Ras Teo - Celestial Rockers (Zion High Productions, 2021)(LP)

 Modern roots reggae artist Ras Teo is new to me. I have been greatly anticipating this release because many serious roots reggae music lovers recommended him to me, and I needed some fresh reggae in my diet. After hearing this release, I get the hype. The production of this records reminds me of those great roots reggae albums of the late 70s and very early 80s. In other words, it sounds authentic. I guess I should not be totally surprised since the fine folks at Zion High are behind this release. You should check out there other releases as well.

Given that this album is in a 'showcase' style, you get the dub right after the song. Put differently, the album consists of 4 songs and 4 dubs. If you do not like this album you do not like reggae music. 'Nuff said. More like this from Ras Teo will be highly welcomed!

The Undertones - West Bank Songs 1978-1983 (A Best Of) (LP, 2020)

From Derry in Northern Ireland, The Undertones is one of those treasures that came out of that initial punk rock wave of the late 1970s. Today, if this band was around, they would be considered a power pop or pop punk band. However, back then, it was all just 'punk'. Melodic as hello. Musically, they are more similar to The Buzzcocks than The Clash. Go on YouTube and check out the songs, Teenage Kicks or My Perfect Cousin. If you like that you will love this compilation. 
 

Various Artists - Scared To Get Happy (A Story of Indie-pop 1980-1989) 5-CDs (2013)

Wow, I missed this but happy to have this in my collection now. The sounds of '80s indie-pop in the U.K. So much music that I have never heard. Interesting as a historical piece but also for the music found inside. If you like the idea of the 3 minute pop song, then get this. I bought it directly from Cherry Red Records.

 

Rockin' Horse - Yes It Is (1971, You Are The Cosmos - Reissue 2022)(LP)

 Finally! Decades after hearing about this legendary album, the Spanish label, You Are The Cosmos, has re-issued one of the greatest Beatles-influenced pop albums of all time. Back in 1971, the Liverpool-based Rockin' Horse released this album of guitar pop music that has taken on legendary status due to how hard it is to find. Well, now we can all get it and you should. The hype is real. This is a very good album. Listening to this album now is given me similar feeling as the time when I first heard Big Star in the early 80s. In other words, where have you been all my life?! You will play this often!  

Orange Peels - Trespassing (Minty Fresh) (LP, 2018)

 

It is hard to describe Orange Peels. There is a "lushness" to their sound that is unlike other bands. They never disappoint. If you like your melodic pop with sophistication and warmth then this band is probably for you. Trespassing is their seventh album (according to Discogs). They are masters at what they do. It is worth getting everything by them. To get a sense of their sound try the opening track, Camera 2

Creole - Fishers of Man/ Walls of Jericho - 12" 45 rpm (China-Frica - DKR-217) (2021)

 Bond Export has released a solid 12" by Creole. Creole's earlier 45 rpm from 1978,  "Beware", has floated around for years and was readily available a while back. That single was fairly popular as a repress. This single, however, is new to me. The B side, Walls of Jericho, is a quality cut and the better of the two sides. Walls of Jericho starts off fast and uptempo but then shifts downs a gear to a solid roots skank with a piercing horn chart that sounds a wee bit off key. In other words, it is perfect! The A side, Fishers of Man,  is solid but does not capture me as much as the B-side. Overall, a good release and worthy of a place in your roots reggae box. 

Small Faces - Live 1966 (Nice Records) (CD, 2021)

What a treat! I just read about this release in Shindig (the magazine). This CD contains two live shows that were recorded on January 9, 1966 at the Twenty Club in Mouscron, Belgium. It is the earliest recordings of the band in existence.

The band is tight and confident. The groove these guys had when they played live was something else. The RnB influence is front and center and Steve Marriott's vocals are bluesy and passionate. No teenybopper music here!  The lucky few that attended these shows must have been a sweaty mess at the end. This is a must have for any fan of the Small Faces or any fan of 60s British RnB.

Only one bit of warning. The tape is old and has some "lo-fi" moments. In other words, don't expect to hear something as clear as what you would hear from a more recent release. 

 

Various Artists – Across The Great Divide: Getting It Together In The Country 1968-74 (Grapefruit Records, 2019) (3CD box set)

 

The three albums of "country-rock" music that were released in the late 60s serve as the main inspiration for this collection of country-flavored music from British bands during the 1968-74 period. Taking their cue from the albums, The Byrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo, The Band - Music From The Big Pink, and the Crosby, Stills, and Nash album, many British bands traded in their psychedelic-leanings towards a more rootsy, acoustic guitar-based rock. However, in their transition, they kept their sense of 60's pop melodies.       

