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.

Various Artists - Loma Northern Soul: Classics & Revelations 1964-1968 (Kent Soul)(2023)CD

 

"Classic dancers and tape vault discovery exclusives from Warner Brothers' famed label"  Another great compilation on the Kent Soul label.  I am on a Northern Soul kick so I am gobbling up these compilations from solid, well-respected labels. There is a lot! Check out a classic Lies - Bobby Freeman. If it is on Kent Soul, you need to buy it.

Various Artists - Psychedelic Soul: Produced by Norman Whitfield (Kent Soul)(2021)CD

Smooth soul is the key feature of this compilation from the UK on the Kent Soul label. All the songs on this various artists CD were produced by Norman Whitfield. Atmospheric and spacious is how these productions are described by the liner notes. For a taste of what I mean, check out Gladys Knight's Look of Love or Rose Royce with Love Don't Live Here Anymore. I am not sure that sound is psychedelic but this is good, smooth soul that should please anyone that likes quality soul music. My basic rule, if the release is on the Kent label...including Kent Soul....it is a must have.

Ijahman Levi - I Am A Levi/I Am A Levi Part 2 (Jahmani)(2024)(7")

 Another gem from Jah Fingers. Here is a reissue of Ijahman's 'I Am A Levi'. A classic from 1976. The mood that Ijahman obtains on this track is hypnotic and is pure roots reggae.  I can only imagine how it must feel hearing this track blasting over the speakers at a dance as the mood changes to something spiritual. Come listen. Hail up Jah Fingers for your good works. I Am A Levi Note- this may not be the version on the single since I failed to find it but you get the idea!

Morpho - Morpho Season (Hit the North)(2024)(EP 45rpm)

 

Kristyn Chapman's musical outlet is Morpho. This Morpho's debut Morpho Season. Truth be told, I saw Kristyn play guitar/keyboards/vocals for Deep Sea Diver recently on their tour. She was fun to watch because she looked like she was having a blast and her guitar work was brilliant. When I finally found out who she was, I immediately purchased this EP. Man, my instincts were spot on. Melodic guitar driven indie rock bordering on shoegaze. Whatever may be the label, Morpho Season is a great debut and the melodies hit hard. Looking forward to Morpho coming out to Southern California. Just listen to Half of Two. Perfect.