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.