Goodbye

I've hit the point of wondering why I'm doing this.

Shareing the love of greeeeaaat music, worked for a while.

But this bloggin lark sometimes feels like you are p#ssing into the wilderness. It's shockin when you hear of the amount of posts VS the amount of downloads

So I reckon it's time to shut up shop and move on.

Thanks to everyone who's taken the time and effort to comment. I hope some of you have found something new and keep on sharing, you know it makes sense

Take it easy, enjoy life and checkout the comments over the next few days for the last clearout

The Verve - Urban Hymns

It's the Verve with this absolutely brilliant album which brings back happy memories of mad, mad days when I was old enough to know better and young enough not to care.

Blinding tune after blinding tune make this an absolute classic British intelligent pop/indie album

Tedious music nerds always bang on about their earlier albums being better, they are so, so, so fkn wrong.

This album is fkn genuis, now get the fck on it and ennnnnnnjjjjjjjjjoyy

Track listing in comments

The Anti-Knowhere League - We Are...the League

Absolutely and completely awesome punk album from 1982.

Filthy, Anti-social, angry, foul, violent fckn punk. Proper, proper gooodd. No fkn arty pretension or poncey pop-punk just proper full on in yer fkn face puuuuuunnnnnnnkkkkkkkkkk.

Loved them and love them now. Seriously "So what" is so wrong it is pure and absolute genius. PLAY IT LOUD

Get on in it NOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW. Oh yes enjoy.
Track listing blah, blah.

The Meteors - Wreckin Crew

I fkn loved the Meteors and it all began with their first single, Meteor Madness then a bit later the first album In heaven (earlier post) the out came this, their best known album, which came out around 83.

I was unusual back then, until the music exploded all over the scooter scene.

It is shit hot Psychobilly, harder and more brutal than previous releases. They wer fkn great live back then, it was mental down the front and I looooooovvved it. Happy days.

This sets out how Psychobilly should be, all else copied.

enjoy
track listings in comments

Sly and the Family Stone - There's a riot going on

Proper, Proper gooooooooooood quality funk from Sly.

There's some edge around some of the tracks that just add to fun.

This is a verrryyyyyyyyy cool funk, so get the, get the fck on it and enjoy

The wiki says it better "n" me.

Track listing in the comments

Blondie - Parallel Lines

I had proper early crush on Debbie Harry back in olden, golden days of the late seventies.

That is not the reason for this post, as ever the reaon is the music.

This is their third album and it brilliant from the very first track, hanging on the telephone.

Proper, Proper quality new wave, copied but not equaled. Enjoy

Track listing etc, etc

Various Artists - Stompin at the Klub Foot

I was a regular back in the deep "n" distant

Summer on the rallies, winter in the klub foot, happpyyyyy daze. It weren't a good night unless you got your and other peoples blood on your clothes, it was rough up the front, but there was a code.

Our lot didn't turn up for the recording nights cos we reckoned it would be full of "plastics". Kinda wish I had now.

This album has a proper mixture of live garage, psychobilly, neo rockabilly etc back from the golden days. It puts a proper fkn smile on my face every time I dig it out Enjoyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Listing of the tracks are placed in the comments.

Various Artists - The Ultimate Northern Soul Album

This is the cheesiest of cheesey Northern Soul albums.

My wife bought it for me as a surprise and I thought mmmmmmmmmm. I put it on to be nice and found I fkn loooooovvvedd it.

Every track is well known and obvious and it is fkn brilliant, seriously great. Happy memories from the numerous Northern Soul nights or session that made up part of the 80's scooter scene are all played out here.

If you only want one Northern Soul album get this, it will put a biiiig smile on your face. Music snobs need not apply.

track listing in comments and enjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjooooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Dexys Midnight Runners-Searching For The Young Soul Rebels

Great, great memories.

Northern soul influenced classic, classic album from the 1980's.

Kevin Rowland, the lead singer, was a fkn odd bloke but produced sssooo fkn perb music with added twist that brought up to and beyond some of it's major inluence

get on it and enjoy

Track listing in comments

Dr. John (The Night Tripper) - Gris-gris

New Orleans , swampy, psychedelic, voodoo r&b.

It gets fkn weird in moments, but this is a really, really, reaaaaaaaaaallllllyyyyyyyyyyy fkn superb.

I absolutely and completely love this album. There is a proper trippy, spooky voodoo vibe going on throughout.

If you've not listend to this then you fkn should.

ENJOOOOOOOOOYYYY - The comments are a good place for track listings.

The Escalators - Moving Staircases

After leaving the Meteors, following the Clapham South Escalators side project and before the Tall Boys Nigel Lewis led the Tall boys.

I bought this back in 83 and loved it. It's differant from all his other stuff, sort of garage and indie (80's style) all mixed up together.
Proper good gear, gooo on give it a try.

Go for it "n" enjoy.

