then there was the dreaded manchester drug squad!they were revoking licences and closing clubs down but this wasnt to stop these kids as for everyone they closed down two more were opening!and the kids were just getting off more by the thrill and excitement of it all :lol:
knowledge was growing about this music and label catalogues were getting delved into ric-tic and golden world-detroit/okeh-chicago/mirwood-hollywood. examples of classic northern soul records on these labels are

mirwood

dont pretend-the belles
where theres a will-jimmy thomas
that beatin rhythm-richard temple[a.k.a jimmy conwell]
cigarette ashes-jimmy conwell
i cant get away-bobby garrett
same old thing-the olympics

okeh

youre gonna make me love you-sandi sheldon
a quitter never wins-larry williams&johnny watson
too late-larry williams and johnny watson
you dont want me no more -major lance
im coming to your rescue-the triumphs
right track-billy butler
he who picks a rose-the carstairs

golden world

heart trouble-the parliments
spellbound -tamiko jones
i love the life i live-tony michaels

ric-tic

festival time-san remo strings
to win your heart-laura lee
cant stop looking for my baby-fantastic four
scotts on swingers-edwin starr[a promo used as a jingle to promote scott regans detroit radio show tht used the same backing as s.o.s
your my mellow-edwin starr
real humdinger-j.j barnes
please let me in -j.j barnes
lets have a love in-flaming embers/ wingates [love in] strings back street-edwin starr
+other records from this time that need a mention
come go with me-gloria jones-uptown
exus trek-luther ingram-hib
just cant live my life-linda jones-warner bros
you hit me [right where it hurt me]-alice clarke-warner bros
free for all -phillip mitchell-shout
talk of the grapevine-donald height-shout :lol:
hit and run-rose batiste-revilot
countdown -the tempos-canterbury
a little togetherness-the younghearts-canterbury
sliced tomatoes-just brothers-music merchant
quick change artist-the soul twins-karen
landslide-tony clarke-chess
in orbit-joy lovejoy-chess
the list is endless !!!
to be played a record had to fit in with the style of dancing fast feet movements, acrobatics,jerky movements, spins 100m.p.h all the way. crazy people who would jump off a balcony to dance to their favourite record,i remember one guy collapsed and had to be taken to hospital pumped out only to come bounding back through the doors straight onto the dancefloor at 5.am after consuming more[frank bupa what a guy and what a dancer!]
however by 1973 many contacts had been made in the states rarer records were to be unearthed the scene was about to explode, t.v crews and press were outside clubs trying hopelessly to get in, record prices would go into hundreds of pounds, and things were about to change as up the road in blackpool was a club called the mecca and a d.j screaming for attention his name ian levine..........
T.B.C.

[Bernie]

DISCODISK,

Some great reading there. Thank you, I look forward to the rest and other people's input.

[NickNack]

You know I am waiting, too. :) And that Fantastic Four jam in your list --- I have that on an lp. Always liked it --- who knew it was Northern Soul?

[JussiK]

I dusted off a pile of northern soul records and wow they do sound good - only I am not quite sure thay do classify as the absolute real thing as they are all from 1975 when New York sounds began to divide the scene according to those in the know. My pile has a furious Jill Baby Love track My Way Or Hit The Highway - cymbals, strings and fast pounding rhythm. while Apache's "Maiden Dance" and Fathers Angels: Disco Trucking are almost pure NY disco as it existed in 1975. I have lately been to several preclubbing coffee bars that seem to play this kind of material to kids and fashionistas. I was spooked - how is it some pierced 19yrs old dj in baggy jeans can be familiar with this sound?

[PeanutVendor]

[quote="DISCODISK"]good question bernie and a big one too,and one that cannot be answered in one post ill begin this by saying something about the early days up to say 73 after that things changed and that can be gone into later...... etc


RESPECT TO DISCODISK - this guy has some real knowledge of the roots of the UK scene - next installment please .....!

[remicks]

*****
Thought I'd pull forward this thread .

I'm glad someone suggested I investigate this forum ....I know nothing about the Northern Soul movement that happened in the UK ... but it sounds fantastic. I would've been right in the middle of it :D

:D ... MORE DISCODISK MORE... :D .........

................ ***** ..................

