Mr. Suave's 3rd Annual Christmas Modcast Extravaganza

Well, it is Christmas time even if it doesn't really seem like it around Suave HQ. Usually I'm fully into the Christmas spirit by this time of the season, but this year just hasn't done it for me. As will be evidenced by the somewhat ho-ho-humbug attitude of this year's annual Christmas modcast extravaganza. Back to share his despair is Ken from The Shingles. I issued a challenge for him to find better Christmas tracks than I could in several categories including power pop, soul, exotica, jazz and so on. The resulting picks make for a very eclectic show. Hopefully that will be enjoyable for an after dinner moment of relaxation.

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While you're relaxing you might want to enjoy one of our Christmas cocktails. Mine is the Christmas cooler whille Ken favored a hotter drink.

Christmas Cooler
2 parts gin (Hendricks works nicely adding a bit of cool sweetness)
1 part peppermint schnapps
Add to ice in a hi-ball glass, top it off with 7-Up.

Volcano House Hot Buttered Rum (the recipe for which comes courtesy of Rumdood.com)
1.5 oz Rum
.75 oz Sugar
.75 oz Lemon Juice
.25 oz Maraschino
Hot Black Tea
Butter
Place juice, sugar, maraschino, and rum into a pre-heated mug. Add hot tea. Stir and then float the butter. Garnish with lemon peel and cloves.

Enjoy the drinks. Enjoy the show. I'll be back next year with a look back at the best albums of 2011.

Osaka Popstar - The Christmas That Almost Wasn't
Farrah - Santa Don't Go
Solomon Burke - Presents For Christmas
James Brown - Go Power At Christmas Time
Trade Winds - New York's A Lonely Town
Claudine Longet - I Don't Intend To Spend Christmas Without You
Combustible Edison - Christmastime Is Here
Arthur Lyman - Mary's Boy Child
Chet Baker - Winter Wonderland
Kenny Burrell - My Favorite Things
Jamie Cullum - Next Year, Baby
Mel Torme - It Happened In Sun Valley
Darlene Love - Christmas Time For The Jews
Rigby - #Christmas Time
The Jetz - Father Christmas
The Risk - There Ain't No Sanity Clause

Pointed Sticks -- Power Pop Santa

A Double Blast of Christmas Past-- Christmas Modcasts from 2010 & 2008

Christmas is just around the corner, soon to be followed by New Years. I can hardly wait to get out of 2011 and into 2012. Anyhow, here are a couple of mod rockin' Christmas shows from years bygone.

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Modcast #184: Mr. Suave's Mod Rockin' Christmas (2010)

Merry Christmas from Suave HQ. Five days and counting until Christmas, and Mr. Suave's 3rd Annual Swingin' Christmas Extravaganza coming up on Christmas Eve.

In the meantime you'll just have to content yourself with this little show right here. These are not your grandfather's Christmas songs, from Jimmy Severe and His Blue Christmas Boys to The Eels and The Cuban Mistletoe Crisis this hodgepodge of slightly different but cool yule sounds. And there's a few new tracks as well, most notably from Fitz & The Tantrums and The Diplomats of Solid Sound.

If you're looking to have a more punk rawk type Christmas be sure to check out Jimmy Severe's Punk Rock Advent Calendar. Originals and classics, all done in a great '79 punk style.

Jimmy Severe & His Blue Christmas Boys -- Christmas Dream (2009)
The Diplomats Of Solid Sound -- Let It Snow (2010)
Fitz & The Tantrums -- Santa Stole My Lady (2010)
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings -- Ain't No Chimney's In The Projects (2008)
Pointed Sticks -- Power Pop Santa (2008)
The Riptides -- I Can't Have A Merry Christmas (2009)
The Eels -- Christmas Is Going To The Dogs (2000)
Swag -- Everyday Is Christmas (2000)
Parallax Project -- All I Want For Christmas (Is A Chance) (2008)
Julian Casablancas -- I Wish It Was Christmas Today (2009)
The Cuban Misteltoe Crisis -- It's Christmas Time At The Airport Bar (2010)

Listen
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Fitz & The Tantrums -- Santa Stole My Lady

Pointed Sticks -- Power Pop Santa

Mr. Suave's 2008 Christmas Modcast (2008)

It's time for the annual Christmas Modcast. This year's show is a cozy little combination of songs that go well with hot chocolate and peppermint schnapse. I've got a few seasonal surprises for you this year from The Shambles, The Wondermints, The Yobs, Girl Trouble and more. I'm sure you've all got a bunch of online shopping to do and I've got loads of Christmas cocktails to shake up, so on with the show.

• Remington Super 60 -- Here Comes Christmas
  
  
• The Backsliders -- That's How We Do Christmas
  
  
• Girl Trouble -- Christmas Here We Come
  
  
• The DB's -- Holiday Spirit
  
  
• The Wombats -- Is it Christmas?
  
  
• The Shambles -- Warm This Winter
  
  
• The Wondermints -- Ski Party
  
  
• Dressy Bessy -- All The Right Reasons
  
  
• The Yobs -- Rub-A-Dum-Dum
  
  
• Young Fresh Fellows - A Little Town of Bethlehem
  
  
• The Chubbies -- There's Nothing I Want More For Christmas
  
  
• The Andersons -- A Million Dollars For Christmas

Got questions? Want to bitch about something? There are a few options, leave a comment, or search for Rob Suave on Facebook. Or, you can kick it old school and send me an e-mail to rob@mistersuave.com. download

Modcast #219: Power Chords, Harmonies and Mistletoe

Welcome to the mod world, where this week the powerchords really are running wild. Lots of power pop from the mod revival/Britpunk era of the late 70s and early 80s, as well as a few other cool tracks.

I was lucky enough to have a chance to interview my old friend Dean Hoth, who is the lead singer of power pop trio The Eddies. We talked not just about what the band is up to, but more importantly to discuss a new Christmas compilation that is the perfect gift for any and all power pop loving mods out there. Powerchords, Harmonies and Mistletoe, which was just releaased last month by Twist Records and the first pressing has already been sold out. Now hear from Dean about how the album came together, what other mod comps are currently being developed and even hear a few of the songs from the CD.