Track listing in comments

Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison

I'm pretty new to Mr Cash.

Once you get him, he is fkn superb. Proper fkn soooperrrrrrrrrb

This is his live comeback album sung live at the infamous Folsom prison, with his wife joining him here and there.

If you ain't tried then give this a shout, its fkn grreeeeeeaaaaaattt. Let the whole album happen then it will make sense.

Fck it this is the man to first use the word "psychobilly" in a song, what more do you need.

The man wasn't shy of a bit of speed in his day and there's nothing wrong with that.

get on this and ennnnjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjoooooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Track listing in comments

RE -UPS

well b#gger me.

Someone has re-ripped and re-upped Stax of Funk @256 and Slim Harpo.

Happy days

Off I go

Holiday time

No technology

Back in mid August

Take it easy and enjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjoyyyyyyyyyyyyy life

I will be

Leftfield - Leftism

This is their first album and it's greaaaattttttttt. Seriously, seriously greaaaaaaaaaat.

Every single track just nails it as they knit together into an amazing whole album

Dance music for people who don't like dance music, brilliant beats good vocalists (John Lydon anyone?)

A proper cult classic you just need to get on this. ENJOYYYYYYY

Track listing in comments

Demented are Go - At the Klub Foot

You've got to love these guys and their take on kick @sre Psychobilly.

Loved them live back in the day, they were fkn great, proper, proper energy. Complete fkn nutters as well

Sh#t hot psychobilly LIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE

Enjoy

Track listing in comments

Elvis - At Sun

ELVIS?? - Yep

AT SUN? - His first recordings, before all his really well known stuff.

BUT ELVIS? - If you don't get him, then listen to this.

REALLY? - Fk yeah, there is 4 stand out tracks on here that are just fkn sooooopppppppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrb
That's alright mama, Good Rockin tonight, Baby Let's Play House, Milkcow Blues Boogie. GET ON THEM
Enjoy, Enjoy, Ennnjjjjjjjjjjjjjooooooooooooooooooooooooyyyyyyyyy.
Track listing in comments

Parliament - Mothership Connection

Parliament.

Fck yeah.

70's Funk like the world never seen before or since. Wild, weird and funnnkkkkkkkkkkyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Trippy, fun full bore funk for gooooooooood times.

Get on it and enjoy

track listing in comments

Eek-a-mouse - Wa-Do-Dem

Fkn great reggae album from Eek-a-mouse.

Highly influential "chattin" vocals that sound like they could have been laid down yesterday drive this great album forward.

Go on, this is seriously ggoooooooooooood music

Enjoy

Track listing in comments

The Fuzztones - Lysergic_Emanations

Hey, Hey, 1980's garage revivalists the Fuzztones bang out some great tunes on this cracking album.

They really rock out. Covers are given that special high power Fuzztones spin and own tracks are just greaaaaaaaaaatttt.

Loved it when I bought it the mid 80's and love it now. Go on She's Wicked is superbbbbbbbbbbb

Enjoy
Track listing in comments

Fat Freddys Drop - Based on a True Story

Damn difficult to label this one.

Proper strong dub-like basslines with soul and jazz influences in there as well with a sprinkle of hip-hop, stirred in with dash of ska.

Its fkn great summer vibes that just hits the fkn spot

Enjoy this, it is sooooo good.

Track listing in Comments

Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions

This is one of the best albums ever,EVER.

I was at work, had a deadline, pre-pod, asked my mate for music he said nothing you will like but...

Got through to the third track and had to start again, fkn hell, this is goooooooooooooooooood

Acoustic, amaaaaaaoaaaaaaaaazing voice, actually fkn amazing, seriously.

All recorded in basic conditions, go on treat yourself.

This is tooooooooooooooooooooooooo good for labels. oh yes enjoy etc, etc

Etta James - Sings Funk

Etta James is a fkn amazing vocalist. I first came across her when I heard her 50's trax on the Gaz Rockin' Blues comp (earlier post) and her vocals just stoood out big time and I was hooked

She carried on singing never reaching the fame her soooperb vocals deserved. Perhaps her love of a parttttttyyyyy then unfortunately the needle denied her the reputation she sooooo deserved.

There is much to choose from, but right noiw I just love this album of soul "n" funk. Fkn genuis and what a fkn voice, seriously what a fkn voice. GET ON THIS and ENJOOOYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Track listing in Comments

VA - Pebbles Vol.1

I bought vol.1 back in the eighties, differant cover and I'm sure there is a change in tracklisting on this re-issue, but maybe it's dodgy @rse memory.

Not that it matters as this Fkn brilliant compilation of hard rockin 60's garage, with an extra 80's track.

Seriously great garage and a couple of funny tunes thrown in as well.

Get on it

Enjoy
Track listing in comments

Betty Davis - Nasty Gal

Betty Davis knew what she liked and loved to sing about.

