Reviews

Jacco Gardner

Jacco Gardner  - Cabinet Of Curiosities LP

Due to being all ‘gigged-out’ by Easter Sunday, I missed the last night of Le Beat Bespoke 9 and Jacco Gardner. By all accounts the Dutch psych maestro finished the monumental four night extravaganza in some style. So, with that in mind, I was interested to hear his latest album ‘Cabinet Of Curiosities’. Now, unless you’ve been a ‘scene hermit’ in the last 12 months, you can’t help but notice a resurgence in psych bands and music. The late 60s output of bands from around the world is being reappraised, re-interpreted and given new momentum by young artists who were not even close to being born in 1968. Influence is a wonderful and regenerating force. So where does Jacco Gardner fit into this renewed psych scene? Well, the first thing of note and some admiration, is that he plays everything except drums on this LP. He also wrote, produced, recorded and mixed the entire set. This puts Jacco in the ‘precocious talent’ category. This is a collection of dreamy, laid-back, beautifully executed songs. The use of instruments gives it an air authenticity reflecting the period of popular music which inspired it. However, Jacco’s real coup de gras is making it all come across as contemporary as opposed to a parody or pastiche. Opening track, ‘Clear The Air’, really sets the tone for the LP. In terms of pace, it never gets above a ‘gentle jog’, but I suspect the point of this work is it demands to be listened to with some concentration to get the full effect. The tracks I went back to most often are ‘Puppets Dangling’ and ‘Where Will You Go’. If you enjoy lazing in the sunshine by a river, this is the album you should have with you. Let’s hope the UK has a long heat wave ! www.jaccogardner.com  & facebook.com/jaccogardnermusic

Button Up

Button Up  - Modena LP

One of the perks of my job here at Nutsmag is that I get to discover great talent I was not aware of before. Button Up are one such band. Having reviewed the ‘Inhaler’ single in the April newsletter, I now have the pleasurable duty to review their LP ‘Modena’. In case you missed the single review, I’ll recap briefly. Button Up are from the Glasgow area and are led by bassist Garry John Kane, with Sara Kerr taking lead vocals. In all, they are a five piece outfit with guest musicians joining them as and when required. ‘Modena’ is a 50-50 split of vocal and instrumental tracks and the first thing that struck me was how versatile Button Up are. The four tracks that feature the aforementioned Ms Kerr are all flavoured with northern soul. They are all good tracks, but my favourite of the four is ‘Listen To Your Heart’, for no other reason than it gives Sara a bit more work to do vocally. She handles it with apparent ease and what I particularly like about her vocal style, is that she has that certain ‘north of the border’ quality in her voice which can be found in any number of her fellow Scottish predecessors. Of the instrumental tracks, the real surprise is the change of pace with ‘Eugene’s Echo’ which is a slice of reggae with a hint of UB40 (when they were really good) thrown into the mix. This is another personal fav, but I have to say, ‘Someday’, a real Two Tone style groover, is the track I’ve listened to the most. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of The Beat’s halcyon days, but whatever the reason, I love this one. If I have any criticism, it is merely that I found myself looking for ‘something’ to take the instrumental tracks up a level. ‘Upside Down’ for example is a nice Hammond-led dancer, but I felt it could have done with a brass or sax solo in there which would have given it that bit ‘extra’. Over all though, this is a very good LP. There will be a review of Button Up’s ‘Covered’ ep in the next edition of Nutsmag and the rumour is that Button Up may well be making an appearance at a NUTS event in the future. Let’s hope so ! buttonuprecords.com and available on I-tunes.

Bobby Brooks Hamilton

Bobby Brooks Hamilton – It Was You b/w Little School Girl

Fresh from their hugely successful revue show at Le Beat Bespoke 9, here is another gem from the terrific Wild Records. Both tracks are superb cuts of genuine rhythm and blues recorded in an authentic style that typifies Wild Records output. ‘It Was You’ is very much a song written with the influence of early James Brown, Sam Cooke and the Moonglows in mind and the delivery by Bobby Brooks Hamilton is astonishingly good. He has a voice that evokes the spirit of the great ‘shouters’ of R&B and if we in the UK have a contemporary, it would have to be Si Cranstoun (formerly of The Dualers) now out on his own and producing equally great recordings. ‘Little School Girl’ is a good old-fashioned R&B shuffler that sees Mr Hamilton really work those vocal cords along with a rasping mid-eight tenor sax solo. But here is the real ‘eyebrow-raising’ fact about Bobby Brooks Hamilton. His dad is Jackie Wilson. Yes, THE Jackie Wilson. No wonder the man can sing. wildrecordsusa.com (Listed under Bands – Bobby Brooks Wilson, this link takes you to the sampler for the two tracks)

Soho-lites

Soho-lites  - Good Morning London

I’m sure there are one or two of you out there who remember the band 17 Black from the 90s? They were a band who were popular on the scene, especially at scooter rallies and they showed great potential, but for some reason they never quite made it. Lead singer and songwriter Brent Yeomans has kept busy since the demise of 17 Black and he returns here with an updated version of this catchy little number under the guise of Soho-Lites. It has all the elements and influences of ’79 without being patronising. It’s easy to spot the Jam connection. The song structure is very much based around the classic ’79 period of the mod legends, but it has an honesty about it. Let’s call it ‘an affectionate tribute’. Lyrically, ‘Good Morning London’ does what you would expect, telling the tale of our capital city from the view point of a traveller on his way into the centre of town. The brass section have a very nice hook that lifts the track and, all things considered, this is a very nice single.

Hexxers

Hexxers – Let’s Dance b/w Straight Home

If you like a bit of rock and roll and you enjoyed the Wild Records Revue at Le Beat Bespoke 9, then you’ll love this. I can’t tell you much about the Hexxers other than they are something of a rockabilly favourite out on the West Coast circuit. Both tracks are fairly typical of their output, full-on rock and roll with manic vocal delivery and a musical style more in keeping with the Ventures. ‘Straight Home’ did make me smile though as it tells the tale of a date that ended in an ignominious fashion because the lady in question was ‘ugly’. Hence, why they went ‘Straight Home’. While this single is still available on Wild Records, the Hexxers have since moved on.

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Graham Lentz

Like many of his generation, The Jam started Graham's love affair with all things mod back in 1977. He is the author of 'The Influential Factor - A History Of Mod' which was originally published in 2002. An extract from the book was re-printed in Paolo Hewitt's 'The Sharper Word - revised edition' in 2011. Being a self-confessed 'broad-church' mod, Graham's interests range from Modern Jazz to today's up-coming new bands and everything in between. Although he has a passion for mod history, he also has a passion for the new. Whether it's music, clubs, media of every kind, clothing, scooters or art and photography, Graham supports, promotes and encourages as much as he can, because that's how we keep going. 'Give it a chance' is his motto. If it's not for you, that's cool, at least you tried it.

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Sat 4 May  - Birmingham

May Bank Holiday saw NUT’s return to the second city and a fantastic venue next to retro shop Urban Village at the old Custard Factory, Birmingham. All events took place in the fabulous 70-eight club which looks very sixties space age.