Some of the bands in this collection will be familiar to all. For example, there are songs by bands like Fairport Convention, Traffic, the Faces, the Hollies, and Procol Harum. Yet, as is true of all Grapefruit Records' box sets, it is the relatively "unknown" bands that make this box set worth buying. Among the highlights (for me) are songs by Cochise (Velvet Mountain), Unicorn (Sleep Song) , and Matthews Southern Comfort (Touch Her If You Can)

Various Artists - NME C86 (Deluxe 3-CD Edition) (2021 reissue) (Cherry Red Records)

 

History lesson! The original C86 was a cassette that was released May 3, 1986 by the British music magazine, New Musical Express (NME). The cassette was released as part of a long running cassette program put out by the magazine. It was the 23rd cassette of the series. The goal of the cassette was to capture a snapshot of the state of indie music in the U.K. Disc 1 of this 3 CD release reproduces the cassette release and features of some indie pop royalty such as Primal Scream, the Soup Dragons, and the Pastels (just to name a few). This Deluxe edition has augmented the original release with 2 additional CDs of music from the era and includes songs from bands like, The Primitives, The Dentists, Biff Bang Pow!, and the Jesus and Mary Chain. 

I missed this cassette when it came out. While I read the NME (usually a week behind since I was in the U.S.), it was hard to find the NME cassette releases in San Diego, CA. Now, because of the good graces of the folks at Cherry Red Records, I am finally able to sit back and enjoy this release and relive the great music of the time. For example, I had never heard this song Therese by the Bodines and it is fantastic! Listen here. A long essay is included as part of this release in a booklet. The booklet provides important context and the history of the bands, people, and record labels from that era. Highly recommended.

Holy Hive - Float Back To You (Big Crown Records) (CD, 2020)

 

Wow, what a find! I picked up Holy Hive's 7 inch single from Big Crown Records not too long ago. I was not really sure what I was buying but I am trying to buy what I can from that label so I just grabbed it. The single was "Broom" (which is the first song on this CD as well). What a great song! The mellow vibe, the falsetto voice, and that little burst of horns is just gorgeous. Take a listen to that song here. If this song feels right to you, then get this album. 

Jah Lloyd/Vin Gordon - 7" Zion Rock/Rebel Rock (reissue, 2017, 1972(o))

 

Reissue of 1972 single. Tight, simple, hypnotic riddim with DJ Jah Lloyd providing a chanting vocal on the A side. Vin Gordon providing horn solo on the B side over the same rhythm. Issued by King Rocky Records and distributed by Deep Roots Record Shop out of France.

African Brothers - 7" Righteous Kingdom/Version (reissue 2020, 1973(o))

Solid 70s roots from the African Brothers. Sounds like Sugar Minott singing lead on this single. If you follow reggae music that will mean something. Reissued by Deep Roots Reggae Shop out of France. Worth getting a copy.

Various Artists - Box Of Pin-Ups: The British Sound of 1965 (3CD, Grapefruit Records, 2021)

 

Tremendous! A great 3CD collection on Grapefruit Records that focuses on the sounds of the U.K. in 1965. Many of the big players are like The Pretty Things, The Yardbirds, The Animals, and The Small Faces. However, you also get fantastic tunes from less well known British groups like The Merseybeats, Bo Street Runners, and The Tomcats (just to name a few). Over 90 songs are included and not really a dud in the batch. In fact, the sequencing over the three CDs is outstanding. Just plug any of these 3 CDs into a player and just let it go. Definitely recommended. 1965 was a great year! Here is a track list: 

The Arch Angel

The Birds - The Collectors' Guide To Rare British Birds (CD, 1999)

 

Not to be confused with the more popular Byrds from Los Angeles, these Birds are from London. Originally named the Thunderbirds, they shortened their name when they were on the same bill as Chris Farlowe, whose backing band was also called the Thunderbirds. In part, The Birds are interesting historically because one of the members of the band was Ronnie Wood - who later went on and played with Jeff Beck, The Faces and, of course, The Rolling Stones. However, even if Ronnie Wood was not in this band, this band would be recognized for their music

The main difference between The Birds and their U.S. "cousins" is that the U.K. version is a loud, "in your face" R&B group. In other words, do not expect any form of "folk rock" on this release.  

This collection contains the 4 singles they released during their existence (1964 - 1967), unreleased demos, and alternate versions. For a taste of The Birds try Say Those Magic Words. 