[buckaroo]

...people just wanted to dance for 8 hours non stop.
nobody really realised what was going on with northern soul but the authorities soon started to realise that drug stores were being raided by the dozen they started putting the heat on by harrasing people,going undecover,road blocks,planting drugs on kids and then there was the dreaded manchester drug squad!they were revoking licences and closing clubs down but this wasnt to stop these kids as for everyone they closed down two more were opening!and the kids were just getting off more by the thrill and excitement of it all

It's funny how history repeats itself: That scene was almost identical to the Ska movement of the '60s in England. And even the rave scene of the late '80s. Pop group Soft Cell, went to #1 with their version of "Tainted Love", an NS song by Gloria Jones. That's no mean feat.
I'll throw two more names into your hat Discodisk: The Imperials. Gladys Knight & The Pips. Terry Callier...Um...that's 3. :-? Couldn't stop meself. :lol:

[K-Bee]

Evruone interested in northern soul as well as 60s soul in general...check out www.soulfuldetroit.com
- a very comprehensive site. They even offer a virtual "Northern Soul Tour" over there.

[efunk_adelic]

Evruone interested in northern soul as well as 60s soul in general...check out www.soulfuldetroit.com
- a very comprehensive site. They even offer a virtual "Northern Soul Tour" over there.

omg K-Bee! when I changed computers I lost all my favorites that I saved.... I'll be back there to check it out.

[all*that*glitters*]

Bernie,

Northern or not, these are Soul tunes from the 60’s that we danced to in the Seventies;
*Brenton Wood -catch you on the rebound (Double Shot mid 60’s)
slightly reworked by
*Loleatta Holloway -catch me on the rebound (Goldmind Records 1978)
*Edwin Starr -25 miles (Gordy 1969)
- 25 miles (20th Century Fox 1980)
*The Four Tops -Mac Arthur park (Tamla Motown mid 60’s)
as well being a big one for Donna Summer in the mid 70’s.

Dance music has always been searching for new exciting sounds rather then reliving the past. Northern Soul is surely a great movement full of passionate dancers and DJ/collectors but in my opinion it is nothing more than a well established retro-scene.
The story of Northern Soul has been well documented and Ian Levine is surely one of it's founders. Breaking classic Northern tunes as well founding a big following at the legendary Mecca in Blackpool.
But when in the early Seventies DJ Ian Levine started breaking new Disco tunes to Northern crowds like ‘Heaven must have been missing an angel by Tavares or ‘What a difference a day makes’ by Esther Phillips he surely was taking changes and broke up the scene. His broad and adventurous choice of tunes divided the Blackpool and Wigan crowds. While Levine was introducing fresh new sounds the traditional Northern jocks kept to their diets of playing the old, the dusty and the anonymous stompers.
In my opinion it’s not really relevant to know what titles from hopelessly obscure 60's labels from Detroit or Chicago helped shaping Disco Music but which artists survived Soul's golden era and found new credibility in the Seventies Disco music scene.

Rather then milking their old hits these artists re-invented themselves and found new credibility and success in Disco’s golden years. Gamble and Huff or Barry White will be the most obvious names but I have compiled a list of other and more ‘obscure’ artists that were active in the 60’s and became successful again in the 70’s.

Add any artist as this list is only an indication and see how Soul Music survived well into the Seventies and even today.

* Bill Brandon -Strange feeling (Quinvi 1967)
-we fell in love while dancing (Prelude 1977)

*Leon Haywood -it’s got to be mellow (Decca 1967)
-don’t push it don’t force it (20th Century Fox 1980)

*Gene Chandler any hit on Constellation / Brunswick (60’s)
-Get down (20th Century Fox 1978)

*Candi Station on Fame (1969-1973)
-young hearts run free (WB 1976)

*Patti Labelle and the bluebelles -c’est la vie (King early 60’s)
-Patti Labelle -the spirit’s in it (Philadelphia International 1981)

and the list goes on:
Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Esther Phillips,
James Brown, The Emotions, Archie Bell & the Drells,
People’s Choice, Barbara Mason, The Detroit Spinners,
The O’Jays......

respect to all those artists and musiclovers alike for keepin the faith and adding new zest to dancefloors.

all*that*glitters*

[marmite7]

Northern Soul - still going strong :)

I was a member of the Back Street Soul Club in the early 80's and had got "into" Northern Soul via Tamla Motown.

The first time I heard Dean Parrish - I'm On My Way and I was hooked on the sound.

Gloria Jones - Tainted Love got re-worked by an ex-Northern Soul junkee!

The North / South split in the UK, started in the late 60's, with psych & prog rock taking off in London, but The North sticking to their guns and demanding soul still be played.

The only output for these records was from The States and many travelled over as ballast, for the large ships. On arriving in Liverpool etc, the "ballast" was no longer needed and was consequently dumped in warehouses. These became "mecca" for soul fiends.

The music has lasted purely because it's age-less. Poorly produced in some cases, but no-one can deny the passion.