Take a look at the video capturing some of the best moments from the alldayer.

The day began with a scooter cruise around the City centre to avoid the Blues last home game of the season and the various road closures, a big thanks to the Birmingham Aces who organised and marshalled the scooter run route. As soon as everyone returned the scooter competition got straight underway.

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to our sponsors Gran Sport and judges Katie Wood and Ian Wilkins

Best Vespa – Nick Shale for his Black and Coffee Vespa 150
registration 539 YUF

Best Lambretta – Dan Hickman for his blues and cream TV175 II
registration HST 628

Best Mod Scooter – Mick Parks for his red and cream TV 175
II registration 719 XUK

Many thanks also to 70-Eight club for hosting us, Pid & Andrea from ‘What Goes On’ for turntables. Top sounds from the Scorcher lads and our guests DJ’s. Special thanks to all the drinkers, dancers and our sponsor Frankie at Urban Village.

drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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Redondo Beat

Redondo Beat - Telepathic Love b/w Magic Touch

If you like a right good stomping, full-on garage/psych thrash, in the vein of the Hives, then you’re going to love this. Redondo Beat are from Germany where the mod scene has been going for many years and they do seem to produce some quality bands that don’t always come to the attention of us Brits, even with all the social media we have today. If this single is anything to go by, Redondo Beat are perfect for any number of UK events. The lead track, ‘Telepathic Love’ sounds like Ringo Starr is on drums while Dave Grohl plays lead guitar ! It might only last one minute and 34 seconds, but it’s certainly memorable. It’s one of those songs that instantly wedges itself into your brain and refuses to go away. Meanwhile, ‘Magic Touch’ is straight out of the Hives ‘under three minutes of madness’ mould. It stomps along at a fair old rate and doesn’t let up for a second. I’m looking forward to their new album ‘Meet Redondo Beat’ on Dionysus Records, because if it’s anything like this single, I know I’m going to love it. redondobeat.de

Last Of The Troubadors

Last Of The Troubadors - Don’t Stand On Shadows EP

Some of you may recall a band called Connett who were tipped for big things some years back. Sadly, they folded, but lead singer Darron Connett (not one for staying down after such a set back) formed Last Of The Troubadours about 18 months ago with guitarist Joel Rogers. 2012 saw their first EP ‘Sooner The Better’ released. It was very good, and they have been gathering a decent following in the meantime. Now comes their second EP and it is brilliant. For my money, one of the best of the year so far. I am a firm believer in gauging the quality of music by it’s initial impact. If it grabs you on the first listen, then you’ve got something a bit special. This is what happened to me with this cd. Each song is a catchy, melodic power pop gem. Both Darron and Joel share the vocals and they harmonise very effectively. They also have a young man by the name of Luke who is by far the best drummer of his generation. I haven’t seen anyone to match him. So what makes them different from any other band of that ilk? Quite simple really, they don’t sound like anyone else. If you listen really hard, you might pick out a slight ‘Motown-style’ drum beat or a Hammond organ supplementing the guitar riff, but you’d be hard pushed to stick these lads in a pigeon-hole. Lead track, ‘Tonight’ is a solid rocking opener. The title track ‘Don’t Stand On Shadows’ has a slightly eerie, upbeat feel to it, while ‘Shame On You’ has more of an optimistic message (despite the title). However, my top choices come down to the wonderful ‘One To Blame’ with it’s anthemic chorus and the very dance-able ‘Never Forgive You’ where Last Of The Troubadours are joined by the legend that is Mr Steve Diggle from the Buzzcocks. I’m sure the lads will go down a storm when they play the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, and I strongly recommend you see them live if you can. But until then, do check out this EP and the video for ‘Never Forgive You’ on the link. facebook.com/The-Last-of-the-Troubadours

Forever Mod

Forever Mod - CD

Here’s a tip that some might appreciate. The next time you are in Sainsbury’s supermarket, have a look at the CD section. There in the budget range, you may well find a double or even a triple disc set of CDs labelled as ‘Mod’ music. Now, if your like me, I always eye these sorts of products with some suspicion. The first thing I think is; “Here we go again. Another comp of Small Faces, Who, Kinks, Zombies and Manfreds mixed in with other assorted 60s pop nonsense and nothing to do with mod at all.” For some reason, I decided to take a look at the track listing for this set, and I was very surprised. There was Mose Allison, Freddie King, Jimmy McGriff, Roscoe Gordon, Byron Lee, Sugar Pie De Santo. Allowing for a few minor indiscretions, (Everly Brothers?!) This was a pretty decent stab at getting to some serious mod-type R&B. Then I found another compilation entitled ‘March Of The Mods’ a triple helping that was better than the ‘Forever Mod’ set. Here was Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, James Booker, Slim Harpo, Marvin Gaye, Chris Kenner and Arthur Alexander. So, why am I tipping you off about these discs? If you know a young mod who is just getting into the scene, or your extensive collection of 7″ singles don’t play too well on the Dansette in the car or on the scooter, search out these discs. I’ve only seen them in Sainsbury’s, but the best bit is the price: £4.00 each. Yep, four shiny one pound coins for a whole bunch of quality R&B.

Wicked Whispers

Wicked Whispers - Voodoo Moon b/w Nightbird

The psyche scene shows no sign of abating as this new single will testify. This five piece outfit from Liverpool have all the qualities that will endear them to psyche fans. The ‘A’ side, ‘Voodoo Moon’ is a song inspired by the eternal beauty of Audrey Hepburn and is a mid-paced love song full of haunting organ work and a dreamy chorus. The ‘B’ side, ‘Nightbird’ features guest spots by Paul Malloy (ex Zutons) and Austin Murphy on saxophone and flute. It has a Doors feel to it and has a catchy chorus. Lead vocalist Mike Murphy has a fairly distinctive voice which certainly suits this style. All in all, an interesting single, but I will say I preferred the ‘B’ side. thewickedwhispers.com  & facebook.com/thewickedwhispers

Soul Naturals

Soul Naturals -If It’s War You’re Looking For

Listening to this magnificent slice of slow-burning British soul, it would be easy to assume it is on a very well known record label that celebrated it’s 25th anniversary last year. However you would be mistaken. I was. The Soul Naturals are fronted by singer/songwriter Sharon Gitau and this single is heavily influenced by the great classic releases of Brand New Heavies, Corduroy and Young Disciples to name but three. With it’s sumptuous production, this is the kind of track that restores my faith in modern soul music and I’m so glad to find someone out there making the kind of soul only we in the UK can produce. I would expect the likes of Jazz FM, Solar and Craig Charles on BBC 6 Music to be all over this one. It’s out on the British Soul Standard label, which has been going since 2008 and if they maintain this sort of quality, they will be around for sometime to come and hopefully so will the Soul Naturals. Word is an album is due sometime this year. I’ll be watching out for it, because on this evidence, it should be well worth a listen. Watch this space…

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Graham Lentz

Like many of his generation, The Jam started Graham's love affair with all things mod back in 1977. He is the author of 'The Influential Factor - A History Of Mod' which was originally published in 2002. An extract from the book was re-printed in Paolo Hewitt's 'The Sharper Word - revised edition' in 2011. Being a self-confessed 'broad-church' mod, Graham's interests range from Modern Jazz to today's up-coming new bands and everything in between. Although he has a passion for mod history, he also has a passion for the new. Whether it's music, clubs, media of every kind, clothing, scooters or art and photography, Graham supports, promotes and encourages as much as he can, because that's how we keep going. 'Give it a chance' is his motto. If it's not for you, that's cool, at least you tried it.