The Arch Angel

Various Artists - Soul Slabs Vol. 1 (Colemine Records) (LP, 2017)

 

I have always like old soul music. I have been a fan of 60ts and 70ts soul. Within the last year, largely due to be being indoors due to Covid, I have discovered a few current labels and artists that have a passion for this music. Colemine Records out of Ohio is one such label that has been putting out modern soul with a vintage vibe. I have been trying to get my hands on some of their 7'' releases. For example, see that gorgeous cover and look at what is out there to get your hands on!  However, if you do not have the time or the inclination to search for 45s, then picking up the first volume of this label is a must. The music on this 2 LP set is top-notch and it will give a great introduction to some of the music that is being made today. At the very least, buying this album will give you a wonderful shopping list for the future. Here is a taste.

The Rugged Nuggets - Yo Todo Tu Yo

Fairport Convention - s/t (CD, 1968)

 

This CD actually came in a box of 5 CDs that contains the first 5 albums by Fairport Convention. While I have heard about Fairport Convention since I was in my late teens, I never really listened to them. I was a little familiar with their extraordinary guitarist, Richard Thompson - especially through his solo work. However, I had never taken the time to listen to the band even though people told me that I would enjoy them. You know what? I should have listened to my friends. 

This is their first album and I can understand the appeal. Fairport is often characterized as a folk-rock band and that makes sense. This not folk-rock like The Byrds, however. There is something more classic, more traditional, more British about Fairport. To get a taste of what they do, check out Chelsea Morning and then the haunting and beautiful, Sun Shade. Very good stuff.

The Arch Angel

Janelane - Celebrity Crush/Flowers From Athens - Kingfisher Bluez 7" Single (2021)

 

Fantastic 45 by Janelane. Celebrity Crush is a noisy delight of fuzzy guitar power pop. However, the real treat is the dreamy pop of  'Flowers From Athens' on the B-side. Her vocals are so soothing and you fill find yourself hypnotized. A perfect song.

The Arch Angel

Tacumah/Roberto Sanchez - Entaba/Agiti Dub - A Lone Productions 7' single (2021)

 

Some of the best reggae is coming from Spain at the hands of Roberto Sanchez. This 45 introduces me to Tacumah. Don't know much about them aside from liking their gorgeous female harmonies. However, the striking thing about this 45 is the horn section! Roots reggae music with horns 'inna warrior style' is never a bad thing. The dub is solid as well. Definitely a vintage vibe!

Listen here    

The Arch Angel

Ras Teo/Lone Ark Riddim Force - Back A Bush/ Back A Dub - Zion Trod Records, 7" single (2021)

 

A solid piece of modern roots reggae with a vintage vibe from Ras Teo. Ras Teo is backed by the Lone Ark Riddim Force so you know it is going to be solid and pure. This single could have come out in the late 70s or early 80s and people would have bought it and not batted an eye. Need more reggae like this!

Take a taste here

The Arch Angel

The Trampolines - How do we do? (CD, 2000) (Swedish Pop Collection #7)

The Trampolines are amazing. One of those Swedish bands that play exemplary pop music. I was going to say "exemplary Swedish pop" but that is unfair. These guys are just too good. Melodies flow easily from this CD. I was hooked with the opening track, Forgiveness. The next two songs right after are just as good (If You Stay Down and Say If You Will, Say If You Won't), If you like pop music then you should enjoy The Trampolines from Sweden. 

The Arch Angel
 

bob hund - Jag Rear Ut Min Själ! Allt Skall Bort!!! (CD, 1998)(Swedish Pop Collection #6 )

 

One of the great things about buying in bulk is that you find gems that you had no idea existed. I do not know anything about bob hund. There is nobody in the band named "bob hund" so I guess it is not a solo artist. Also, as you may have guessed from the title of the CD, this record is sung entirely in Swedish. So, I have no idea what the songs are about. I have no clue. However, the music on this CD is very good. The band is listed in Discogs as being an "Alternative rock" and that is not unreasonable. Think of angular guitar lines and passionate Swedish vocals. Check out the band playing the second song on the album, Tralala Lilla Mointuss, Kom Hit Ska Du Fa En Puss (Sen Kvaill med Luuk). The next song has that angular sound that is really cool, Helgen V. 48  I also find the song God Dag & Adjo pretty interesting.

I consider this a pretty good score. I may need to explore more from this band. I also I need to brush on my Swedish!

The Arch Angel

Kathleen Edwards - Asking For Flowers (CD, 2008)

 

Kathleen Edwards is a Canadian singer/songwriter from Ottawa, Ontario. Asking For Flowers is her third album. If you were to trying to describe her music you would likely use the term "Americana" (even though she is Canadian) or "Alternative Country". I sort of understand these labels because there is a little bit of a "twang" in her music. For example, listen to I Make The Dough, You Get The Glory. For something less twangy try Oil Man's War. 

