The Mop Tops - Inside (1995) (Velodrome Records) (Sweden)(Swedish Pop Collection #8)

Another from the Swedish Pop Collection and a CD that I already had. Just superb jangly guitar pop from the mid-90s and Sweden. You can't go wrong. The Mop Tops were well known by the collectors and others deeply involved in the 90s 'pop music' scene. They should have been huge. Very Beatle-esque. If you like bright, jangly guitar pop then these guys are the real deal. Check out, Inside, the second song on the album. A personal fave of mine is Melancholy. 

Worth finding their stuff. 

Bryan Estepa - Subject To Change (Rock Indiana) 2024 CD (Spain)

 

I have a couple of Bryan Estepa CDs in my collection. This is his latest. He never disappoints. He is a master of the pop melody and he really should be a star worldwide. For those of you as old as me, think of someone with the talent of Chris von Sneidern (CVS). The comparison to CVS is not that they sound the same. No, the comparison is really is how I feel when I listen to Bryan's records.  I have the same feeling of wonder and awe as when I first heard CVS. Yeah, I think he is that good. Just listen to Everything You Wanted or Trick Of The Light. Superb.

This appears to be a compilation of songs that Bryan has released digitally between 2020 and 2024. It was released in Spain and Bryan made them available from his website. I mentioned on X that I need to get all of his catalog. It will be well worth the effort.

Purchased Collections

 During the last couple of years I have purchased the CD collection of a well-known collector of pop music but especially Scandinavian bands. Now, in 2024, I am starting to go through this collection. I am going to post my thoughts on these CDs as I play them. I will tag these CD reactions as the "AB Collection" and, where appropriate, "Swedish Pop Collection".  I will number them. Some of the CDs in the collection that I purchased I already owned. AB and I had similar tastes! However, her knowledge and collection of Swedish and Scandinavian pop was superb and envied. Looking forward to reacting to this for you. Enjoy 

Yabby You meets King Tubby - Walls of Jerusalem (Pressure Sounds, 2019) (LP)

 

Pressure Sounds with another quality reissue (with extra tracks). Originally released back in 1976, this classic roots reggae album gets the royal treatment. Definitely a must for any serious reggae listeners.

Yabby You, aka as 'Jesus Dread' for his Christian beliefs, is a massive figure in reggae and his music has a 'spiritual' quality that is unique and it hits hard. I hate to say it but I will anyway, if you don't like Yabby You then you probably do not like reggae music.

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.