The Bandwagon - Breakin' Down The Walls Of Heartache

[lowe1918]

its been 1 yr since somebody comment on this great brithish northern soul record so great k.t.f

[tinyliz52]

got played lots in Scotland too.

[leeham987]

got this record, amazing song!

[Q123Susie]

saw Johnny Johnson & the Bandwagon in the early 70's, class

[TheMelboy16]

I was in a place called "THE PLAZA" at old hill,west midlands about 70/71 with my skin head mates and Johnny was appearing.He must have been impressed with my dancing because a short while into this number he beckoned me up to dance on the stage with him,it was my 5 minutes of fame.

[trippyjayne]

northern soul for eva



[Bobinsherwood]

some of us enjoyed it in 68 and can still enjoy it now ant lost anything but time (Nottingham)

[julyarchives]

What a great tune

[wabble26]

great track a northern classic



[mixastompin]

I can remember attending Bailey's night Club in Sheffield ,1974 when JJ & The Bandwagon were performing live. He was a great entertainer and his dance routine and spins were purley amazing!!

[oddtom14]

great track,never gets any radio air time in uk

[60vietnamvet]

It made 115 for one week on Billboards top hits.

[sapper680]

Beautiful music. Saw them in Caesars Palace, Luton in th early 80s. The brass was phenomenal.

[walnuttc]

jimmytheferret: you are right! Saw JJ and the band doing this at a gig at Quaintways in Chester, back in the day. Great track, thanks for posting.

[gherkamum]

another play love it

terry

[fairclough1000]

one hell of a tune!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!! brings back great times for me can still dance to this like i was 17 in manchester wer have all the years gone lol

[lyndloo]

Great oldie !! thanx for posting .. lyndloo..

[gherkamum]

WOW

love this track, brings back great times

keep em coming

terry

[kingston2192]

Remember dancing to this in my young days in Newcastle . This classic tune got every one on the dance floor.....

[fishcakekev]

Classic tune! Bristol Bridge, c1982 for those who remember the good days!!!

[newhotman1001]

I was a DJ in Lansing, MI from 1968-72 while in college at Michigan State and played this on my weekend show. This is a great song from 1968 and gets your feet moving. RIP Johnny Johnson who passed away in the summer of 1979 from cancer.

[jimmytheferret]

@newhotman1001 I never realised that Johnny had passed on so long ago. It's even more interesting because somebody commented 5 months ago that Johnny comes into his rim shop and was amazed that his music is still being played.

[paulhamerton1]

@jimmytheferret he did sadly pass away in 1979

[armours88]

@newhotman1001 i saw johnny johnson in the flamingo in 1971 in glasgow best show i have ever seen what a entourage saxes trumpets the whole bhunna best ave ever saw pure class

[rtermine]

I was 4 when I hear this song form my Mom in 1968

[patsky3]

I know how your nana feels I was the same when I heard this brilliant takes me back !!!!!!!

[dexydonovanroger]

anyone got the chords....plz

[uberman123]

Heard this today for the first time on 6Music. Found it very difficult to stay in my chair. Great stuff.

[surfamurfa]

reminds me of the y m c a goole

[mistaAnthonyWilson]

yore RITE

.

johnny johnny

.

honey-B-

.

.O.

[Richardpd16378]

Very good, when I first heard Dexy's version I though they were singing about Hoylake.

[dexydonovanroger]

@Richardpd16378 why......

[beverleybiffboff]

no edwin starr is the original american version tell you what bristol circle theres a video on you tube called edwin versus johnny have a listen to it,but i love this version the best, have a listen see what you think

[mistaAnthonyWilson]

@beverleybiffboff

thanks for that tip, I did not know Edwin had done a version, they ALL have merit, for different reasons from my perspective, If I had to choose (and I don't) I'd go for Kevin's version, It almost has me wishin I had 2 decks 2 attempt to mix this one and edwin's or edit them in some way (sample and sequence) to-gether

Dexy's version is much faster SO.....

WELL ALL the BEST thanks again

[beverleybiffboff]

brilliant way better than the american version by edwin starr loved this for years

[BristolCircle]

@beverleybiffboff This version (the only one I know), went to Number 1 on the local Philadelphia charts, in 1968. To me, this IS the American version.

[AbAbabAb4766]

Ive got this record,havent played it for years(as all packed away along with the record player),but this reminds me how good it is

[shorelineboy]

This is soooo great reminds me of clubs in the 60,s the duubies and the dancing GRRRRRRRREAT

[paulthepill]

@shorelineboy  double blues by any chance ?

[shorelineboy]

@paulthepill

oh yeah sooo good

[group4taker]

Damn straight, all classics are always worth a play

[edwinmodels]

From 1981 I played the dexys version constantly till i went down the Falklands

[markaspag]

Was never a soul boy, if Im gonna be categorised Im a Skinhead who loves reggae especially ska, bluebeat and everything off the Trojan label and of course the Two Tone revival which was my era. But a great appreciation for this music especially this track which I play everyday just in case Its the day I die & I never get the chance to hear it again. Everytime it sends a shiver down my spine!

