Manifesto
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Manifesto is not really a magazine, it is a very glossy and professionally produced 'Fanzine' which does not employ a team of paid journalists but relies on soul fans themselves to write its material.  It is inevitable therefore that the style, tone and quality of its contents are varied.  None the less it does work to a specific formula and the same contributors can usually be found week in and week out.

Manifesto's main purpose is not to enlighten, so anyone interested in the technicalities of the music, highbrow discussions of its social context or an insight into its history would be sorely disappointed.  Its main function is of a much more social nature.  It advertises new soul merchandise such as CD's, revues various events up and down the country and keeps its readers informed of how to find them.  In these capacities it does a fabulous job.  If it's knowledge you're after then try a 'real' magazine such as 'Blues and Soul', but if you're looking for something a little more light-hearted and want to keep abreast of what's going on then Manifesto is the choice for you.

Whether by accident or design Manifesto also represents a fabulous medium for old friends to re-establish contact.  It would be very unusual for 'Off the Wrist' not to contain at least one letter from someone trying to track down a lost buddy from days gone by.   Not exactly a lonely hearts page but if its a seventies soul you're trying to find then Manifesto would make a good starting point.

Regular features within the Fanzine include the following:-

• An interview with visiting soul artists.  Recent editions have had included Bobby Paris, The Flirtations, Frank Wilson, Terry Callier and Bobby Hutton
• Soulnation. A quickfire guide to events around the country;
• Cymru Soul Patrol.  An account of events attended by 'South Wales Soul Patrol'.
• A review of a major NS event. Usually involving a concert by visiting artists.
• A 'What's on' Guide.
• Soul Flavas.  A guide to 'Modern Soul' including Soul Charts.
• 'Off the Wrist'.  A letters page
• CyberSoul.  A real cracker this one.  My reviews of soul Websites.
• 'Mr Potato Head' (The sensible voice of Soul).  Bigoted rambling on Soul Issues in an Alf Garnett tradition.  Many people swear by this column, but I have to confess it isn't really my cup of tea.

The best analogy I can give is that Manifesto is a sort of massive 'Frank Elson Column' for those who read 'Blues and Soul' in the seventies.  Certainly anyone wanting to keep abreast of today's Soul Scene in England cannot afford to be without it.

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