Menahan Street Band - There's A New Day Coming/Tommy Don't 7" (Dunham Records)(2019)

 

Menahan Street Band with another great release but it is way too short! It left me wanting more. Check out There's A New Day Coming. Top shelf. This is released in conjunction with Daptone Records. So, you know it is good. B side is good as well.

Thee Illusions - Baby Don't (Waste My Time)/Will You Love My Child 7" (Black Bird Records)(2022)

 

Thee Illusions with a solid release. Not as catchy as I hoped but worth exploring more. The B side, Will You Love My Child is the better side. Need to explore this label more.

Vicky Tafoya - The Moment/Love Don't Treat You Fair 7" (Penrose Records)(2023)

 

Very bluesy offering from Vicky Tafoya. Check out The Moment. 

Pugwash - The Pugwash Singles Club (self-released)(2024)

 

Sometimes you find an artist that has such a mastery of melody that you wished everyone could enjoy them. Thomas Walsh aka "Pugwash" is that type of artist. This compilation was put together for a U.S. West Coast tour in 2024. It is brilliant. So many good songs and so many melodies. This is the real deal folks. Pugwash is pop. Check out Fall Down

Fleet Foxes - A Very Lonely Solstice (Anti)(2022)(CD)

 

Fleet Foxes just seems to calm me. I have mentioned this before but their music sets a beautiful mood for the mind and soul. It is a music that one should listen to on headphones in your dark room. Another gem. This is from 2022.  Listen to Tiger Mountain Peasant Song from this release.

Various - Pour A Little Sugar On It: The Chewy Chewy Sound of American Bubblegum 1966-1971 (Grapefruit USA)(2024)(3 x CD)

 

Great concept and idea. I had really high hopes for this compilation but for some reason it left me a little cold. Not sure what is wrong. The songs are melodic and are exactly what you would expect. The quality is good. It is not that it is bad. But the songs and the CDs when played all the way through left me a little bored. Maybe I need to listen to this box set a third time.  I did like the Cuff Links - Tracey a lot! I wish I was more excited about this box set.

Willie West & The Soul Investigators/The Soul Investigators - After the Storm/Instrumental 7" (Timmion Records)(2016)

 

This is the second 7" 45 from Timmion Records out of Helsinki, Finland that i have tried out and it is a cracker. Original release in 2016. If you like soul music, you are going to like this 45. The B-side is an instrumental of the A-side featuring the The Soul Investigators which may be the Timmion Records house band(?). Check out the song here.

Creole and Chinafrica - Journey from Creation 1975-1985 (Deeper Knowledge Records)(2023)

DKR Records with another great addition to reggae collections worldwide. Most serious reggae music fans are familiar with Creole through their various 45s in the 70s. In this collection, DKR gathers singles from the 1970s and 80s in one place and also adds a second LP of the dubs/versions. What is new to me is that Creole was also known as China-frica. The China-frica sound was a bit more of a fusion reggae sound and much of it was recorded in New York with the master Philip Smart engineering. Don't be scared away. The 'reggae/rock" fusion works well. 

This is a crucial collection. Tip of the hat to DKR. Check out Creole's version of Moving Away.

Dennis Brown - No Man Is An Island (Studio One)(2024)(LP Reissue/Remastered)

 New reissue and remastered Studio One albums! Every reggae person should have this record so I won't spend time on the music-it is classic. The key part is that this pressing is super clean. Forever, buying Studio One LPs was always a crap shoot because they often came pressed in 'rough' conditions - "Under duress" may be best way to describe the awful pressings that one would get when buying Studio One LPs. Well, this 2024 reissue of the 1970 release by Dennis Brown is worth having just to be able to hear the music clearly. I am sure some collectors will find fault with this reissue and remaster but that is ok...get it anyway...the music sounds good and you probably need a second copy!

Billy Tibbals - Stay Teenage (Silver Arrow Records)(12" 45 rpm)(2022)

 

Billy Tibbals released this 12" single back in 2022, and I am getting to it now. I do not know much about Tibbals, aside from the hype of heard around the internet about him. He is classified as a 'power-pop' but it is more than that. While he is a new artist, this 12" single sounds like Billy Tibbals recorded this in the 70s. To be frank, this sounds a bit glam at times. I would even say he sounds a bit "British".  In other words, this record does not sound like a straight-forward American power pop record. That is not a bad thing. If you like your music melodic, then you need to keep your eye on Billy Tibbals. For a taste of what I mean, check out the last cut on this 12" single Foreverland.

Various - Penrose Showcase Vol. II (Penrose)(2024)(LP)

 

If you are not keeping up with the Penrose 45s as they come out, then get this compilation from one of the premier soul labels in the U.S. Classic soul music made today! This is from 2024. I picked up mine a while ago but I decided to open this up and put on the turntable. 

Los Yesterdays - Who Made You You/Louie Louie 7" (Penrose Records)(2023)

 

Another gem from Los Yesterdays. Who Made You You is has that classic old-school soul feel. Just beautiful. Take a listen. The B side is the rock'n'roll classic (by R. Berry) but imagine if it had originally been recorded as a soul song and you were driving down the boulevard on a Saturday night. Excellent. 