Listen Now

Ordinary Boys -- Run This Town (2011)
Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use: Power Chords, Harmonies and Mistletoe (an interview with Dean Hoth of The Eddies)
Little Murders -- Christmas (All Over The World)
Yeh Yeh -- To All Who Cant Attend
The Shambles -- Warm This Winter
The Decibels -- Angles We Have Heard On High
Last Stand -- Just A Number (1981)
The new Romans -- Loving Touch (1980)
The Mods -- If You Got To Go (1980)
The Rivvits -- The Girl Next Door (1978)
Tweed -- I Need You (1979)
999 -- Fun Thing (1980)
Acid House Kings -- Windshield (2011)
Sambassadeur -- Days (2010)
Pelle Carlberg -- I Love You, You Imbicile (2007)
Jimmy Cliff -- Ruby Soho (2011)


Ordinary Boys -- Life Will Be The Death Of Me



Sambassadeur -- I can try

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use: Title Tracks

The Title Tracks have produced a nice bit of sixties power pop, seventies punk, eighties mod revival, and nineties indie pop. Those are the common threads that run throughout this release. One of the finer power pop records released this year. If this doesn't make a lot of best of lists after Christmas I'll be surprised.

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use: Title Tracks by mistersuave

Modcast #218: The Mods Are Alright

Welcome to Mr. Suave's mod mod world. If eclectic is your thing then you're in for a treat. From the psychadelic garage rock of Trolley to the very swirly power pop from the aptly named Swirl 360 to the Protones a 90s act that channels 70s power pop pretty damn well, then this week's show is a grabbag of goodies. It's kinda like busting open a mod pinata and suddenly there's all this candy for your ears.

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Trolley -- I Woke Up (2011)
The Orange Peels -- 2020 (2009)
Jack Oblivian -- Girl On The Beach (2011)
Swirl 360 -- Hey Now Now (1998)
The Laynes -- I'm Lost (2011)
Jarvis Humby -- Ain't No Friend Of Mine (2004)
Protones -- The Right Time (To Be In Love) (1998)
The Riots -- Sell Out (2010)
The Oranges -- Love You (2006)
The Shamrock -- The Mods Are Alright (2004)
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings -- What If We All Stopped Paying Taxes? (2011)

The Laynes -- We Got Time



Jarvis Humby - Vampyros Hetros

On Black Friday It's Blur - To The End

Looks like we made it to the end.

Peaches and Herb Struttin' their Stuff in '68

When did these kid split up and then get reunited?

Peaches & Herb - Two Little Kids

Modcast #217: Now With More Fiber!

How much fiber do you need in your diet? Who the hell cares. What you do need a daily dose of is some cool music and this week's modcast fits the bill. A few sharp blasts from the past, as well as a some more contemporary sounds, all making for a well-rounded show.

It starts with a single helping of Sugar Stems, a band I really should have played before now. Including members of the late great all-girl garage rock combo The Flips and The Jetty Boys, the Sugar Stems have a pretty pitch perfect take on sixties influenced power pop. You get a lot of protein power out of Sick Rose -- both old and new, The Candyskins and The Blades. For the main course there's a review of Title Tracks fantastic 2011 release In Blank. You can round it all out with some sweet treats from Sweden, The Tangerines. Who wouldn't want a meal like this everyday?

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Sugar Stems -- Cry Baby
Sick Rose -- Before You Go
Sick Rose -- I Want Love
The Mallrats -- I'd Be Impressed
The Vaccines -- Post Break Up Sex
The Candyskins -- Tired of Being Happy
Mighty Mighty -- Everybody Knows The Monkey
The Blades -- Hot For you
Mr. Suaves Reviews You Can Use: The Title Tracks
Title Tracks -- Shaking Hands
Robbers on High Street -- Shout To The Top
Everything But The Girl -- Each and Everyone
Stone Foundation -- Holy Blue
The Tangerines -- Rock N Roll Girl

Stone Foundation -- Holy Blue


Everything But The Girl -- Don't Leave Me Behind

From The Vaults: Modcast #57 & #58 from 2008

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past, all the way back to 2008. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a couple of classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

---

Listen Now
Download

Modcast #57: The Warmth of The Sun Pt 1

Summer will be officially kicking off this week so I've got a bunch of ... what do you think? Wrong! It's not a bunch of songs with summer in the title. Instead, I'm doing songs that remind me of summer, ar least of summer sun and warmth. You're going to hear a bunch of warm, sugary, summery, pop music that might or might not be twee, but certainly has a bit of the sixties and a bit of power pop going for it. So, enjoy this first episode of songs that benfit from the warmth of the sun. There's a second episode coming soon.

• Ed James -- Welcome to the Show
  
• The Hellers -- It's 74 in San Francisco
  
• The Love Generation - When the Sun Goes Down
  
• The Free Design -- Kites Are Fun
  
• The Postmarks -- Goodbye
  
• The Bicycles -- Two Girls from Montreal
  
• Patience Please -- Unpublished
  
• Would-Be-Goods -- The Camera Loves Me
  
• The Sails -- Best Day
  
• The Loose Salute -- Deathclub
  
• Rivers Cuomo -- Tomorrow

The Would Be Goods -- Le Crocodile

Modcast #58: The Warmth of The Sun Pt 2

This is The Warmth of the Sun, the second in a special two-part ode to the start of summer and really just an excuse to enjoy some more infectious pop music. The sounds here within are all reminiscent of Bacharach, the Beach Boys and even the Beatles. For this show I've got a bunch of great pop songs that will put you in mind of girl groups with a nod to the sixties, some power pop strumming and all smartly done with catchy pop hooks, harmonies and melodies. What could be more welcoming to summer than this?

• Birdie -- Laugh
  
• The Pipettes -- The Burning Ambition Of The Early Diuretics
  
• The Dynette Set -- Seed of Love
  
• The Carrots -- Secret Since '99
  
• Couple -- Gotta Be My Girl
  
• The Boy Least Likely To -- Be Gentle With Me
  
• Acid House Kings -- Tonight is Forever
  
• The Jigsaw Seen -- Jim is the Devil
  
• Fiery Furnaces -- Here Comes The Summer
  
• The Lodger -- My Advice is on Loan
  
• Wolfie -- Hey It's Finally Yay

If you've got rants or raves you can e-mail me at rob@mistersuave.com.


The Lodger -- I love Death

Couple -- Now That I Can See

Bangles - I Want You (Live 1986)

Annual Halloween Modcast #216: No Costume, No Candy

DJ Ken from The Shingles and his trusty Burt Ward, Daren, are on hand to scare the bejeebers out of you. Don't worry they won't do it with heavy metal or gangsta rap.

