Various Artists - The Mod Scene

During the original UK 'mod' movement of the mid '60s, no label released more slices of classic 'mod' than Decca Records. This compilation features 25 rare and influential recordings straight from the Decca vaults and features many vital tracks that helped shape the scene. Mixing rock, blues and soul with electrifying energy, the 'mods' were sharply dressed and ready to take their sounds to the streets and were warmly embraced by the music-obsessed 'mod' fans. Although many of these artists are long forgotten, their powerful sounds have survived for four decades. Includes tracks from Tom Jones, Paul & Barry Ryan, The Poets, Amen Corner, Small Faces, Chris Farlow, Graham "10cc" Gouldman, Zoot Money's Big Roll Band, Graham Bond Orchestra and many more. Universal. 2003. Album Description

Mod

Very groovy compilation of the nuggets from the Decca/Deram catelogue. Just fab and truly gear. March 2, 2007

Top Face

I had a copy of this CD I purchased at Amoeba Records in San Francisco several years ago. When I recently moved out of the City, the CD somehow vanished in the process of my move. I have a few theories of where it went. CD Now has allowed me to get another copy!

DECCA Records, as with most labels at one time used to sign a lot of different stuff. The comp of Mod-styled music here from their vaults contains some real gems from the that period starting from about 1962 or so.

The selections give a good overview of the scene. It's not going to have every hair-splitting deatail of the large and varied scope of the Mod scene, but I fully enjoyed it.

An added bouns is the liner notes. Well done! So many CD comps overflowing the market today are so poorly put together packaging wise, it's good to see that Decca put some thought into this. Photos, art, and a good feel of the times is evident in this package. The write up is also very well researched. Every group on this comp has something said about them.

I know some 'purists' out there are going to call this comp a bunch of rubbish, but for someone who likes the general sound of the scene, or for someone who is getting into this varied and diverse scene, I would tell them to buy it.

April 4, 2005

A very obscure collection-

Wow- asied from Tom Jones and the Small Faces these are one hit blunders. Actually, they didn't even chart. Just played to the max in mod haunts of the 60s. See the Motown influences and how they lead to the Jam and even down the road further to Inspirla Carpets and The Stone Roses. "Lovingly Yours" could be a 70s sit-com theme. The problem with these songs is the flat singing. Amen Corner is the rare exception that comes close to capturing the James Brown feel so many are going for. But the songs!!!!! Tons of re-make material here for the right singer! April 12, 2003

More reviews at Amazon.com ...