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Medway band, the Prime Movers, were one of the unluckiest of the 80s, so close to making it but forced to watch as a legion of young upstarts charted, ripping off their sound. Their first London gig in nearly 20 years was at Blues Kitchen, Camden, in early May. With a book, The Kids are All Square, due later this year and a host of back catalogue being re-released, the gravitational pull of the Medway has never been stronger – Chris Dale was there for NUTSmag.

As their only UK appearance to promote the re-releases and the book it drew a large enthusiastic crowd full of familiar faces eager with anticipation and marked their frontman’s first appearance since Graham Day & the Gaolors five years ago.

The Prime Movers, formed from the ashes of the Prisoners, Daggermen and Makin’ Time, played numerous gigs and cut three collectable LP’s during the late 80s and early 90s.

Sauntering onto stage around 9.45pm they launched into ‘The Good Things’ closely followed by the fantastic Solar Flares gem ‘Mary’.

Powerful renditions of ‘No R.E.S.P.E.C.T.’, ‘Freedom’, and ‘I’m Alive’ lead to Wolf Howards drum kit disintegrating in the ferocity of his drumming. A few minor adjustments from fellow Medway legend, Bruce Brand, and when all else fails stick a large amp in front of the Bass drum. That did the trick and the opening chords of ‘Be on Your Way’ – Prisoners heaven.

‘Alone in this house’ another off the Prime Movers fine debut LP ‘ Sins of the Forefathers’ was closely followed by a clutch of Solar Flares numbers, including ‘You Always Find a Way to Hurt Me’ and ‘ Can’t Get You Off of My Mind’.

Graham Day’s long absence from the circuit was barely noticeable, showing all his aggression in the songs he so loving wrote over the years. ‘Sucking out my insides’ proves this point, Medway garage at its finest.

This was turning out to be a celebration of all Day/Crockford collaborations as the encore started with the Gaolors ‘Sitar Spangled Banner’ and we now get the trademark Graham Day thrashing wildly around the stage, punters down the front wisely ducking to avoid being decapitated by his flaying guitar neck.

If you’re going to save the best for last, the Prisoners’ ‘Love me lies’ ticks the box. I probably spent 50 per cent of the 1980s following this band and I don’t regret a single second, finishing with ‘I Am a Fisherman’ from ‘The Last Fourfathers’ LP confirms it for me.

A thirty-year body of work and four great bands in one, crammed into a little over an hour and my ear drums are still ringing.

Will they do it again? Who knows, but Alan Crockford and Graham Day do not ride the re-union gravy train comfortably. They’re far too innovative, writing new songs and embracing new projects. We can all look forward to the re-releases, and perhaps a few hidden gems. Thirty years on the sound of Medway still resonates – Kula’ who?

Photos by Adrian Jones

Chris Dale

Living near the Lewisham Odeon in the late 70’s gave a young Chris Dale the opportunity to see many of the big bands of the era, his first gig being The Special’s in 1979. Thirty years later – nearly to the day, saw him taking his then 11 year old son Alfie to see said band. The thirty plus years in between has seen Chris’ passion for bands remain at the forefront of his life. Known to most on the Mod scene as a regular DJ in the NUT’s line up, playing a mixture of 60’s RNB, Northern Soul, Reggae and Ska, most may not be aware of his passion for live music, of the late 70’s early 80’s mod genre. The memorabilia he has collated from his time following these bands is colossal, and he hopes to be able to collate this into a book in the near future.

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The eclectic final night (Sunday) of LBB9 this year proved once again that we can all get on, with a musical journey from northern soul to psych and everything in between. The Crossfire allnighter also welcomed 70-year-old American R&B performer, Bill Bush, who was unable to perform on the night but took a bow when his record, ‘I’m Waiting’ filled the floor in the main hall. Nutsmag editor, Scotch Martin, was Bill’s guide for the night. 

Remarkably, LBB9 was my first visit to Crossfire, with my other half usually getting the ‘pass out’ for this event while I babysit. But I had a very special reason for going this time as American Hammond player, Bill Bush, was over visiting Caroline and me and wanted to drop in to see what all the fuss was about.

Also travelling with us was Cassiobury Soul Club DJ, Martin Harland, and when we arrived the bands had already started in the main hall prior to the allnighter. Two live bands appeared and fellow Glaswegians, The Beatroots, were first to take to the stage. My old friend, and extremely talented, Groovy Graham, was playing sitar, which really added another dimension. Graham and vocalist Neil were previously in Figure 5, the fantastic power pop ensemble who brushed so close to fame they could taste it. But despite appearances across Europe, festivals, gigs at the Albert Hall and Camden’s Electric Ballroom, and an American TV advert major commercial success eluded them.

If you were lucky enough to pick up their free CD, you’ll already know that those years of training has produced a highly competent, psychedelic super group that are already making swirling, shimmering waves everywhere they play.

A big buzz followed for young Dutchman, Jacco Gardner, whose elf like persona fits well with his early Floyd / Sid Barrett-style cosmic sounds. A laid back affair with songs from the new album plus the singles. We were all curious to see if he could create the well-crafted studio sounds live.

I was bowled over with the musicianship, quality and imagination of both sets and although it’s not my ‘thang’, being more of a soul fan, I thought both bands impressive and talented.

The R&B room, at first freezing, later boiling, was hosted by long-running R&B club Mousetrap and DJ’s included Roger Banks, Alberto Valle (Barcelona) and Bill Kealy (Ireland) plus residents Rob Bailey & Chris Dale. The atmosphere is all very mod, with the whole black music spectrum covered from late fifties blues and R&B to late sixties Latin, boogaloo and reggae. That was where Bill and his entourage settled initially, signing autographs and meeting people before his appearance later. It all goes on at LBB!

Bill was particularly fascinated by the energy of the pysch room, where a DJ line-up from all over Europe had belted out the rarest and wildest garage, freakbeat and psych for two nights already and said it reminded him of New Orleans in the 60s. Special guests Sunday were Irish lads Paddy & Sarge, joining Miguel Ygarza (Spain), Carlo Espero (Italy) and NUTS own Dr Robert. The last record rang out at 6.15am with the lights on and a stage full off fun seekers still looking for kicks and shouting for more.

The Crossfire allnighter has a ‘London oldies’ music policy and didn’t disappoint. Most of the tunes from Sean Chapman, Ady Croasdell, Chris Dale, Derek Mead and Roger Stewart were guaranteed floor fillers, and the crowd showed their appreciation with a packed dance floor.

