Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World

From the Vaults: Modcasts #63 & #69

2012-02-08T15:01:40.063-08:00

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 those oh so sweltering days of Summer 2007. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

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Modcast #63: Mod For The Summer

(image) Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, I opened today's show with a track from a band called Airborne Toxic Event, and even though they're out of Los Angeles man they sound a lot like a british band with obvious influence from Franz Ferdinand and the Fratellis. The rest of the show is equally as good. I think there is pretty much something for everyone here -- except for the Def Leppard crowd (you know who you are, now leave me alone and learn to like better music).

The Airborne Toxic Event -- Does This Mean You're Moving On?
Tsar -- Wanna Get Dead
Pristine - King Without a Crown
The Rifles -- One Night Stand
The Mary Onettes -- Void
The Procession -- Major and Minor
The Lodger -- Kicking Sand
Mando Diao -- Paralyzed
Crawling Walls -- Tell Me Why
Paul Bevoir -- Maybe Not

The Lodger -- Let Her Go
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Modcast 69: Mods, Skins, Punks

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, this week is a very garage rock sorta show so enjoy.

Fleshtones -- Push Up Man
The Lizardmen -- Mind on Fire
Plan 9 -- I'm Not There
Pandoras -- Stop Pretending
Tuff Darts -- (Your Love Is Like) Nuclear Waste
The Indikation -- Don't Send Me No Flowers
The Groovie Ghoulies -- An Unsolved Mystery
The Professionals -- Mods, Skins, Punks
The What -- East Coast Kids
The Tearjerkers -- Love Affair
TSOL -- Word Is

The Pandoras -- You're All Talk
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Modcast #222: Just The Ladies This time

2012-01-29T11:35:50.098-08:00

(image) This week it's the ladies turn at Suave HQ. I realized that it's been a while since I did a show feturing just the ladies, so here it is. In going through my catalog I realized that while I have a lot of great female bands and singers, the ratio of male to female singers is about 30:1. Still, I did find some good stuff, so don't worry there's lots of X chromosomes coming your way. There are soul singers, garage rockers and guitar mavens. Got bands from the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Finland, and even Seattle just to name a few. Sort of an international estrogenfest you might say. There's some old, some young, some new, some famous, some obscure. Lots of fishes in the sea, as they say. So, cast your line and reel in some fresh ones on this week's modcast.

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Eleanor Rigby -- Getting Through The Day (198?)
Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators -- A Perect Kind Of Love (2005)
Laura Vane & The Vipertones -- Hours On Hours (2011)
Fonxinaires Feat. Brandy Butler -- Till You Love Me Too
Petula Clark -- Who Am I
Truly Smith -- Takin' Time Off (1966)
Tracey Rogers -- Back With You Baby (1967)
The School -- Valentine (2010)
The Like -- I Can See It In Your Eyes (2010)
Seapony -- Dreaming (2011)
Shocking Blue -- Send Me A Postcard (1968)
Daughters of Eve -- Don't Waste My Time (1966)
She -- Outta Reach (1970)
Looker -- Gates Of The Old City (2008)
Tiger Trap -- Words And Smiles (1993)
Madder Rose -- Beautiful John(1993)
Cocktail Slippers -- Give It To Me (2007)


Shocking Blue -- Mighty Joe
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Looker - After My Divorce
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Comments Please!

Modcast #221: Baby It's Cold Outside

2012-01-25T12:55:02.287-08:00

(image) What a week. Icy cold storm kept me holed up in suave headquarters most of the week, only to emergy to the news that Etta James had died. Jamesetta, that was her real first name which she later reversed for her stage name, grew up hard, lived hard, worked hard, and sang hard. She had a voice that was large and in charge. Didn't seem like much of a show without something from the legendary Ms. James. So, it's got that going for it.

Most of the week though was spent sipping hot beverages like hot chocolate with coffee liquueur and amaretto just to keep warm. And of course I had thse beautiful songs to heat me up. So, listen up and I guarantee you'll get hot. Of course, as usual, you get what you pay for.