And the irony? The Americans are now desperate to buy it back and so many are in this country. ;)


The 100 Club in London still hold Northern Nites and very well attended it is too.

The whole scene, underground, word of mouth, exclusive, reminds me of the early days of UK raves! That complete dedication to dancing and nothing else. No one need to "pull", it was all about the music.


Laters peeps - a mate's just come round.

[efunk_adelic]

hi guys is there a such thing as an all time Top 100 northern soul record list in existense?

that would be so cool. :D

[all*that*glitters*]

I think it is almost impossible to compile the ultimate Northern Soul Top 100 as the scene is fragmented into so many different tribes following the taste of so many different DJ's. Although there will be hits from various scenes that can make this Definite Top 100 but just check out the individual lists of the keynote DJ's for similar titles and hey; presto! You will be not far away from the ultimate definitive Top 100.

Check out the bookstores; for example
"Soul Survivors; the Wigan Casino story" by Russ Winstanley and David Nowell (Robson Books 1996) has an extensive collection of lists of DJ's from the Wigan scene. Also there is a book with the most popular 500 Northern Soul hits available, but this book concentrates more on the collector's price value and as such is of less interest. You will find most valuable information in this book though.

But in my opinion it is easier (and more fun!) to check out the compilation CD's that have been put out by the UK based Goldmine Soul Supply.
See their website
www.firstnet.co.uk/goldsoul
Recommended titles are
'Here comes the Night Owl'
'The Twisted Wheel Story' -one of the major Clubs from the beginning
'For Millionaires only'

For compilations on vinyl you'll have to dig a little deeper as these are released as very limited editions but worthwile chasing. Again Goldmine Soul Supply has some of the finest
check out
'Northern Soul Story vol 1-7'

'Rare Soul uncovered' on Charly R&B

Kent Records issued some fine compilations in the early 80's
as well as Inferno, 'Detroit a-go-go' for example, concentrating on the classics from labels like Soulhawk/Pameline from the Motor City.

'Detroit Gold vol 1 & 2' are of equal interest, especially if you like the sound of labels like Karen, Carla, Moira.These were released in 1984 by Solid Smoke Records, distributed by Rhino Records.

I think that these should be quite easy to track down.
greetings
all*that*glitters

[marmite7]

efunk - contact me at eyeswideopen24@hotmail.com

[efunk_adelic]

I think it is almost impossible to compile the ultimate Northern Soul Top 100 as the scene is fragmented into so many different tribes following the taste of so many different DJ's. Although there will be hits from various scenes that can make this Definite Top 100 but just check out the individual lists of the keynote DJ's for similar titles and hey; presto! You will be not far away from the ultimate definitive Top 100.

Check out the bookstores; for example
"Soul Survivors; the Wigan Casino story" by Russ Winstanley and David Nowell (Robson Books 1996) has an extensive collection of lists of DJ's from the Wigan scene. Also there is a book with the most popular 500 Northern Soul hits available, but this book concentrates more on the collector's price value and as such is of less interest. You will find most valuable information in this book though.

But in my opinion it is easier (and more fun!) to check out the compilation CD's that have been put out by the UK based Goldmine Soul Supply.
See their website
www.firstnet.co.uk/goldsoul
Recommended titles are
'Here comes the Night Owl'
'The Twisted Wheel Story' -one of the major Clubs from the beginning
'For Millionaires only'

For compilations on vinyl you'll have to dig a little deeper as these are released as very limited editions but worthwile chasing. Again Goldmine Soul Supply has some of the finest
check out
'Northern Soul Story vol 1-7'

'Rare Soul uncovered' on Charly R&B

Kent Records issued some fine compilations in the early 80's
as well as Inferno, 'Detroit a-go-go' for example, concentrating on the classics from labels like Soulhawk/Pameline from the Motor City.

'Detroit Gold vol 1 & 2' are of equal interest, especially if you like the sound of labels like Karen, Carla, Moira.These were released in 1984 by Solid Smoke Records, distributed by Rhino Records.