At 1am Chris Dale’s prized copy of ‘I’m Waiting’ shook the floor and Sean Chapman introduced Bill Bush, who thanked the dancers for supporting his music. It turns out that, at 70, it was ‘all a bit loud’ for the guy who played with Bobby Bland, Jerry Lee and Eddy Giles amongst others back in the day – but he left having fulfilled an ambition, to watch his obscure b-side from 1965 pack a dance floor in London, England in 2013. Job done.

Thank you to Ramees Farooqi, Esther Bellepoque & Cloat Culterior for all the great photos. You can see the full LBB9 Photo Albums from Ramees Farooqi & Esther Bellepoque here and from Cloat Culterior on Facebook here. You will need to login to see them!

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Scotch Martin

Since the local youth club in the early-eighties Martin’s been Djing with records of one sort or another. Spots at the CCI National Mod Rallies across Britain in the 80s were followed in 1990 by the first in a line of successful northern soul and mod clubs in Glasgow. With four others he started Goodfoot in 91, with Acid Jazz-influenced playlists of Blow Up in London, and Brighton Beach in Leeds. Goodfoot arguably paved the way for a new generation of mod-influenced clubs in Glasgow over the past 20 years. Living in London in the late 90s Martin DJ’d at neuvo-modernist clubs including Where’s Jude and Lordy Lord, as well as regularly spinning at Duffer of St. George parties and other happenings. A career highlight was supporting legendary organist, Jimmy Smith, as well as pulling off 10 consecutive club nights during the 1995 Glasgow Jazz Festival. By 2001, back in Glasgow, Caledoniasoul launched. A definitive milestone in the Scottish soul scene, the club ran for six years and brought Butch, Mick Smith, Mick H, Arthur Fenn, Mike Ritson, Dave Rimmer and Ady Croasdell to Scotland for the first time to experience the sweaty, full-on atmosphere for themselves. As a journalist Martin has always written about music. In 2004 he tracked down singer and organist, Bill Bush, whose soulful, jazzy rarity, I’m Waiting on Ronn, was hitting on the northern soul scene. After visiting Bill in the USA and interviewing him for Manifesto he brought the band over to perform in the UK, complete with Hammond B3, and has helped Bill profit for the first time from the 1968 b-side. Martin is married to Caroline, has two children, lives in the London suburbs. Still collecting after 30 years!

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The Aardvarks/MFC Chicken

Le Beat Bespoke Weekender, 229 Great Portland Street, London - Saturday (afternoon) March 30 2013

Out of all the bands that have graced the LBB stages over the years, legends from five decades and several continents, the one that would deliver the goods head and shoulders above all others for Nutsmag regular, Darius Drew, was West London’s very own, The Aardvarks.

First of all a few words for the barnstorming (if somewhat cartoonish and parodic) R’n’B support, MFC Chicken: equal parts Sonics, Feelgoods, Shondells and Ram Jam Band, with a touch of sweet Gene Vincent crooning, but adept writers of their own material, their earthy delivery provides the ideal aperitif for the upcoming sonic psych banquet, and unlike most of today’s pretenders found lurking around Hoxton fashion boutiques throwing this stuff on for kicks, they’ve been putting a fungus among the denizens of the Holloway Road for a good two decades.

And so on to the Aardvarks. I’m sure Gary – alongside his brother Mark on guitar – Jason Hobart on bass and Ian O’Sullivan on drums – believed that loads of old friends would come out of the woodwork for this special event, their first London show in almost a decade!

The LBB audience witnessed a heroes return, with even lesser-known numbers like the superbly Townshendian ‘Bad Clothes’ received like old friends (lest we forget, they were the band that helped unite the once-divided Mod scene in the 80s after all, bringing psych, garage, soul and pop strands together). The assorted members of the London gangs - The Masonics, Wildebeests, Of Arrowe Hill and even heavy rockers Leaf Hound, who (technically) predate them by a decade and a half, have come to bestow good wishes.

Forget all the legends told to me over the last two decades by various London faces, what I witnessed here was a show from a truly great British rock ‘n’roll band, period. They were even generous enough to share the good vibrations with some fat git from Aylesbury (I wonder who that might have been?) who they dragged up to play tambourine during a clutch of encore covers that included Easybeats’ ‘Sorry’, the Wimple Winch’s ‘Save My Soul’ and the Sorrows’ ‘Take A Heart’. In one hour they kicked the arse of practically everyone I’ve ever seen or reviewed here.

From the familiarity of such standards to the underground thrust of their own ‘You’re My Loving Way’ and ‘Girl On A Bike’ they really do sum up the feelings of a whole generation who were born too late to experience the greatest era of music first hand, yet decided they were going to try their damnedest to live in it anyway. Good on ‘em. But this is not simply a nostalgia trip. In fact, by some twist of bizarre logic, it would appear that after nearly three decades, the Aardvarks have not only finally become as much of a “classic” psych act as the 60s originals that influenced them, but a contemporary one. The future promioses collaboration with Adam Easterbrook and the Arrowe Hill chaps sounds promising. Watch this space, eh la.

So has the definitive retro band of the recent past finally arrived at their designated stop, coming round in a complete circle to meet themselves walking the other way? Possibly; and if that sounds like acid-drenched gibberish, then that in itself only stands as further proof that they’ve achieved their objectives and had precisely the level of influence they wanted.

Thank you to Ramees Farooqi, Esther Bellepoque & Cloat Culterior for all the great photos. You can see the full LBB9 Photo Albums from Ramees Farooqi & Esther Bellepoque here and from Cloat Culterior on Facebook here. You will need to login to see them!

Dashing Drewe Shimon

Dashing Darius Drewe Shimon, aka just 'Drewe' 'Druid' or 'The Shim' to his mates, was born in East London in 1974. As a small child, both parents inflicted their musical tastes, from The Beatles and The Moody Blues to Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis, on him, and he was never the same again. Despite being born and bred a 'Cockney tosser', Drewe actually spent his teenage years in and around Birmingham, attending his first 60s/50s-themed nights there at The Ship Ashore, before "coming home" in 1993 to the South, where, with the exception of three years spent in Glasgow between 2007-2010, he has remianed ever since. In the almost two decades that have passed he has trod a strange meandering path from a shy 60s/70s-obsessed teen with no 'scene' to speak of to a Metalhead, sleaze-glammie, Goth, indie kid, glam-punker, garage-rocker, eventual Mod and psych freak (first attending Mousetrap in 2000) In that time he's also written for Shindig! Britmovie, DarkSide, Black Velvet and Get Ready To Rock, promoted various vintage and veteran acts at Camden Underworld, Glasgow Ivory Blacks and several other venues, DJed everything from psych, garage and soul to Metal at practically every well-known club in central London. Drewe is trying to build a time machine that will enable him to visit any period between 1960 and 1980 but still be able to use a mobile and Facebook. His ambition, aside from directing films and building said machine, is to morph into a cross between Jason King, Timmy Lea, Jerry Cornelius and Richard Hannay, and drift about the ether having adventures in a kipper tie, pinstriped flares and camel hair coat.