Listen Now

Me First & The Gimme Gimmes - Science Fiction Double Feature (Are A Drag, 1999)

Agent Orange - Voices (In The Night) (This Is the Voice, 1986)

Little Tibia & the Phibbeans - The Mummy (Mad Monster Party: Official Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1967)

Bleed - The Goon (Monster Party 2000)

Swingin' Neckbreakers - No Costume No Candy (Halloween Hootenanny, 1998)

Creeping Cruds - All Hail the Horror Host (The Incredibly Strange People Who Stopped Living, 2005)

Adverts - Gary Gilmore's Eyes (Anchor Records Single, 1977)

Batlord - Back From The Dead (Death By Woman, 2006)

Birthday Party - Release The Bats (Junkyard, 1982)

Mummies - The Fly (Play Their Own Records, 1992)

Bolshoi - Sunday Morning (Friends, 1986)

Love & Rockets - Haunted When the Minutes Drag (Seventh Dream Of Teenage Heaven, 1985)

Fun Boy Three - The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The Asylum) (Fun Boy Three, 1982)

Action - Shadows And Reflections (Parlophone Single, 1967)

October Country - My Girlfriend Is A Witch (October Country,1968)


Screamin' Jay Hawkins -- "I Put A Spell On You" (live)

Mr. Sauve's Reviews You Can Use: The Perms

Mr Suaves Reviews You Can Use: The Perms by mistersuave

Power pop. indie pop. That sums up The Perms latest album, Sofia Nights perfectly. I've been a fan of The Perms for a few years now, and tt's never been hard to figure out The Perms influences. As usual they echo all across Sofia Nights 10 tracks, sometimes bumping up against each other in the same songs even. The Smithereens. Urge Overkill. Cheap Trick. Even 20/20, The Shoes, and The Paul Collins Beat. The Perms definitely should be listed along side all of these groups. Not because they're derivative, but rather because they are following in their footsteps and making their own mark with guitar driven pop. The band has matured. this is both the perms power pop sound long time fans have grown to love, and it's also the perms who have evolved into a bit edgier band, but still with that innocent feeling goodness I've always enjoyed about their music.

Modcast #215: Live For Today

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World where we've got the power pop ringing loud and clear this week.

Power pop has always been a big part of mod music, right alongside northern soul. And over the years there have been some great power pop bands that hitched their trailer to the mod scene. Since the days of The Who and The Creation, and then later in the mod revival with The Jam, Secret Affair, The Chords and so on. Brit pop of course had a lot of power pop influences and much of the guitar driven indie rock of the 21st century has its roots in power pop.

Coming up on the modcast you'll get some great power pop influenced music from The Crack, Electra, The Corsairs, Sloan, The Rifles, and The Perms. Speaking of which, nestled right there in the middle of the show is another of Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use this time around giving you a taste and feel for The Perms great new album, Sofia Nights.


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Paul Collins Beat -- Hanging Around With You (2011)
Electra -- Heartbreak is for Fools (2010)
Electra -- The Israelites (2011)
The Rifles -- I Get Low (2011)
Woggles -- Sweet Tea (1997)
The Love Kittens -- Come In The Kitchen (196?)
The Primitives -- Crash (1988)
Mr Suaves Reviews You Can Use The Perms
The Perms -- Live For Today (2011)
The Corsairs -- Never Listen (1986)
The Apemen -- Somebody Help Me (1993)
The Crack -- You Keep Running (1989)
Ursula 1000 -- Stinger (2011)
James Taylor Quartet -- Light Up Your Soul (2011)
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra -- Twinkle Star (2011)
Sloan -- Shadow Of Love (2011)


Sloan - The Rest of My Life



Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra -- Pride of Lions

A spooktacular blast from Halloweens past

Halloween is just around the corner so enjoy a couple of spooktacular classic modcasts.

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Modcast #73: It's Spooky Modoween

Happy Mod-o-Ween! Don't be scared this is just Mr. Suave's halloween episode of Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. This week's show is extra spooky, extra creepy, and extra good. If you like sixties infused garage rock with a bit of punkish power pop thrown in then you are going to be in heaven.

• Madness -- I chase the devil
  
• Gorehounds -- Voodoo priest
  
• Groovie Ghoulies -- Daughter of Frankenstein
  
• Dead Kennedys -- Halloween
  
• The Ghastly Ones -- Haulin' Hearse
  
• The B-52s -- Devil in my car
  
• Gravedigger V -- It's spooky
  
• Zombina & The Skeletones -- The grave ... and beyond
  
• The Undertakers -- Born in a graveyard
  
• The Playn Jayn -- Dig my own grave
  
• The Postmarks -- Everyday is Halloween

The Ghastly Ones -- Haulin' Hearse Madness -- I chase the devil

Modcast #107: Monsters A-Go-Go!

Halloween Modcast 2008: Monsters A-Go-Go! Be afraid, be very afraid. Ken from The Shingles is at the controls of the modcast this week and if that doesn't scare you, nothing will. Get haunted.

• Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Phantom of The Opera (Are A Drag, 1999)
  
• The Damned - Wait For The Blackout (Smash It Up: The Anthology 1976-1987, 2002)
  
• Colourfield - Pushing Up Daisies (Virgins And Philistines, 1985)
  
• Bobby Fuller Four - Wolfman (Never To Be Forgotten: The Mustang Years, 1998)
  
• The Woggles - Dracula's Daughter (Monster Party 2000, 2000)
  
• Dead 60s - Ghostfaced Killer (The Dead 60s, 2005)
  
• The Slackers - The Mummy (The Question, 1998)
  
• Deadbolt - Billy's Dead (Voodoo Trucker, 2000)
  
• Swamp Zombies - Creeps (Scratch and Sniff Car Crash, 1990)
  
• The Ghastly Ones - Ghastly Stomp (A-Haunting We Will Go-Go, 1998)
  
• Eddie Angel & The Omega Men - Frankie's Groovy Monster Boots (Monster Party 2000, 2000)
  
• Gene "Bowlegs" Miller - Frankenstein Walk (Legacy of Gene Miller, 1995)
  
• R. Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost In My House (Essential Collection, 2001)
  
• The Kinks - Wicked Annabella (Village Green Preservation Society, 1968)
  
• Ethel Ennis - Mad Monster Party (Mad Monster Party: Official Motion Picture Soundtrack (1998)

Video clip from "Mad Monster Party"-The Mummy!