I think that these should be quite easy to track down.
greetings
all*that*glitters

thanks for your all your suggestions glitters! :D

[Soulpreacher]

Soul Survivors; the Wigan Casino story" by Russ Winstanley

Sorry to say that this book is full of Russ's own stories, that have been tainted by his own ego. He thinks that he invented Northern soul. Forgeting all about the Twisted Wheel etc. He also claims to have owned the £25000 Frank Wilson record - Do I Love You (soul), but he never, never, never owned it.
After the closure of the Mecca & Wigan Casino many folk left the Northern Soul scene, but it moved on. Stafford 'Top Of The World', and the 100 Club in London, along with several smaller events in Englands Home Counties, keeped finding new record's, with the tempo slowing down from the 100mph stompers. Beat Ballards, early 70's soul etc became more & more in demand. To say that this is a retro scene is a little blind, as it is a scene that is still evolving, with loads of 60's sounds being found in record company vaults, and the larger acceptance of 70's & some 80's sounds. Indeed one of the biggest floor fillers over the last couple of years is a French produced track from 2002: Mr Day 'soul on wax'.
Norther Soul also has it's own sub scene 'Modern Soul', a term first used to distiquish 60's sounds from 70's, but now includes 80's, 90's, 00's releases.
In short it's a confused type of scene, but very lovable. :oops:


My Top 3 Northern Tunes:
Vernon Garrett - If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time (Kent)
The Adventurers - Easy Baby (Compass)
Eddie Daye & The 4 Bars - Guess Who Loves You (Shrine)

Ben S. [/quote]

[all*that*glitters*]

hi Ben S.
I only refer to 'Soul Survivors' for the lists of many DJ's and afficionados of the genre that are included in this book. After all, isn't every book ever written coloured by the ego and personal taste of it's author? I do agree with you that the Northern scene is vivid as it progresses in sound and styles but in my opinion and as a fan of the genre for over 30 years I do believe that Northern is retro-orientated as it shies away from 'today's music'.
Thank God! 'Retro' in the context of my writing is only meant as a positive reference to the specific characteristics of the genre; the obscure out-of-print records and the sound of a long goneby era; be it the 60's, 70's, 80's....
I refer to 'retro' as a compliment too for the never-ending search of it's fans for 'real soul' and passion. And I think that element is timeless, regardless of the era the music was made in.

Keep on trucking.
greets, all*that*glitters*

[Soulpreacher]

Hi all*that*glitters,
No offence ment about the 'blind' comment, I tend to see the word retro as negative, but as you explained in your last post being retro ain't all bad! Heck, if being retro is listening to good music, then retro I am :P

3 more top Northern spins:
Bobby Kline - Say something nice to me (MB).
Sam Dees - Lonley for you baby (SS7).
Fantastic Johnny C - Don't depend on me (Phil La of Soul),
(the b-side 'waiting for the rain' also quality)

Ben S.

[efunk_adelic]

I actually know who

Fantastic Johnny C is :o

[marmite7]

I was lucky enough to be dancing at a Northern & Rare Tamla nite in Cambridge last night :)

4 DJ's spinning some classic tunes (along with the inevitable tracks I'd never heard before).

Highlights:

The Showmen - Our Love Will Grow
Velvet Satins - Nothing Compares To You
Willie Mitchell - The Champion (Had me stomping for half of it, till my shins started aching!!)
Adam's Apples - Don't Take It Out On This World (my request!) ;)

although no-one had a copy of Joannie Summers - Don't Pity Me :(

Top night and can't wait till the next one, as I'll take my beloved Joannie 45 with me this time.

I also asked for Candi Staton - Now You've Got The Upper Hand, but the DJ didn't have time and instead dropped The Temps - The Way You Do The Things You Do.

(Hey E.B) - I'll be doing another CD soon matey ;)

[marmite7]

OH yeah - forgot, they played Johnny Caswell - You Don't Love Me Anymore too :)

one of my faves.

[Soulpreacher]

If you want to read about the Northern Soul scene, and a few of the tunes check out the following books.

The In Crowd - Ritson & Russell (BeeCool: ISBN 0 9536626 1 6)
The Rare Soul Bible - Dave Rimmer (BeeCool: 0 9536626 3 2)

Amazon & all usual outlets should be able to supply them.

Another Top TUNE: Willie Hutch - Love Runs Out.

Ben S.

[all*that*glitters*]

I recently discovered 'l feel love coming on' by Felice Taylor, produced and written by Barry White in 1967. Besides being a Northern Soul fav it's mainly a blueprint for Barry White's later songs like 'you're the first'.
Also The Flirtations 'earthquake' released in 1984 (???) is very disco/high energy. Earlier work of this group is on the playlists of many Northern Soul jocks.
And...Major Lance of course who recorded for Playboy records, some of his earlier hits reworked into disco fashion.
We knew already of Gene Chandler and Edwin Starr who recorded for 20th Century Fox at the end of the 70's and who made a glorious come-back
all*that*glitters*

[efunk_adelic]

[quote="marmite7"]
although no-one had a copy of Joannie Summers - Don't Pity Me :(

Top night and can't wait till the next one, as I'll take my beloved Joannie 45 with me this time.

quote]

well that sucks! i'll be waiting :D