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“I’m anti-contemplative, anti-nuance, anti-getting away from the tyranny of the rectangle, anti-movement and light, anti-mystery, anti-paint quality, anti-Zen and anti-all of those brilliant ideas of preceding movements that everyone understands so thoroughly.”
Roy Lichtenstein – pop artist (1923 – 1997)

Lichtenstein at the Tate Modern
Until 27 May 2013 - £14, concessions available

If you visited the original Tate Gallery at the fag end of the 60s, when Bankside Power Station was still smoking, you could have stood and marvelled at the vibrant, colourful and contemporary art of the Popfather himself, 44 year old American jazz-fanatic, Roy Lichtenstein.

An exhibition of the American artist’s work (to date) was showing at the gallery, now Tate Britain, and art students, hippies and hep cats from across the capital and the provinces were gaping in awe at the scale of the man’s ambition. To take a frame in a comic book and blow it up to gigantic proportions, what arrogance, confidence and self-belief. Could this really be the future of art?

Today, 45 years on and 15 years after his death, the striking work is part of the history of art and includes some classic mod iconography. This latest Lichtenstein retrospective at Tate Modern on the South Bank is this spring’s must see London event for anyone with an ounce of style visiting: and Londoners themselves must make the effort to go.

Most of you will know Lichtenstein, even if you don’t. Weller’s guitar graphics featuring the artist’s ‘Whaam’ painting, a frenetic dogfight between two cold war fighter jets, is iconic. I spent most of 4^th year art trying to reproduce it, but his comic book canvasses are just part of the story of a genuinely ‘great’ artist who helped to define pop art as well as creating part of the backdrop to the 1960s.

There can be no argument that Lichtenstein was mod; modern, as an adjective. He was a mod-artist in the way that Quant, Sassoon, Stamp et al were mod designer, hairstylist, actor, respectively. He was part of the creative big bang that took the consumerism, conflict, poverty and narcissism of the era and reflected it back onto itself as thought provoking art, film, fashion, etc. More importantly, the famously smartly dressed American, a regular at the Harlem Apollo, painted f**king great big sexy pictures that scream ‘COOL’ at you from half a mile away.

The great quote from him at the top of this article is for me the embodiment of 60s mod philosophy, mirroring the Creation’s assertion that their music is, ‘Red with purple flashes’. His art defines the clean, uncluttered philosophy prevailing in architecture, fashion and music during the fantastic decade from 1957 to 1967; the mod years.

Lichtenstein died in 1997, but his work is a snap shot of the counter-culture, captured forever ‘cool’ applied to canvass, and just as relevant as it was in 1968 when it first showed at The Tate.

For more information on Roy Lichtenstein, check out these websites: lichtensteinfoundation.org  and tate.org.uk

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Scotch Martin

Since the local youth club in the early-eighties Martin’s been Djing with records of one sort or another. Spots at the CCI National Mod Rallies across Britain in the 80s were followed in 1990 by the first in a line of successful northern soul and mod clubs in Glasgow. With four others he started Goodfoot in 91, with Acid Jazz-influenced playlists of Blow Up in London, and Brighton Beach in Leeds. Goodfoot arguably paved the way for a new generation of mod-influenced clubs in Glasgow over the past 20 years. Living in London in the late 90s Martin DJ’d at neuvo-modernist clubs including Where’s Jude and Lordy Lord, as well as regularly spinning at Duffer of St. George parties and other happenings. A career highlight was supporting legendary organist, Jimmy Smith, as well as pulling off 10 consecutive club nights during the 1995 Glasgow Jazz Festival. By 2001, back in Glasgow, Caledoniasoul launched. A definitive milestone in the Scottish soul scene, the club ran for six years and brought Butch, Mick Smith, Mick H, Arthur Fenn, Mike Ritson, Dave Rimmer and Ady Croasdell to Scotland for the first time to experience the sweaty, full-on atmosphere for themselves. As a journalist Martin has always written about music. In 2004 he tracked down singer and organist, Bill Bush, whose soulful, jazzy rarity, I’m Waiting on Ronn, was hitting on the northern soul scene. After visiting Bill in the USA and interviewing him for Manifesto he brought the band over to perform in the UK, complete with Hammond B3, and has helped Bill profit for the first time from the 1968 b-side. Martin is married to Caroline, has two children, lives in the London suburbs. Still collecting after 30 years!

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The Franklys EP

As you may have gathered, I’m a mod from the 1979 generation, and as such,
I have a love of all types of music within the mod spectrum and some outside of it. For this reason, I was really taken with this splendid EP from four-piece all-girl combo the Franklys. As reference points, they resurrect the spirit of Siouxsie Sioux, Slits, Au Pairs, the late Polly Styrene and even the pre-Everything But The Girl Tracey Thorn with her band Marine Girls. What about Debbie Harry and Blondie? No I don’t think so. The Franklys are too hard core for a Blondie comparison. The band comprise of Jennifer Ahlkvist on guitar and vocals, Fanny Broberg on guitar, Zoe Biggs on bass and Nicole Pinto on drums and what a great sound they make. Lead track ‘Weasel’ is a belter and rightly deserves it’s place at the top of the track listing. ‘Imaginarium’ gives a nod to early Joy Division with a delightfully haunting quality. ‘My Love’ takes the pace off, but picks up the un-nerving, unsettling mood. ‘Roadtrip Reality’ rocks. I can’t say anymore about it. It really rocks! And to complete the five track outing, ‘Some People Leave’ gives the Franklys the opportunity to show their potential with a song that shifts in pace, rhythm and complexity that the girls handle comfortably. This is a band I shall make a point of seeing live in the very near future because if their gigs are as full of energy and excitement as this EP, they will be well worth the admission price. Best of all, they are talented bunch of young ladies with their own sense of style (and I suspect) they have a habit of giving a two-fingered salute to anyone who gives them flak. You go girls! (as the saying goes).

Hypnotic Eye - Readin’ Your Will b/w Satisfaction

Hypnotic Eye are a six-piece psych outfit from south-west London who seem to be causing a stir on the gig circuit. They’ve been referred to as looking like they’ve just ‘stepped straight out of 1968′. I must admit, they do have a great look and the focus is very much on lead singer Grace Lightman. Her voice may be a touch ‘squeeky’ for some, but her vocal style definitely suits Hypnotic Eye’s music. ’Readin’ Your Will’ either by design or not, takes the riff from the Monkee’s ‘(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’ and remodels it into a tasty slice of authentic up-tempo psych with Miss Lightman and (I’m guessing) Lindsay Murray sharing the vocal duties. ’Satisfaction’ sees Grace taking us through a scratchy-guitar fuelled psych dancer with her pleas to ‘satisfy me’ with plenty of ‘yeah, yeah, yeahs’ to back her up. This is a ‘must’ for any psych fan. They do have a great look.