From The Vaults: Modcasts #27 & #29

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past, all the way back to 2008. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a couple of classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

---

Listen Now
Download



Modcast #27: Coming Tuesday I feel Better
Here's a special episode of Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, featuring songs about the days of the week. Enjoy, and I'll have a new episode for you right away.

Small Faces -- Lazy Sunday
Corduroy -- Don't Wait for Monday
Skyshakers -- A Girl Called Tuesday
Jetset -- Wednesday Girl
The Truth, Thursday Club
The Easybeats -- Friday on My Mind
The Specials -- Friday Night, Saturday Morning
The Jam -- Saturday's Kids
Squire -- Saturday Shopping
The Odds, Saturday Night
The Incredible Moses Leroy -- It's A Sunday

The Easybeats -- Friday on My Mind



Modcast #29: Biff Bang Mod
Welcome to modcast #29. Lots of good stuff this week, including a really cool video from United Future Organization. Now if that ain't mod, I don't know what is! Enjoy the sounds.

The Lambrettas -- Go Steady
The Times -- Biff Bang Pow
The Saints -- I'm Stranded
Thee Mad Lovers -- All My Pseudo Love
Sandra Phillips -- World Withouth Sunshine
Shel Naylor -- It's Gonna Happen Soon
Paulo Apollo Negri -- Can't Get Satisfied
Tony Hatch Orchestra -- Herbin'
United Future Organization -- Cosmic Gypsy
Vibraphonic -- Trust Me
Sloan -- Try To Make It


United Future Airlines -- United Future Organization

From The Vaults: Modcasts #93 and #145

Modcast #93 Just Floating By
In listening, listening and relistening to this week’s Modcast, I have to say I’ve even impressed myself. This is a damn good show. It starts out strong, and it stays that way throughout. Lots of new stuff here from the Baskervilles, Looker, Radio Days, and The Fores, all of which make the show downright unstoppable. The rest of the show is only that much stronger for showing it’s staying power from the likes of The Kinks to Oasis. This is just a little snap shot of my current mod world. Don’t be so jealous, I’m sure you’re nearly as suave in your own way. Enjoy.

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Baskervilles – Have You Seen Them
Looker – Gates of the Old City
The Red Button – Floating By
Oasis – Half the World Away
The Black Hollies – Paisley Pattern
The Fores – Golden Gate
Radio Days – Rock-n-Roll Girl
The Hangmen – Faces
The Rolling Stones – Play With Fire
The Kinks – Groovy Movies
Teenage Head – Top Down

I get e-mail. Can you believe that? If you have a question then just shoot it over to me at rob@mistersuave.com.


Looker -- Bullet Train



The Kinks -- I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight





Modcast #145: Mods Ride Again

I'm back baby. You can't get rid of me that easy. Between guest hosts, and sharing a few of the old shows from the vaults, it seems I haven't done a lot of my modcasting of late. A big shout of thanks to the recent guest hosts who've made me look like such an amateurish hack -- Dan from The New Fidelity (Modcast #140), Neal from Modest Proposal (Modcast #143) and Ken from The Shingles (Modcast #144).

But, I'm back on the beat, Pete. And have I got a show for you. Don't believe me? Just listen in.

Enzo Bontempi -- Bangarang (1968? or 2009?)
The School -- Let It Slip (2008)
New Street Adventure -- Small Town Heroes (2009)
Cool Frog -- Much Than You (2009)
Connett -- Soul Clean (2008)
The Madd -- You Can Be My Baby (2009)
The Cribs -- We Were Aborted (2009)
Nick Gilder -- Got To Get Out (1978)
The Quick -- No No Girl (1976)
Sweet -- Wig Wam Bam (1974)
Graham Day & The Gaolers -- Wanna Smoke (2008)


Italian Spiderman Trailer

Modcast #214: Music To Walk The Dog By

Regular suavesters know that I've got the world's best dog, a yellow lab/red hound mix we call Kali Shiva, after the goddess of destruction. I walk her everyday for 30 minutes or more listening to my iPod. I'm a slave to shuffle. I just flip it on and whatever comes up is what comes up. Music to walk the dog by.

All of this week's songs came up during the past week's walks with the dog. I've taken some liberties in reordering them, but they're honest to dog, dog walking songs. I guarantee you won't need your pooper scooper. No shit in this show.

Listen Now

Iggy Pop -- King of the Dogs
The Vapors -- Waiting for the Weekend
The Agents -- Modern Girl
The Heartbeat -- Why Don't You Dance With Me
The Martial Arts -- Frost
The Lodger -- Falling Down
The Decibels -- Test of Time
The Moving Sounds -- Turning My Heartbeat Up
Neil & Iraiza -- Age 8 & Up
DC Fontana -- You Strip Me Bare
The Knockouts -- She Gets Around
Locksley -- You Were Right About The High
Ripchord -- Heartbreaker
The Shakes -- Sicker
The Brooks -- Once In A While
Julie London -- Mighty Quinn
Michael Quercio -- You and I are the Sunmmertime


Ripchord - Backstabber


Locksley - Why Not Me (Why Can't I Be You)

Graduate (Tears For Fears) - Acting My Age

Graduate was the band 80s new wavers Roland and Curt of Tears For Fears fame originally cut their teeth on.

Modcast #213: For The Win

Welcome to another modcast jam packed with mod friendly songs, every one a winner. Checking in early in the show are two groups whose line-ups measure up alongside the finest bands.

First, Dot Dash from Washington DC, a new power pop combo that is made up of a bunch of old farts, you know guys my age, from some great bands of the past like Modest Proposal, Julie Ocean, Saturday People and Youth Brigade. Dot Dash is sporting e a cool new album, Spark Flame Ember Ashj, just out from canadian record label The Beautiful Music. It's a great bit of power pop, sort of minimalist and post-punkish in its approach, and overall a good listen. Joining them in the first half is The Kik, a new band out of Rotterdam full of old friends. The Kik includes Dave von Raven, the lead singer and guitartist from The Madd, as well as the Arjen Spies lead singer and guitartist from another great beat band, Mark & The Spies. So you know that The Kik are going to be one kick-ass band.