Her powerful vocals over high production dirtttyyyyyyyyyy funk from the mid 70's, leaves you in no doubt over what she Likkkkkkkkkkkessssss.

Have this it's fkn great

Enjoy
Track listing in comments

VA - Rockabilly Psychosis and the Garage Disease

By request of another blogger so it jumps up the q.

Soooooooooooooperb compilation that inspired one of my rat Vespas back in the mid 80's.

Garage, Psychobilly and Trash compilation from back when the scenes where forming and the boundaries blured.

Stand out trax - All. My own favourite is the Stingrays doing Gene Vincents Cat Man.

Enjoy.

Mondo - Enjoy and keep up the good work

Janis Joplin - 18 Essential Songs

If you've never listened to her, you should BIG TIME, and this is a brilliant place to start.

If you do listen to her this is a fkn sperb collection.

You all know her shes the Mercedes Benz song lady (on here).

What a fkn voice, no really what a fkn voice. It is very, very good. Bluesy, soul, rock voice and so much more.

You can feel the heartbreak, ciggies, booze, drugs, pain and partyyyyyy in her voice.
Fkn do it you will not regret it. ENJOY.
Track listing in comments.

The Pogues - Rum Sodomy & the Lash

I first came upon Shane McGowan in the Nips (to follow) then everybody started on about pogue mahone who where great live, and they then finally they morphed into the Pogues.

This is not their first album and its great . Punk, Post Punk, Irish, Folk, Rockin fkn tu uuuuuuuunze

Fkn superb memories of drunken fkd up 80's nights.

Just go for it and enjoy. Track listing in comments.

Slim Harpo - best of

Its all about the music and this album certainly is. Blues and upbrat jumpin blue for your pleasure.

His upbeat stuff rocks along good and proper with his distinctive voice and sh#t hot blues harp in the driving seat.

Neverending thanks to all who introduced me to Slim. I just more of you to get on how great he is.

Just do this thing. Track listing comments

Enjoy

Happy Mondays - Pills Thrill and Bellyaches

Its the Happy Mondays

Its Pills Thrill and Bellyaches

Its fkn Brilliant

My favourite album of the era, rougher round the edges than the Stone Roses and better for it. Soooooooooooofknperbbbbbbbbbbbb.

Track listing in comments
Enfknjoy

The Purple Knif Show

1n 1984 someone thought it would be a bright idea to let Lux Interior do a radio show.

They were right.

It did the rounds as a bootleg for a few years before it finally got released as CD.

Trash, garage and rockin tunes throughout.

Enjoy it
Track listing in comments

Otis Redding - Otis Blue

Otis Redding at his very best.

As sixties soul albums go this is up with the very best. It really is fkn superb.

Definately on the list of albums it should be illegal not to own.

There is something very special about his cover of the stones Satisfaction, ssssssssoooooooooooooooo ggggggggoooooooooooood.

Enjoy, Enjoy, ENJOY

Track listing in comments

Mooney Suzuki - Electric Sweat

US garage band keeping it clear and keeping simple.

Nice bit of hammond organ stylee and the odd soul tinge add to the mix.

This aint going to change the world, but its a fkn good Album every bit is good and in places better than the other 00's garage.

Go for it

Enjoy
Track listing in Comments

VA - Stax of Funk

Someone once told me you only need 1 good funk compilation. I've never heard so much bllks in all my life. As long as they are good you need mooooooooorrreeeeeeeeeeeeee.

And this is a fkn good album, from the Memphis based label.

The tracks come fro the time soul was moving into funk and they are fkn great.

This album led me to so many more artists.
Enjoy
Track listing in comments

The Mitchell Brothers - A Bresh of Fresh Attire

Urban British grime from the saarff London boys.

These guys are part of Mike Skinners, the Streets, stable. Thewy are not copying anyone and have produced a superb, clever album of proper British street music.

The lyrics are sharp and the language foul, do not put this on when yer nan is round.

Great stuff

Track listing in Comments
Enjoy

MC5 - Kick out the Jams

A great garage punk band from the late 60's. These fellas were up for revoluuuuution.

They are an important part in punk history, not as often claimed the starting point.

Put aside all that and the thing that you've got is a sh#t hot band knocking out sh#t hot tunes and thats what fkn matters.

This is there first album and its liiiveeee.

Track listing in comments
Enjoy

The Golden Horde - The Golden Horde

This is a great album from the Irish indie garage punksters.

I first came across these in the eighties where they were expected to be the next big thing, which never happened. If they had been around ten years later things would have been very differant.

They have left a legacy of great, great music for us to enjoy including this album from the early nineties.

Track Listing in Comments

Enjoy

Seasick Steve & the Level Devils - Cheap

Seasick Steve, his overnight fame took him nigh on 65 years.

He does the blues in his own special style which has got him into the current festival circuit. A great example of the cream finally rising to the top.

This is the first album which set him off on his current trajectory.

The hobo done good.

