Too Darn Soulful
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The main focus of this book is an examination of the major clubs, both past and present in the history of Northern Soul. There are chapters devoted to legendary clubs from the seventies including Manchester's 'Twisted Wheel', Stoke's 'Golden Torch', Blackpool Mecca and Wigan Casino. It also considers the part played by more contemporary clubs and how they kept the flame burning after the Casino closed down. These clubs include Manchester's 'Ritz', Stafford's 'Top of the World', Morecambe Pier, London's '100 Club' and Lowton Civic Hall. The opening chapter describes the early beginnings of soul music and its relationship with 'rock 'n' roll'. There is a very informative chapter about drug abuse not only from the taker's perspective but also from the authorities and medical practitioners as well. The book ends by moving into the nineties to consider the effects of CD revolution, the documentaries and films about Northern soul and Northern Soul Websites. An appendix of useful phone numbers and addresses is at the back of the book. There seems to be a current trend in Northern Soul commentaries, especially when considering clubs, of interviewing every man and his dog and transcribing them all in full. This tends to get very repetitive and could be improved by offering a summary of what members had to say. Ian Levine's 'Strange World of Northern Soul' film is particularly guilty of this and unfortunately there are times when this book falls into the same trap. I also felt a strong sense of deja vu as I read this publication. The main reason for this is that the author borrows heavily from already existing material, particularly Granada's documentary film for the 25th. anniversary of Wigan Casino. Despite these obvious weaknesses the book is put together in a very readable and easily assimilated way. David Nowell's journalistic skills are obvious throughout and he clearly has a love of the music. The bits which I enjoyed most were the transciptions of Dave Godin's articles and the section on drugs. This may be because those were the parts which were new to me. In summary this is a fine book, and has clearly been a labour of love for Dave Nowell. He has been unfortunate in that it has been published at a time when there is a plethora of other materials being released. If you're not familiar with Ian Levine's film or the Granada Documentary then most of it will be of interest. If you are familiar with these films the book is still worth reading, but it won't seem quite as fresh. |
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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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