But wait. Listen now and you'll hear even more like The End, The Funseekers, Nervus Rex, Ko & The Knockouts, The Smithereens, The Mods, Popular Spies, The Yardbirds and more. All shots on goal. All scoring. Like I said, this modcat is For The Win.

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Dot Dash -- Learn How To Fly
The Kik -- Here's Hoping
Mark & The Spies -- Something's Gotta Happen
The Madd -- Her Big Man
The Chob -- We're Pretty Quick
Dave & The Diamonds -- Such Is Life
Popular Spies -- Chinatown
The Shades -- Shake It
The Mods -- Sweets For My Sweet
The Maggots -- Nothing But A Heartache
The Rare Breed -- Come And Take A Ride In My Boat
The Smithereens -- I'm Free
Smoove -- I'm A Man
Gaijin A Go-Go -- 1-2-3
The End -- Shades Of Orange
Ko & The Knockouts -- Cry No More
Nervus Rex -- Go-Go Girl
The Funseekers -- I'm With You
The Yardbirds --Baby What's Wrong


The Madd - Good Evening Girl



The Funseekers - Night Train (From "A Northwoods Holiday")

Button Up -- Listen to your heart (beat)

From the Vaults: Modcasts #90 & #91

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past, all the way back to 2008. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a couple of classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

---

Listen Now
Download

Modcast #91: Oh So Pretty
Kicking this show off is the brand new single Supernatural Supercilious from REM. I'm not a big REM fan, but in 1984 they were breaking new ground in power pop to be sure, and here there are 25 or so years later pounding a really great song, one of the best they've produced in a really long time. Got some great stuff for you on this week's modcast including, The Frowning Clouds, The Charms, The Standells, The Expressos, and a little something from the very earliest days in REM's existence. Be sure to check out the bonus videos from The Charms and The Nice down below.

• R.E.M. - Supernatural Superserious
• The Charms - So Romantic
• The Frowning Clouds -- I Can't Say
• The Donnas -- The Safety Dance
• The Nice -- Daddy, Where Did I Come From?
• The Standells -- Rari
  Virgin Sleep -- Secret
• The Cortinas - Television Families
• Expressos - Tango in Mono
• The Psychadelic Furs -- We Love You
• R.E.M. -- Gardening at Night

Bonus Videos

The Charms -- Gimme that shot
 

The Nice -- America (How it is 1968)



Modcast #90: I Like What You Say
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, and do I have a big treat for you all this week. Mike Tholfsen is guest hosting and he's a got a great line up of power pop, jangle pop, pretty much just all great pop, for you. Enjoy, people, enjoy.

• Teenage Fanclub - Sparky's Dream
• The Posies - Paint Me
• Paul Westerberg - As Far as I Know
• The Legends - Nothing to Be Done
• Fountains of Wayne - I've Got a Flair
• Ivy - The Best Thing
• Tahiti 80 - Easy Way Out
• Nada Surf - I Like What You Say
• Death Cab for Cutie - The Sound of Settling
• The Long Winters - Cinnamon
• Super Deluxe - Holly's Dream Vacation

Bonus Videos

Teenage Fanclub -- Sparky's Dream


Tahiti 80 -- Heartbeat
 

Sam Cooke - You Send Me

Like satin sheets.

Modcast #212: Go For Soul

What is it about soul music that has captivated every mod since ... well, since the beginning of time? Or at least since the beginning of the 'rock' era. I guess mods like to dance, and truly there really isn't any better dancing music. Pop music dancing, I'm not talking any sort of stuff you have spend six weeks of lessons learning like tango or swing (a thing I've never done, but someday might thanks to Groupon). Nope I'm talking about the music plays, the notes hit your brain, and your toe begins to tap. For most mods the toe tap becomes a shoe shuffling, body spinning, eyes closed sort of religious experience. My wife knows what it looks like, though she associates it a bit more with gin and vodka than Sam and Dave. So be it. Point is mods love soul music. And I think it's because it makes us dance. Maybe we gotta dance because it's in our genes. Or at least in our blood, thank you pharmaceuticals of all sorts. No matter. When the sound is right you gotta go for soul.

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• Jackie Wilson & Count Basie -- Uptight (1968)
• Bill Cosby & The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band -- Funky North Philly (1968)
• Jimmy Lynch -- Let A Woman Be a Woman and a Man Be a Man (1961)
• Sir Joe Quartermain & Free Soul -- I Got So Much Trouble On My Mind (1974)
• Chico & Buddy -- Can You Dig It (1969?)
• Black on White Affair -- Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother (197?)
• Eddie Jefferson -- Filthy McNasty (1968)
• Ray Barretto -- New York Soul (1968)
• J.J. Jackson -- But It's Alright (1966)
• The Equals -- Police On My Back (1966)
• Gloria Jones -- Tainted Love (1964)
• PP Arnold w/The Small Faces -- If You Think You're Groovy (1967)
• Barbara Lynn -- Movin' On A Groove (1976)
• Gospel Classics -- More Love (1968)
• Smokey Robinson & The Miracles -- Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying (1963)
• The Countdown Five -- Shake Shake Na Na (1969)
• William Bell -- Just As I Thought (1963)
• Marvin Gaye -- You're A Wonderful One (1964)

P.P. Arnold - The First Cut Is The Deepest (live 1967)
< br /> The Equals - Baby Come Back

Modcast #210: Is There A Cool New Mod Revival?

The pressing question on my mind of late is whether or not we might be in the midst of a sort of mod revival. Is there a new mod revival in the offing? Hard to say, especially from the middle of the moment. But I do have to say that there are a few things aligning that might be pointing that way.

There's no denying that there are more so-called mod bands on the circuit these days then there were say five years ago when I launched the modcast. And these are bands that don't run from being tagged as mod. There have always been mod friendly bands, --soul groups, beat bands, power pop trios and so on-- but it seems that they often didn't want to get labeled as mod. Not so with the newer bands.

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So, are we in the midst of a new mod revival or not? It seems to me that the one thing that is lacking to really have a mod revival is a leader, a figure head, someone like Townsend or Weller. Movements need their leading lights, someone to rally around. The sixties had great bands like The High Numbers, The Creation, The Small Faces, complete with larger than life legends like Pete Townsend and Steve Marriott. And there were complimentary bands like The Zombies, The Beatles, The Kinks and more. In the seventies the first mod revival had Paul Weller and The Jam. The Britpop scene had Olympian-sized bands (with matching egos) like Oasis and Blur. Thus far, while there are perhaps more and better (gasp! did he just say that?) bands, no group or individual has risen to the pinnacle of supreme leader status, that sort of god-like figure that is neccesary to really ignite a revolution.

