Name: Payney
Nights: Funkademia

Who is he?
Founder and, along with 'his kid', original dj @ funkademia back in 1995. Often rumoured to be a bit tipsy in charge of the decks but the case never proven.

Top Ten (well... eleven!):
Michael Cooper - Got To Get You Undressed (1992)
Heard it at the Southport Weekender in 1993 and spent six years embarrassing myself in specialist soul shops trying to remember who it was by and how it went before managing to bag it at the last weekender on cd. If anyone knows of a spare vinyl copy please let me know

Stevie Wonder - As (1971)
Been a favourite of mine for ages and since covered by Mr Michael and Ms J Blige has become an even bigger favourite of our two lovely barmaids Della and Laura who mither me for it evey week. Managed to secure it recently on some obscure 12" bootleg

Driaza Bone - Real Love (1991)
Don't think there is another track in the world which is more danceable. Always gives me another burst of inspiration when I'm knackered towards 3:00am

Marvin Gaye - Whats Going On - Live at the Oakland Coliseum (1974)
Always finish funkademia with the live version of this classic Marvin number. With the audience screaming in the background and Mr Gaye saying "thank you, good night" I can't think of a better track to end a night

Michael Wycoff - Lookin' Up To You (1982)
Another classic soul number which I spent far too many embarrassing moments getting the title or artist wrong in specialist soul shops. Worth it though

MS Count Lynton - Somebodyelse's Guy(1984)
The rap version of the classic Jocelyn number. Only ever heard it played in one club and that was the Granby of all places when it the the Cyprus Tavern - which was even worse. Don't usually like raps over classic tunes but this one is sound

Machine - There But for the Grace of God (1979)
Odd lyrics about some kid being dragged out of the Bronx by ignorant and over protective parents who didn't want her growing up with "no black, no jews and no gays". Bit deep for a disco track but top tune

Lamont Dozier - Why Can't We Be Lovers (1965)
Beautiful old soul number by the co-writer of so many of Motowns biggest hits. First heard at the Southport Weekender where it used to be the last record played when it was still a soul weekender

Sounds of Blackness - Optimistic (1991)
This was a very close run thing between 'I'm going all the way' and 'I Believe'
Definitely the greatest artists I've ever seen in concert. First heard in the Brixton Academy in 1991. Sof B lyrics are always very uplifting

Zhane - Request Line (1996)
I've got to like this one 'cos my mate Frank mithers me for it every time he's trying to impress some girl, which is pretty much every week. Playing it is the easiest way to get rid of the drunken Geordie. Also happens to be a brilliant track

Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters
One of the best ever Funkademia moments. Half the FC United team and the boss in a big group hug on the dancefloor celebrating FC's first match. Priceless Mancunian moment. No jesters hats or Sky TV.

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