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7th February, 2010: Biddstastic!
Spat by Soulgirl at 12:56 pm | Comment here!
As I stood there, in that dark shit hole room, nobody would have ever guessed that to keep my shirt neatly tucked in, it was actually stuffed in my knickers! I did confess this to Mace later in the evening but I thought I’d share that snippet of useless information with you so that you’re able to have neatly tucked in shirts of your very own! 
Again, I drove up North on my own… Wiltshire to Stoke took around 2.5 hours. Would have been much quicker but it went a bit like this… M4, the entire length I had to travel on was roadworks at 50mph. M5, half the entire length I had to travel was roadworks at 50mph. M6, half the entire length I had to travel was FUCKING ROADWORKS AT 50MPH! Get the picture? Honestly… if you could actually see some evidence of ‘work’ it would be all the more palatable but no, no evidence whatsoever. Grrrr.
Anyway, no matter. Arrived around 10.15pm just after opening (didn’t want to miss a single tune) to be greeted by the wonderful Mrs Couldstone, Linda. A brief chat and I was magically stood at the bar ordering a pint of lager. Bought my friend Steve Green a pint of Cider and settled myself on a table near to the dance floor (where else!).
The couple I blogged about last week, the excellent funky dancer Rowena and her husband Dave, arrived shortly after me. They’re new acquaintances and it was lovely to have a good old chinwag to get to know them some more.
Quite a few people were already in when I arrived so the hello’s and handshakes were sorted ready for me to knuckle down and get the dancing started.
Musically it was absolutely stunning. Des Parker, Johnny Beggs, Mace, Roger Banks, Ted Couldstone, Alex Jones, Rob Smith and Killa delivered meaty, well thought out and perfectly executed sets. I couldn’t honestly pick just one DJ who stood out because they were all, equally, first class. Johnny titillated me with some superb Latin that I didn’t know (but I do now!) and Des played for me yet again, twice too, that fantastic record I harped on about last weekend. The chorus is ‘Honey and Wine’ and he promised to send me a CD of it. I’ll not rest until it’s in my sticky eager hands!
Rob kindly played the Fiestas for me and one of them played Calvin Grayson but I can’t remember who. Anyway, funk, Latin, R&B, beat ballads and raucous Northern battered my body around that dance floor… sublime! Loads of stuff I didn’t know but danced to them anyway and some excellent rarities that I did know. Johnny played a wonderful Harvey Averne track that I don’t know the title of but I’ll find out and let you know.
I honestly can’t comprehend why there aren’t many others that embrace stuff they don’t know. Week in week out dancing to the same familiar recordings. Where’s the surprise and excitement in that? Each to their own and I know they enjoy it which is the most important thing. Still, I embrace the unknown and said to Ted, when I was about 13, the first time I heard Dobie Gray’s Out On The Floor I just stood there with my mouth wide open, trembling and not able to move because it was sex on 7 inches to me back then. I want that same feeling every time I attend a soul event and I do get it!
Disappointingly, the majority of shells and pebbles had fallen off the top of the loos! Maybe they didn’t fall off but were stolen as ‘keepsakes’
I had some lovely chats with Steve Green (you were missed Vicky!), Mick (who isn’t a Draycott Drifter lol), Kev, Ted, Rowena, Dave, Trev… god, I can’t remember the others. My brain is a bit mashed to be honest and my body is actually quivering as I sit here typing this.
The evening went so quickly. Confirmation that the night was immeasurable in its unique and captivating delivery. The punters were quality, not quantity. A hoard of like-minded eager individuals wanting to hear new, mesmerising records and we weren’t disappointed.
If you’ve not sampled Bidds yet I urge you to stop thinking about it and DO IT! Certainly not your run of the mill, safe, golden oldies reunion; more of a kick you in the face experience leaving you heady and stunned for all the right reasons! I creamed my pants on several occasions even though my shirt was tucked in them LOL
So, the night came to a close at just after 7am where Ted Couldstone played some gritty and uptempo R&B. Fitting end to a night full of eclectic and soulful musical homage of days gone by and a great education into the bargain.