Track listing in comments

Enjoy

X-ray Spex - Germ Free Adolescents

As bright and firey as it was back in deep and distant past

Bright "n" perky Post punk chaos to thrill your ears.

"Bondage up yours" . You know the track or if not you need to.

Go for this.

Enjoy

Track listing in comments

Sonny Boy Williamson II - The Real Folk Blues (US 1966)

Sonny Boy Williamson II produces good quality clean and simple blues here for the "real Folk Blues" series.

I prefer the more upbeat tracks, listen and make your own mind up.

The stuff about his name, see link, is pretty wierd but don't let it detract from great quality music on offer on this album.

enjoy

Track listing in comments

The Stooges - The Stooges

The Stooges first album.

Iggy Pop and friends doing their stuff in the late 60's.

Sooooooooooperb album. High quality, moody Garage Punk.

Top, Top quality tunes.

You must, must, must listen to this album.

Enjoy
Track listing in comments

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Wild Peace

High production, high speed, high enjoyment, foot stompin' Japanese Ska, you can't fkn beat it.

TSPO just know how to bang out the tunes in their own special style.

Their high energy, full blown style will get to your feet and give you an irrestable urge to smiiiiiiillllllllllllle.

Get on it and enjoy
track listing in comments.

Sham 69 - Tell us the Truth

Bought this back, back, back in the past when I was at school.

These lads even made top of the pops for a memorable performance.

It is the grandads of Oi knocking out proper, decent hard working street punk.

Enjoy

Track Listing in comments

Stray Cats - Stray Cats

This is a bit of a secret pleasure from my youth.

Fck it

Great Album, the best tracks are fkbn superb. Work out what they are yourself

50's sound with a dash of punk and cartoon styling make for goooood times.

enjoy
Tracks in comments

The Streets - Original Pirate Material

Fkn Chavtastic.

First album from the Streets.

Mike Skinner set out his stall and delivered. Grime that all of us can get our head around

Enjoy

Track listing in comments

The Selector - Unplugged forthe Rude Boy Generation

This is a great album that hasn't registered with most people and they are missing out big time.

Acoustic British ska. It is absolutely and completely a brilliant album. I struggle to explain just how good this is.

Pauline Blacks vocals are superb, really making this album. This is something very special.

Listen, you will not regret it.
Enjoy then enjoy some more.

Track listing in comments

The Vibes - What's Inside

I fkn love this band from the 1980's and I'm on a mission to convert the world to fans. Younger mates at work have already got them on their ipods and moan about the limited output, 1 album, a couple of singles, a bootleg live then nothing.

Saw them live loads, they fkn rocked. Unlike some of their mates from back then the music fully stands the test of time.

When they do covers or their own stuff, they fkn owned every song they play. I've heard them describe as psycho-garage and I reckon that gets it about right. Slap bass, fuzz guitar, urgent sound and blinding vocals.

This is a vinyl rip as they only have 2 tracks out cd on one of the ace compiliations. Listen, Listen LISTEN then spread the word. Their singles soon.
enjoy - track listing in comments.

The Chords - So far away

This band was much loved by my Parka wearing pals back in the 80's. It wasn't for me at the time, I was more likely to approach a scooter with an angle grinder instead of lights and mirrors.

When I came across this i couldn't resist seeing how they have weared over the years.

Forget the mod revival label and just listen to the sh#t hot post punk power pop on offer here. This is a seriously good album.

Go for it and enjoy. Track listing in comments

Rocket from the Crypt - Scream Dracula Scream

1000000000 mph rock "n"roll with a fair dollop of punk "n" garage in the mix somewhere.

Great album that sound tracked part of my life.

If you like the sound of it you know what to do

Enjoy

Track Listing in Comments

Curtis Mayfield - Got to Find a Way

Sophisticated, soul drenched, laid back killer funk from Curtis Mayfield.

His amazing vocals seamlessly knit with the instrumental prowess on show here make for something a bit special.

I just fkn loooooove this album with its coool vibe running through the most chilled out funk you're gonna hear.

You know what you've gotta do. Enjoy

Track listing in comments

Various Artists - James Brown's Funky People

The first of a 3 album collection that everyone who loves a bit of funk should own.

All of the tracks are from the James Brown stable and most have been sampled here there and fkn everywhere so you'll find them familiar.

Proper hard basslines, funky beats, blinding vocals, the occasional jazzy vibe all add up to a must have album.

Enjoy
Track listing in comments

Motorhead - Motorhead

I'm generally not a fan of rawwwkkkkkkkk, whether it's poodle haired 80's muppets, pretentious 70's c#cks or the later on tedious dark metally stuff played by tw@ts pretending to be darkkkkkkk..

However there are exceptions and Motorhead are the Daddy of all exceptions.

They play proper hard paced, f#ck off, in your face rock "n"roll and they play it better than anyone else.

