There are more extensive compilations and collections out there, but the Strictly Mod compilation on vinyl and CD is still worth checking out.
It doesn’t promise to be an all-encompassing collection. Just a look at the number of tracks tells you that—there are 16 in total. Charly is aiming for a taster of the sounds of the original Mod scene.
Of course, if you’ve got a good record collection, you might well have much of what’s on here. But if you haven’t—or you are a completist—then it’s probably worth a look.
According to Charly:
The Mod scene evolved on the cusp of the sixties as Britain was emerging from the postwar blues. Likeminded teenagers shrugged off the economic depression and carved a place for themselves that was filled with good-times, danceable rhythms, sharp suits and an air of elitism. And those rhythms – immortalised here – were a heady, dazzling, mix of American R&B, jump blues, jazzy lounge vibes and the feel-good, floor-shaking, sound of ska!
Mod has moved on since its early days, but the fact it has survived at all suggests that at its heart was something special, something akin to a philosophy that could and would last throughout decades and into the future. It has endured and thrived with its cool, self-regard, unscathed and these choice cuts – sounding every bit as urgent today – are testament to its longevity.
You can make your own mind up about that by looking at the track listing below. The collection is available on both vinyl and CD, with the vinyl selling for £26.99 and the CD for £12.99.
You can pre-order now ahead of a 10th May release at the Amazon website.
Tracks:
SIDE A
MOSES DAVIS For Dancers Only
JERRY FULLER The Killer
FRANCES FAYE Comin’ Home Baby
THE DYNAMIC 7 Squeeze Me (Part 1)
BUSTER BROWN Fannie Mae
HOMESICK JAMES Crossroads
WILBERT HARRISON Kansas City
ALTON ELLIS AND THE FLAMES Dance Crasher
SIDE B
RED PRYSOCK Groovy Sax
BENNY SPELLMAN Fortune Teller
ALVIN CASH Doin’ The Ali Shuffle
THE OLYMPICS Secret Agents
THE SHARPEES Do the 45
DEE CLARK That’s My Girl
ROBERT PARKER Let’s Go Baby (Where the Action Is)
DESMOND DEKKER AND THE FOUR ACES Get Up Adina
