modslist music picks
Welcome to the Modslist Music Picks page for December. This page will be updated monthly with
contributions from modslist subscribers. All modslist subscribers are welcome to participate.
Write me at modslist@mindspring.com for more info.
New this month:
Here are this month's contributors. To save some time with this time around, you can now
click on the name of whosever list you'd like to read. You can still scroll down as before, as
well if you choose.
Music Picks contributors for December
Nick Marcantonio:
Small Faces - the
Anthology 1965-1967
The Push Kings - s/t
V/A - Top of the Stax
Tracks include: "Knock on Wood" -Eddie Floyd, "Hold On, I'm Comin'" -Sam&Dave,
"Woman to Woman" -Shirley Brown, "Green Onions" -Booker T & the MGs, and many more.
the Animals - Best of... Stanley Road
These Animal Men - (Come On, Join) the High Society
Blur - Modern Life is Rubbish
Johnny Too Bad & the Strikeouts -
Patchwork Girl
Paul Weller
Otis Redding - (Sitting on) the Dock of the Bay
Desmond Dekker - Rockin Steady (The Best of...)
To the top:
Patrick Llewellyn:
The Clash - Sandinista!
It's amazing to me how a group can have an album so long, et have every song be so
good. Not quite mod, but nothing is quite Clash, for that matter.
The Jam - Greatest Hits
An excellent collection of Jam songs, but then again, can there be any other kind?
Paul Weller should be considered the greatest song writer since McCartney.
Thelonious Monk Orchestra
- At Town Hall
Monk with a big band, this album is the epitome of bop. I recommend this album
to anyone who wants to get into jazz a great starting off point.
The Who - Quadrophenia Itchycoo Park
My adolescence floods back to me whenever I listen to this. No, I didn't grow up in
England in the sixties, but I grew up regardless. This album transcends mod this album
is teen angst incarnate.
Talking Heads - Sand In the
Vaseline
Talking Heads are not mod, more art house and new wave then anything, but they are so
good I have to list them. David Byrne always manages to bring out some feeling we've all
had but never iterated to anyone. This collection is great, too, since it has some hard
to find tracks
David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust
Totally shagadelic album. I must say that this is my favorite album for coital
endeavors.
Tom Waits - Swordfishtrombones
Dark. Moody. Pretty sometimes. Tom is absolutely impossible to categorize.
He's not rock, not jazz...what is he? Amazing.
Small Faces-
A collection I picked up in Amsterdam, and the album that started my mod kick. It
includes Lazy Sunday, Itchycoo Park, Sha la la la lee, Red Balloon, and a lot more. Great
album.
English Beat - Just Can't Stop It
This album is like their greatest hits album. Good stuff.
Johnny Cash - Classic Cash
I can't say I don't like country, because the Man in Black is too good to be
ignored.
To the top:
Doug McClintock:
suede - sci-fi lullabies
amazing. this is a compilation of all their b-sides from all their singles ever
released, and contains alot of songs that are significantly better than the singles.
"Modern Boys" is a standout track, and there are other beautiful songs as well.
the verve- urban hymns
despite everyone's recent flaming of the verve as being too commercial and just a load
of shite, i still have to keep this as a top pick. unfortunately, it has lost much lustre
since i have recently seen them live, and there is no comparison.
j.c. superska - (no title)
it's the boys debut recording from many years ago, and it's great! the sound is raw,
and the songs sound so very different without horns, but "scooter gang" is one of my
favorite songs ever! boy, do i ever miss this band...
paul weller- heavy soul
a good solo effort by the "god of mod." i haven't quite gotten my arms all the way
around this album yet, but i am trying...
the jam - in the city
v/a - respect to studio one
a very good compilation of coxsone dodd's recordings. features many great artists, and
some damn good songs.
Chas n' Dave - "ossie's dream"
ahh...a football song in support of the spurs. just trying to keep my hopes that one
day tottenham will win again...
