Here's an early heads-up for those in Melbourne
who might already be planning ahead to next weekend.
The fabulous DollSquad will be treating their fans
to their patented Rock 'N' Doll sound
with a special late show at
Pony on Saturday October 10,
so after a night on the town
head down there for the 2.00am blast off!!!!

And don't forget to check out the DollSquad My Space page at:
DollSquad

a request from Punx In Parkas

im a tamagotchi!!!

at least thats how i feel when i see the "sh*t-h*t top 10 list"
we, Punx In Parkas, are loosing power,

we dropped from #1 to #2 and #3 is chewing at my tail...

please feed me, just go to:

http://www.shithotrecords.co.uk/artists/197/

and listen to the song so we dont die...

please, please sob

yet another one from Oz and Tol-Puddle Martyrs

Back again
with another clip

This link will take you to the latest clip by the Tol-Puddle Martyrs,
once again featuring Joey & Julie from Dollsquad:

Just scroll down to ‘Thinkin’ About You’. http://www.secretdeals.com.au/TheSecrets.html

You will need Quick Time 7 to view the clip,
which can be downloaded on this page for free.


Enjoy, Peter.

The Tol-Puddle Martyrs latest video...
”Claudette Jones” can be viewed on:

http://www.secretdeals.com.au/Claudette_Jones_2.html

and as if it wasnt enough with the pop-punk-garage godfathers from Oz the Go-Go dancers in the video are two of the fantastic gals from the Doll Squad... And if you like to read an interview with Peter from Tol-Puddle Martyrs go to:

ModModWorld #2

You will need Quick Time 7
to view the clip, which can be
downloaded on this page for free.
http://www.secretdeals.com.au/TheSecrets.html

where the ACT!ON is!!!

Forget your G I Joes, Djungle Jims, Spiderman or the Simpsonsfamily actionfigure, not even your precious KISS-dolls has something to put up against those amazons from Oz, the Mod Mod Worlds favoritedolls... the Doll Squad!!! created by the Graveyard Tramp Go-Go and get them right now...

The Graveyard Tramp is also currently developing several unique projects, including a line of customized action figures for Melbourne girl group DollSquad, and The Black Widow doll and comic book. Photos from some of these projects can often be found in my blogs, and at The Graveyard Tramp website at:

http://www.blogger.com/www.thegraveyardtramp.freewebspace.com

Darron J Connett - latest news

Who's
Darron
J Connett

(see ModModWorld #5)

Next live gigs....

15th November- Sound, Leicester Square W1 http://www.soundlondon.com On Stage 9pm £4.00 with flyer available from mono_media@hotmail.com/07967 290 150 Tube: Leicester Square

7th December-The Playroom Downstairs @ Chez Stelios 10 Paddington Street London W1U £4.00 with flyer available from mono_media@hotmail.com ... Tube: Baker Street

The Single "Early In The Morning" released Monday October 17th .
Only 99p! from ... http://www.musicdock.net/

http://www.darronjconnett.co.uk

For further info.07967 290 150/
mono_media@hotmail.com

Tommies - c'mon down lets shoot a video

The tommies are shooting the video for debut single

"What Have I Gotta Do" due for national release early 2006.
24th of November - 9am - 4pm (then we'll jet to)
The Brixton Telegraph, London to shoot the last scene.

if your up for it -
message this girl your crudentials and she'll sort you out!

http://www.myspace.com/buzzy_beatrice

stay sharp and keep on keepin on!

my space a good place for mod face

This might not be news to all of you, but for thos who havent find it yet i ave to present the comunity of MySpace where you are able to find a whole bunch of new upcommin' modrelated acts, and re.remeber some ol' classics ditos. or just meet fun people whom share your interest in the modworld...

Some of the new great band
you are able to find att this spot are:

the Clamour:

Take a blender, throw in Collin on rhythm/ lead guitar, Michael on vocals, Chris (former Distraction Mastermind) on rhythm/lead guitar, Jon on drums, and Ryan on bass. Add a lot of 60's flavour, and a sizeable collection of vintage guitars and amps, and you'll get a spicy little drink we like to call The Clamour!

http://www.myspace.com/theclamour

the Itch:

Still popular on the live circuit the band returned to the studios earlier last year with Ian Page (of Secret Affair fame) assisting on production to record a new single 'Kiss You' written by the band. With a 'B' side still to be recorded, due to the bands heavy schedule of live dates and trying to get Ian Page away from his band duties to perform at the mixing desk once more.

http://www.myspace.com/theitchaccringtonengland

the Tommies:
" Think infectious harmonies, think crashing guitars, think a shedload British musical heritage distilled for the naughties - think THE TOMMIES!!"