Let me know what you think. In this modcast I am gonna make a case that there's lots of good mod friendly music being made right this very moment and that's at least half the battle. You let me know in the comments below if that means it's a revival.

Suedehead -- New Traditions (2011)
The Broken Vinyl Club -- I Want You Girl (2011)
The School -- I Want You Back (2010)
Houdini Dax -- O.L.L. (2011)
Steve Craddock -- I--Man (2011)
Raphael Saddiq -- Radio (2011)
Miles Kane -- Counting Down The Days (2011)
Laura Vane & The Vipertones -- All Over Again (2011)
James Taylor Quartet -- Why Can't We Get Along (2011)
DC Fontana -- Sleeping With X (2010)
The Method -- Gunners March (2011)
The Modesty -- 1975 (2010)
Booze -- Rachel (2011)
The Like -- I Can See It In Your Eyes (2010)


The School -- Is He Really Coming Home?



Miles Kane Interview

Modcast #209: The Hour of Power

The mod world is busier than a fly at a crap convention this week. So, I picked out songs that for the most part need no introduction, by artists that you are all well familiar with. Then I just get out of the way and let the music testify. The verdict? Guilty of greatness I'm sure.

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The Jam -- Set The House Ablaze
The Kinks -- I'm Not Like Everybody Else
The Rolling Stones -- Have You Ever Seen Your Mother Baby, Standing In The Shadow
The Monkees -- Pleasant Valley Sunday
The Attack -- Feel Like Flying
The Move -- I Can Hear The Grass Grow
The Creation -- Through My Eyes
Steve Marriott & The Moments -- Good Morning Blues
Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66 -- With A Little Help From My Friends
Generation X -- Friday's Angels
The Specials -- Stereotype
The Last Ones -- Number One Again
The First Steps -- I Got The News
The Jags -- She's So Considerate
Secret Affair -- I'm Not Free
The Style Council -- Have You Ever Had It Blue
Squire -- Girl On A Train
Mod Fun -- Your Eyes Reflect
The Jetset -- Count The Beating Hearts
The Red Button -- Free
Graham Coxon -- Freakin' Out


And keep up with me between modcasts:
Twitter - @mistersuave
Facebook - facebook.com/modmodworld
Spotify - Spotify
Subscribe - iTunes
Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. Mod friendly music mixes since 2006.

Clue by The Contrast

From the Vaults: Modcast #169: It Must Be Summer!

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

---

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Never mind the gray skies, summer is finally upon us and as usual Ken from The Shingles is here to drive you straight into summer and beyond. And he's got a co-pilot along for the ride, the famous Mike Simmons. So get on board, select your seat, get strapped in and get set for high flying hi-jinks on the annual summer modcast.

Hi-Risers - Summertime Here We Come (Buzz Around With The Hi-Risers 7" single, 2006)
Radio Birdman - Aloha Steve & Danno (Aloha Steve And Danno 7" single, 1977)
Beach Boys - Amusement Parks U.S.A. ( Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!), 1965)
Five Americans - Disneyland (Second LP, 1969)
Candy Butchers - California Girl (Live at La BonBonniere, 1996)
http://www.mikeviola.com/
Fountains of Wayne - It Must Be Summer (Utopia Parkway, 1999)
Sunrays - I Live for the Sun (Andrea, 1966)
Kompost - One Summer Sunday (Single, 2004)
Flashing Lights - Summertime Climb (Where the Change Is, 1999)
sparkle*jets u.k. - Summertime Dreamin' (He's a Rebel: The Gene Pitney Story Retold, 2002)
The Knack - The Man On The Beach (Normal as the Next Guy, 2001)
Wondermints - Ride (Mind If We Make Love to You, 2002)
Sammy Davis, Jr. - You Can Count On Me (You Can Count On Me, 7" single, 1976)
Presidents of the United States of America - Tiki God (II, 1996)


Sunrays - "I Live For The Sun"

From the Vaults: Modcasts #86 & #122

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back in time. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off two classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

---

Modcast #86: Take a Tip From a Tip Top Mod
Welcome to Mr. Suave’s Mod Mod World, episode #86 in which we have a few interesting connections. Opening act Elton Motello frontman Alan Ward had once been in another band with future Damned member Bryan James, so maybe it’s no surprise that both bands produced great punk rock. Another connection made in the show is between more 70s Brit punks, this time the move from Chelsea to Generation X. Lots of pitch perfect power pop in this week’s show up from the likes of Martha & the Muffins, Clive Culbertson, The Briliant Corners, Fast Eddie and more. And if you head on over to the modcast homepage you can check out this week’s bonus video from Beulah. Thanks for listening.

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• Elton Motello – Get The Guy
• Sit N’Spin – I’m Sick
• The Untold Fables – I Try
• The Aromatics – Maureen
• The Brilliant Corners – Friday Saturday Sunday Monday
• Beulah – Silver Lining
• Headlights – Catch Them All
• Martha & The Muffins – Hide and Seek
• Clive Culbertson – Time to Kill
• Chelsea – Urban Kids
• Fast Eddie – Help Me

Bonus Video Beulah -- Landslide



Modcast #122: Watch. This. Now.
Welcome to modcast #122 and welcome to the Moscow Underground a brand new London mod band on this week's show. They've got a really cool, really heavy mod sound, as does the rest of the show. There's more new stuff as well from Supernova, Morrissey, and the Takeover UK, some garage rock from Los Immediatos and Magic Christian, as well as some Britpop from the likes of Blur and Sleeper.

• Moscow Underground - Soho Strut
• Morrisey - Last Time I Spoke to Carol
• The Takeover UK -- Never Been So Sick
• The Supernovas -- Diamonds and Gems
• Los Immediatos -- Something Wrong With You
• New Salem WitchHunters -- At The border
• Magic Christian -- Tomorrow Never Come
• Blur -- Clover Over Dover
• Sleeper -- What Do You
• Automatics -- Watch Her Now
• Dead Boys -- (I Don't Wanna Be No) Catholic Boy

Los Immediatos - Ella



Blur -- Charmless Man

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use - Steve Craddock

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use - Steve Cradock

Steve Cradock is a mod man among mod men. Main man of Britpop modsters Ocean Colour Scene. Long time guitarist in Paul Weller's band. Mod street cred that most wannabe mod up and comers would die for. His latest release is his second, and by far best, solo album -- Peace City West.