To the top:
Andy Tessier:
dubstar - goodbye
killer album - super synths.
the cure - galore
common singles - classic cure.
dr.ring-ding & hp setter - big t'ings
classic german ska musician meets classic reggae producer. brilliant.
new order - low-life dubnobasswithmyheadman
always room for no. superb.
suede - sci-fi lullabies
unbelievable collection of b-sides. ace.
metamatics - four ep cd
chill ambient/trance. smoothe.
jammah tammah - skbang!
best dutch ska - save mr.review. summertime ska
underworld -
first underworld release - still the best doesn't get better than this
sarah cracknell - lipslide
fancy st.etienne frontlady w/ her solo project - very good - awesome vocals / great
synths
the slackers - redlight
nyc's best ska band at the moment by far vic ruggiero is a brilliant song writer
and wicked keyboardist - keep your eyes open for these guys.
To the top:
Matthew Bolton:
The Tremeloes - Instant Whip
The Kingsmen - Louie Louie
The Small Faces - Come on Children
The Jam - Going Underground
Blur - The Universal
Dobie Gray - Out on the Floor
The Showstoppers - 'Aint Nothing but a House Party
ALL ON ORIGINAL 45!! VINYL!!
To the top:
Phil Kellum:
Radiohead - OK Computer
This is easily the album of the year. Nothing can come close to topping this
masterpiece this year.
Morrissey - Viva Hate
After seeing Moz perform a couple weeks back, I went and picked this up on vinyl.
Wonderful.
The Slackers - Redlight
Absolutely brilliant. These boys mix traditional ska with Latin, boogaloo, and soul to
create a potent mix of music to make you dance. "Soldier" will give you chills.
Stubborn All-Stars - Back With A New Batch Destination Failure
The all-star NYC ska band comes back with a more mature effort than their debut and
it's that much better for it. More reggae than their first one as well.
Excellent.
V/A - Ska Island
Gaz Mayall of The Trojans has assembled the best contemporary ska bands to cover
classic Island ska songs in a traditional style. The highlights are the Skatalites tracks,
the Jump With Joey tracks, and the Hepcat song.
Oasis - Be Here Now
These Mancunian louts can do no wrong in my book.
Ultimate Fakebook - Electric Kissing Parties
Quite simply, the finest power-pop record you'll hear this year. Imagine Weezer,
Cheap Trick, Pavement, and Guided By Voices tossed into a blender and mixed into a
frothy, delicious taste treat. Perfect.
Smoking Popes -
One of my favorite records of the year. Morrissey's favorite band from the U.S. Give
this a listen.
Chemical Brothers - Live At The Social Vol. 1
This is a cool CD of the Chemical Brothers mixing at The Social one night. It's a cool
mix of classic hip-hop and dance tracks. Picked this one up in a bargain bin for 9
bucks...normally 29 bucks. Well worth it.
The Pietasters - Willis
This is their best album to date, mixing ska with soul and garage rock. Check out the
first track, "Crazy Monkey Woman." It's fantastic.
To the top:
Jason A. Tinkey:
Pulp - Different Class
Been listening to this a lot as of late, seems to fit just about any mood that I'm
in..
The Smugglers - Wet Pants Club
Picked up a copy of this recently (a Spanish import, no less!), and I like it a lot!.
James Brown - Live at the Apollo 1962
How could it not be on anybody's list? Easily one of the best albums ever..
Oasis - "Talk Tonight" When I was Born for the 7th Time
The infamous b-side...I've just been in a really dumb sentimental mood lately, which
also accounts for....
The Jam - "English Rose"
I know it's sappy. I know it's cheesy. I just don't care right now..
Miles Davis - "Kind of Blue"
What do I need to say about this?.
Throwing Muses - University
A recent rediscovery. I found this tape when I was cleaning my room a couple weeks
ago, and it's become my ubiquitous driving music. When Kristin Hersh sings "You sold my
clothes to those girls," I just find it really funny..
Cornershop -
One of my more recent purchases, and I'll be damned if it isn't one of the catchiest
albums I've heard in a long time..
Velvet Underground - Loaded
Ah, Lou Reed. In my opinion, their best album.
Style Council - Internationalists
I don't know what the general consensus regarding this album is, but I really like
it.
To the top:
Mark
Sandon:
Chuck Jackson - I've Got To Be Strong - Wand - WND1142.
Another new 45, great singer, great track.
Z Z Hill - No More Doggin - Kent - 45x444.
Great Soul sound from the Kent label.
The Circles - Circles - Graduate - GRAD17.
Released in 1986 but recorded in 79. Great Revival sound - but not a
cover of The Who track as is often mistakenly spouted. Now very
collectable & pricey.
