The Strypes sign 5-album deal with Mercury worldwide

The Strypes have signed to Mercury UK for the entire world following a heated label battle for their signature. It is believed that all of the major labels were interested in reaching a deal with the group, who hail from Cavan, Ireland. The deal that they have signed is for 5 albums, with much of the music press hailing them as the next big thing for 2013.

Music Week, the industry newspaper, said, “With every band member aged between 14 and 16, the teenagers' sound is clearly modelled around the clean R&B stylings of early Beatles and Stones material”. I would suggest more Ealing Club than Cavern Club myself!!!

In a statement, The Strypes said, "We are absolutely delighted to announce that after several months of negotiations, we have signed a worldwide record deal with Mercury Records, UK, part of the Universal Music group."

Personally, I also think that some credit should go to Adam Cooper at Heavy Soul Records who released The Strypes 'Young, Gifted & Blue' EP in the UK on his label and really pushed the band through his Heavy Soul fanzine - this gained them real momentum within the scene that then led on to Paul Weller's interest in the group and helped to create a huge buzz about them.

Good luck to The Strypes and I look forward to their first release on Mercury in the near future.

Ronnie Londons' New Years Eve Bash in Nottingham

Mod Friendly Barber Opens in Lichfield

'Dam Fine Barbers' opened their doors in Lichfield at the end of November and are definitely Mod & Retro orientated.

Located at 21b Dam Street, the shop's principal, Joanne Lloyd, has got a Mod pedigree behind her, having previously worked for some time at Ace Face barbers in Birmingham.

'Dam Fine Barbers' is open 6 days a week (although Wednesday is a half-day) from 8.30am, with Wednesday mornings additionally focusing on ladies styling. Furthermore, if you want a hot towel shave then this is on offer too.

I would certainly recommend you giving this barbers shop a try - Joanne has been cutting my hair for the past few months and I'm very happy with the results.

The Modest - 'live' at Barton Marina Tonight

For anyone who fancies some 'live' entertainment with a Mod slant this evening then get yourself over to 'The Waterfront' at Barton Marina (near Burton-on-Trent) where you will be entertained by The Modest from 10pm onwards.

A 3-piece band from the Midlands, their website state their musical influences as The Action, The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks, The Jam, Dexys Midnight Runners, Northern Soul, Motown and Stax.

Bradley Wiggins Knighted in New Years Honours List





Bradley Wiggins, who won the Tour de France and an Olympic gold, has been knighted in a New Years Honours List dominated by London 2012 medallists.

Affectionately known as Wiggo, the first British winner of the Tour said: "I never ever imagined that I would ever become a knight so it's an incredible honour. But there's a slight element of disbelief and it will take a while to sink in."

The BBC helpfully (!) said, “Known for his sideburns and his retro Mod fashion sense, Sir Bradley already had a CBE.”

'What Goes On', Birmingham - Saturday 23rd February 2013

SQUIRE, BACK TO ZERO AND THE KILLERMETERS 'LIVE' @ MODS MAYDAY CAMBRIDGE 2013

There’s a huge Mods Mayday weekend being planned for 2013 at The Alley Club in Cambridge.

So far, Squire , Back To Zero (first gig since '80!) and The Killermeters are confirmed to play the Saturday night (4^th May) with guest DJ John Paul Leasing (and others tbc). Compere for the entire weekend will be none other than legendary "Evil Roman - The People's Poet" aka The Killermeters original and current roadie!!
 

Organiser Paul Sawtell (of legendary 80s Modzine, ‘Fire ‘n’ Skill’ fame) says, “I'm also hoping for a big name headliner and support bands to confirm for the Sunday night soon!”

Tickets are available now from Paul for £15 in advance each per individual night  or at £25 for a joint Saturday/Sunday night ticket. Ticket prices are hoped to include a buffet both evenings, Saturday and Sunday lunchtime do's AND a warm up gig on Friday night! The Corner House pub is booked for Friday night.

Paul says, “Numbers are limited and this will be BIG, BIG, BIG, so book early to avoid disappointment.

 

For those travelling and planning to stay over, the two Travelodges in Cambridge are offering rates of £27 and £41 per room per night sleeping 2 or 3 adults. Cheapest price then, is only £9 a night! Can you afford NOT to! There's a bus from the central Travelodge direct to the evening do's and I'm looking at a taxi deal as well.”

Ocean Colour Scene – New Album ‘Painting’

The new Ocean Colour Scene album is entitled ‘Painting’ and has a scheduled release date of 11^th February 2013.

'Painting' is the band's tenth studio album and contains 14 brand new tracks. The OCS website says ‘Painting’ “is considered a mile stone in their acclaimed career”

The album is now available to pre-order from the official Ocean Colour Scene store for£9.99. Each album pre-ordered from the store includes an exclusive signed lyric sheet from Simon, Steve & Oscar, alongside an instant free exclusive download entitled 'Trilogy' which clocks in at 9 minutes 40 seconds! 

The track listing is as follows: -

1 We Don't Look In The Mirror

2 Painting

3 Goodbye Old Town

4 Doodle Book

5 If God Made Everyone

6 Weekend

7 Professor Perplexity

8 George's Tower

9 I Don't Want To Leave England

10 The Winning Side

11 Mistaken Identity

12 The Union

13 The New Torch Song

14 Here Comes The Dawning Day

 

 

R.I.P. Dave Brubeck

Pioneering jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck has died, aged 91.

The musician, whose recordings included 'Take Five' and 'Blue Rondo a la Turk', was once designated a "living legend" by the US Library of Congress. 

He died on Wednesday morning in hospital in Connecticut, his manager Russell Gloyd told the Chicago Tribune newspaper. 

The musician, who played with the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, would have turned 92 on Thursday. 

He enjoyed phenomenal success with The Dave Brubeck Quartet in the 1950s and '60s, selling millions of albums.