©Rob Massey-Soho Strut magazine

"“The Face Of It” is a record full of guitar-driven pop tunes with a distinctly retro-British sound, it epitomises the talent of The Tommies, a band most definitely worth keeping an eye on."

Alex Lai ContactMusic Magazine

http://www.myspace.com/thetommiestheband

Or old classic revivals as:

Noise a Noise:
Short-lived powerpop trio, noise a noise of Los Angeles formed in May, 2004.Although highly praised by various music-zines in Europe by evidence of their EP, with one even quoting that they'd be picked up right away were they from the UK, the reality on the other side of the Atlantic was that they were barely known by the city they hailed from. None of the plans for the new year ever came to fruition and the band called it quits in May, 2005. During the one year period they were together, noise a noise played a total of only four shows: Transistor 11.04.2004, The Derby 11.12.2004, Lava Lounge 04.08.2005 & The Derby again on 04.12.2005.

http://www.myspace.com/noise

the Risk:
Always a brillent live band (I've seen them enough) and have released some excellent records, even EMI showed interest in them at one point, but it wasn't to be, coming from a small Island was a handicap that never got in their way though, even going to California for a year!! THE RISK came back in 2002 with a fantastic new studio album 'Songs from the big tomarto' on Twist ' records and have recently 'New Religion' from the album on Biff bang pow records debut compilation cd along with the likes of The Solarflares ,Long Tall Shorty ,Small World and The treads. Live they also played @ the Modaid alldayer with a host of other bands like Mark joesph and Rinaldisings

http://www.myspace.com/theriskpowerpop

Mod Fun:
When these three (as highschoolers) heard "This is the Modern World" by THE JAM, their suburban North Jersey (USA) life would never quite be the same. In true teenage spirit, they dubbed themselves "Mod Fun" ...!!! The band then went on to become influenced by most of Paul Weller's own influences (The Creation, Small Faces, and mostly The Action) and beyond: (Syd's Pink Floyd, The Eyes, Wimple Winch, and American Garage ala the Nuggets & Pebbles collections; ) always with one eye peeking at American indie pop like The Bongos, The dB's, and Alex Chilton & Big Star.

http://www.myspace.com/modfun

selections made by the modmodbloghost/carl b

http://totalmodnes.blogspot.com

if you wanna know more 'bout the band
join MySpace (se bellow) and visit their pages,
or go to ModModWorld #3 or ModModWorld #5...

MySpace

www.myspace.com

is an online community that lets you meet your friends' friends. Create a private community on MySpace and you can share photos, journals and interests with your growing network of mutual friends! See who knows who, or how you are connected. Find out if you really are six people away from Kevin Bacon. MySpace is for everyone:

* Friends who want to talk Online
* Single people who want to meet other Singles
* Matchmakers who want to connect their friends with other friends
* Families who want to keep in touch--map your Family Tree
* Business people and co-workers interested in networking
* Classmates and study partners * Anyone looking for long lost friends
* discover great bands!

We are a new site, developing new features as fast as we can. If you have suggestions or comments, please mail them to: contact

How Do I Use MySpace?

1. First, Sign Up and Create a Profile (Your Profile is Your Space on the Web, where you can describe yourself, hobbies and interests. You can even upload pics and write journals.) 2. Second, Invite your Friends to join Your Personal Network. OR, Search the site for your Friends who are already Members of Myspace. 3. Third, View the Connections you Create between Your Friend and Their Friends. Some people have 1,000s of people in their extended network! 4. Meet your Friend's Friends and Suggest Matches! You can communicate with anyone in your Personal Network.

A li'l note on the modfather - Weller

Hey all, i was out celebrating a joint-birthday with Eddie Pillar on tuesday and he let me listen to something he recently got, the first ever paul weller recorded track! Its called 'Left, right and centre' and was recorded when Paul Weller was 15! I must say that in my opinion its better than any track he ever did for The Jam, Style Council or in his recent solo projects, and the best thing about it is that Paul wrote it himself! Believe me its a fucking brilliant soul track! Eddie has asked Paul to record it again for Acid Jazz and Paul said he would do backing for it and DEAN PARRISH will be singing it! How fucking awesome is that!