Small Faces - Green Circles CD - first Immediate LP rereleased in CD
format by Sequel. Amazing what some creative freedom did for this band.
Art Wood's Quiet Melon CD -
Three tracker from what happened to the Small Faces, Rod Stewart & Art Wood
between the Small Faces & The Faces. Raunchy RnB by Britains favourite RnB'ers.
Various Artists - Blue Note Rare Grooves CD
including tracks by Reuben Wilson, Jack McDuff & Jimmy McGriff. Highly recommended.
Capital Rare - Funky Notes From The West Coast Vol. 2
Another excellent compilation CD.
Les Fleurs De Lys - Reflections 1965 : 69 - CD format.
Unbelievable CD includes Circles (yes, a cover of the Who's version), Mud
In Your Eye & Hold On (twice - different versions). English Mod/Freakbeat
into Psychedelia at it's very best.
VA - Mod Jazz - Kent.
Brilliant CD if only for The Seventh Son by Mose Allison.
To the top:
Eamon:
Lord Creator - Kingston Town
Okay, okay, so it's his best known song. Sue me. Visions of my love, a
sandy beach, a cool tropical breeze... Kingston Town.
Tyrone Davis - Can I Change My Mind?
Sometimes I think we all wish we could start over again.
Sam & Dave - Hold On, I'm Coming
When I was a kid, I had a plastic fish named Salmon Dave. I really like
soul music.
The Paragons - I Want To Go Back Green Onions
This song gives me the creeps. I want to go, but i hate to leave you...
The Wailing Wailers - Jailhouse
Everything you wanted to know about rude, rude peegos, summed up in a syrupy
blend of rocksteady with a touch of harmony.
Al Green - Let's Stay Together
How come soul is the only type of music that a man can come off as sensitive
& caring and still not be a wimp?
Derrick Morgan - The Hop
He went to the hop, to have himself some fun... Little did he know what lay
in store for him!
Booker T & the MGs -
I'm probably the only person who knows what this song is about. No, really.
The
Adjusters - The Politics of Style
These guys are very dear to my wife & I, as they are, in our collective
opinion, the only good ska band playing (except Deals Gone Bad, but they
haven't realeased anything.) Wow! You mean ska was really inspired by
soul?! whoa!!
The Makers - All Night Riot!
The Makers: 1) Dress Sharp (which isn't why I like them). 2) Rock Out
(which is why I do). I picked this of these hyper-prolific hoodlums' many
releases due to the inclusion of the hit song, "4 button suit."
Additional comments:
I know there are only two actual "records" listed, but ska & soul were
driven by singles, and its a waste of my time & yours if i listed the dumb
ol' B-side to every 45 listed, buddy. Notice the VERY intentional exclusion
of the decidedly un-mod "Verve." Sorry, guys.
To the top:
Andrew Mccullough:
Electric Banana - Blow Your Mind
Lavender Grove - When I Was Young
Radiohead - OK Computer
Brian Jonestown Massacre - Take It From The Man
Mansun - Attack of the Grey Lantern
Cornershop - When I Was Born the 7th Time
Ocean Color Scene - Traveller's Tune
Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters
Jamiroquai - Emergency on Planet Earth
Apollo Four Forty - Electro-Glide In Blue
To the top:
Lady Shannon Caddigan:
Clancy Eccles - "Feel the Rhythm"
Clancy is brilliant. From his own tailor made suits,earning him the nickname
the "tailor", to his politics and involvement with Michael Manley and the PNP.
He turned out the best reggae. Ever.
The Maytals - "Blah, Blah, Blah"
Fredrick and the gang produced a lovely record of sweet songs ranging from
gospel, to soul, to reggae in such a fine tuned way. A definite must!
Otis Redding - "I've been loving you too long (to stop now)
What can I say? It's otis!!!!
Derrick Morgan - "I am the ruler" "I'm So Young"
I like his music and seems to be overlooked by most people. Yes, he has done
something other than "moonhop"
Eric "Monty" morris - My lonely Days
This Clancy Eccles produced number was a hit in Jamaica. No wonder why Eccles
and Morris were number one.
Sam & Dave - "Hold on, I'm coming"
A fantastic Soul number for this fantastic girl.
Blues Busters - "I don't know"
Once again, soul and r&b influenced the islanders! Great soul tune done the JA
way.
