Wednesday 15 December 2021

PH2 to release 'Urban Soul' b/w 'Living In The Seventies' on 7" in March on Heavy Soul Records

 

PH2

"Urban Soul" / "Living In The Seventies"

PURPLE VINYL

ROR142

EXPECTED MARCH 2022*

The second single from the band consisting of ex-Purple Hearts BOB MANTON and JUST JEFF (plus the considerable talents of Kevin Iverson and Andy Huckstead) sees the band power-chording through  three and a half minutes of pure 'Hearts magic....... the pounding bass, feed-back guitar and driving drums not to mention Bob's magical vocal delivery make this another classic PH2 release

* please be aware pressing times are seriously mental at the moment, but this is the date I have been given

Paul Weller reveals to NME that he “caught the dreaded COVID” while on tour

 

Paul Weller has revealed that his recent UK tour was cut short after he contracted coronavirus.

The final three dates of Weller’s 2021 UK tour – which were due to run from December 3-5 in Norwich, Lincoln and Cambridge – were cancelled on December 3 after “a band member tested positive for COVID-19”.

“We are working hard to see if we can reschedule the shows and will share more information on that as soon as we possibly can,” an official statement read.

“This is obviously incredibly disappointing news for not just the fans but Paul and the whole team involved, but we need to follow the guidelines to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

Weller subsequently confirmed last week (December 8) that it was he who had tested positive for COVID-19.

“I was so, so disappointed to not be able to finish the rest of the shows,” he wrote on Twitter. “I caught the dreaded COVID so that was that!

“I hope we can reschedule the shows for next year. This tour was so great, we loved every show, it was so great to be out again and playing. Great set, band and crowd!

“I hope we can do it again next year. Let us hope for a better year ahead – Happy Holidays. Keep the faith, Love PW.”

Weller is set to resume touring in the UK in March, with dates continuing through to the end of April.

This week Weller announced new outdoor live dates for summer 2022 in Kent, Lincoln and Bedford.

THE KINKS Guitarist DAVE DAVIES's Autobiography, 'Living On A Thin Line', due next Summer reports Blabbermouth

 

According to The Bookseller, Headline will publish the upcoming autobiography from Dave Davies of THE KINKS.

Due in hardback and e-book in July 2022, "Living On A Thin Line" "will explore the glory days of the band, its legacy and the turbulent relationship" between Dave and his brother, and fellow THE KINKS co-founder, Ray Davies.

Dave Davies said: "I've had a laugh, and shed quite a few tears, thinking back over the last six decades since THE KINKS had our first hit in 1964 with 'You Really Got Me'. Here are the ups and downs of my life in THE KINKS and what happened afterwards. Prepare to be amazed and, I hope, surprised."

Dave Davies is a musician who needs little introduction. As a founding member of legendary rock group THE KINKS, his guitar sound, unique style and songwriting has shaped the landscape of rock and pop music across generations. A pioneering rock guitarist who singlehandedly changed rock and roll when he sliced his little green Elpico amp speaker with a razor blade, creating the first heavy metal guitar tone and riff. This revolutionary guitar sound propelled THE KINKS into stardom with the global smash hits "You Really Got Me" and "All Day And All Of The Night", followed by numerous other classics over the next decades.

"As lead guitarist and co-founder of THE KINKS, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock," enthuses writer Bill Crowley. "His distinctive guitar style went on to have major impact on several key guitar-rock styles, including heavy metal and punk. A Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from VAN HALEN to GREEN DAY."

PH2 to continue despite losing 2 band members


Jeff says, "Sad news today that unfortunately Kevin Iverson Jnr and Andrew Hucksted have decided to leave PH2 ...and continue with their own musical path..

Bob/ Robert John Manton and myself thought about our options and as we're loving it so much we have decided that the show must and will go on.

So its going to be hard to replace the guys but lets just say...

"ONWARDS AND UPWARDS"

have faith guys n gals we will continue..."