1st album, more to come, Lemmy is a god, get in. Enjoy

Track listing in comments

Various Artists - Studio One Ska

Dammit, fk the rain, its summer so moooooooore Ska compilations.

Back to the stella output from the vaults of Studio 1. This for some seriously good Ska from the late 50's onwards.

There is some proper raw recordings on this CD which will put a smile on your face and get those feet moving.

Track listing in comments

Enjoy

The Meters - Look-Ka Py Py

The second Album from the amaaazzzzzzzzzzing New Orleans funk band.

These guys have backed just about anybody who is anybody, but by god they really, really do the job and some on their tunes.

They influenced the whole world of funk including more recent funk rock bands. Proper tight, raw, funk.

I got into these via a New Orleans funk compilation, which they rocked. Just fkn listen to them. Then again and again and again
Enjoy
track listing in comments

Various Artists - The Best Of Ace Rockabilly & Rarest Rockabilly & Hillbilly Boogie

I had the best of Ace Rockabilly on vinyl when it came out in the early eighties and I used to love it

I recently came across this and just had to listen. The "Best of" is actually the second half of the trax album on this two album on one CD release

The CD is chockablock with good, good rockin tunes. Rough around the edges, raw, basic, rare rockabilly

Track listing in comments
Enjoy

Little Richard - Southern Child

This album was recorded back in 72, then never released. Over the years it began to assume mythical status until it came out in 2005.

So what is it? Well it's southern country soul and fkn brilliant. There are a couple of duff tracks but when they are good they are so fkn good that it's all worthwhile.

He has an amazing voice that works sooo well in this style.

Track listing in comments.

Jimi Hendrix - Smash Hits

This great compilation album was released in back in 1968.

If you really, really only want one Hendrix album you are very silly.

That said this album would do the job, it has all the classics, and f#ck they are goooooooooood.

Track listing in comments

Little Walter - His Best

The harmonica king Little Walter at his very best.

He was a contempory of Muddy Waters on the Chess label, and not known for clean living.

Despite or perhaps because of his mad lifestyle he produced some sh#t hot blues and rhythm "n" blues

Just wait till Juke or My babe rock out of your speakers and smiillllle.

enjoy. Track listing in comments

London Elektricity - Power Ballads

Bit of Soul, Jazz influenced melody ridden Drum "n Bass for yer

This, the third and best of this British collectives albums, which goes far beyond the usual constraints of the gendre.

The vocals are great with the female vocalist, Liane Carroll, (Jazz singer of the year 2005) leading the way.

If you've a love soul and/or Drum and Bass this album will not disappoint.

Track listing in Comments

King Tubby Meets the Upsetter At the Grass Roots of Dub

It is so hot.

Found this on the Pod on the way into work today. Despite the heat I arrived proper chilled.

It's King Tubby and Lee Perry. Two gods of dub in one greaaaaaat album.

Stick it on and kick back. Enjoy

Track listing in comments

prisoners, the - Revenge of the Prisoners

As the Psychobilly and more stompin Garage were developing alongside, and sometimes crossing over, the promoters would often make some strange choices of line up, which would lead to some unfortunate bands getting grief.

I went to see Guana Batz around 84 and me and my mate joined a few other young Psychobillies to give the supporting Prisoners a hard time.

They came on and blew everybody away with their high powered, fckn superb, hammond driven garage rock. They rocked the place to the rafters and were a harrrddddd act to follow. I've loved them ever since.

enjoy. Track listing in comments

VA - Studio 1 Rockers

The Jamaican Studio 1 records produced great music at the same time as the more well known Trojan records.

This album I heard playing as I was going around some dodgy @rse London Market. I had to find the stall playing it and buy it straight away.

It is an amazing mixture of up tempo late sixties rocksteady, ska and early reggae.

Fkn great album for the summer. Get on it.

Track listing in comments

VA - Superfunk Vol.1

Kent records again with this excellent compilation of haaaarrrrrddddd funk.

Get on it

Track listing in comments

David Holmes presents Free Association

Bloody hard to catagorise this without putting off people who would love it.

This album is the product of a David Holmes led project, it kinda mixes Jazzy Rock, a bit of punk attitude and proper Funk with a hard edge of hip hop influence

This album is brilliant, even if you are not totally convinced by my description just give it a try. You will not regret it

Track listing in comments

VA - kent 238 double shot of soul

Great album from Kent who raided the vaults of the Double Shot label for these great tracks.

Late Sixties Soul and R"n"B with a proper funky vibe going on.

I challenge you to listen to "Foxy" bangin out "Trouble" and keep your feet from moving.

Track listing in comments

Orbital - Insides

Following a really good, uplifting festival moment with this band I came to the conclusion they were the best musical experience in the world ever, ever.

Once my head straightened itself out (ish) I realised that, perhaps, this was an overstatement.

I then bought this, their fourth album. It is great, slightly more chilled out than their first album and a masterpiece, fully deserving of all the praised heaped upon it. Enjoy.

