The Plugz - Live from the Kit Kat Club (recorded in Nov 7, 1982) (self released)(2025)(CD)

A fun release. The Plugz live at the Kit Kat Club from November 1982. This is a self release by Tony Marsico, bass player for The Plugz (and the Cruzados, and Bob Dylan, and Matthew Sweet). You can find him in Instagram.

While the band is described as a "Latino punk rock band", this release showcases the band moving beyond that classification. The energy is definitely there but the songs are more developed and maybe hint a little to what the The Cruzados became(?) In any event, this is quite good and worth getting. The Plugz were fairly well known in the Southern California. I think this release shows why. 

Inspiral Carpets - The Complete Singles (Mute)(2023)(3CDs)

 

My first adventure with Inspiral Carpets. The little I had heard of them was great. They had a very 60s feel to them because of that organ sound. A farfisa organ(?) However, buying their records always escaped me for some reason. I sort of forgot about them. However, now that I am a man of 'wealth' (well I have a gift-card), I decided to start with this compilation of singles. Yes, I am missing their deep cuts by starting with this compilation but I thought it would be a good place to start. Verdict? I need to buy all their albums. The 60s sound is there but more importantly they are more melodic than I originally believed. 

Various - The Sound of Young Jamaica (Studio One)(2012)(2CDs)

 

It is always exciting to find a Studio One release that I was not aware of! The LP has has been around for a long time but this 2 CD compilation of The Sound of Young Jamaica is new to these eyes. When I saw it listed at Studio One USA, I immediately added it to my cart.  Note, I do not remember that the original LP had these many songs so I think they added quite a few songs and used the same title as the original LP. 

Ok - the music is classic. Studio One (as many have said) is Sun Records and Motown combined but for Jamaica. Quite the simplification but you get the idea. If you like reggae music, you need this and you should buy it. Classic reggae. 'nuff said. Nothing sounds sweeter and original as Studio One reggae.

The Umbrellas - Fairweather Friend (Slumberland Records)(2024)(CD)

 

There seems to be some really nice guitar pop music being made in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Umbrellas (along with Chime School) have been releasing some great jangly pop. The Umbrellas have two singers: Morgan Alice and Matt Ferrara. I love her vocals and his vocals need a bit more getting used to. It is not that Matt Ferrara's vocals are bad but on some songs his singing style is more of a "talking-style"(?) A deep monotone voice. It is hard for me to describe but on some songs his delivery detracts a little from the great music. When he does actually "sing", the results are fine. Overall, a good record and certainly worth buying. Jangle-pop is not lost! The Umbrellas still wave the flag proudly.

For a taste, check out Goodbye or Echoes 

Creation Rebel - High Above Harlesden 1978-2023 (On-U Sound)(2024)(CD#3 of Box Set)

 

The third disc, Rebel Vibrations, of the box set High Above Harlesden 1978-2023. Solid dub album. Nothing spectacular but worth a listen. I should have paid more attention to Creation Rebel back in the day. Worth having. The rhythms are pretty good but not as good as their second LP, Close Encounters of the Third World from 1978 (2nd CD in the box set).

Various - The Violence Inherent In The System: A NFH Compilation of European Rock'n'Roll Bands (NKVD Records)(1991)(CD)

 

Tremendous collection of European rock'n'roll bands from the very early '90s. I was a big fan of the Noise For Heroes fanzine during this era. I had no idea that they had released this compilation or that they had their own record label. I hope to get my hands on more! However, this CD contains music that is sonically great. No frills, power rock'n'roll with a punky edge. If you are driving around the city and you put this CD on in your car, you may get a speeding ticket. One of my favorite tracks is by the Scuba Drivers, from France, with All Around. If you like that song, you will love the rest of this compilation. Highly recommended.

Various - Wigan Casino Soul Club: Station Road, Wigan 1973-81 (Charly Records)(2013)(CD)

 

I recently attended my first "Northern Soul" night in San Diego. While it does not compare to the original nor to the "Soul Nites' that occur all over the U.K. today, it was still a lot a fun. Over the years I have purchased some good compilations of Northern Soul. Dipping into my collection I pulled this compilation of Station Road, Wigan. For those not in the know, Wigan was one of the centers of Northern Soul in the U.K. This is a 2-CD offering. The first CD is a fantastic compilation of dance floor burners. The second CD is a Tommy Hunt live performance at the Wigan Casino from September, 1975. Great set.