The Spitfires call it a day

 



Paul Weller and more in the new Uncut

 


https://www.uncut.co.uk/features/blogs/paul-weller-2022-preview-eagles-and-more-in-the-new-uncut-135780/

Paul Weller to play Lincolnshire Showground on 2nd July 2022

 


Love Affair's Steve: We were mods fuelled by a love of black American soul

 


https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1533214/love-affair-steve-ellis-pop-soul-60s-band

“Culture & Customization – The Motor Scooter Story” Book Review By Gary Ilminen

 

If you love scooters—and let’s face it, a lot of us do because we may have experienced our first motorized two-wheel rides on one—Barry John’s new Culture & Customization: The Motor Scooter Story is a book you’ll want to give a look.

With over 200 color and black-and-white images, illustrations (drawn by the author), the book offers remarkable insights into brand histories, racing, design, and development of the motor scooter. John sheds light on the scooter’s many forms and little-known aspects of what has become one of the world’s most popular vehicles.

John reveals the very earliest beginnings of motorized scooters in America in 1915 with early stand-on scooters such as the Autoped. From there, he traces the evolution and development of the step-through, single and double-seat models from around the world, and identifies the watershed post-WWII period when scooter sales took off.

Economical, reliable transportation has always been in demand, but it was essential in post-war Europe and Asia. In that environment, the motor scooter really came into its own, inspired by machines such as the British Excelsior Welbike and the American-made Cushman Model 32 that the military brought to Italy during WWII.

John describes how much of the post-war development of the scooter as a major factor in personal transportation occurred in Italy as Piaggio’s Vespa and Innocenti’s Lambretta battled for domestic and export market dominance. Similarly, in Japan, with the Nakajima Aircraft Company no longer allowed to produce military aircraft after the war, the company was re-invented as the Fuji Sangyo Company. The result was the Fuji Rabbit S1 in 1946. Mitsubishi joined the fray in Japan with the Silver Pidgeon scooter, and Honda came out with its Juno scooter in 1954.

Culture & Customization: The Motor Scooter Story tracks the industrial and cultural evolution of the Scooter through the 1950s and ’60s, providing a great overview of the many manufacturers that joined the scooter market as demand continued to grow worldwide. One thing that might be considered for a future edition of this comprehensive volume is Harley-Davidson’s entry into the scooter market—the Topper. It was in the product line from 1960 to 1965, though only 7,445 were built.

John recounts some remarkable achievements with stock and radically modified scooters in land speed racing and drag racing (referred to as sprinting in the U.K.), as well as in globe-trotting adventure riding right up to recent years. He also explains the “mods” social phenomena spawned in 1960s Britain, which combined scooter customization with an appreciation of British R&B bands such as The Who and The Small Faces.

The next evolution in scooter power is covered, as well, with John going into some depth on electric scooters and the potential development of scooters powered by hydrogen fuel cells. He explains their workings, as well as possible limitations and drawbacks for fuel cell technology, at least for the foreseeable future.

Culture & Customization: The Motor Scooter Story is beautifully produced. John’s writing style is clear and concise, with a great mix of conversational style narrative and fascinating technical detail.

Friday 10 December 2021

The Len Price 3 new album, 'Ip Dip Do', available on limited CD now ahead of official release in Spring 2022


New Album - Ip dip do. In time for Christmas!

Our new album Ip dip do is now available to buy (CD format only) ahead of the official full release in the Spring.
Buy the album exclusively from us via our Facebook here and our EBay shop.
CDs are £10 plus £3.50 Postage and packing.

'Paul Weller’s best albums — and his worst' - according to The Times

 


https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/paul-wellers-best-albums-and-his-worst-mf7pp3rp3

Wednesday 8 December 2021

Chris Pope & The Chords UK - new album, 'Big City Dreams' now available in limited numbers on CD ahead of the official release date in February

 

Chris Pope says, "It's here THE CHORDS UK's new album 'BIG CITY DREAMS 14 Brand new track for you x"

at :

https://thechordsuk.bandcamp.com/album/big-city-dreams

*** We have a very LIMITED amount on sale up until XMAS & Only available on CD ***

The album is NOT officially released digitally, on CD & VINYL worldwide until 18-02-22

( It includes 'Listen to The Radio' & ' Hey Kids! Come the Revolution')

Our Yuletide single 'Come on Its XMAS day' is FREE to download especially for all of you

as a special thank you for supporting THE CHORDS UK over the past few years.

https://thechordsuk.bandcamp.com/.../come-on-its-xmas-day...

