Originally Posted by right-track

Northern Soul is predominantly 4/4 time and upbeat. This would be typical of the Wigan Casino 60's R&B.
Whereas Blackpool Mecca Northern Soul would have a slower tempo and included early seventies funk.
Some would argue the point I just made was a bad example, but my idea of Northern Soul lies in the former and not the latter...which makes me an oldies elitist in some peoples eyes.

Lets take your man Johnny Taylor as an example.

Here's his version of JJ Barnes' Please Let Me In.



Now compare it to the uptempo original version.



Hope this gives you a better idea of the differences within Northern Soul.