Button Up - Inhaler Single

Let’s get the basics out of the way first. Button Up are a terrific band based in Coatbridge near Glasgow and yes, this is a cover of the Miles Kane track from November 2010 which was re-released in July 2011. Inevitably, if you are going to do a cover, you leave yourself open to comparison with the original version. So, if you’re going to do it, do it well. Fortunately, Button Up have done just that. They have done it well, with swirling Hammond organ runs, stabbing brass section parts and with the urgent pace that the song demands. Vocally, Sara Kerr does a splendid job and over all, Button Up have turned this into the kind of rip roaring dancer that it always had the potential to be. But don’t get me wrong, I love Miles Kane’s original. I always believed ‘Inhaler’ would eventually be regarded as a ‘modern’ classic among the new generation of mods who are setting their own standards and interpreting mod for themselves….much like my generation did in the 1979 period. I would imagine this is a very popular part of Button Up’s live set, and rightly so. Great song, great version. There will be more Button Up reviews in the next NUTsMag due out in May 2013.

Graham Lentz

Like many of his generation, The Jam started Graham's love affair with all things mod back in 1977. He is the author of 'The Influential Factor - A History Of Mod' which was originally published in 2002. An extract from the book was re-printed in Paolo Hewitt's 'The Sharper Word - revised edition' in 2011. Being a self-confessed 'broad-church' mod, Graham's interests range from Modern Jazz to today's up-coming new bands and everything in between. Although he has a passion for mod history, he also has a passion for the new. Whether it's music, clubs, media of every kind, clothing, scooters or art and photography, Graham supports, promotes and encourages as much as he can, because that's how we keep going. 'Give it a chance' is his motto. If it's not for you, that's cool, at least you tried it.

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DC Fontana – Pentagram Man EP

DC Fontana are one of those ‘scene’ bands that have been such regular features at so many events, it seems like they have been around for a lot longer than they have. It was only a couple of years ago they released their debut LP, and since then, they have released a further album and EP. Now we have a second EP from the Midlands outfit. ‘Pentagram Man’ is a six track offering which, if nothing else, shows the band’s depth of musical accomplishment and versatility. The title song ‘bookends’ the set with new lead vocalist Louise Turner on duty for the opener, while legend Don Fardon gives his vocal interpretation for the closing track. It’s a decent song, well produced and arranged, but I found ‘DevilAngel’ to be my attention-grabber. A lilting composition that builds very nicely to a catchy chorus, it has hints of Bruce Springsteen productions circa 1975. Maybe it’s the combination of twangy guitar, piano and dulcimers that evoke that memory? Track three, ‘What Would It Take’ is an acoustic folk-ish song which is wonderfully delivered by Louise Turner, who, on this evidence seems to have settled in very well to her role. Scott Riley takes vocal duties for his own composition ‘Satisfied (Part One)’ which takes DC Fontana into a jazzier genre, but it’s hard to know what to make of the fifth track of the EP. ‘Sighed DC’ is an eight minute trance-like opus with clever production, spoken word and dreamy vocals all thrown in. As I said before, versatility. All in all, I’m sure DC Fontana fans will be delighted with this EP, and so they should. I’m delighted with ‘DevilAngel’ and ‘What Would It Take’.

dcfontana.com
youtube.com/dcf1
youtube.com/dcf2

Frowning Clouds – Listen Closlier LP

Australia has had a very respectable mod scene for a number of decades. Of course most people will be aware of Easybeats from the sixties. Arguably, The Sets were one of the great mod bands from down-under through the eighties with people like the late Don Hosie and his brother Gary at the forefront of the scene. As with the UK, mod in Australia has never gone away, it has just gone underground from time to time. Now rising from the scene are a new band who are making a name for themselves with a totally retro sixties sound that comes straight from the freakbeat/garage genre. Frowning Clouds are based in Geelong, Victoria and they make no apology for their sound. As they claim, “We’re filling the gap the Kinks left behind.” which may sound like a bold statement, but it does give a very clear idea of where they’re coming from. ‘Listen Closlier’ is an album of songs that perfectly captures the attitude of all the great sixties beat bands. It is classic blue-eyed R&B with jangly guitars, hammering bass lines and vocals reminiscent of the early work of the aforementioned Davis brothers. The LP gets off to a flyer with ‘Purple Heart’. Other stand out tracks include the gentle rocker ‘I Saw You’, the up-beat ‘Mean Old Girl’, the heavy blues of ‘I’ve Got A Bone For You’, but the absolute belter and highlight of this collection has to be ‘Snake Charmer’, a genuine Bo Diddley-inspired hand-jive beat that will get even the most die-hard wallflowers tapping their toes. I am really looking forward to seeing Frowning Clouds at Le Bespoke during Easter 2013. On this evidence, they are going to rip it up.

facebook.com/thefrowningclouds
myspace.com/thefrowningclouds
thefrowningclouds.bandcamp.com
saturnorecords.com
youtube.com/thefrowningclouds

Gizzelle – Rhythm And Soul

If there is one thing I can promise you, this lady is going to be a massive hit during the Easter Le Beat Bespoke 9 Weekender. Gizzelle was discovered by Wild Records in LA singing with a jump rhythm and blues band. Before too long, they had Gizzelle signed up and this LP ‘Rhythm And Soul’ is the culmination of a number of recording sessions over a relatively lengthy period of time, not that it detracts from the quality of the music. What impressed the guys at Wild Records was Gizzelle’s voice, and what a voice it is ! This young Mexican lady has the vocal ability to amalgamate the sounds of the late Etta James, Janis Joplin, Wanda Jackson and Big Mama Thornton all into one neat package. ‘Rhythm And Soul’ contains 16 prime cuts including covers of tracks by Betty James, LaVern Baker, Barbara Lynn and the aforementioned Etta James. What makes this LP so special is the fact that Gizzelle really can carry it off. She really does have a voice that does this material as much justice as the originals. I don’t think it’s going too far to say that in my opinion, Gizzelle would beat the late and tragic Amy Winehouse hands down had they gone head-to-head. So, which tracks to look out for? Well, if you haven’t been knocked-out by the opener, ‘I’m A Good Woman’, then there’s something wrong with you. It’s a belter! Gizzelle’s renditions of ‘Voodoo, Voodoo’, ‘Mixed Up’ and ‘Tough Lover’ are just superb. Gizzelle headlines the Wild Records Showcase night during Le Bespoke 9 on Saturday 30th March, and on the evidence of this LP, this is one show you do not want to miss. I have a feeling people will be talking about Gizzelle for sometime to come.

wildpresents.com/gizzelle
myspace.com/lilgizzelle
last.fm/music/Gizzelle
youtube.com/gizzelle