Pale Jay - In Your Corner/Bewilderment 7" (Karma Chief)(2024)

 

Great single from Pale Jay! Don't know much about this artist but the mood of the A side is just perfect. This is from 2024. Check it out here. The arrangement is great and the strings. Oh my, I need to check out more of this groove from Pale Jay!

Taitu Riddim Force meets Dub Creator - Dub Blessings/More Blessings 7" (Taitu Records)(2025)

Here are two dub version of "His Blessings" reviewed just below. Available on Bandcamp from Taitu Records. Dub Creator on the mix with Taitu Riddim Force (Mafia/Fluxy/Bubbler/Mikey Chung). Very good modern roots from Amanda at Taitu. More information on the Bandcamp page. These 45s are a must for any fan of serious roots music.
 

Rominal feat. Xana Romeo / Addis Pablo - His Blessings / Blessings Melodica 7" (Taitu)(2025 pressing)

From the Taitu Bandcamp page: "The ever-tough "Live In Love" riddim of Hugh Mundell and Augustus Pablo fame rides again with a vocal from the Romeo siblings, Melodica cut by Addis Pablo"  Mafia and Fluxy, Bubbler, and Mikey Chung on the riddim. From 2015(?)

Great release from Amanda at Taitu. Taitu releases prime roots music. You should get this. Check out Taitu Records on Bandcamp. 

Thee Sacred Souls - Running Away/Loves Comes Easy 7" (Penrose)(2023)

 

Thee Sacred Souls are world class in the new soul scene. Running Away is an uptempo song with sweet vocals on top. Love the sharp back-up vocals. The B side is a slow burn soul lament of the old school type. Great single. From 2023. Listen to Love Comes Easy is here

Fred/Instrumental Band - Love Can Last Forever/Love Can Last Forever 7" (Stylart Records)(2020)

 

Slow burn soul release on the Stylart label.  New soul music from Fred. Nice horn chart. B side is an instrumental version of the same song. Here is a taste of the vocal side. This is my first purchase of 45s from the Timmion label out of Helsinki, Finland. More to come!

Various - How Is The Air Up There? 80 Mod, Soul, RnB, and Freakbeat Nuggets from Down Under (RPM Records)(2018)(3 CD Box Set)

 

Wow..this is great! All the bands and songs are from New Zealand (NZ). While NZ was also enamored of The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Pretty Things, The Kinks, and Manfred Mann all toured NZ in quick succession. As such, NZ bands from the 60s tend to be fuzzier, dirtier, and grungier than other music scenes. So, if you like 60s garage on the crunchy side, you will like this a lot. A must buy for anyone into 60s dirtier side!

Hemsley Morris - You Think I'M A Fool/Ernest Ranglin - Heart Beat 7" (Clancy's)(2023)Europe

 

Rocksteady music from 1968(?) but released in 2023. Can't tell if this is a reissue or newly released. Hemsley Morris has a nice voice and rides the Hot Milk riddim well. Reggae fans will recognize the riddim. B side is an instrumental of the riddim credited to guitarist Ernest Ranglin. Good release. Get it. Check out Hemsley Morris here.

Ras Talent - African Trap/African Trap Version 7" (I Aim, I Destiny, I Jah) (2022) Euro reissue

 

2022 reissue of a 1980 release by Ras Talent. Straightforward roots tune. Not a barn burner. Version side is the better side. I give this a C. There are better roots tune from the era available. Check it out here.

Various - parasol's sweet sixteen volume 1 (Parasol Records) (2000) CD

 

Parasol Records is legendary in the pop music community. They have consistently released great, melodic rock, pop, indie music for years. This is volume 1 of a series of compilations they released. This is from 2000. It has now been 25 years since they came out, yet it still sounds good because melodies are eternal. Parasol was a label that turned me on June and the Exit Wounds - I Can See You

I am trying to get all volumes!

Wellesley Braham - Never Get Weary/Version 7" (Love Love Love) reissue 2023

 

Great late 70s roots reggae tune. I have heard this 45 on mix tapes and on the radio but thanks to the good folks at TRS Records, I now have my own copy.  European reissue. At one time, all reggae sounded this good. This is a must. Check it out here. 

Various - Bad Education - Vol. 1: Soul Hits of Timmion Records (2019)(Timmion Records)(CD)

 

Timmion Records is a soul/funk label based out of Helsinki, Finland. This is a compilation of some music that is on that label. If you like your soul music with a 60s and 70s vibe, then go find this release. If you are familiar with Daptone Records and or Penrose Records, then this release will suit you. Top notch, new-soul. Check out. Willie West - I'm A Still A Man. No, this is not in Finnish. This plain old soul music. : )

Peach and Lee - Not For Sale 1965-1975 (Kool Kat Records) (2024) (CD)

 

Wow. Just a tremendous release. Great Midwest (Iowa) pop music. At times, it reminds me of The Raspberries. Definitely has a strong Beatle influence as well. Any fan of melodic pop music should get this. Listen to this for a taste. Paradise

Various - Jah Children Invasion Vol. 6: Digital Dawn (Wackies)(2024)(LP)

 

From the good folks at Deeper Knowledge (or aka "Digikiller"), we have a new selection of Wackies music but this time in a purely digital style. Solid set of digital releases from some legendary reggae performers including Horace Andy, Milton Henry, Jackie Mittoo, and Chris Wayne. I do not think this is available in CD format so you need to buy the LP.