[taildragger53]

One of my top five grooviest, most soulful records ever done. I used to catch the bus to school whilst singing this song...can't believe how long ago it was. A Tony Blackburn favourite.

[geofflovett]

@taildragger53 You must have been on my bus.

[2mortar1]

awesome

[angiequick3333]

Johnny is one of my customers at my rim shop ,he never knew his music was still being played ,i never knew he was musician,when he told about his music carreer, i pulled it up on youtube,i was shocked ,and so was he,he almost passed out,thanks for playing his stuff.he never knew what youtube was(lol)

[Widmerpool99]

@angiequick3333 Johnny Johnson died in 1979, so it's not really surprising he never heard of YouTube.

[jackw220862]

Tune.

[SoulSorceress]

Saw them at 'the Wheel' back in '68. Still get inspired thinking about it!

I agree, it's well before @Northern' but still class. I prefer the 'b' side though KTF

[geofflovett]

Got this,original and genuine.

Takes me back to Prescot Tech in 1968.

[paulthepill]

great song but, can anyone help me, i saw a band twice called jimmy johnson and the atoms, this would have been around 1967, great soul band and im wondering if these may have been the forerunner to johny johnson and bandwagon ? anyone out there who may have some info ?

[nuttynannynoonoo]

LOVE IT 55 AND STILL CAN SHAKE MY BOOTY

[jonks58]

great song thanks

[soulchosen]

May be a bit mainstream but I agree with James, this is a class dancer. Great beat!

[twiggystick]

Still flinging myself around (can't grace it with the title of dancing!) to this 40 years on. Great stuff - thanks for post.

[Ellie4MuselOl]

These guys played in my home town in 1970s they almost kidnapped me as a 16yr old ! I

[horlicks54]

why does everyone put a "northern soul" tag on everything with a beat......this is long befor they got thier baggy pants out in wigan ..drop the northen just leave the soul.

[horlicks54]

why does everyone put a "northern soul" tag on everything with a beat......this is long befor they got thier baggy pants out in wigan ..drop the northen just leave the soul.

[1994RYANTHEMOD1994]

I am only 16 i consider myself a mod as its all i dress like/listen to but i can northern soul i have just got the hang of backdrops and this is a classic ! Love it !

[fripouille69]

Are you rght? Oh yeah man, all the way!! I was 16 when this came out and I couldn't get it out of my head then and still can't now. One of the catchiest soul songs ever written.

[SHUPEEKRABANATZ]

I remember buying the record from NEMS in Bootle Strand 1969. Might still have it knocking around somewhere. What was on the B side? I remember it was a boss song. Don't make them like that any more.

[SHUPEEKRABANATZ]

Class. Saw them at the Liverpool Empire as support for Joe Cocker in 1969.

[chrisbrown5200]

the torch, the twisted wheel, wigan casino ! keep the faith !

[otherworldjourneys]

Fantastic song. Thanks for posting this. Anyone got their rare song "You"?

[cbthirty]

Yes you are right (jimmytheferret) it does deserve a play on here, I`m disappointed this song didn`t get to number 1.

[ray3mondo]

Great song. Thanks for uploading.

[BearZest]

This wasa GREAT record because as well as great production and lead vocal it was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, who also wrote: Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons "Working My Way Back to You," & "Let's Hang On! + "Native New Yorker," by Odyssey !!

ALL 100% songs...

[tlacf]

WoW!!!!!! Thanks for this!

[mankielty]

yes

[hourglasssands]

too right son, best ace face...yeah well the first bit of my reply is good

[soulchosen]

Great old favourite. ktf

[taildragger51]

Used to be getting ready for secondary school with this one playing in the background, courtesy of Tony Blackburn.

Cold winter morn in 1968. Fantastic song. REAL Soul! Reputed to be one of Jimi Hendrix's favourite singles.

[martin230255]

Absolutely brilliant.Always reminds me ,when the Toon took the Fulwell.10000 GEORDIES chanting breaking down the walls of Roker.KTF

[dodgydave1313]

fookin brilliant, big thank you. its now officially northern soul night on you tube

[peterwalter04]

Platz 6 in England - Cristmas 1968

[BigM1703]

Brilliant. Haven't heard this in years - it had me dancing round the office which was maybe a little unwise!

[weelycute1]

i went to a jj concert with my family and i was so excited i burst on to the stage on this track. i had a big afro and jj had one (wig). he offered me a job coming out the audience and dancing with him but my bro wouldnt let me do it cos i was only 11 years old !

[falkumfishing]

where can I find "baby make your own sweet music " by johnny johnson & the bandwagon

[spiritladysoul]

a must for all northern soulies..

[hunslet38er]

Theres not a chance anyone wont be dancing to this when Im there!!!!! Need to jig now.

Wonderful...

[madonhifi]

great record not heard this song years, since the mecca (uk) cira 1968-9 thanks for posting

[ziggy36]

I have it,I love it, thanks for posting!