Midnight Shots – Two EPs

I wish I could tell you more about this Spanish beat combo, but sadly I have no idea how long they’ve been together or what they have done in the past. What I can say for certain is they are a class act. Two EPs found their way to me recently, the first titled ’4 Shots of R&B’. Featuring three original compositions ‘Over The Wall’, ‘Ladies & Gentlemen’ and ‘Morena’, these are prime examples of quality sixties-influenced beat. They are catchy and very danceable. The fourth track though is a real peach. ‘Vestido Rojo’ is The ‘Shots take on a classic and the joy of it for me is the fact it is sung in Spanish. You can’t go far wrong with ‘High Heeled Sneakers’ !! The second EP, ‘Here Come The Bombs’ find The Midnight Shots moving slightly into the jive zone of R&B. The addition of a tenor saxophone to the line up gives them a rounded sound and the four tracks reflect the shift from the beat mood of the first EP. My personal fav from this set is ‘Up At Dawn’ with the sax and organ front and centre. Both EPs are released on Discos Jaguar label out of Valencia, but not much is known about them either. Suffice to say, I hope we see more from Midnight Shots in the future.

midnightshots.bandcamp.com
myspace.com/midnightshots
facebook.com/Midnight-Shots
youtube.com/midnightshots

The Spark Shyver – Shake It For Me

I have not been able to ascertain if this is the debut or a recent release by this Paris-based trio of psych-beat merchants, but it has been released by Lust Records out of Cleveland, Ohio which makes things a little more confusing. From the info I’ve managed to find, Spark Shyver were formed in 2007. They seem to have made some sort of connection with Pete Doherty a year or so back, but that is just about all there is to tell. If I’m honest, this is a band that sound as if they need a bit more focus and direction. The B side, ‘Reeds’ is a little too rough round the edges and probably needed a tighter production to help it make sense. The second track on the A side ‘Look At Me Now’ is similar in as much as the production lets it down. The lead track though is by far the best of the three. ‘Shake It For Me’ is a rolling Beat/R&B dancer that would go down well with NUTS Timebox fans. It’s clear that the band are more confident with this track and maybe this is where they should focus their attention, with material in a similar vein, if only to help them become more established. After five years I would have expected to have had these guys on the radar before now. Let’s hope Spark Styver get things together and find some consistency. I think they could be one to watch if they do. The video link is for ‘Look At Me Now’ as there doesn’t seem to be a vid for ‘Shake It For Me’.

facebook.com/The Spark Shyver
myspace.com/thesparkshyver
youtube.com/thesparkshyver

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Graham Lentz

Like many of his generation, The Jam started Graham's love affair with all things mod back in 1977. He is the author of 'The Influential Factor - A History Of Mod' which was originally published in 2002. An extract from the book was re-printed in Paolo Hewitt's 'The Sharper Word - revised edition' in 2011. Being a self-confessed 'broad-church' mod, Graham's interests range from Modern Jazz to today's up-coming new bands and everything in between. Although he has a passion for mod history, he also has a passion for the new. Whether it's music, clubs, media of every kind, clothing, scooters or art and photography, Graham supports, promotes and encourages as much as he can, because that's how we keep going. 'Give it a chance' is his motto. If it's not for you, that's cool, at least you tried it.

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Reggie King – Looking For A Dream CD

As most of you will know, Reggie King was the lead singer of The Action. They were a band that should have been more commercially successful, but it never materialised. However, their legacy to British pop music and mod has been felt for decades. It has really only been in the last 15 years or so that The Action have been given something like the credit and respect they deserved, thanks in part to our own Dr Robert and people like the late Ian Hebditch and his surviving partner Jane Shepherd. Now we can add another name to that list of dedicated Action fans. This collection of recently rediscovered demos has been meticulously restored by Peter Wild with help from Peter Reynolds and Ian Stead. The collection released by Circle Records is an astonishing and important piece of British pop history. To give it some context, Reggie left The Action in 1968 and released a solo LP in 1971. These 15 tracks were recorded in 1969, or at least that is the best guess. No one can be absolutely certain. What is certain, is that this album clearly indicates exactly where Reggie was musically at that time. It seems to me that Reggie was not only a contemporary of, but also a competitor with Steve Marriott and Ray Davis and in my opinion, they travelled similar roads musically, although Marriott and Davis won the commercial popularity contest as single and album sales will attest.

The reason I make this comparison is because much of this album would not have looked out of place alongside ‘Autumn Stone’ or ‘The Self Preservation Society ‘ for example. Although they are demos, they are complete, produced and arranged works that are both of their time, but could easily stand up along side some of Paul Weller’s more recent wistful work. ’22 Dreams’ LP springs to mind. I think musically, the Modfather would relate to this collection totally. ‘Looking For A Dream’ is packed full of pastoral shades. It is not folksy by any means, but it has all the best qualities of a collection of songs that were a precursor to the classic singer-songwriter period of pop. All the songs were written by Reggie King and this shows what a magnificent and under-rated songwriter he was. ‘Get Up, Get Away’ easily matches Ray Davis or Marriott at their jolly music hall best. ‘All Up To Heaven’ is another perfect example, while ‘In And Out’ is just sublime and arguably the best track. I like the fact that, in the sleeve notes, Peter Wild accepts that one or two tracks are purely ‘the best we could get them’ in terms of sound quality which is a very honest assessment. This is definitely an album for not just Action fans as a historical artefact , but serious music lovers who will really listen to the songs and appreciate the quality. We really lost a ‘national treasure’ when Reggie past away. This CD proves it.

Alfa 9 – Gone To Ground CD

Seven years is a long time between albums for any band. So it is the case with Alfa 9 who finally return from their sabbatical….well okay not a sabbatical so much, but there are those for whom life must never get in the way of their career and those, like Alfa 9 who have rolled with life’s ups and downs, but never lost sight of what they wanted to do. What a joy it is to see them back with a new LP of wonderfully crafted and produced songs. For those not aware of Alfa 9, the Newcastle-Under-Lyne quartet’s debut LP ‘Then We Begin’ was critically acclaimed. They toured with Coral and Charlatans and looked as if things were going to really take off. Unfortunately the rigours of extensive touring caught up with them and that thing I mentioned earlier, life. This new 12 track offering is easily on a par with that debut LP, if not better. Alfa 9 are a nice combination of influences that shine throughout. Almost like a fine wine, you can almost taste the flavours; the Byrds, Charlatans, Stone Roses, Rain Parade, La’s, Crosby Stills and Nash, Gram Parsons. ‘El Morocco’ gets the album off to a flying start, a real Byrds-influenced song that highlights another aspect of Alfa 9′s admirable qualities – vocal harmonies, which are exquisitely executed. ‘Seedless’ is a wistful, dreamy corker, while ‘Old Man Blues’ comes out of left-field compared to the rest of the tracks as a rocking blues belter which is lyrically very clever and astutely observed. If ‘The Castle’ had been released in 1996, it would have been top twenty material, complementing and capturing the sound of the aforementioned Stone Roses, Charlatans, Ride et al. If any of the influencing bands mentioned are among your favs, watch out for this one, Alfa 9 ‘Gone To Ground’. I think you may be seeing and hearing a lot more about them in the near future and remember, you saw it here first. The album is out on general release in March this year on Blow Up Records. Cat No: BU066CDPW.

