Maybe I'm too closed-minded to understand how the same man responsible for the "American Ska-thic" series can carry Northern, or "rare" Soul compilations. This is the same man that released albums by Hot Stove Jimmy and the Adjusters within a year from eachother; and the very person who we can *blame* for promoting early ska-core in the late '80s and early '90s (if, like me, one prefers soulful Jamaican Ska to today's "ska-punk"), is also fighting to keep vinyl alive by making Moon Records' latest releases available on wax, and distributing the wonderful releases on Jan Kroll's German "Black Pearl" label.

Chuck, I'm wondering... Now that you're introducing Northern to this whole new audience, is it safe to think that you will now be looking to make a home for '60s Soul in the windy city? Chicago is easily the largest American city without a "soul scene," now that regular clubs are operating in New York and several areas in California. I know that Kristin from The Strike does a monthly night at Delilah's; but surely you could help, perhaps by letting somebody play some Northern Soul at "Modern Mondays." I couldn't imagine it being too hard to find somebody to fill the task, but if it proves difficult, I'd be glad to lend my hand (as well as my modest collection of 45s) on any of my frequent trips up-state.

I'm afraid I don't plan on purchasing any of these new compilations--but that owes more to the fact that these songs are already very well-represented on previous compilations (making them a little less "rare," perhaps)--than to any problems I have with the previous releases on Jump Up! records (I bought the first Adjusters' CD, didn't I?). Finally, I want to make it clear that I'm not bemoaning the loss of "my private scene," rather, I'm very happy to think that this sometimes up-tempo, always danceable soul music will be introduced to a whole new set of people, many of whom will certainly become fans. Too bad I won't be making any money from it.