Watch Keep on Burning - The Story of Northern Soul

Keep on Burning - The Story of Northern Soul is a 2012 documentary that takes the audience on a journey down memory lane to the heydays of the Northern Soul movement in the 1970s in Britain. The movie showcases the evolution of the subculture that was fueled by rare soul music, which resonated with working-class young people in the North of England.

Through the lens of interviews with key pioneers and influencers of the Northern Soul movement, such as Marc Almond, Tony Blackburn, Tim Brown, and many others, the movie spotlights the emergence of this countercultural phenomenon. These interviews paint a vivid picture of the unique subculture and the people who created and sustained it.

In the movie, the audience learns about the roots of the Northern Soul genre, which grew out of the soul music played in Northern clubs in the late 1960s. The film takes the audience deep into the fascinating world of rare soul music, depicting its enduring influence on the Northern Soul scene. The filmmakers successfully illustrate the vibrant party scenes, the fashions, the dance moves, and the music, capturing the rhythm and soul of this subculture.

One of the highlights of the movie is the enchanting music that is played throughout. The film showcases a wide array of tracks that were popular in Northern Soul discos, with classics such as "The Night," "Long After Tonight Is Over," and "Can You Remember" being played. The music is an integral part of the movie and plays a vital role in immersing the audience in the Northern Soul scene.

The movie also delves into the social and cultural context surrounding the Northern Soul a phenomenon. The film highlights how this musical subculture gave a voice to the working-class young people of the North, who found an escape from their mundane lives in the soulful music, the ecstatic dances, and the tight-knit communities that thrived around Northern Soul music.

The Northern Soul culture is credited with fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity among its devotees, who were often marginalized by mainstream society. The movie showcases how the music and culture came to represent a rebellion of sorts against the mainstream, as they embraced the rare soul sounds that nobody else would play.

Overall, Keep on Burning - The Story of Northern Soul is a captivating and informative documentary that takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the history of a subculture that has left a lasting impact on popular culture. It paints a vivid picture of the evolution of the Northern Soul scene and the people who created it, and highlights the enduring influence of this music on popular culture, fashion, and dance. The interviews with the key pioneers and influencers of the Northern Soul culture are both insightful and engaging, offering a window into the unique cultural forces that shaped this fascinating movement.

In conclusion, Keep on Burning - The Story of Northern Soul offers an entertaining and insightful look back into a musical subculture that still resonates today, with much to learn for anyone interested in the history of music or the evolution of subcultural movements.