See you in 2022

All the very best

Chris & the band x

Secret Affair add Guildford tour date in February


Secret Affair have just announced a date at the Boileroom Guildford on Saturday 19th February 2022.

Small Fakers tour dates for the next 6-months

 


Mousetrap Psychedelic Allnighter dates 2022


 

Mousetrap Rhythm & Soul Allnighter dates for 2022

 


Modcast 2022 Dates

 


Flamingo Mod Club in Turin on 12th February

 


PH2 debut single, '1974' b/w 'You Can't Tell Me Lies' available on purple vinyl (Heavy Soul)


 PH2

"1974" / "You Can't Tell Me Lies"

Heavy Soul Records

ROR139

***DUE EARLY JANUARY '22***

Berlimey - the legends that are Bob Manton and Jeff Shadbolt were half of the magnificent '79 Mod Revival leaders PURPLE HEARTS who released a string of 7"s ("Millions Like Us", "Jimmy", "Frustration") and LPs ("Beat That!", "Popish Frenzy") and have been gigging one and off since then.

Now Bob and Just Jeff are back with themselves and Kevin Iverson Jnr on guitar and have recorded two singles to start with under the guise of PH2 - the first is available to pre-order now on Purple or Black vinyl (or both if you fancy them!)

This isn't a band resting on it's laurels, going through the motions of past glories. PH2 are here to stay as a whole new concept and this first single proves that if you've got the magic it never disappears......

The Bristol Modernist & Sixties Weekender 2022 now Sold Out!!!


 

PH2 to play the Essex Summer Mod All-Dayer on Saturday 2nd July in Colchester

 


Heavy Soul Records to release 'I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape' b/w 'My Andy Warhol Poster' on white vinyl 7"


THE TIMES

I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape / My Andy Warhol Poster

HEAVY SOUL RECORDS ROR143

White vinyl

 

Due February 2022

 

Working with one of your musical heroes is always going to be a thrill, so to have the honour of re-releasing classic songs by ED BALL in his guise as The Times is one of the highlights so far of the Heavy Soul Records catalogue.

His 1982 release "I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape" is presented here in the "A Splash Of Colour" mix and backed with one of my favourites from the band "My Andy Warhol Poster"

On white vinyl and limited to 300 copies and artwork approved by Ed himself Get On This!!!!

The Truth - 'Just Can't Seem To Stop' album released by Heavy Soul Records on LP & CD

 


THE TRUTH

Just Can't Seem To Stop

12" vinyl version + double sided full colour insert

ROR129


The Truth came about thanks to Dennis Greaves' new vision, bringing in ex-Stowaways Mick Lister to move the music onwards with a '60s Soul vent and the two set about bringing some much-needed Modernist suss to the early and mid '80s charts.

Taking inspiration from the big Motown sound but adding a distinctive British edge, the first two singles "Confusion" and "A Step In The Right Direction" (included here) broke the Top 40.

With Dennis and Mick sharing the guitar and vocals the backing band of fellow ex-Nine Below Zero bassist Brian Bethel, Gary Wallis on drums and Chris Skornia giving Mick Talbot a run for his money on Hammond they brought a post-Jam Mod crowd a new band to follow. And they did. In great numbers!

With artwork by Paul Bevoir and sleevenotes from Dave Edwards, this is a real treat for all Truth fans.

The collection of tracks here are from 1983 and 1984 and can be described as the band's missing debut album.

 

As a fan of the band since my early teens, for me they were as good as The Style Council and JoBoxers, Dexys etc who shared this soul vision... A real treat for me and Heavy Soul Records

The Studio 68 release 'The Total Sound' LP on Detour

 


THE STUDIO 68! - THE TOTAL SOUND

FROM THE VAULTS. RARE AND UNRELEASED TRACKS FROM ’80s MOD LEGENDS.