If you want to explore Northern Soul, this is not a bad place to start! Don Thomas -  Come On Train

Crabby Appleton - Go Back The Anthology (Grapefruit Records)(2023)(2-CD)

 

This disc contains the output of Crabby Appleton. Crabby Appleton was led by vocalist/guitarist Michael Fennely, who also served as the main songwriter for the band. Crabby Appleton released two albums in the early 70s, Crabby Appleton, released in June 1970, and Rotten to the Core, released in October 1971. The band basically broke up by the end of 1972. Crabby Appleton's signature song is Go Back which is a great pop song. The rest of the first album contains other great melodic songs that would make any pop music collector want to have it in their collection. The second album was more "classic rock" and blues-based. Not a bad thing but I felt it missed some of the finer melodic pop moments of the first album. In addition to both full albums, this box set includes demos and single versions. Worth getting. Great liner notes that tells the story of the band.

Fleet Foxes - B-sides and Rarities (CD part of First Collection: 2006-2009)(SubPop)(2018)

 

From the box set, Fleet Foxes- First Collection 2006-2009, comes this CD of B-sides and rarities. Again, continuing my journey of the Fleet Foxes catalog. This collection just continues that 'sound' that Fleet Foxes developed on their early releases. Melodic, moody, folky, and at times hypnotic. Another gem from the band and a great collection to add to the Box Set. I enjoyed this basement demo of English House. Enjoy.

Various - Jah Warrior Showcase Vol. 1 (Jah Warrior Records)(1999)(CD)

 

Steve Mosco aka "Jah Warrior" started Jah Warrior Records label in 1995. By 1999 he released his first showcase album. In reggae, a reggae 'showcase' is a release in which the dub version of the song accompanies the vocal version. So, here you get the vocal version and the next track is the dub version of that same song. This release is "Vol 1" is a showcase of Jah Warrior Record productions. 

In the past, I have been quite harsh on 'home-dubbers' but my views changed in the early 2000s. I only came across this release recently but it looks like Jah Warrior was putting out solid roots reggae all the way back in 1999. Good release. Stand out track for me is Tony Roots - See Them A Come. 

Various - Cut Me Deep: A Story of Indie Pop 1985-1989 (Cherry Red Records)(2024)(CD)

 

Massive 4-CD box set that serves as a historical record and a great snapshot of British Indie pop in the mid to late 80s. As usual, most of the music on these type of box sets are by bands I have never heard of so it is fun to explore! For a taste, check out The Jasmine Minks - Cut Me Deep.  Good release

Fleet Foxes - s/t (SubPop)(2008)(CD)

 

My journey of the Fleet Foxes' catalog continues. The first album continues what I expected after hearing the first two EPs. Beautiful, haunting music. Some songs put you in a trance. The perfect music to listen to in the dark with a good set of headphones. What a great debut album. I will listen to more, eagerly.

Various - Crown Jewels Vol. 1(Big Crown Records)(2019)(LP)

 

The first Big Crown Records compilation. Mostly known for their great 7" 45 rpm soul releases, Big Crown has collected a few of them on this great compilation. Not all of it is soul music, but this release is smooth. A joy of a listen. Lots of highlights on this LP. But for me the song that caught my ear immediately, Lady Wray - Guilty. If you like this, you will enjoy the rest as well. 

Various - Gritty 60s Garage & Punk (BeatRocket)(2022)(LP)

 

Excellent...superb...60s garage bands from California...liner notes from Mike Stax..."The grit and grease and grime of the garage can be heard in each of the 17 compiled here, all cooked up in the great state of California"  Nuff said..Check out The Mourning Reign - Satisfaction Guaranteed

Lee "Scratch' Perry Presents Soulful I (The Jamaican Upsetter Singles 1969-70)(Doctor Bird)(2024)(2-CD)

 

What a great historical account! Doctor Bird has collected the Jamaican singles on the Upsetter label for 1969-1970. In addition, this 2 CD collection includes a large amount of version sides credited to The Upsetters. The collection also includes some alternate takes so you get a chance to listen to how certain songs and rhythms evolved. Dr Bird is doing the reggae world a great service. There are other releases by Dr Bird focusing on Lee Perry productions during this time period. I will post more as I listen to them. Here is a taste David Issacs - Since You Are Gone.