barbarella

Oh definitely the faster one; I'm a dance freak! You'll have to recommend some more like that as I've always had the time to listen to this sort of music, and it brings back some really good memories! While loads were trying to learn the moves to "Saturday Night Fever" we were doing something more constructive! lol!

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Below Zero.

right-track

I'm going to be presumptious and assume you've not heard this before...if so apologies.
It's The Velvelettes, only this track blows Needle in a Haystack away.
This is why I love up tempo soul. It'll break your heart and put a smile on your face all at the same time.

It's all in the words ...and those strings!

barbarella

I Absolutely Love This!! I Need More!

Dare I ask where this fits in?

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Below Zero.

right-track

Somewhere between sugar coated Motown (not really my thing, but a classic all the same) and this song...which you probably have heard, even if it's only by that abomination known as Marc Almond.

barbarella

I think "Abomination" is the right word to describe Marc Almond's version!
Can I ask where Grazin' in the Grass by Friends Of Distinction fits in here, and I have something called Crystal World- Crystal Grass; without showing my lack of knowledge too much, is that Northern Soul? lol!

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Below Zero.

right-track

The two songs you listed are accepted as Northern Soul but...
...brief history lesson;

Basically, the criteria for an NS song is danceability.
The backbone of the scene took it's music from mid to late 60's R&B at the early soul clubs like Manchester's Twisted Wheel and at The Torch, Stoke.
This brand of soul was preferred in the north of England (hence the term 'Northern Soul'), as opposed to the southern soul clubs which favoured the slower Motown style.
Clubs like Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca, during the 70's, kept the 60's soul flame burning and the DJ's, always on the lookout for unheard of 60's danceable soul, began raiding the vaults of the U.S. soul labels to feed the need of the club goers.
Now it's at this point that the scene began to split.
Wigan Casino DJ's (on the whole) continued to play the 60's tunes, both standards and the newly discovered 60's rarities.
On the other hand, over at the Mecca, the DJ's there began to include early 70's soul and later, some funk tracks.
Not to mention any names (check the name of the person that posted the following vid on youtube for a clue), but certain DJ's caused a rift within the scene that still resonates today.
However, some of these records (known as "crossovers") were accepted by some of the Wigan traditionalists, causing no end of debate.
It's generally accepted that it was this particular record (The Carstairs - 'It Really Does Hurt Me Girl' 1973) that caused the 'division' between the 'soulies' as to what is and isn't Northern Soul.
You'll notice this tune has more in common with the two you listed than the vids I posted recently;



The truth is...no-one is right, or wrong here.
My personal opinion, as I'm an elitist, traditionalist snob, lies with the fast upbeat tempo of the 60's R&B brand.
At the end of the day, it's all down to personal taste and I would never criticise somebody who loves soul music, but at the same time it won't stop me from being a purist.

barbarella

FT I was talking to my Husband this morning about all this as he's into Northern Soul, and he mentioned a singer called Billy Butler who I think may hold some significance for you? Re- the DJ you mentioned I want to do a bit of research as I think I may already know something about this guy. I'll get back to you on that one later!!

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Below Zero.

right-track

Oh it does indeed. As you probably noticed with my user name.

Which now gives me the perfect opportunity/excuse to post the perfect soul track.

right-track

OH GOD!

Your husband isn't a DJ called Ian is he?

barbarella

No He Isn't- You Can come Out now!
RT - I have an old photo that is an original. It was taken to be published in a newspaper about an Event I was lucky enough to be present at. There are about 12 Djs on it, and all were well-known at the time. Could I post it on here as I'm wondering if you would recognise anyone on it? I know who some of them are, but not all.

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Below Zero.