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Etta James -- Something's Got A Hold On Me (1962)
The Accidents -- Trigger Happy (1980/1996)
The Haywains -- Desperately Seeking Something (1993)
The Soup Dragons -- Slow Things Down (1986)
The Pepper Pots -- Time To Live (2009)
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound -- Everything Will Be Fine (2011)
Secret Affair -- Don't Look Down (Demo) (1981/2003)
The Red Squares -- You Can Be My Baby (1966)
The Beat Chics -- Now I Know (1964)
Strawberry Alarm Clock -- Hummin' Happy (1967)
The Standells -- Rari (1966)
The Len Price 3 -- Julia Jones (2007)
The Postelles -- 123 Stop (2011)
The Rascals -- Suspicious Wit (2008)
The Robustos -- My Heart & Soul (2005)

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound -- I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
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The Postelles -- White Night
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From The Vaults: Modcast 125: Mod Essentials II - The Revival

2012-01-17T13:05:46.496-08:00

Welcome to Mr. Suave’s Mod Mod World. This is a special episode of the modcast, the second in a series I call Mod Essentials. The first one, Mod Essentials: In The Beginning premiered last summer and featured my take on the most essential mod tracks of the 1960s. As you can imagine it was hardly definitive. And this one likely won’t be either . This is Mod Essentials II: The Revival. You will see that while there are some fantastic songs here, there are a number of key artists missing like The Crooks, Squire, The Amber Squad, Long Tall Shorty, The Cigarettes and lots more. (image)

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From 1977 to 1981 mod was reborn in the UK, which sparked mod revivals around the world. For a few glorious years the energy and angst of punk was wed to the rhythm of soul, the pulse of power pop, and the fashions of the sixties. The Who released Quadrophenia at the height of the revival creating even more interest in all things mod. Inevitably the mod scene became overexposed, it went mainstream briefly, and that more than anything else killed it and drove the remaining mods back to their soul clubs to await the movements next revival -- still more than a decade away.

Here then are the songs that I think epitomize the wide range of sounds in the mod revival. So, what are your essential mod revival tracks? I'm dying to find out from people what they see as the quintessential mod revival sound. Leave a comment and let me know what you think of my list here, what you would have added, or what you would have scrapped. Don't be shy.

The Jam – In The City
Secret Affair – Days of Change
Small Hours – Hangin’ In The Balance
Teenbeats – I Can’t Control Myself
Purple Hearts – Can’t Help Thinking About Me
The Chords – Something’s Missing
The Lambrettas – Go Steady
Beggar – Don’t Throw Your Life Away
Speedball – No Survivors
The Adverts – Bored Teenagers
Merton Parkas – Put Me In The Picture
The Jam – Precious (12” dance mix)

Mod documentary clip featuring interview with Secret Affair's Ian Page, and Secret Affair performing Time For Action

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Modcast #220: The Best of 2011

2012-01-09T12:39:24.772-08:00

(image) Welcome to 2012, sure to be a better year than 2011 (the Mayan calendar fiasco not withstanding). Even though it is 2012 the focus of this modcast is actually 2011. It is time for my annual "best of" show where like all the other music critics out there I am going to give you a piece of my mind, specifically the piece that lists out what I thought were the best releases of the past 12 months. I'm highlighting some power pop, some indie pop, some soul, some garage rock, all of which rose to the top of the heap of last years new music. Enjoy!

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Agony Aunts (The Corner Laughers) -- Transamerica Pyramid
James Taylor Quartet -- Woman
Nick Pride & The Pimptones -- Lay It On The Line Feat. Zoe Gilbey
Raphael Saadiq -- Movin' Down The Line
The Vaccines -- Norgaard
Title Tracks -- No Air
The Perms -- High School High
Suedehead -- All I Need
The Red Button -- I Can't Forget
Steve Craddock -- Last Day Of The Old World
Miles Kane -- Come Closer
The Movements -- I Feel Groovy
The Love Me Nots -- I'm Gonna Be Your Girl
Sick Rose -- Before You Go
The Gents -- How It All Began


Sudehead -- New Traditions
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The Vaccines - Tiger Blood
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From the Vaults: Best of 2009 & 2010 Modcasts