Listening to this record makes me feel warm. Kathleen's voice and her music just feels right. For me, Goodnight, California is just perfect. What a mood!

The Arch Angel

Ray Wonder - Superwonder (CD EP 1994) (Swedish Pop Collection, CD #4)

 

More guitar driven pop from Sweden. This is my first time listening to Ray Wonder and it sounds like a glorious mess. What do I mean? Ray Wonder's vocalist strains his throat when he sings but it works with the music. Check out the last song on this CD EP, Pregnant. It works, doesn't it? Good find. I will be interested to hear more from Ray Wonder.

The Merrymakers - Saltwater Drinks (CD Single, 1998) (Swedish Pop Collection CD # 5)

 

The Merrymakers. Well, these guys are legends in the pop world. Anyone that has spent time collecting or really exploring the "power pop" world is going to know all about Sweden's Merrymakers. In fact, I already own this CD single but I do not mind having a second copy at all. 

Frankly, you should try and find all of the Merrymakers' output if you can. You will not be disappointed. Here is a link to the video for Saltwater Drinks for you. You need this.

Track Listing:

1. Saltwater Drinks; 2. Sad; 3. Saltwater Drinks (Remix)

The Arch Angel

Various Artists - Rock 'n' Roll Party - vol. 1 Top Rockers From The Past (CD, 2005?)

 

Wow, this red-hot CD is not even listed on Discogs. Maybe I am searchin' incorrectly 'cuz I can't seem to find it. Anyway, this collection is fun and you will find yourself boppin' along to this platter of old 45s. Just put this in the CD player in your car and you are guaranteed to get wherever you are headin' much faster! 

Check out the track listing. Heard of any of these artists or songs before? Yah, neither have I. However, whether these artists were famous or not they are on this CD because their songs rock. Check out this two-fer from Barry Lane- Oh Geronimo & Gettin' Ready for Love.  The version on this CD is much cleaner so don't fret from the scratchiness of the YouTube version. If you liked that then Sonny Lowery's Goodbye baby goodbye will rock your world. Do I sound excited? I am because this music makes me smile because it is so pure. Enjoy.  The Arch Angel

Popsicle - Template (CD 1992) (Swedish Pop Collection CD #3)

 

Popsicle! This is really bright, guitar driven pop. This CD kinda reminds me of the Posies' Frosting on the Beater-era. Melodic but loud guitars. Noisy but pretty. This release is listed as a mini-album on Discogs. 

Discogs has a good description of what I am hearing on this mini-album

The songs were written by Norberg and Mattsson and was initially influenced by British guitar-based shoegazer band My Bloody Valentine and Ride. Popsicle may have laid the foundations of the Swedish indie scene, but it was not until four years later as the band played through to a wider audience, that they had their biggest hit - the single "Not Forever" from the self-titled third album 

For me think more Ride than My Bloody Valentine but the description is not too far off the mark. Overall, the songs are good and if you like the last song of six, Never Know, you will enjoy the whole disc. This is worth the search! 

Track Listing:

1. ten 2. wonderful 3. blow up 4. further 5. loveflies 6. never know

The Arch Angel

Sweet Chariots - Beat Based / Song Centered / Spirit Led (CD 2000) (Swedish Pop Collection, CD #2)

Wow, Sweet Chariots, a great band name. This is from 2000 and has a much more refined pop sound. The album has a more of groove-vibe to it rather than power pop. It is a little different from what I expected but not a bad thing. This band seems more refined and leans more toward sounding British. In other words it doesn't have that typical "Swedish Pop" sound like Eggstone or Leslies. The songs range from All I Want is What I Had to the R&B-tinged Never Gonna Stop. The song Ten Tons of Cargo also caught my ear. As you can hear, this band has a different sound but it is still excellent. This CD was not what I expected but it is good.

The Arch Angel

 

Leslies - Totally Brilliant (CD, 1996) (Swedish Pop Collection CD #1)

 

Ok, so I am starting a new series here. I just purchased a collection of Swedish pop music CDs from a well known and very knowledgeable music collector. While she collects and listens to a wide variety of music, she was well known for her expertise and deep collection of Swedish pop music. The collection became suddenly available and I acted fast before others could strike. I literally sent her a message at 3am and I had a response back at 6am. By 7:30 am we had agreed to a price and I sent the money. Just a few days later, that collection was in my hands. So what follows in this series are my thoughts on the collection. First up, Leslies!

