VA - Shake! Sixties Brit Mod Nuggets [2023] (2 x LP)
MOD, BEAT
VA - Shake! Sixties Brit Mod Nuggets [2023] (2 x LP)
Shake! Sixties Brit Mod Nuggets, released in 2023 as a double LP on Demon Records, offers a lively and well‑curated look at the British mod scene as it moved from sharp rhythm and blues roots toward brighter pop and early beat energy. The set carries the catalogue number DEMREC 1043 and was pressed on coloured vinyl, adding a collectible dimension for listeners who follow modern archival reissues. Although the original tracks span 1963 to 1967, the compilation presents them with a clear narrative flow, shaped by careful sequencing and strong attention to label sources such as Decca, Pye, Columbia, Parlophone and Fontana.
The first LP leans into the rawer side of mod culture. Many tracks were originally issued as 45 rpm singles, often in modest quantities, and several have become sought after by collectors who specialise in early British R and B. The music carries the urgency of small clubs and youth venues, with tight guitar lines, brisk tempos and vocals that balance attitude with charm. The production style reflects the era’s studio limitations, yet the energy remains vivid, shaped by musicians who understood how to keep rhythm at the centre.
The second LP moves toward the more melodic end of the mod spectrum. Here the influence of soul, beat and emerging pop forms becomes clearer, with tracks that use brighter harmonies, cleaner guitar tones and more polished arrangements. Several selections come from groups who never reached national charts, making their inclusion valuable for listeners who enjoy discovering lesser known acts. The mastering preserves the character of the original singles while giving the set a consistent sonic profile.
As a whole, Shake! Sixties Brit Mod Nuggets offers a warm, detailed snapshot of a scene defined by style, rhythm and youthful drive. It treats the music with care, presenting both familiar names and overlooked gems in a format that suits late night listening and deep archival exploration. (B)
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Track lists
CD1
01 Bo Street Runners - Bo Street Runner (Original 1964 7" Mono Single Version) 2:12
02 Others - Oh Yeah! 2:50
03 David John and the Mood - Bring it to Jerome (Alternative Mix) 2:14
04 Mickey Finn and the Blue Men - I Still Want You 2:28
05 Ronnie Jones and the Night-Timers - I Need Your Loving 2:46
06 Second Thoughts - Seventh Son 2:32
07 James Royal - Work Song 3:08
08 Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated - Taboo Man 2:20
09 Trendbender Band - Unchain My Heart 2:34
10 Syndicats - Crawdaddy Simone 3:16
11 In Crowd - Things She Says 1:48
12 Boys Blue - You Got What I Want 2:07
13 Rocking Vickers - It's Alright (Pastiche of "The Kids Are Alright") 2:12
14 Artwoods - I Take What I Want 2:54
15 Favourite Sons - That Driving Beat 1:40
16 Moody Blues - And My Baby's Gone 2:22
17 Stormsville Shakers - Number One 2:28
18 Union - See Saw 3:36
CD2
01 Rod Stewart - Shake 2:49
02 Laurel Aitken and the Soulmen - Last Night 3:20
03 Barry St. John - Gotta Brand New Man 2:22
04 Soul Brothers - Good Lovin' Never Hurt 2:20
05 Lucas and the Mike Cotton Sound - Ain't Love Good, Ain't Love Proud 2:38
06 J.J. Jackson - But It's Alright 2:53
07 Carl Douglas and the Big Stampede - Something for Nothing 2:34
08 Wynder K. Frog - Turn on Your Lovelight 3:11
09 Spencer Davis Group - Looking Back (Single Version) 3:02
10 Double Feature - Baby Get Your Head Screwed On 2:44
11 Scots of St. James - Tic Toc 2:22
12 Attraction - She's a Girl 2:37
13 John's Children - But She's Mine 1:56
14 Drag Set - Day and Night 2:16
15 Rupert's People - Hold On 3:31
16 Action - Look at the View 4:02
I think I was aware of pretty much all of these but haven’t heard any Wynder K Frog in years!
How many of Butterboys mod squad are YOU familiar with!?
Pretty sure I know 16 of the assembled gang of Mods!