Anyways, Dean is recording it over in the States now (after him being here over the weekend; saw him down in Brighton which was a laugh) and hopefully it'll be released soon enough!

If any of you know Eddie Pillar try to get him to let you hear it, cause believe me, it is the best Weller song out there!

A.C. Reed

Taken from: http://www.myspace.com

Dave Gibbons - the Original

Announced over a year ago Dave Gibbons’ The Originals will finally see print later this year from Vertigo. The 160 page OGN is kind of autobiographical, kind of not, and kind of about the original Mod scene in Britain. And kind of not. “When I was growing up, I was a Mod – and I mean the first time around, the Quadrophenia-setting time around, and that had a huge effect on the rest of my life and my subsequent attitudes and tastes and activities,” Gibbons told Newsarama.
“For a long time, I’d wanted to do something that I’d written and drawn, something other than a single issue or short story, or a short run of issues. Before I could do that though, I had to then figure out what I really cared about, or what I really felt I had something to say about, and it kind of formed in my mind that there were things that happened to me that happened to other people that were fairly universal in their significance in that other people could relate to them.”
But there was a catch for the creator – an autobiographical story a=would be restrictive, he felt, and it wouldn’t be too interesting to anyone else. “I knew I wanted to make it into some kind of interesting and exciting story, and I also knew I didn’t want to be tied to the actual facts of the time, because after all, there has been Quadrophenia, and I knew I would quickly find myself bogged down in trying to find reference to the actual cigarette packs, or cars or all sorts of stuff like that. So I opted to set it in a world that feels like it felt to me then.”
Which explains the setting of The Originals - it’s kind of Britain, but it’s not. It’s kind of the ‘60s, but it’s not. It is, for all intents and purposes, Gibbons’ own little world. Or even simpler and a little more circular, the world of The Originals is the world in which The Originals is set. In designing the look and feel of the world, Gibbons’ took his cues from his own experience. “I can remember the first time I ever saw somebody riding a really well turned-out scooter,” Gibbons said. “It seemed like a kind of science fiction thing – it was impossibly glamorous and wonderful. So I wanted to do something that had the feeling that those times did for me, rather than the actuality. So consequently, it has got a feel of post-War Britain in some of the certain fashions, but it isn’t intended to be what really happened – it’s an extrapolation. So it’s got the feel, but I’m taking huge liberties with the machinery and with the scooters – they’re things that are much more exciting than the actuality of a little Vespa.”
The story follows two best friends, Lel and Bok, the former being the lead character. “Lel isn’t me, but he’s kind of the top guy in his gang – a natural leader, and Bok is his best friend from early school days. The story is kind of what happens in their relationship, particularly what happens when a girl comes along, and they go their different ways. I suppose it also shows just what people will do for friendship’s sake. “I want to be fairly enigmatic about it – I don’t want to say it’s all boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back, boy’s best find gets…I don’t want to get into all of that now, but that’s kind of what the personal story is.”
The graphic novel represents two things for Gibbons – first, the massive time commitment to writing and drawing a 160-page story, but also, The Originals serves as an emotional clearing house of sorts for the creator. “It’s fairly personal without being autobiographical, so it’s got quite a basis in things that have happened to me, or happened to people I know,” Gibbons said. “Actually, I’ve found that there’s been quite a bit of emotional catharsis involved in it – I’ve actually been able to put down on paper a lot of things that I’ve thought about over the years, and it’s been an interesting voyage of discovery I think, if that doesn’t sound too fucking pretentious.
“It’s a story about the kind of things that concern you as you’re growing up – belonging and the way you look, and the things you do; your gang versus their gang, and dare we say drugs and girls, getting around and having adventures. That kind of story. It’s not an introspective story, it’s a straight-ahead, things happen story. But, as I said, it’s based very much on the experiences I had, and a lot of the characters are based on people I actually knew.” Gibbons also pointed out that the preview art essentially is the art for the book – the book is black and white, which served a specific purpose. “It’s always been very important for me in the comics that I do to give them a graphic identity above and beyond what is actually drawn in the pictures,” Gibbons said. “So I put a lot of work into giving it a particular identity, which led to the black and white and what I hope is a certain style and mood which echoes the kind of scenes that I’ve dealt with.”
Scheduling of The Originals, Gibbons freely admitted, is completely out of his hands at this point. While he spoke, his computer chattered behind him, burning all of the final pages to a CD which would be off to DC offices with the next day’s FedEx truck. But still, writing and drawing 160 pages can take a toll. “It’s been a lot of work, and unlike being a run of issues, where every 20 pages or so, you get a feeling of satisfaction, because you’ve finished something, and you get feedback from it, working on The Originals has been kind of a feeling of doing it off on my own, alone in the dark. So it’s a good feeling to have finished it, although, when it’s all said and done, I think I may miss the world.”