This LP includes an interesting version of the Bobby Caldwell classic, "What You Won't Do For Love", by Wayne Chin. It works in a digital reggae style. The stand-out track for me is from Milton Henry with "Make it Right". Milton has such a smooth voice.  I would recommend this LP for advanced reggae music listeners only.

Various - What A Groovy Day: The British Sunshine Pop Sound 1967-1972 (Grapefruit Records)(2023)(3CD Box Set)

 Another gem from Grapefruit Records. This 3 CD box set is focused on British bubblegum and sunshine pop from the late 60s to early 70s. These CDs really capture a vibe. From the liner notes we find out that the term 'sunshine pop' was created by a Record Collector editor! Yes, a magazine editor. Apparently, the tag of 'harmony pop' was considered too bland. What was harmony pop? Well, from a U.S. perspective it was the sound of the Beach Boys, The Association, The Mamas & Papas, and The 5th Dimension. This box set is a collection of harmony pop, sunshine pop, and bubblegum pop from a British perspective.  Definitely worth getting if you like melodic music and you enjoy vocal harmonies...but with a British accent! Need a taste? Check out Harmony Grass - What A Groovy Day  How about Barbara Moore - Fly Paradise.

Various - Come To My World: A Brief History of Indie-pop 1985-2023 (Two Piers)(2024)(CD)(UK Import)

 

Wow, a nice collection of indie-pop from the UK. Check out the line-up of bands and songs below. From what I can tell, this seems to be the selection of three individuals that looked deep into their own collections and tried to capture some the Indie-pop sounds from this very broad era (1985-2023!). It is excellent. Note-this is not power pop. This is more of a jingly-jangly set. All is good! Check out Blueboy's - Meet Johnny Ray to get a sense of the style and sound. 

One good thing to note. These selectors state that their is tons more bands and songs out there so maybe we get more volumes(?) Hope so!

The Verve - A Northern Soul (Vernon Yard Recordings)(1995)(CD)

 

I am a big fan of Richard Ashcroft's solo work but I missed out on his band, The Verve. I should not have. This first album is a stone-cold killer. This album reminds me of when Britpop was a thing and it was glorious. Great songs, great mood, and great album. A must. Best song, among many, is History. Need to get all their albums.

Deep Sea Diver - Billboard Heart (SubPop)(2025)(CD)

 

I am a fan of Deep Sea Diver. Full stop. Deep Sea Diver is the music outlet for Jessica Dobson (ex Beck. Shins guitarist among other gigs). I think Jessica is very talented and this album has some great melodies and guitar hooks. Some critics have described this album as a little 'quirky'(?). I don't hear that. I hear a songwriter in her prime. Actually, she has been in her prime for a while. This release is on SubPop and it fits for me. Legendary label and soon to be legendary band.

By the way, Deep Sea Diver is tremendous live. Check out the various YouTube vids of this tour. I think the show I attended at the Belly Up Tavern in San Diego is online in its entirety. Check out this great single, Billboard Heart. 

Various - Northern Soul Collector! (Outta Sight Soul Essentials)(2011)(CD)

 

Having friends that are into music is a joy. I posted on Facebook not too long ago on recommendations of some good Northern Soul labels that may have fallen under my radar. Sure enough, Mr Gordy told me about the Outta Sight label from the UK. The Outta Sight Soul Essentials is a series that seems to be devoted to the type of music that I want to learn more about. The first one up for me is a set of CDs called Northern Soul Collector! This is Vol. 1. Check out Gladys Knight and the Pips with Stop Get A Hold of Myself. Another must buy. On to Vol 2.

Various Artists - Atlantic 1 (Dr Bird)(2023)(2 CD)

Another great reissue of an important Trojan album, originally released in 1975. This version includes a ton of new tracks so that we have a fantastic 2 CD set. Atlantic 1 focuses on the works of producer Alvin "GG" Ranglin. This LP was the second of two aviation themed albums that Trojan put out. For those hardcore fans, the first LP was "Reggae Flight 404" and it has also been reissued and expanded by Dr Bird. 

The number of legendary reggae singers and groups featured on Atlantic 1 is top-notch. For example, you get to hear early releases by Ronnie Davis, Gregory Isaacs, The Meditations, Freddie McKay, and The Maytones. You also will find a great release by the less well known (but still crucial) The Blue Bells - Call Me Teacher. This 2 CD release comes with an informative booklet that provides some context of the music and the times. A must buy. A good reflection of early to mid 70s reggae music in JA.