Electric Stars – Sonic Candy Soul CD

I am always interested when a new release from Detour Records lands on my desk. While they are known for unearthing great obscure and unreleased or long-forgotten punk and mod revival tracks. Detour also have a healthy catalogue of terrific LPs ranging from Long Tall Shorty to Makin’ Time. This album by Electric Stars was of particular interest as I had not heard about this Manchester band until the CD arrived. This is as good a slice of British indie rock as you’re likely to hear anywhere. The songs and the production on the eleven tracks have pretty much incorporated every influence you could think of from British rock music of the last 60 years. They have thrown it into a big pot, given it a stir and the results are spectacular. If the great British NIMS (Not Into Mod) ever get to hear this band, they would consign their crap Coldplay CDs to the recycling bin where they belong. Included in the set are the two songs that became Electric Stars first single: ‘Stoned Again’ a lovely relaxed ballad and ‘Between The Streets’ which has a nice joyful late-sixties feel to it. However, for me, the real gem on this album is the last track ‘Isolation’. Again it is a ballad, but it is simply the best bitter-sweet love song I’ve heard since Verve did ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’. I don’t think it is going too far to say it’s a work of absolute perfection. A song so complete I can’t imagine it being improved. Now if this had been written and performed by someone like maybe Robbie Williams (when he was at his peak) it would have been a million seller. I’m not the easiest of people to win over, but when something this good comes along, I found it hard to resist. The youtube link is the full album version of this song. If nothing else, I shall catch an Electric Stars gig at some point just to hear ‘Isolation’ live.

theelectricstars.com
facebook.com/The-Electric-Stars
twitter.com/theelectricstar
detour-records.co.uk
youtube.com/electricstars

Rhythm Shakers – Flipsville CD

Oh man ! Make sure you get your hands on tickets for Le Beat Bespoke Weekender 9 because if this rockin’, rollin, strollin’, boppin’ album is anything to go by, Rhythm Shakers are going to make a big impression here come the Easter holidays. This is a good old fashioned rockin’ R&B set that will have Mark Lamarr jumpin’ (if he doesn’t already know about them !) The driving force behind the band is Marlene Perez. She wrote all bar four of the tracks and what a voice! It’s taylor-made for this kind of thing. Every now-and-then, Marlene pulls out that husky growl that is not over-used, but timed to perfection. The backing and production is an amalgam of rockabilly meets the Ventures meets Brenda Lee at her rockin’ best. If anything Senorita Perez has a more low-down and dirty sound to her delivery than Ms Lee could have ever hoped to achieve. The real challenge reviewing this CD and one I gladly accept is simply this: Pick a winner from this lot ! It is rare indeed when you can’t find a fault in any of the songs. Listen to ‘My Sweet Revenge’ and you know the lady means every last word of it. She wants a ‘Real Rockin’ Daddy’ and you hope one turns up damn quick ! Even when Rhythm Shakers dip their toes in the covers pool, they come up with a lovely interpretation of Ray Charles’ ‘Mess Around’. The lead track ‘No Time On You’ really sets the tone for this collection of 12 numbers and I urge you to at least check them out via the links. One thing is for sure. I’ll be the first one in the door when they open on 30 March 2013.

facebook.com/The-Rhythm-Shakers
wildpresents.com/therhythmshakers
youtube.com/therhythmshakers

Top 10 Favourite Tracks of 2012

As we move into 2013, I thought I would present my Top 10 favourite tracks of 2012. Of course we all have our opinions and our favs, and I accept not everyone will agree with me.

They are in no particular order, but for what it’s worth, here goes:

1. Nick Waterhouse – ‘Is That Clear’.

The Bay Area resident came to the UK early in 2012 and made a big impression on the London scene and this was my pick from his EP.

2. Jasmine Kara – ‘Ordinary Joe’

Also early in the year, Jasmine Kara had a showcase for her LP ‘Blues Ain’t Nothin’ But A Good Woman Gone Bad’. From that came a very tidy interpretation of the Terry Callier classic.

3. Last Of The Troubadors – ‘Only Remedy’

The latest incarnation for the resilient and creative Darron Connett, this song was from their first EP ‘Sooner The Better’. While all four tracks deserve a mention, this was my choice.

4. French Boutik – ‘Le Clope’

Much like Last Of The Troubadors, French Boutik came up with a four track EP of high quality. This one got my vote by the narrowest of margins.

5. Recusants – Barmaid

I saw these guys sharing the bill with Spitfires back in October. I know they are an out-and-out indie band, but there was something about this song that got me hooked. Indie power pop at it’s finest.

6. Spitfires – ‘Sirens’

While ‘Spark To Start’ was the lead track on this double A-side single, this always was my fav. Power, aggression, three minutes of post-punk, Jam/ Clash/ Chords influenced perfection.

7. Filthy Six – ‘Girlfriend’

A latecomer into my top 10. A fabulous cover of the Michael Jackson hit from the 1980s. Cleverly incorporating the guitar riff from Archie Bell and The Drells ‘Tighten Up’ (not sampled I might add), this a the kind of funky stuff that Acid Jazz built its reputation upon.

8. Frowning Clouds – ‘Snake Charmer’

This was my pick from the LP ‘Listen Closlier’. I’m really looking forward to seeing our Aussie cousins live at Le Beat Bespoke 9 during Easter.

9. Strypes – ‘You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover’

People still talk about the Crossfire Allnighter back in October when these lads from the Emerald Isle fairly torn the place up with a blistering set, and this track was one of many highlights. They will be back for Le Beat Bespoke 9 as well.

10. Electric Stars – ‘Isolation’

My final choice is this incredible bitter-sweet ballad from the Manchester-based band. On the basis that nothing is perfect, this is as close as it gets for me.

All tracks listed are available via the usual online and digital download outlets.

So what can we look forward to in 2013? Plenty, is my answer. The rumour is Mr Weller will be unveiling his latest work this year. Last Of The Troubadors will be releasing their latest EP, which will be even better than the first.

Stone Foundation, whose magnificent ‘Three Shades Of..’ from 2011 will be surpassed by a new LP that will see them build on their success thus far. Alpha 9 whose brand of harmonies and jangly guitars a-la-Byrds will have anew LP out in March. The recently discovered-thought-lost demo sessions by Reggie King will also be out soon.

Then of course Le Beat Bespoke 9 will be a belter. The line-up is superb, but if you like rhythm and blues and rock and roll, Saturday night is the one not to be missed. The Wild Records Revue featuring Gizzelle, Omar and the Stringpoppers and Rhythm Shakers is going to be something else. Be warned, get your tickets early for that one.

Graham Lentz

Like many of his generation, The Jam started Graham's love affair with all things mod back in 1977. He is the author of 'The Influential Factor - A History Of Mod' which was originally published in 2002. An extract from the book was re-printed in Paolo Hewitt's 'The Sharper Word - revised edition' in 2011. Being a self-confessed 'broad-church' mod, Graham's interests range from Modern Jazz to today's up-coming new bands and everything in between. Although he has a passion for mod history, he also has a passion for the new. Whether it's music, clubs, media of every kind, clothing, scooters or art and photography, Graham supports, promotes and encourages as much as he can, because that's how we keep going. 'Give it a chance' is his motto. If it's not for you, that's cool, at least you tried it.

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