The Originals is tentatively scheduled
for an October release from Vertigo.

Taken From: http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13693

Bored Teenager - what was on in the late '70s

We're talking into corners. Finding ways to fill the vacuum. And though our mouths are dry. We talk in hope to hit on something new. Tied to the railway track. It's one way to revive but no way to relax.

We're just bored teenagers. Looking for love, Or should I say emotional rages.
Bored teenagers. Seeing ourselves as strangers.

We talk about the whys and wherefores. Do we really care at all? Talk about the frailty of words. Is rarely meaningful. When we're sitting watching the 'planes. Burn up through the night like meteorites.

We're just bored teenagers. Looking for love, Or should I say emotional rages.
Bored teenagers. Seeing ourselves as strangers.
Bored teenagers.

this is not completely modish, but its modrelated for sure, so i thought that i would let you in on it and then dicide for your self if its interesting or not... (Carl B modmodblog)

This web site is dedicated to the youth explosion that swept the UK during the late 70's and early 80's ....We follow it through all it's different stages. Punk, New Wave, Powerpop, Mod...Our aim is to document all the bands that were involved in this exciting period of the UK music scene. No other music has shaken up the industry since Punk began! Along with this web site, we run a compilation series on Vinyl and CD to accompany it.If there is any band that you would like to be featured or feel should be featured then please get in touch

If you were involved in any of the bands featured then please also get in touch as we would like to interview you to add to your page.

the band that appears on the site are these...
(you 'ave to go to the "bored Teenagersite" to see the links...)

25 RIFLES ACCIDENT ON THE EAST LANCS THE ACCUSED ACK ACK THE ACTION ADRENALIN THE ADVERTS THE ALTERNATORS AMAZING SPACE FROGS THE AMBER SQUAD THE ANAL FLEAS ANTI-SOCIAL BLUSH THE BOMBSHELLS CANE THE CANE THE CASSETTES CHAOS UK CHARGE CLAY FAV CLOCKWORK CRIMINALS THE COMMITED THE CRIME THE CUNTS THE CYBERMEN DAS SCHNITZ THE DEEP THROATS DEFIANT THE DETOURS THE DIRECTIONS DISCHARGE / THE FILTH DISORDER THE DREGS THE DUNNEAU THE ELEVATORS EXCEL THE EXILE FAST BREEDER THE FIRST STEPS THE FRISKY PIGS GENERATION X GREAT BRITISH HEROES THE GROUT HEADACHE HENRY ESSENCE HOSPITAL TREATMENT THE INJECTORS THE INTROZE THE JOLT KNIFE EDGE THE LAST STAND LD50 LES ELITE LONDON LOW PROFYLE THE MACHINES MAG/SPYS & THE OBTAINERS THE MEANIES THE MEAT THE MEDIA THE MOST MARTIN & THE BROWNSHIRTS MYSTERIOUS FOOTSTEPS THE NEGATIVES NADA THE NEEDLES THE NEON HEARTS NO COVER NO WAY OPEN SORE THE ORDINARYS THE PERFECTORS PIN POINT THE PLAGUE THE PLASTIC PEOPLE PLASTIX POTENTIAL THREAT THE PSYKIK VOLTS THE PUBLIC PISSTAKE QUALITY DRIVEL REACTA THE RED LIGHTS THE REPORTERS THE REVENGE RUN 229 THE RUNNING SORES THE RUNS SCHOOLGIRL BITCH THE SCOOP SEVENTEEN THE SHOCK SILENT NOISE SLIME THE SLOWGUNS THE SMALL HOURS THE SNIFTERS SNYDE SPEEDBALL THE STA-PREST THE STEREOTYPES THE STEROID KIDDIES STREET PEOPLE THEY MUST BE RUSSIANS THE THRUST THE TOADS THE TREND THE TWO-TONE-PINKS U.X.B. THE VARICOSE VEINS THE VARICOSE VEINS (2) THE VEKTORS VICTIMIZE THE VICTIMS THE WHAT XPRESS THE ZIPS ZOOT ALORS

Taken from: http://www.detour-records.co.uk/bored_teenagers.htm

Modrelated record companies

i'll try to do some updating 'round the modscene and its clubs and recordcompanies, to begin with i give you four exellent popfactorys, that are quite different from each other, but they got one thing in common the belif in the Modscene and the power to do something 'bout it...