Cradock was a mod in the 80s, played in UK mod outfit The Boys, which is when he came to Paul Weller's attention and their lifelong association began. His big break came with Ocean Colour Scene's 2nd album, 1995's Moseley Shoals which became one of Britpop's earliest, biggest successes selling 3 million copies. Alongside Oasis and Weller the band helped to spearhead Britpop's claim to be the scene for the modern mods.

If you dropped your needle down on Peace City West and let it bounce accross the vinyl you might have fleeting thoughts of Supergrass, Kinks, Small Faces, and early David Bowie. Interestingly the one thing that didn't come to mind for me was Ocean Colour Scene.

Peace City West isn't perfect, but it is damn close. Cradock shows himself to be the kind of singer songwriter that Noel Gallegher and Paul Weller probably have always known he was. The songs are smooth, both lyrically and musically. None are deriviative, this isn't retro or vintage. Cradock doesn't dwell in the past as much as builds on it. His songs are evocative of the best of the sixties, sometimes psychadelic like in "Kites Rise Up Against The Wind", and at other times with a nod to the sixties styled power pop mods love so much as with "I-Man". The chorus has Who like guitars ringing out and you can just tell that in a live show this would be a stripped and ripped number.

So many songs stand out on Peace City West it's hard not to mention them all. From the opening "Last Days of the World" with a jangleness that resonates, to the jaunty "Little Girl", Cradock shows off a Welleresque kind of writing and guitar work, and a sort of poppishness you can't not fall in love with. Overall it's very much a product of an old soul, a sixties soul, but one that is still a bit mired in Britpop.

Just listen to "Only Look Up When Your Down. Beatles anyone? Cradock channels Lennon and McCartney pretty perfectly there. And "Steppin Aside" -- it's a bit less sixties and a bit more original, with nice guitar work that signals a real change of pace for what probably would have been considered side two some 40 years back.

Cradock has produced a thoroughly mod album, something you don't find much anymore. You will enjoy it from opening groove to closing chords.

Modcast #207: It's A Smash!

Welcome to the modcast and to another great set of music from pop with power to garage rockin' beats and even some smooth soul to warm the icy corners of your hearts.


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The Mallrats -- Baby Take Me Back (2007)
The Len Price 3 -- Medway Eye (2005)
The Cocktail Slippers -- Give It To Me (2007)
Ripchord -- Back Of The Van (2009)
Le Future Pompiste -- Sunflower (2004)
Cloudberry Jam -- I Sit A While Considering (2008)
Baskervilles -- Smash (2008)
Steve Cradock -- Last Day Of The World(2011)
Choo Choo -- The Sun (2011)
Cirrone -- Uplands Park Road (2011)
The Moving Sounds -- Two Times (2004?)
Elvis Costello -- Radio Radio (1978)
The Corsairs -- Never Listen (1984)
Holme -- Runaway (1985)
Crawling Walls -- Fly Tonight (1985)


Elvis Costello & The Attractions -- Olivers Army



Cocktail Slippers - St. Valentine's Day Massacre

Ready, Steady Go! Episode 1 with The Beatles, Tha Animals, Dave Clark 5, and more

Interestingly that this is labeled as show #1, but introduced as "another" episode of Ready, Steady, Go! No matter this is some great stuff.

From the Vaults: Modcasts #129 & #142 from 2009

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me all the way back to the fun filled days of 2009. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off two classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

---

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Modcast: #129 Got The Time & Modcast #142: Soundtrak for Groovy Listening
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. Got an eclectic show this week with lots of different types of stuff. The new Joe Jackson Live at the BBC just came out a couple of weeks ago and I've been listening to it continuously, and it's just excellent. The version of Got the Time here is one of the best Jackson ever recorded. Other gems include some nice, rockin' power pop from Star Collector and OK Go, some groovy sixties pop music from The Groop and Yellow Balloon, and a nice set of 2-Tone bands doing easy listening, lounge ska. A little something for everyone.

Star Collector -- #1 (2000)
Joe Jackson -- Got The Time (2009)
Classics -- Audio, Audio (1979)
Dramarama -- Anything, Anything (I'll Give You) (1985)
Remington Super 60 -- The Impractical Guide To The Opposite Sex (2002)
The Groop -- Time Fire (1967)
Yellow Balloon -- How Can I Be Down (1967)
Madness -- Return of the Los Palmas 7 (1980)
The Swingin' Cats -- Mantovani (1980)
The Specials -- Holiday Fortnight (1980)
OK Go -- You're So Damn Hot (2002)


The Specials -- Rat Race



Madness -- Return of the Los Palmas 7



Modcast #142: Soundtrack for Groovy Living
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. This show is nothing short of loungerific, with some groovy instrumentals, some swingin' covers, and just lots of cool songs from beginning to end. French lounge master Chris Joss is in the house with his latest, as is Frank Popp Ensemble. Got a nice little set of pacific northwest lounge acts, The Colorifics, Dudley Manlove Quartet and Johnny Astro all of whom are complimented by the classic sound stylings of Vic Damone, Jeri Southern and the one and only Mel Torme. And there are some great bonus videos of Mel and Vic from back in the day, doing their thing. So, mix yourself a nice little libation and settle back for some sweet lounge sounds.

Chris Joss -- Danger Buds
The Colorifics -- City Grey
Dudley Manlove Quartet -- Seattle
Johnny Astro -- Patio Pizzicato
Euroboys -- Hong Kong Cockfight
The Lounge Brigade -- Iron Man
Smoove -- Big Balls
Vic Damone -- Little Girl
Jeri Southern -- An Occasional Man
Mel Torme -- Midnight Swinger
Frank Popp Ensemble -- Belly Bossanova


Carioca (swing style) - Mel Torme



Vic Damone at Hollywood Palace

Check out those beautiful baby blues

Very suave MODern video for Don't Look Back by She & Him.

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use - Acid House Kings

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use -- Acid House Kings by mistersuave

Witty lyrics, catchy hooks of pop music with lilting horns and vocals, the music sounds like a barefoot hippy running over an overgrown forest lawn. If the Free Design were reincarnated today they would be the Acid House Kings.