The Students -
If any of you guys have seen John Water's "Crybaby" then you have heard this
boss r&b tune led by a pre-pubescent boy...(gotta admire that falsetto! even I
can't sing that high!)
The Marvelows - "I do"
"do-do-do" I really dig this song. for some strange reason it reminds me of my
husband, Eamon.
The Adjusters - "The Politics of
Style"
The only 3rd wave band I dig! Conjuring up amazing tunes of soul, ska, and
reggae, the Adjusters perform ska the TRUE jamaican way..so much their forefathers
would be proud. Playing soul tunes, "MInnieskirt Minnie" and giving shout outs to
Clancy Eccles, the Adjusters are the greatest band today.
Additional comments:
yeah, some one try to beat this list!
To the top:
Stacey:
The Move - The Early Years
Just picked up this little gem of a CD. It's a French import and it has 20 songs
on it. A friend recently got me hooked on this band and this is the first CD I've
been able to find by them It's brilliant!
The Interpreters - Back in the USSA
You wouldn't know that these guys were from Philadelphia!!! This is their debut
album and I think it's a cross between the Kinks and the Clash. I can't get it
out of my CD player.
Kula Shaker - "K"
This album has been described as "a treasure trove of late '60s gems, as if nuggets
had been plucked by a psychedelic magpie during a dream-like sift through an old
record collection". I couldn't have said it any better myself.
To the top:
Brian Poust:
Jane Birkin - Jane B
Portishead fans take note! From the genious mind of Serge Gainsbourg, this
is the flip to his banned hit "Je T'aime...Moi Non Plus". Heavy on the
bass, I can't listen to this an possibly imagine that Serge wasn't an
influence on the "Bristol" sound of 30 years later.
Soundtrack - The Bobo
This Peter Sellers classic film also has a fine soundtrack full of
wonderful bossa nova, even featuring the vocal, er, talents of Peter
Sellers. Actually, he wasn't that dreadful a vocalist. Regardless, this
is an overlooked must have for soundtrack collectors.
D Corell Tea Time Ensemble - A Quick One For Sanity
This is the flip to Beverly's "Museum" 45 on Deram, and is a Hammond soaked
instrumental that is sure to knock you out. Request it at a dance floor
near you.
The Riot Squad - I Wanna Talk About My Baby
I played this for my now ex-boss at work (see last month's Joe Tex entry,
but don't worry, he's just moved to another department) and he swore it was
a Georgie Fame track! This sounds odd to hear from the Riot Squad, but
this is my favorite of their songs at the moment. Sheer pop brilliance.
The Truth - Hey Gyp
My exposure to this group has been limited thus far, and I wouldn't
classify them as very consistant based on what I've heard. However, this
45 absolutely knocks me out. But, it's on Deram, so I guess I should have
expected to dig it.
The Daily Flash - Jack of Diamonds
This is compiled on one of the Highs In the Mid Sixties comps that I don't
own, but boy had I been missing out before I found this 45!!! This is an
absolutely blinding slice of manic harmonica driven, if you can imagine it,
psych/r&b. It could be described better I'm sure, but one thing's certain,
it must be heard to believe. They were from Seattle, by the way.
Los Bravos - Bring A Little Lovin'
Basically, they took a great Easybeats song and made it even better. The
flip side may even turn up on next month's list. "Black Is Black" may be
forgettable at best, but there are at least 3 45's worth hunting down by
this bunch from Spain.
Little Willie John - Leave My Kitten Alone
A very well known song covered by eveyone from Elvis Costello on down the
line, but I was estatic to finally pick up Little Willie John's recording
on 45 (King) for next to nothing at a recent record show.
Quant - Sleep People (?)
I'm not sure of the title of this yet, but man, I hope it won't be long
before we all do. A friend just played me the demo for Quant's forthcoming
45, with an Atlanta native in the group (the band calls Streatham home) and ex
members of the Clique. Outstanding stuff! Backwards sitar, a great driving beat
and strong female vocals. I imagine it will be in the next Detour catalogue?
Bobby "Blue" Bland - Honey Child
There are countless examples of Bobby Bland's genious, and I can't say anything
that hasn't already been said. This just happens to be the song of his I'm digging
the most at the moment, from a Duke 45. It's just a great tune, very boogaloo
inducing.
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