Now, if 9 hours of top draw tunage wasn’t enough, Kev complied a CD for my journey home. Jesus! My head was wobbling like some nodding dog all the way home. It was so good It went round at least 3 times. I cranked up the volume so much I couldn’t hear anything outside the car at all. Pure indulgence and the perfect end to a perfect nighter. Thanks Kev! I’ve uploaded it >>> HERE <<< but sadly I don’t have the track-listing and can’t be arsed to look them up. Just enjoy them!!
Anyway, here are the photos. I’m off now because quite frankly… I’m fuckeroo’d!
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5th February, 2010: A Weekend Treat!
Spat by Soulgirl at 10:49 am | Comment here!
This weekend heralds the 4th Anniversary of BIDDS. The rare, underplayed and forgotten records of predominantly 60s brilliance that has you stroking your chin or in my case, creaming my pants! So, here’s the low down!
BIDDS Rare Soul ALLNIGHTER
4th Anniversary!
BIDDS (Main room)
Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST3 1JB
Saturday 6th February 2010
10.00 p.m. – 7.00 a.m.
£10 pay on door.
DJ’s – Alex Jones, Rob Smith, Des Parker, Roger Banks
Killa, Johnny Beggs, Ted Couldstone & Mace.
Rare Soul, R&B, Latin etc on original chunky black vinyl!
Large wooden dance floor, Late bar, Private car park.
Record dealers welcome.
And don’t forget, it’s a blinding shit hole which is guaranteed to make the music sound that much sweeter!
Have a random tune. Included in a CD from a friend in Canada – thanks Phil, you’re a star!
Mike Nelson – I Dig Everything About You
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31st January, 2010: Radcliffe Funk-A-Go-Go
Spat by Soulgirl at 1:53 pm | Comment here!
OK, it’s official… I’m certifiably WANKERED!
Steve & Rachel picked me up at 5.30pm for the 3½ hour journey to Manchester for the Radcliffe all-nighter. I’d only got back from Gloucester around lunch time and hadn’t slept, eat or topped up my internal water-table. We arrived at Radcliffe around 10pm and made our way to the main room.
I realised just how dehydrated I was because it felt as though I was on my boat rocking in the water and I couldn’t dance for toffee! I took the opportunity to fill up on beer and water in equal amounts and by 3am I was feeling much better. Thankfully so because Soul Or Nothing kicked off in room 3 which is where I stayed until 6.30am.
The music in the main room was very safe and one thing I would have changed was the lightness of the room. Possibly it was lighting required by health and safety but I joked with Joan that lighting was the least of their health and safety worries with us lot there
Amazed at how many people, that I didn’t know, were asking after my new boat life. Just goes to show how many read my blog and take and interest. I was flattered.
I was really pleased to see Paul & Helen McKay there. What a coincidence! I’d literally only been thinking that very day of how nice it would be if they turned up and blow me, they did!
Musically, the main room music elevated around 10 notches at 2am. Andy Dyson took his place behind the decks and delivered some excellent soul music including my favourite Calvin Grayson track. Went a bit ape to that and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was pretty much de-ja-vu during the evening as many who attended Gloucester last night were also in attendance in Manchester. Some of us feeling pretty sorry for ourselves due to the abuse on our frail ageing bodies but with a solid determination to ‘get on with it’.
Normally I would have danced all night but as I said earlier I just couldn’t keep my balance due to my lack of hydration and a somewhat marathon dance-fest the night before so stayed near our table taking the opportunity to chat to lots of people (whilst holding on to a chair for security) until it was time to take residence in the Soul Or Nothing room.
George kicked off proceedings and sweet Mother Mary, it was like a sledgehammer round the back of my head. Funky beats emanated from the massive speakers willing my body to wake up and move in time with the music. I didn’t know any of the tunes but I danced irrespective of this small hiccough!
Wayne Dearman’s set was more familiar as a few of his records were included on the CD he gave me last time. Again, I funked around the floor like some retired go-go dancer in appropriate apparel of bootleg trousers with stars down the sides
There was a girl on the dance floor with a dance style that ‘made’ me watch and admire every step. Smooth, effortless and cool. Her boyfriend was sat next to me and we struck up a conversation. I believe he said her name was Rowena. If I’ve got that wrong I apologise but by then I’d not slept for two nights and leeway has to be given in regard to my ‘mutton jeff’ hearing problem LOL. He said she read my blog so I quickly photographed her so she can be in this one!