Swirling, tinkling, sparkling, how do you say that in Swedish? Acid House Kings. The Swedish twee band is back and their latest release, Music Sounds Better With You, shimmers with a sugary pop sound that is all too familiar for the band's fans. For twenty years Acid House Kings has defined twee music, they've become synonymous with the lilting, high-voiced indie pop sound.

Lots of bands have plied similar tweepop waters over the years from Birdie to Camera Obscura to She & Him just this year. But none of them do it with the grace and ease of the Acid House Kings. Music Sounds Better With You is chock full of jaunty pop songs that sound like were thrown effortlessly together in a very Bacharach-Morrisey kind of way.

This is music that is perfect for sipping gins and tonics on the patio while chatting with old friends. Music Sounds Better With You fits like a pair of favorite jeans, comfortable and stylish, at times casually unremarkable and yet completely unforgettable when noticed.

Modcast #206: Sum-Sum-Summertime Booze

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, it's time to get some summertime booze. At last, at long last, summer has come to seattle. This has been one of the coldest springs on record in the northwest, but the times they are a changin'. The thermometer has actually eeked up over 80 degrees fahrenheit. Not exactly Vegas temps sure, but I'll take it.

This week you're going to get a full dose of sunny, hot, summer songs.
But don't blame me, it's not my fault. Give credit where credit is due right, so I have to give credit and a shout out to one of the best blogs on the net Music Ruined My Life. If you dig power pop, punk, pop-punk, mod, new wave and so on then Music Ruined My Life should be one of the blogs you follow. Jeffen the man behind the blog recently did a great post featuring summer songs -- which got me to thinking. I started putting together a list in my mind and voila here's the modcast to prove it.

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The Cute Lepers -- It's Summertime Baby
Psychotic Youth -- Summer is On
Hidden Peace -- Summer of Love
The Infidels -- Summertime Sucks
Fountains of Wayne -- It Must Be Summer
Honey Rider -- Summer of My Life
PAS/CAL -- Summer Is Almost Here
The School -- Summers Here
Seth Swirsky -- Sonic Ferris Wheel
Jeffrey Foskett -- I Live For The Sun
Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use Acid House Kings
Acid House Kings -- Are We Lovers Or Are We Friends?
The Californias -- Summer Days
60 Ft. Dolls -- Back To The Summer
Seargent -- Sunshine
The Billionaires -- The End Of Summer Song

Seargent -- Sunshine



60 Ft. Dolls - Stay

Modcast #205: Get It While The Gettin' Is Good

Welcome to Mr. suave's Mod Mod World, it's time to get some while the gettin is good. As always, you'll be getting some good gets with this modcast. A little bit of jazz, a little bit of soul, a little bit of rock and roll. From floor stompers to slow burners, this week you get it all.

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The Go! Freaks -- A Ton Of My Love (2011)
Belleruche -- Clockwatching (2010)
Caro Emerald -- Back It Up (2009)
TM Juke & Alice Russel -- Playground Games (2009)
The Bahama Soul Club -- Serious Soul (2010)
The Underbelly Feat Roxie Ray -- Confession (2010)
Frank Popp Ensemble -- Gettin' Down (2005)
Mr. Suave's Reveiws You Can Use Nick Pride & The Pimptones
Nick Pride & The Pimptones Feat Jess Roberts -- Waitin' So Long (2011)
Quantic Soul Orchestra -- Hold It Down (2009)
Gabin Feat Z-Star -- Life Can Be So Beautiful (2010)
Duffy -- Mercy (2008)
Aloe Blacc -- I Need A Dollar (2010)
Deep Street Soul Feat Shirley Davis -- Greenbacks (2009)
Healer Selecta -- Cruisin' On The Highway (2010)
Smoove Feat Jess Roberts -- Coming Back (2005)


Caro Emerald - That Man



Caro Emerald - Stuck


Aloe Blacc - Loving You Is Killing Me

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use: The Greenhornes

Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use -- The Greenhornes by mistersuave

The Greenhornes are a band that has been criminally underrated and ignored over the years. Their 2010 release should have topped every chart last year, and yet it was only a couple months ago that I stumbled across it myself and have since learned how little attention it's received. The album is fantastic, a tour de force of modernized garage styled power pop. And the Greenhornes, well they've cheekily given themselves four stars. The star symbols like you get in all sorts of ratings systems.

The Greenhornes grew out of the detroit and midwest garage rock revival of the turn of the century that produced other bands like The White Stripes and influenced The Strokes, Mooney Suzuki and a host of others. The Greenhornes sound started out with a bluesy, rough and rockin' sound. A mix of soul ala Booker T, with sixties garage rock like The Sonics, and all of it mixed with a lot of British invasion mid-60s R&B.

It's been six years since the band's last release, 2005's East Grand Blues which saw the band slow down and update their sound with an almost shoe gazey madchester type of psychadelia. Since then a few of them have been very busy, as in Raconteurs busy. Whites Stripe's Jack White has been name checking the Greenhornes since the early days of the garage revival back in the motor city, and over the past few years he finally teamed up with them to produce some hard rocking albums.

But at long last, the real Greenhornes are back. From the very first blistering chords you get a Who like buffet of sixties styled power pop guitar and drum driven, garage rock.

No doubt that this was not produced in a garage, the flourishes and polish is just too spot on. the rough edges are ... well not that rough on this their fourth release. And the pace isn't breakneck top to bottom, there are moments, like with "My Sparrow" and "Hard to Find", where the band eases up on the gas, and instead dips into their Stax side and almost (I say almost) tenderly deliver some serious soul ballads.

Their songs sound like they were written by The Sonices and performed by The Yardbirds. Their British invasion sound channeled through a mid-west sixties punk filter has matured into something that has more angles, more depth, more soul even.

The album kicks of with "Saying Goodbye" all very Who and Stones like. That's followed by the anthemic "Underestimator" with the band pounding out a rockin' number that really spotlights Craig Fox's vocals.
Later you get "Cave Drawings" a wild number that builds into a frenzied, psychadelic freakbeat song, but is neatly constrained from total mayhem by the vocal arrangements.

Their sixties roots shine through on songs like "I Left the World Behind" which harkens back to the 80s sound of mod bands like The Shambles or Mod Fun. This is a very mod album even if the Greenhornes don't proclaim it.

Let's hope Jack White doesn't keep the Raconteurs too busy, because the world deserves the sound of the Greenhornes.