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.