The wild cards of the late ’80s and early '90's Mod scene. North London’s The Studio 68! — average age 20 — are fast approaching Mod legend status thanks to their inclusion on definitive compilations ‘Millions Like Us’ and ‘Eddie Piller Presents The Mod Revival’.

'The Total Sound!’ finally tells the young Mods' forgotten story.

Named after the student riots of 1968, and with an encyclopaedic knowledge of pop culture — influences ranged from The Small Faces and the Beat poets to Richard Neville’s counterculture bible ’Playpower’ — they offered a stylish, high-octane rejection of both '80's indie introspection and '90's grunge nihilism.

Recorded between 1987 and 1991, the recordings featured on The Total Sound capture The Studio 68! at their very best.

Veering between blazing pop anthems (‘Get Out Of My Hair’), apocalyptic freakbeat (‘Understood’) and space-age acid soul (show-stopping final track ’Sky’s The Limit’), it is the sound of the band at full throttle, their ultra-tight delivery honed by countless gigs on the London circuit alongside Dodgy, The Moment, The Clique, The Reflection, The Aardvarks and others.

Also included are brilliant proto-acid jazz instrumental ‘Groovin’ With Mr B’ — recorded live in Hamburg in June 1988 — a mind-blowing cover of Cliff Richard’s ‘Devil Woman’ and the Hammond organ-heavy title track — which pre-dates The Charlatans’ debut single ‘Indian Rope’ by two-and-a-half years.

The result is an album which proves The Studio 68! were a band who were way ahead of their time — a postcard from the Britpop future.

Available in very limited numbers (just 250), 150 Copies on Black Vinyl and 100 on a special Italian target vinyl, this essential collection is a genuine collectors item.

Elliot Palm, London.

FEATURES

Side One

1.      Groovin’ With Mr B

2.      The Feeling

3.      Devil Woman

4.      Get Out Of My Hair

5.      Thirteenth Chime

6.      Understood

7.      Searchin’

Side Two

8.      The Total Sound

9.      Closer Than Close

10.    Living In A World Of Your Own

11.    Time Machine

12.    Back In The USSR

13.    Your Side Of Things

14.    The Sky’s The Limit

Squire release 'The Young Idea' b/w 'It's Getting Better' on black and white 7" vinyl


 https://squire.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Q52bsqhfncqbJgluuAM_xObFl0CZNQOwU6meWiXi8vTe1QXTAPvOWoS4

Paul Bevoir - new album 'A Balloon To The Moon' available now!


Paul Bevoir says, "hello facebook friends... i hope everyone is well... i have to admit i've never been very good at this "please buy my record" lark, but chris at accident records is insisting i put these links here, so that anyone who might be remotely interested in buying this vinyl lp (with free 'real' cd included!) can now purchase it!  i actually recorded these songs 11 years ago! and i can only try my best to persuade you by saying that i personally think it's a very nice album! so here are the links (hope they work ok) sincere thanks and of course heartfelt apologies"

https://www.discogs.com/release/21263506-Paul-Bevoir-A-Balloon-To-The-Moon?fbclid=IwAR2EA8icyKvKfuTyNDTfiVyHYMxAHe_zS3P-NmzRpAPemU7-tg-6Xxy1ds4

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PAUL-BEVOIR-A-Balloon-To-The-Moon-Vinyl-LP-NEW-2021-Indie-Mod-Jetset-/384575606625?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0&fbclid=IwAR0xMG2-EycSWn4uTjx5FhfeZUt1SyQ4RksKynQlL4L6ZOhOltw14pOPMSg

Tuesday 23 November 2021

'Almost Grown' at Westcliff On Sea on 10 December


 

NUTS announce New Year's Eve Rock and Roll Circus Party in London

 

After missing out last NYE through lockdown the “ROCK and ROLL CIRCUS” returns to Hackney with exciting live acts and performances with theatrical décor.

