Soft Cell with Cindy Ecstasy – “Memorabilia”

Dave Ball in the ‘METRO’ interview explains why his visits to the Northern Soul dance clubs in the late 70′s influenced Soft Cells musical direction

Metro – Did you take the Northern Soul motif for writing perfect pop?

D.Ball – That was our sound, a kind of electronic Northern Soul. The idea came to me about four years earlier. I was going to Wigan Casino, Blackpool Casino and The Highlander in Blackpool. The same year, Autobahn by Kraftwerk came out. It made an impression. I had this weird electronic music coming from one side and the soul influence from the other. That’s the sound you hear on Tainted Love.

Metro – Which version of Tainted Love is your favorite?

D.Ball – Well, Marilyn Manson’s version was just nicked from ours but with him shouting over the top. I never heard the Inspiral Carpets one and there is some garage track that I think samples it. I know when Gloria Jones did the 60 Second Interview that she chose ours, so I just have to return the compliment. Hers was the original, after all.