I was so into the music. Letting myself go on the dance floor like a scene from Soul Train with little regard to who else was on the floor or in the room for that matter. As a record ended and I walked back to my seat, her Boyfriend was giving me applause! How fab!
However, I found on many occasions that I was screwing my face up… must get out of that habit otherwise people will think I’m a bit odd. Hang on a minute, I am a bit odd
I also enjoyed watching Karl Heard dance on several occasions as he oozes passion and enthusiasm enjoying his ‘zone’ – just as Steve did behind the decks actually.
Next up was Steve Csordas and what a fucking entrance! Marva Whitney screamed for what seemed like an eternity before exhaling into funky goodness and bringing the whole room alive with excitement. Excellent choice Mr Csordas! His 100mph set continued where I even found myself trying to dance to the Intensions… That’s heart-attack territory is that!
All 4 DJ’s rotated and started a 2nd set. George wowed us yet again with up-tempo funky brilliance and Steve hit us with some superb 60’s. The last two sets were brought right down in terms of tempo and to be honest I was very much flagging at this point and it bored me enough to make me leave the room. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mid-tempo but at the end of an exhausting all nighter we need to be kept alert and only fast dancers will do.
Back to the main room where the tempo was just that. Kick you in the head tunes rolled out of the speakers keeping those still on the dance floor happy and animated. The music system in all 3 rooms were without fault. Crisp and loud!
There was a point much earlier in the evening where I resigned to the notion that I wouldn’t be dancing at all. I couldn’t even be arsed to get my camera out so have only captured a few shots. By the end of the evening my trousers were sticking to my arse and my shirt clung to my damp body. My hair was it’s usual crusty, sweaty mess and I knew then that it has been a successful night in terms of dancing and enjoyment.
I didn’t even get to twirl around in the R&B room which is very unusual for me. Rachel took full advantage of it though and kept popping back to where I’d planted myself, swaying monotonously, giving me updates as to how brilliant it was.
I ‘think’ I got chatted up by a good looking Mancunian but he was a bit drunk and I had trouble hearing what he was trying to convey so I hope I put the nods and smiles in the right places 
Chris and Marcelle can now notch another successful promotion on their bedstead and be happy about that. Thank you!
Oh, and I’ve left my voice behind so if the cleaner comes across it, pop it in the post to me will you.
So, here I am… waiting for the come-down. It’ll more than likely be ‘wankered ’til Wednesday’ so I’ll patiently await the return of my ‘body normal’. Soulism, there’s nowt like it! 
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30th January, 2010: Gloucester Soulism – Get In There!
Spat by Soulgirl at 3:34 pm | Comment here!
Drove up to Wotton Hall on my own as Lindsay is still poorly (get well soon my friend and pack in the smokes!) and sadly Rachel couldn’t get a sitter. Only took me around 75 mins to get there and I arrived at 8.50pm. A few people were in and I had a pint with Karl Heard whilst everyone filtered through the door. It got busy very quickly and after a few hugs with peeps I made my way up stairs to ROOM TWO! This was my main reason for attending the nighter because the DJ line-up was to fookin’ die for.
Des Parker opened the decks in the main hall and from 9pm, true to form, he played some belters. I was unable to keep my feet still.
He then made his way upstairs and had me chuckling because he started at 10pm and then at 10.30 he said right, that’s it from Des, and now here comes Des. He did an extra stint. I don’t think room 2 was due to start until 10.30 but I was very pleased he hit the decks at 1opm. Some absolutely blinding records. Don’t ask me what they were called as most were cover-ups. However, one tune was immense and as I’d taken so much interest in it be played it a second time at the end of his set. He also played a very very nice record that he covered up as Judy Street. He may as well have told me the real artist/title because I’d never bloody remember anyway.
The decks were then graced brilliantly, and in no particular order, by Johnny Beggs, Killa, Karl Heard, Mick H, Sean ‘Hollywood’ Chapman, John Weston and Mike Eskins. Honestly, I danced my heart right out of my chest. Each and every one of the DJ’s were outstanding and I was pleased that there was a hefty slice of Latin too. Mello Souls, Districts, Harvey Averne, Danny Owens, ZuZu and many more swelled in my ears tumbling out of my feet. I was in heaven.