[TheTinHat]

One of the classic northern soul floor fillers,live they gave evrything, eat your hair Britaney. One of the funny things about northern soul sites must be all the Yanks arguing about where some of the acts came from, "Cant be northern soul he is from the south" etc have not got a clue, LOL

[paulhamerton]

classic mate thanks for posting this

[runway27r]

Very Big Hit in Philadelphia. Both WIBG and WFIL airplay every hour it seemed

[DieHardBeatlesFan]

"  S U P E R B "

[HWKUK]

hey this is great used to have it many years ago, hey how about flipping it over and letting me hear "Dancing Master" which is the b side if l remeber correctly, great stuff thanks for sharing

steve

[tenkgent]

gotta call my brother in SanFrancisco...this is the first time i've heard this in 40years! thanks!

[newhotman1001]

Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon had one of the greatest dance songs from the 60's with this classic. It might not have gotten to the top but it was a classic. Too bad the music today cannot match that of the 60's.

[ellie1953]

anyone who could see me, a 56yo granny dancing around the room to this classic must have thought I was mad

[group4taker]

@ellie1953 First off, 1953 was a great year, my year too. Anyway how could you not dance to this classic....... keep on dancing

[ahian5620z]

@ellie1953 you and me too. what a classic. it took me ages to remember this track. I am 57 by the way.also 1953

[60sfolk]

@ellie1953 I`m a 56yo granny too!! It still sounds fresh.

[MichaelKazmar]

Reminds me of being a 5-year old listening with my mom to Famous 56 WFIL in Philadelphia.

[Notstrongbow]

jimmytheferret!! You are on the ball....You knew that though didn't you? Steve :-)

[rdf1947]

This was a big favorite of mine in 1969 and I haven't heard it in years, but it still sounds great after all of these years.

[soulchosen]

Dexys Midnight Runners (Kevin Rowland was a big Northern Soul fan from Brum) made a stab at this on the b sider of Geno - in itself a homage to Geno Washington another Northern fave.

[soulchosen]

Love it! ktf

[CHEWDwivTHEinCrowd]

'TUT' can't keep my feet and legs still now ''TOOOOOOOOOOON'' great track that brings back great memories. TERRIFIC POST, THANKS.

[Soulisscool]

Oh yeah - you're sooo right Jimmytheferret

[Pigeon55]

Guaranteed to cause an outbreak of dancing...wheres my talc ?

[lauchlan5520]

Brings back memories of the Glasgow Poets brill

[mtm646]

love this.....+ Build me Up Buttercup....Beach Club Hayling Island, 1968.......memories

[ISLWYN2007]

If you ain't dancing, then you must be deaf.

[Xpinger]

thought me speakers werent working at first

keepin us in suspense like that LOL

well worth waiting for though init!

[avenuesutton]

really cool to hear again thanks.

[motown250]

one great classic record

[sidensvans54]

Yes!!!!!

[mikeystrat]

Classic

[DOKK212]

I remember snogging the face of a lassie when this record came out...I was 13...she was 15.and I was so small I had to stand a step up so we would be the same size..LOL

[colbluvsmusic]

I was DJ ing with the Magic Roundabout Disc Show in Nottm when this appeared. What memories.!

[bluesgirl62]

HI Bob realy nice thanks

[iGuy101]

Yes still is and always will be great tune

[djdeitch]

Still sounds as good today as it did way back in the 60`s,.ktf.

[elan01]

love it..thanks for the share bob and for the post jimmy :)

[Claytyson01]

very nice

[Laneyjune]

Geat tune""10/*

*hugs*

[johnm001]

This song went to Number 1 on the Philadelphia music charts!

[hiller4]

Jimmytheferret, you are so right. This is a great piece, and the only reason that it was four in the UK was that they didn't understand Nothern Soul.Thank you!

[mansfieldfolkhouse]

the wheel in shirebrook near mansfield.first place i heard this.was it the first track on direction

[188706023]

Great disco tune from 68 - my teenage years - I always remember this as well as R Dean Taylors

'Theres a Ghost in my house'

[taildragger51]

188706023;

 Yes, i also remember 'Indian Wants Me" by R Dean Taylor. I recall having a serious bout of flu when this song by J. Johnson came out. Stayed off school for weeks. Loved this band so much... "Blame It On The Pony Express" was dynamite also.

[farsleysimon]

a youth club floor filler..

[Krzyszczynski]

In '68, NO disco evening was considered complete without this one (or Knock on Wood).

[Jetlag003]

Just Brilliant

[twiggystick]

If you're still sitting still, you're dead! Fantastic number - thanks for post.

[Farweasel]

No there's definitely a pulse.

Well waddyer expect from someone from where all the kids sang 'Standing on yer balls don't half ache' ;-)

[soulchosen]

Classical tune! ktf

[bluesishere]

I always associate this song with..Build Me Up Buttercup..by The Foundations..maybe because they were released around the same time in '68.

[ukeggs1]

great memories i think the B side was DANCING MASTER CHECK IT OUT  QUALITY TUNE

[grahame75]

Thanks for the memory a great great record

[northerngirl72]

Yes indeed! Well still a northern dancer! Defo..ktf