For your partying pleasure we have two amazing live bands that will make you scream & shout.
Oh Gunquit! are the ultimate party band, a cross between the Cramps and The Sonics.
Support from Spain’s groovy Psychedelic garage combo
The Liquorice Experiment.

Our venue Paper Dress Vintage is a fantastic
2 room space opposite Hackney Central station that will be turned into a Circus tent.

Our DJ team Dr Robert, Lee Petryszyn, Stutter, Penny & Stella (The Psychedelic daffodils), Charles Whitehouse, Gary Milan, Russell Deal & Lee Miller will spin Rhythm & Blues, Garage Rock, Psychedelia, Northern Soul, Funk, Ska and Reggae party choons on vintage vinyl in 2 rooms.

Other attractions include Light show and Dancers.


Don’t miss out on the wildest party in town this NYE and book your ticket now!!!

Early Bird Tickets £15 https://www.newuntouchables.com/tickets/

Venue- Paper Dress Vintage, 352A Mare Street, Hackney Central, E8 1HR London

Times 9pm-4am

Monday 22 November 2021

Variety review of ‘The Pebble and the Boy’ movie - "Mod Nostalgia Barely Fuels a Sputtering Scooter Road Movie"

 

The U.K. mod revival of the late 1970s and 1980s was a retro-minded movement, albeit meshed a little with then-current trends: a bit of contemporary punk, a bit of mid-century Teddy Boy grease, all swirled together with a swagger that peaked in 1979’s time-capsule rock opera “Quadrophenia.” An anodyne Manchester-to-Brighton road movie that somewhat wishfully imagines a strain of enduring mod enthusiasm in today’s teens, “The Pebble and the Boy” forgets the present-day touch that made the earlier revival hip, presenting us with a pair of Zoomers on scooters who feel wholly middle-aged in conception and sensibility. The result is an exercise in retro-upon-retro nostalgia that feels as ill-defined as a Xerox of a Xerox, though die-hard dad mods will thrill to its styling and soundtrack.

“Once a mod, always a mod” is the mantra repeated by multiple characters in the course of writer-director Chris Green’s leanly plotted film, which, even across a scant 80-minute running time, manages to repeat itself in more ways than that alone. The story, such as it is, is almost wholly determined by the wavering will and temperament of its 19-year-old protagonist, John (Patrick McNamee), a semi-intrepid man on a mission who throws in the towel every quarter-hour or so just to keep things from wrapping up too fast. The winsome presence of feature-film newcomer McNamee keeps the character more amiable than the script might suggest, though either way, he’s something of a cipher, with feelings and motivations as floppy as his center-parted bangs.

The real star of the show, as it happens, is a gleamingly preserved Lambretta scooter, painted the most royal of blues and adorned with at least two dozen sparkly rearview mirrors. It’s John’s inheritance from his recently deceased father, an original mod revivalist who, in his salad days, once led a bikers’ protest against Margaret Thatcher on the streets of Brighton. Straitlaced Mancunian college student John, who has never so much as sat on a scooter and can’t tell the Jam from Secret Affair, has hitherto paid little mind to his dad’s wilder past. But there’s an urn of ashes to be scattered, and the mod mecca of Brighton is where they belong, so over his mother’s protests, he straddles the Lambretta and hits the road.

Cue an episodic narrative in which bike and script alike run into sporadic patches of engine trouble. In the first, John is bailed out by a mate of his dad’s, whose spunky tomboy daughter Nicki (Sacha Parkinson) joins him for the ride. That the supposed romantic chemistry bubbling between them never plays out as much more than a chummy brother-sister bond is a distraction, though Parkinson — so memorable in Daniel Kokotajlo’s searing Jehovah’s Witness drama “Apostasy” — is a welcome enlivening force, even when saddled with a one-note cool-girl stereotype of a character. She doesn’t seem half so interested in John as she does in the pair of Paul Weller concert tickets found in his dad’s parka pocket, and who can really blame her?