Edwin Starr - Agent 00 Soul (live)

What can you say. It's Edwin Starr a great showman and a regular at mid eighties UK Scooter rallies. It didn't matter if it was a field or a Smokin' club he just knew how to fkn rock it and get thde crow really going.

This is why I chose his live album for this post simply because hearing him live brought back so many memories.

Studio albums will follow, but in the meantime whether you have the same memories or not just sit back and enjoy the master showman at his trade.

Tricky - Maxinaque

I first heard this album, before it won all its well deserved awards, in some strange house I had ended up in after one very f#cked up night.

Later on during the day I had to go and buy it, just to see if it was as amazing as I remembered. It was.

Bristols finest produced a moody, downtempo, trip hop that is so intense it will blow your mind. Enjoy

Link Wray - The Orginal Rumble

Link Wray is the godfather of the distorted guitar sound that so influenced garage, punk and heavy rock.

Just about any guitar driven, rough edged musician will name check Link all because of his raw, lowfi, distinctive sound

Fans include Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez have both got into this, using his tracks in Pulp Fiction and the Desperado.

I doubt anyone will like all the tracks here, but the ones you do like you will really, really love. Enjoy.

Boomtown Rats - Tonic for the Troops

The Boomtown Rats at their very best, before Bob Geldof got all involved with being a saint.

If you haven't heard this for a while them you must, if you have never heard this then you must. It's just simply great, balls out new wave.

Back when it came out I detested it out of principle as my older sister loved it.

She was right, dammit. Enjoy

Depth Charge - Nine Deadly Venoms

I was introduced to this by a mate who loves this side of music far more than me. He tried to describe it, I laughed and said never.

It mixes, breakbeat, dub and house together with samples from sources as diverse as martial arts films and the Simpsons.

I have had it on regular play for the last 2 years and I fkn love it. Enjoy.

Billy Childish and Holly Golightly in blood

The garageman and Holly get together on this album of duets to great effect.

Raw, lo-fi, rhythm"n"blues influnced garage. There isn't much to say about Billy Childish, if you want to know more about him, that is what Wikipedia is for.

There is something haunting about Holly Golightly's vocals on this album and they really work especially on the title track.

Enjoy

VA - Oi the Album

This early eighties album was compiled by Garry Bushell, who now writes for the Sun, when he was the great ambassoder for Oi, each week trying to get more fans of the music on board.

This is a good album which came out before the music became tainted by association with political views I strongly disagree with.

What you have got here is great quality, humerous, adrenaline fueled, hard drinking, obnoxious, street punk. Enjoy

Scientist - Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires

I've got a bit of a summer thing going on today and this fantastic dub album by the Scientist is just perfect for it.

Basslines to die for and just enough vocals looped in to keep the music moving on.

A great summer album, put your feet up, turn the stereo up and chill out.

Enjoy and smilllllllllllllllle

Shuggie Otis - Inspiration information.

Psychedelic Soul, layed back funk, souled up blues no idea how to categorise this exactly other than fkn excellent

This album is absolutely amazing I came across a couple or three years ago and it has theme tuned every sunny day since.

It was hidden away, known to little more than the real soul obsessives out there since its release in the early 70's and then it was re-released, to the purists disappointment, on CD.

This awesome collection of brilliant tunes includes the original of Strawberry letter 23, which the Brothers Johnson were so successful with. Once you have listened to Shuggie do this song, you will never be able to go back to the well known version (good quality steak vs value burger). In fact as you listen to it you will start to realise how many other artists have been influenced by this hidden gem.

Listen to this album, you will not regret it. Enjoy then encourage others to do the same

Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

This the first album by the American Punk band, which was released in 1980.

Arguably the only ever decent American punk and this album more than makes up for any of the dross released by other bands since.

This is angry young men producing a greaaaaaaaaaat punk album, one of the best ever done.

While some of the lyrics have dated the power, anger and superb music has not. Another one that should be illegal not to at least listen to. This is one of the best 5 punk albums ever for a reason . LISTEN

Gnarls Barkley - St Elsewhere

I absolutely love this album.

Rap producer Dangermouse and deep south rapper Cee-lo got together to produce this fantastic album.

Cee-lo's vocals have real, real soul feel to them. This allied with Dangermouses production abilities gave us the only true, true soul album in years.

None of this plastic, retro nonsense served up by Amy Winehouse and her contempories.

The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds

Always quoted as one of the best albums of "all time" by the whole rolling stone/Q/mojo old fellas music magazines.

I can no longer claim youth nor, I reckon, can many of you reading this.

And you know what this really is a masterful album put together by Brian Wilson before his drug intake seperated him from all reason for about 35 years.

Keb Darge's Legendary Deep Funk, Vol.1

You may have noticed by now that I am no music snob and I do love a good compilation, onus on the good.