So good to see the South West gang in attendance. I’d not seen Nick and Hannah for aaaages neither had I seen Steve and Kerry, not to mention Pete and Cathy Lyster.
I spent a considerable amount of time talking to Karl’s significant other, Kate. Top Girl! In fact, I talked to loads of people and couldn’t have asked for better company.
I hope Mike Eskins was chuffed with the turn out. It really was buzzing but 7am came around too quickly.
I think Karl and Kate must have travelled the furthest, from up near Cleethorpes although the Wights were in the house all the way from Plymouth. The whole room had travelled from far and wide for sure. Except those that live in Gloucester of course LOL
I didn’t really spend any time in the main ballroom but by 6am they closed room 2 so we all transcended the stairs to hoof the dance floor in the main hall for the last hour.
And believe it or not, this was my 2nd nighter whereby I didn’t have to go outside for a stinky fag! Great knowing I’ve not missed any tunes. Especially when there was so much top draw quality music on offer. I was in my element! Some guy came up to me on the danced floor, looked straight into my eyes shaking my hand and said… ‘I’ve really enjoyed watching you dance’ before turning on his heels and disappearing into the crowd. Nice one!
Andy and Tracy Binns came along and it was nice to see them both after so long and even Tim Smithers broke his 30 mile radius from home rule to attend. Blimey, I’m waffling now aren’t I.
Steve and Vicky Green invited a crowd of us back for tea and coffee. Thanks so much for your hospitality, it was much appreciated prior to our homeward journeys. Mick H made us laugh. He dropped a £10 note on the floor and Mike Cog was stood in front of him so Mick said ‘Hey, Mike, you’ve dropped a tenner mate’. Mike span round and just as he was about to pick up the note Mick pulled it away with the fishing wire that was attached to it. Belly laughs all round at the childish prank! Meanwhile, supping my much needed cup of tea, I desperately tried to remember the name of the record Des Parker played but no one else could remember either. I know it had ‘wine’ in the lyrics. I’ve texted him and now await the answer. Hurry up Des.
The boys played records and Carl Dixon’s production with Spyder Turner vocals was chucked on the decks. I was so pleased about that, really I was. See Carl, it’s getting played! I made the acquaintance of a new mate, Dusty, and had a nice chat with him. By about 8.30am I took Mick and Ian back to the venue where they’d left their car and made my way back home.
Anyway, as if last night wasn’t enough we’re off to Radcliffe tonight for the NCS Allnighter courtesy of Chris and Marcelle. Hard core or what – can’t wait because Steve Csordas is guesting so I know there’ll be some mental 100mph dancers… just how I like them LOL.
Anyway, well done Mr Eskins, you pulled off a brilliant nighter. Thank you. Also thank you to the Nottingham boys, you do make me laugh. Also to Karl & Kate for being such a lovely genuine couple much like Steve and Vicky, Lorraine and Pickles, Bearsy and Marie. I’ve probably forgotten to mention loads of other people so I apologise. Oh, special mention for the gorgeous John Weston; love you to bits. Oh, and Eddy, I hope your ankle mends soon! I’m wankered and I’m now off to bed 
Here are my photos but currently they’re still uploading! My WIFI is up and down like a nuns bar of soap!
Direct link to photos on flickr
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28th January, 2010: Goody Gumdrops For Gloucester!
Spat by Soulgirl at 9:04 pm | Comment here!
Yeehaaa…. the Gloucester All-nighter is but a mere 24 hours away. Tomorrow night heralds the 2nd outing at the Wootton Hall venue courtesy of the promoter, Mike Eskins!
Click the image to enlarge it and just take a long hard look at the DJ line-up for room 2. That’s where I’ll be all night for sure. Fuck me, Christmas has come early
I’m also hoping to manage the Radcliffe all-nighter on Saturday but I’ll have to see how I’m hanging when I get home on Saturday morning lol. Mind you, I’m not working yet so I’ll have time to get over such a mad bad weekend so all’s good
Have a cracking weekend all of you what ever you’re up to. Make it count! Let’s suffer a bit of SOULISM!
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