This is my first time listening to the Leslies and I have been missing out. Discogs tells me that this is the band's first album. So what it does it sound like? Well, check out this song, The Lime Song. Why is that when I listen to music like this I think of young guys with fresh haircuts, wearing hip clothes, sipping espressos at an outdoor cafe, and they are all wearing bright-colored cardigan sweaters? This is not an insult. It is just the image when I listen to music like this...there is an innocence to it. Whatever, I love the melodies.

If you like the song linked above you are probably going to like the whole album. To make sure, try the opening track, A Daydream

The album is pretty consistent. If you like great melodies and want to smile a little, Swedish pop almost always works and Leslies first album delivers the goods!

The Arch Angel

Various Artists - Oh! You Pretty Things: Glam Queens and Street Urchins (3 CD Box Set, 2021)

 Almost all of the Grapefruit Records 3CD themed- various artists box sets are tremendous and you should probably own a few. However, if you do not then why not start with this one? This box set concentrates on the "Glam Rock" period of the early 70s in Britain and give us songs from such well known bands like Roxy Music, ELO, Slade, Sweet, and Be Bop Deluxe. However, there are also songs from less popular bands like The Hollywood Brats, Silverhead, The Hammersmith Gorillas, England's Glory, Heavy Metal Kids, and Hard Stuff. There are a bunch more as well. Check out the back of the box set for a track listing!

I was excited by this box set since it would introduce me to bands and music from an era that I did not know that well but sort of lived(?). No, I wasn't a glam rocker. Let me explain. I remember the glam rock era of the early 70s because as a pre-teen I would look at the music magazines on the racks of my local 7-11 or Circle K. In those magazines I would see stories and pictures of bands wearing bright and frilly clothes, make-up, teased-hair just-so, and platform shoes! Imagine being a kid and seeing pictures of Ziggy Stardust, The Sweet, or the New York Dolls. It just wasn't stuff you would see every day out and about, ya know? In addition, the older brothers and sisters of some of my childhood friends listened to this music and had posters of glam rockers on their bedroom walls. Unfortunately, unless some of this music was played on the radio, I did not get to hear the bands pictured in those music magazines or the bands on the posters that featured on Billy's sister's bedroom wall. But now I can!

One of the nice surprises arising from this box set is that you get exposed to some of the prettier music from that era. Check out the songs from artists like Duncan Browne, Simon Turner, and Leo Sayer (yes that Leo Sayer). However, for a more standard glam rock sound check out the Sweet track or the track by Rusty. 

Get this!

For a taste: Leo Sayer - The Dancer or The Sweet - The Six Teens or Rusty - All I Wanna Be

Duncan Browne - Send Me The Bill For Your Friendship

G

Donnie Vie - Beautiful Things (CD, 2019)

 
Donnie Vie, the raspy voiced ex-lead singer of the melodically-gifted Enuff 'Z' Nuff (ENZ), has given us another batch of amazing songs on this hard to find release from 2019. If you like your rock music with catchy hooks and melodies that you will find yourself humming for hours/days after hearing them, then you should run to get this CD. 

Unfortunately, the Vie-era ENZ gets dismissed too easily by some music fans (e.g., power pop fans) because they can't get over ENZ's early 'hair-metal' beginnings. But if you are a fan of Matthew Sweet or some of the other "power-pop" artists that are held in high-esteem, there is no reason why won't love this collection of songs. For me, it is that good. Don't believe me? Check out the title track, Beautiful Things or the Beatleish, Breaking Me Down. 

  

An Introduction and why music is like dirt

 Hi All

Music like dirt! Just like dirt, music is everywhere 😆 Now you know what the title means.

I am going to give this blog another try. I have managed to consolidate all my previous posts here so I feel like I am better organized and that my previous attempts have not been in vain. I hope I stick around. 

To be clear, this is a labor of love. I paid for all the music that I review. I am reviewing or commenting on LPs, CDs, cassettes, and or 45s that I have purchased and own. I provide links so that you can enjoy a taste of what I am describing.

 Enjoy. 

Dr. Boogie - Gotta Get Back to New York City (2015)

 

Wow, this is really good. Dr Boogie is (was?) an LA band that is playing in that glam, RnR/Dolls/Heartbreakers-style. However, there is a some boogie swagger in their sound as well since on some of their songs sound like a Faces/Black Crowes fusion. 

This CD was from 2015 and they do not seem to have much out except a few 45s. I may need to hunt these guys down a bit to see what has happened to them (if anything). Either way, this is an excellent record and if you can find it you should. 

By the way, I got this directly from Dead Beat Records. I was reading their posts on Instagram and they highlighted this so I jump on it. See Dead Beat Records