2012-01-03T15:13:28.110-08:00

I guess I am just like everybody else. End of year lists of songs and albums are a mainstay of the muscial intertubes. Here then is a reprise of my shows highlighting some of the best mod friendly tunes in 2009 and 2010. And lest you think I'm shirking last year completely, I'm not. I've got a best of 2011 show coming up next week and then it will be back to mixing up some old, some new, and everything in between. Until then remember back to when these tunes were still fresh.Listen Here (if streaming is slow or stopped download below!)Download Modcast #151: The Last Gasp of 2009Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod world, 2009 is in the history books, and 2010 is upon. But I'm giving 2009 one last gasp before moving. The first decade of the 21st century is history, but this last year saw great music produced. I've got eleven treats for you to close out the last year from power pop to soul to indie rock. And it's all mod friendly. This past year I had the Mod-A-Day project, where I posted a different band everyday covering everything from mod to punk, ska, lounge, garage rock, indie pop and more. The idea was to familiarize people with mod friendly music. When I first got into the mod scene as teenager I was easily influenced by other older scenesters who convinced me that if it was sixties, or soul, or part of the mod revival than it was crap. Unfortunately, taking that to heart, I really missed out on a lot of great music that I could have enjoyed. Fortunately, over the years I've caught up on much of that. In an effort to help keep such from happening to others I decided I would post a band a day. One main idea was to highlight groups that didn't get much attention over the years. So, I enjoyed highlighting a lot of great southern California mod bands I grew up with like The Targets, Three O'Clock, The Question and Chardon Square. Some of it was to remind people of great soul music from the past like PP Arnold, The Flirtations, or Eddie Floyd. Some of it was to remember some of the great mod and ska acts of yesteryear like Secret Affair, Madness, The Style Council or The Who. At times I updated you all about more recent and contemporary mod bands like The Len Price 3, The Insomniacs, The Odd Numbers and The Bishops. And sometimes I went a bit further afield and posted items about new wave bands, lounge acts, rock combos, twee groups, and power poppers like Birdie, The Carrots, Oingo Boingo, Social Distortion, Sweet, Combustible Edison, The Quick, and Love Jones. It was fun, and I'm proud to say I managed a post every single day last year. I'm not giving up totally, but you won't be finding daily posts this year, though I'll still probably do a few a week. Hopefully with more and varied material from cocktail notes to interviews with bands and artists. As usual there will always be a mod . You will still get weekly modcasts. Those will keep on coming, don't you worry. Go enjoy this week's modcast and I'll see you later in the week.Cheers,Mr. SuaveLast Gasp of 2009 The Parties -- Kensington AvenueThe Raveonettes -- Bang!The Madd -- The Erroneous Ideas of Mr. Rupert StapletonNaomi Starr -- Powerpop NuggetFranz Ferdinand -- Send Him AwayThe Takeover UK -- Main Street CrushThe Bishops -- Laughter in the DarkThe Corner Laughers -- StonewordsMando Diao -- Go Out TonightThe Black Hollies -- Run With Me RunThe Pepper Pots -- Real True LoveMando Diao - Gloria The Black Hollies -- Paisley Patterned GroundModcast #186: Out With The Old The Best Of 2010It's time to ring in the new year in the mod world. Closed out 2010 last night partying at my usual haunt here in Jet City, and today it's time to ring in the new year with a whole modcast showcasing my favorite albums from this past year, which was a pretty damn good one as far as music goes. 2010 brought us a lot of cool music from the ultra mod sounds of The Moons, The Men, The Ace and The Modesty to the pogoing power pop of Bett[...]

Mr. Suave's 3rd Annual Christmas Modcast Extravaganza

2011-12-24T09:07:05.757-08:00

(image) 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

Christmas in Las Vegas - Richard Cheese
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Pointed Sticks -- Power Pop Santa
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A Double Blast of Christmas Past-- Christmas Modcasts from 2010 & 2008

2011-12-20T11:40:58.133-08:00

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. Listen nowDownloadModcast #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)ListenDownloadFitz & The Tantrums -- Santa Stole My LadyPointed Sticks -- Power Pop SantaMr. 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

2011-12-06T16:37:46.733-08:00

(image) 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.

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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
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Sambassadeur -- I can try
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Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use: Title Tracks

2011-12-05T11:05:07.307-08:00

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.