By god this a a f#ckn amazing compilation of deep, deep funk put together by the legendary Northern soul and Deep funk DJ. F#'k me he knows his stuff.

Get all over this. Track list in comments

Remember above all else funk is not the muppet music blaring out of mark 1 escorts which was often the prelude to an "encounter" with our wedgeheaded mortal enemies.

The JB's - Food for Thought

The JB's, James Brown's backing band, let loose on their own always produced awesome funk and this was one of their better known albums.

Many of the tracks on this album will sound familiar as they have been sampled time and time again

If you have any liking at all for early funk this is a must. Try "n" then buy.

RL Burnside - A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey

Old bluesman RL Burnside hooked up with garage rocker Jon Spencer to produce this great album in 1996.

This was a great idea as Burnsides powerful authentic blues vocals works superbly with Jon Spencer leading the backing

If you are even vagualy interested by this description, take punt, you will not be disappointed

and you've gotta love the album cover

VA - This is ska

The suns out and it's the summer and that means ska compilations are us.

Every track will be like meeting an old friend, it is all well known and obvious and the better for it.

Enjoy yourselves

Track listing in comments

Madness One Step Beyond

Their debut album.

Unlike their Midlands mates on two tone these boys brought an unrelenting sense of fun to the ska revival.

If you have a heart it will make you smile and your day better. If you don't who cares?

David Holmes - Let's get killed

This album released in the late 90's is draw droppingly good.

Mixing in New york street sounds with mellow dub influenced, then funky then almost techno sounds to produce this fantastic album.

In a completely differant league to his contempories.

sooooperb stuff.

Marvin Gaye - What's Going on

This is late 60's soul at its best.

Marvin Gaye makes clear social points in awe inspiringly good soul.

Nothing like the later music that he is, unfortunately, often remembered by.

Another album that everyone should own.

Howlin Wolfs - Rockin Chair

Howlin Wolf's second album.

It is great quality, blues, rhythm "n" blues, album that hugely influenced many 60's british groups including the Rolling Stones who released covers of the Wolfs songs.

Great stuff, enjoy.

The Sting-rays - On Self Destruct

The first single by the Stingrays. They mixed Psychobilly with garage and a lisping singer to produce their own unique sound.

Back in the 80's I saw this band live more times than is in anway sane, they were in brilliant live band which livened up every sleazy venue, inc the Klub Foot, that I was lucky enough to see them in.

They introduced me to garage music, which I will always be grateful for.

13th Floor Elevators - Psychadelic sounds of

This is the amazing first album by the 13th Floor Elevators.

Ignore any silly b#ll#cks about wether this is the first Psychadelic album or not and listen to one of the best druggy tinged Garage albums you are ever going to hear. /////////

I got into these in the 80's following the Stingrays cover of You're Gonna Miss Me and never looked back.

It's f#ckn great.

Kraftwerk - Trans-Europe Express

I really did not enjoy this album first time around, then 15 years later, when my tastes had been widened and mellowed by a fair few interesting experiences I retried it and loved it

Put aside your old beliefs and listen to this with an open mind it is great.

Links Fixed

Apologies for the noob error, all fixed.

If you come across a broken link please mention in the comments

The Cramps - Smell of Female

Live at the Peppermint lounge. This is the last good Cramps album released after years of disputes with their record label.

A fantastic band who produced a few superb albums, a legion of bootlegs and so many happy memories.

When this band covered a song, they f#kin owned it and they rocked the f#ckn place live. Poison Ivy mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Their mixture of garage, rockabilly, trash and punk oozes out of the grooves. We will never see their like again.

RIP Lux.
LINK FIXED

Funkadelic - Funkadelic

The band debut album and definately the best introduction to their spaced out, trippin, f#cked up funk.

It has got to be one of the greatest funk albums, as long as you like it tripppyyyyyyyyyy.

James Brown - Turn it Loose

How do you start with JB. I'm lucky enough to have seen him live and he could rock a tent. The godfather himself, it's another great compilation with a fine track list. Go for it.

Soon I'll do some JB's which will really funk you

Mad 3 - God Fuzzer

This collection of 4 singles and 3 EPs released (94-99) really shows what this Japanese band can do. As always the vast majority are instrumentals. If you've not come across them before what you've got is a mixture of ingredients; 2 parts 60's garage, 3 parts Link Ray, a dash of motorhead, 2 splashes of the meteors, a twist of surf and a whole host of Mad 3, it all makes for a great sound.

If you get any of the ingrediants give them a go, you will not regret it.

Note to self: Link Wray.

Hardfi - Stars of CCTV

Good debut album from these Staines Boys. This album demonstrates the fantastic attitude and tunes.

Their follow up diluted just how good this is. If your not sure, just listen.

Enjoy and Enjoy some more

The Specials - The Specials

Absolutely amazing album from these Midlands lads. Elvis Costello produced this ska masterpiece and he really helped bring the spirit to the front.

