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