(object) (embed) Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use: Title Tracks by mistersuave

Modcast #218: The Mods Are Alright

2011-11-29T15:07:56.978-08:00

(image) 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
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Jarvis Humby - Vampyros Hetros
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On Black Friday It's Blur - To The End

2011-11-25T12:29:16.134-08:00

Looks like we made it to the end.

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From The Vaults: Mod Essentials: In The Beginning

2011-11-23T13:49:10.216-08:00

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 NowDownloadRecently a friend --we'll call him Minnesota Mark -- asked me what mod is. More than that, he asked if I could put together a short playlist of the best mod songs. And you know, I was blown away by how difficult a task that turned out to be. I found that you can't narrow down to a dozen or so the most quintessential mod songs. Not to mention it's a totally subjective thing. What I think of as quintessential mod songs will be much different than another mod's picks. And what is quintessential anyhow? Again it's pretty subjective. I think I would define the quintessential mod songs as the songs that made me a mod early on -- mostly these were the songs that I simply loved that were already considered mod songs. As I thought about it though, I realized that quintessential mod songs are also those that when I hear them they make me think mod, they make me think of the mod sound and what it means to be a mod. They need not be original quote unquote mod songs.Anyhow, Minnesota Mark's question got me to thinking: I bet there are a lot of people who'd be interested in hearing what I think are the most quintessential mod songs. At least I hope so. So, I'm going to do a periodic series of modcasts picking the dozen or so most essential mod sounds -- each time corresponding with a specific genre unique to mods, or a specific mod era. For this modcast I'm starting where you should start, at the beginning, in the sixties. Thank you to Mark for asking the question of what a mod is and what mod music sounds like and getting this ball rolling. For the early mods it really all started rolling with the soul sound. I could go back to the jazz roots of mod -- the modernists, but this modcast is only supposed be a thirty minute affair and we're already going to blow that out of the water. So, let's jump up to the modernists' next gen children; the first 'mods' as it were and their love affair with all things soulful. all things bluesy, all things dancable. This podcast just barely skims the surface of what the sixties mod sound was like, but at least it's a start.J.J. Jackson -- But Its AlrightThe Miracles -- Tears of a ClownEdwin Starr -- 25 MilesGeorgie Fame & The Blue Flames -- Money (That's What I Want)The Who -- I Can't ExplainThe Creation -- Biff Bang PowSmall Faces -- Wham Bam Thank You M'amThe Kinks -- Set Me FreeThe Monkees -- I'm Not Your Steppin' StoneThe Zombies -- She's Not ThereThe Easybeats -- Friday on my MindStrawberry Alarm Clock -- Incense & PeppermintsSo, what are your essential sixties mod songs? I'm dying to find out from people what they see as the quintessential mod sound. E-mail me at rob@mistersuave.com and let me know.The Small Faces -- Rollin' OverEdwin Starr -- 25 MilesDownload[...]

Peaches and Herb Struttin' their Stuff in '68

2011-11-22T16:13:19.343-08:00

When did these kid split up and then get reunited?

Peaches & Herb - Two Little Kids
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Modcast #217: Now With More Fiber!

2011-11-16T07:43:47.962-08:00

(image) 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
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Everything But The Girl -- Don't Leave Me Behind
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From The Vaults: Modcast #57 & #58 from 2008

2011-11-08T15:46:46.004-08:00

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 NowDownloadModcast #57: The Warmth of The Sun Pt 1Summer 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 ShowThe Hellers -- It's 74 in San FranciscoThe Love Generation - When the Sun Goes DownThe Free Design -- Kites Are FunThe Postmarks -- GoodbyeThe Bicycles -- Two Girls from MontrealPatience Please -- UnpublishedWould-Be-Goods -- The Camera Loves MeThe Sails -- Best DayThe Loose Salute -- DeathclubRivers Cuomo -- TomorrowThe Would Be Goods -- Le Crocodile width="595" height="433" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aupkCvJabos" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>Modcast #58: The Warmth of The Sun Pt 2This 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 -- LaughThe Pipettes -- The Burning Ambition Of The Early DiureticsThe Dynette Set -- Seed of LoveThe Carrots -- Secret Since '99Couple -- Gotta Be My GirlThe Boy Least Likely To -- Be Gentle With MeAcid House Kings -- Tonight is ForeverThe Jigsaw Seen -- Jim is the DevilFiery Furnaces -- Here Comes The SummerThe Lodger -- My Advice is on LoanWolfie -- Hey It's Finally YayIf you've got rants or raves you can e-mail me at rob@mistersuave.com. The Lodger -- I love Death width="595" height="433" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OEKDO4ON5Fo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>Couple -- Now That I Can See width="595" height="433" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Hef71qlIE8s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> [...]