Sixties Ska allied with Punk and Midlands lads attitude produced one of the best debut albums ever. Just as strong now as it was then.

Enjoy

Then enjoy some more. Well worth parting with your hard earned for.

Stiff little Fingers - Go for it

Their third album released in 1981. The bands musical style changing from Nobody's Heroes and Inflammable material, both excellent albums.

Here , much as is seen in the Clash's in Londons Calling, the band show other influences on their music.

If you've not heard this album, you should.

The Clash - Londons Calling

NEW LINK
I was going to post the singles collection, but i realised I have being posting too many compilations so:

We have the best Clash album. It was their third album and they really began to show their differant influences from ska, rockabilly, reggae and soul. Moving their music in new directions, whilst keeping the spirit.

I was lucky enough to see them in the early/mid eighties in Brixton and they f#ckin rocked

Great Band, Great Album, Enjoy

Various Artists - Gaz's Rockin Blues

A great compilation of 50's Rockin' Blues and Rhythm "n" Blues. It was compiled and released in the early eighties, by the legend Gaz Mayell, who has been running his Rockin Blues club night in Soho, London for nearly 30 years. He also fronts his own ska band the Trojans.

The album is very, very, strong Etta James appears twice with her amazing voice and John Lee Hooker, Richard Berry, BB king, etc etc just add more to the proceedings.

If this is outside your normal zone just listen and smile as your feet start tappin. Enjoy.

The Redskins - Neither Washington or Moscow

This is an absolute classic album released in the mid eighties. I bought the CD when the vinyl finally died. They wanted mix Motown with the Clash to produce their own sound and they produced this amazing album. It's lyrics are strongly political and now perhaps a bit dated. However firstly it captures the mood of the time and even the political views are not to your taste (now or in the past) the music surpasses political views on the classic tracks keep on keepin on and kick over the statues. Shame there are so few miners to support and Thatchers to hate.

Various Artists - Lets Boogaloo vol 1

This album is the first album in the series. It is packed with great dancable music that cannot fail to lift you. It opens strongly with Skeewiff doing Nitty Gritty. Not every track that follows nails it but the ones that do make the album well worth listening to.

If you like this check out the rest of the series.

Track list in comments

Bob Marley & the Wailers - Exodus

This album divides opinion.

I believe that it's intelligent lyrics, great melodies, linked with fantastic musicianship make it a real masterpiece.

Listen to it and make your own mind up

The Sonics - Psycho Sonic

Just been reviewing what I said we would put on this blog and realised that there was no garage yet. You don't get better than the Sonics out of 1960's Seattle everybody from the Cramps, via Primal Scream, to the White Stripes have covered or name checked them and for a damned good reason. This is a compilation album and if there is enough interest I'll write about more. You'll have to pick your own favourite from the Witch, Boss Hogg etc. Hard rockin Garage at its best. F#ck the New York Dolls as the roots of punk this is it.

Bar Keys - Soul Finger

First heard soul-finger in an allnighter in Morecombe on a rally in the mid eighties. It is a great track which years later led me to dig deeper to find out about the Bar-Keys. This is their first album that is out of the stax/volt archive and is worth any persons time who enjoys the soul/funk cusp. 4 members died in the same air crash that killed Otis Redding.

Black Grape - It's great when you are straight

Great album. Once you've listened go and buy it. The amazon description says it better than me "funk-splattered day-glo rap-rockers Black Grape". I saw them live at some tribal thingy just before my night got very messy and they blew the tent away. I believe this was Suan Ryder at his very best, Happy Mondays included. The humour, cynicism and madness in the lyrics ally with great beats. Even theCatholic church hated it. Greaaaaaaaaaaaat stuff.

The Jam - In the city

The Jams first album. It shows that they were still developing as they knitted motown harmonies, with punk attitude and Who/Kinks beats. Arguably not their best but it is an amazing statement of intent. Amazingly influential band.

The Sex Pistols - Never mind the bollocks

The only real Sex Pistols album. Sales at the time, nothing special, the influence is immense. It should be a crime not to own this album.

Kent 001 - For Dancers Only

The first and best of Ace records Kent compilations. No filler at all, this is a fantastic mixture of dancable soul. It sounds as good now as when I heard round a mates in the early 80's.

Spear of Destiny - Liberator

This is off the album "One Eyed Jacks". Purely a memory track from the rallies, it was great at the time. Avoid the album it is dire.

The Temptations - Psychedelic Soul

This is an awesome album. Perfect for the hot summer that is coming. their version of "Papa was a rolling stone" is pure genius. Dig this out for the lazy sundays, with friends around and bbq going.

The Meteors - In Heaven

The Meteors first album. I remember the excitement of buying this in early 82. Without a doubt their best album. Meteor Madness changed my world, Radioactive kid made it real and this confirmed it.
If you've not heard it then invest the time, if you've not heard it for years, then re-visit you will not regret it.