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