Bangles - I Want You (Live 1986)

2011-11-03T08:04:16.943-07:00

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Annual Halloween Modcast #216: No Costume, No Candy

2011-10-31T06:23:44.576-07:00

(image) Ken and Darren from The Shingles are on hand to scare the bejeebers out of you. Don't worry they won't do it with heavy metal or gangsta rap.

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

2011-10-29T08:53:04.414-07:00

(object) (embed) 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

2011-10-25T13:18:55.802-07:00

(image) 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
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Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra -- Pride of Lions
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A spooktacular blast from Halloweens past

2011-10-17T15:11:20.258-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner so enjoy a couple of spooktacular classic modcasts. Listen NowDownloadModcast #73: It's Spooky ModoweenHappy 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 devilGorehounds -- Voodoo priestGroovie Ghoulies -- Daughter of FrankensteinDead Kennedys -- HalloweenThe Ghastly Ones -- Haulin' HearseThe B-52s -- Devil in my carGravedigger V -- It's spookyZombina & The Skeletones -- The grave ... and beyondThe Undertakers -- Born in a graveyardThe Playn Jayn -- Dig my own graveThe Postmarks -- Everyday is HalloweenThe Ghastly Ones -- Haulin' Hearse width="595" height="433" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aWnOfwsvZWU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>Madness -- I chase the devil width="595" height="433" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OlGy_CRS1SE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>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! width="595" height="332" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KOAm_kLRiMY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>[...]

From The Vaults: Modcasts #27 & #29

2011-10-17T14:11:27.547-07:00

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 NowDownloadModcast #27: Coming Tuesday I feel BetterHere'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 SundayCorduroy -- Don't Wait for MondaySkyshakers -- A Girl Called TuesdayJetset -- Wednesday GirlThe Truth, Thursday ClubThe Easybeats -- Friday on My MindThe Specials -- Friday Night, Saturday MorningThe Jam -- Saturday's KidsSquire -- Saturday ShoppingThe Odds, Saturday NightThe Incredible Moses Leroy -- It's A SundayThe Easybeats -- Friday on My MindModcast #29: Biff Bang ModWelcome 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 SteadyThe Times -- Biff Bang PowThe Saints -- I'm StrandedThee Mad Lovers -- All My Pseudo LoveSandra Phillips -- World Withouth SunshineShel Naylor -- It's Gonna Happen SoonPaulo Apollo Negri -- Can't Get SatisfiedTony Hatch Orchestra -- Herbin'United Future Organization -- Cosmic GypsyVibraphonic -- Trust MeSloan -- Try To Make ItUnited Future Airlines -- United Future Organization[...]

From The Vaults: Modcasts #93 and #145

2011-10-03T14:17:38.734-07:00

Modcast #93 Just Floating ByIn 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. Listen NowDownloadBaskervilles – Have You Seen ThemLooker – Gates of the Old CityThe Red Button – Floating ByOasis – Half the World AwayThe Black Hollies – Paisley PatternThe Fores – Golden GateRadio Days – Rock-n-Roll GirlThe Hangmen – FacesThe Rolling Stones – Play With FireThe Kinks – Groovy MoviesTeenage Head – Top DownI 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 width="595" height="433" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gLXsxEvMTDY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>The Kinks -- I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight width="595" height="433" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f1sRaBy-Md8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>Modcast #145: Mods Ride AgainI'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 width="595" height="332" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UhHhXukovMU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>[...]

Modcast #214: Music To Walk The Dog By

2011-09-26T16:12:58.448-07:00

(image) 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.

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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
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Locksley - Why Not Me (Why Can't I Be You)
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Graduate (Tears For Fears) - Acting My Age

2011-09-23T16:23:30.073-07:00

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

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