Weller’s spiky songs — along with the mournful title track, accompanying a montage of melancholy beachside moping in Brighton — form the bulk of a hit-filled period soundtrack that must have taken a chunk out of this modest indie’s budget. Given the film’s primarily nostalgic audience pull, you can’t say it’s not money well spent. (A handful of cameos from mod-revival figures wholly unrecognizable to non-acolytes — plus Patsy Kensit, also an associate producer — make it clear the film is only paying lip service to youth culture.) Still, the pinch is felt elsewhere in a road movie that never gives in to the thrill of open asphalt, with John’s handsome two-wheeled steed remaining little more than a posing prop in scene after scene. “Quadrophenia” is blatantly referenced via a late-breaking, swiftly resolved plot twist, but the reminder does “The Pebble and the Boy” few favors. Like a fully accessorized mod scooter, it’s festooned with rear-view mirrors — so many that it can hardly see the road ahead.

New Book - '1975 - A Year In The Life Of Northern Soul' - A definitive account of a year in the life of Northern Soul

 


1975... the year that broke the mould! 12 months that saw the musical direction of the scene broker two different styles, acceptable to many, hard to swallow for some.

208 pages determining exactly where allegiances would lie...fully documented, many photographic items never in print before, along with media coverage of those heady times and the advertising to go with it.. the banality, the fun and the vociferous voices..

a year in the life of the devotee to the ever changing, constantly strange world of Northern Soul...and its Modern bedfellow!

Tim Brown, puts it all into sharp focus and perspective. The real world through the eyes of one of the scene's foremost experts on not just the vinyl but the history as a whole.

This will make a fascinating read for any collector and a momentous year end addition to your personal library!

Official Description:

The first ever detailed look at a specific year in the life of Northern Soul focuses on its most important year. It was the year when seventies soul was embraced to sit alongside traditional sixties stompers in all dancehalls and venues such as Cleethorpes Pier and The Ritz, Manchester as all-dayers took a hold on the scene. Wigan Casino and the Blackpool Mecca remained as twin towers of the nightlife however. Television, radio and newspapers were fascinated by the ultimate underground music scene and this book analyses their interest. Tim Brown, author of "The Wigan Casino Years" details all the events and records that make 1975 Northern Soul`s most important year, many of which are recounted for the first time. A definitive account of a year in the life of Northern Soul, richly illustrated in full colour.

Check out the Anglo American website (link below) for full details of how to purchase

https://www.raresoulvinyl.co.uk/

or email : raresoulvinyl@btconnect.com

Or call: 01706 818604

Detail Magazine announces annual subscription - 4 issues for £36 including UK delivery

 

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (4 Detail magazines) includes Uk Delivery. 

 

Issues: Spring, Summer, Autumn,Winter

 

Subscriptions are manged via PAYPAL payments only, and will be automatically renewed every 12 months.

 

Non-UK delivery will be charged for all 4 issues.

Heavy Soul Records release Bread - 'Song Of A Baker' / 'Hey Joe' from 1968 acetate


BREAD

Song Of A Baker / Hey Joe

HEAVY SOUL RECORDS ROR136

HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL

 

The much muted, but until now, unheard versions of classic Small Faces and Hendrix covers have been lying on an acetate belonging to original member Pete Stone since they were recorded at Hollick & Taylor in Birmingham in 1968.

These are the only recordings of the band who supported The Pretty Things at the University of London in 1967. Fully restored and remastered by the genius Dan Husayn to create a crystal clear sound.

Pete went onto form the much-respected Tapestry band who had a big fan in John Peel between 1970 and 1972.

 

These great versions show the impact these great bands had on the wider musical community and especially in Cheltenham for Bread:

Pete Stone - Bass

Tony Newman - Guitar / Vocals

Mike Newman - Drums

 

Limited to 250 copies on heavyweight vinyl in plain white paper bags

Detail Magazine - Issue 12 Out Now!

  The Spring issue of Detail - features on Dee C Lee, Gabicci, Ted Carroll, Eddie Piller, Jimmy Smith, Tim Vickery, Tony Briggs, Paul Smiler...