Soul Survivors
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Although this book has generally been well received it is not without its critics. The two main objections to it are:- 1. That Russ Winstanley uses it to credit himself with breaking records which had been done by other DJ's 2. That the book is littered with inaccuracies. With regards to the first point I can only ask 'Who Cares?' Nobody, with the exception of the DJ's looking for an ego trip themselves will be the slightest bit interested. The important point is that the records exist and that soul fans get a chance to hear them. In the general scheme of things who discovered them is wholly irrelevant. The second criticism is much more important but in defence of the book it seems to reflect events pretty accurately as I remember them. Having said that I was never privileged to know what events taking place behind the scenes and those with 'insider' information might think differently. What puzzles me however is where the book could be inaccurate? Most of it is compiled from quoting newspapers and magazines or from interviewing former Casino members. The authors are duty bound to record their observations accurately and if flawed then it is these original sources which are responsible and not the authors themselves. Part 1 entitled "Early Days and Late Nights" covers the history of the club, how it came into being, the people behind it, its flirtation with commercial success, its subsequent notoriety and its rivalry with Blackpool Mecca. . Part 2 entitled "The Sounds" is little more than the author's listings of their favourite 'sounds' supported by cryptic comments as to why . They go on to discuss some of the 'Northern Soul' labels which sprang up on the back of the Casino's success. Part 3 entitled "The People" is about the DJ's, the management, the artists and the winners of the dance competitions. Part 4 "The Beginning of the End" traces the demise of the Casino but ends on an optimistic note by discussing the scenes recent renaissance. The last section of the book entitled "Afterthoughts" is a collection of short reminiscences from some of its former members. This book will not tell the people who were around at the time anything they did not know already. This would suggest that its market is towards people who are new to the scene and want to find out about the Casino. Strangely enough I don't think these are the customers who will buy it. The main sales for this book will come from the old Wigan faithful themselves who despite learning nothing will take it for its nostalgia value. As they read this publication the forty-something soulies will remind themselves of forgotten friends, forgotten records and some wonderful nights.
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Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
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