So here we go with
Hammondbeat, Detour,
BiffBangPow & Future Legend...

the hammondbeat

Hammondbeat Records started life in 2002 as an online community dedicated to promoting the bands that deliver that uniquely brilliant organ sound. The first CD for the label came from Italy's The Link Quartet followed by 2 more CDs in 2004 featuring a 2nd album from The Link Quartet and a soundtrack for the independent film "Wilson Chance".

In late 2005, Hammondbeat started it's next phase with a much expanded roster. The Dansettes (NYC) and The Fil Lorenz Soul-tet (San Francisco) get their recording debuts in November, followed by the debut album by spy-surfers The Special Agents (UK) in Feb'06. Also coming soon are Screamin' Retro (UK), The Yards (USA), Baron Samedi E.S.Q. (Canada), album 3 from The Link Quartet, and much, much more!

Hammondbeat also features a forum where we post record reviews, and fans can intereact with each other and the artists within the community and on the label.

Kahlil Breithaupt and Ryan Richardson head up the label, with design by Martin Lovegrove & Brian Brasher, and much support from the bands.

Taken from:http://www.myspace.com/hammondbeatrecords
go-go to www.hammondbeat.com for full info

some selected acts at the label:

the Dansettes (see htpp://totalmodness04.blogspot.com for further info)
the fil Lorence soul-tet
the Nelsonics

Detour Records

- In the Beginning... In fact, the whole Detour thing started literally by accident. The founder, David "Dizzy" Holmes has been a record collector since the age of about 14. An avid scooter rider by the time he was 17 and the founder member and Number one of the Midhurst Detour Scooter Club. The Scooter Club became one of the biggest in the South of England with over 30 members during it’s hey day. In 1984 his life was to take a massive turnaround. On his way to the last national Scooter Rally of the year in Skegness, torrential driving rain ran freely from the farmers field adjacent to the motorway causing a flood across the road. Being the first in the line on his recently customised Amandos 225, Dizzy was the first to hit the flood, aquaplaned across it and collided with the crash barrier. He left Odstock Hospital 18 months later with a broken back and bound to a wheelchair.
The Mail Order: So what do you do in a situation like that? You don’t just think "Oh I think I’ll start a record company" do you? Dizzy’s actual trade is as a toolmaker, an occupation that obviously he couldn’t return to. Record Collecting became even more of an obsession than it had been previously, buying in records for himself, buying in better grade copies, multiple copies and finally a complete collection that contained a lot of items that were of no use to him at all. One advert in Scootering Magazine sold the majority of them and before long he had a regular customer list of 20 people receiving hand written 2 page lists headed "Records For Sale".
The Label: That first single "Finished Forever/In the Night" now fetches as much as £60.00 plus at auction. In 1992 Dizzy was sent a demo tape by the Margate based, Jam influenced band, The Persuaders. By the end of that year Detour Records was planning it’s first release which hit the streets in January 1993. 300 copies in wrap-around sleeves sold so well that it became clear even at that early stage that there was a potential market for Mod influenced music. Despite the '79 revival and the survival of an underground Mod scene during the Mid-80s there was obviously still a very strong Mod Movement in the early 90s, albit more underground that ever.
But it all got a little out of hand, By the end of 1991 it became apparent that the work involved in running a Mail Order Company and a record label was a little more than one person could cope with. Voluntary help from mum with post runs and trips to the bank were incredibly helpful but as the business grew so did the amount of paper work. Not being one for paperwork, Dizzy’s Detour Records became the original "paperless office" - his rationale being: Read it, Deal with it, Bin It! Fine until something went wrong and there was nothing to say what happened. It wasn’t until 1993 that the Distribution companies began to take the label seriously so following trips to London to do the tour of the record shops it was a case of relying on a good memory to know who had what. And here’s where Tania appears! She’d been a friend of Dizzy’s since 1981 having known him some three years prior to his accident. A Mod/Scooterist also from Midhurst she ran a secretarial business from her home. Initially being taken on as the “hired help” it soon became apparent that the time needed to help Dizzy amounted to more than just the odd few hours typing and if Detour Records was to become a proper success they’d both have to give it everything. Tania gave up her business and became a partner in Detour Records, computer equipment and business knowledge meant that she could take over the day to day running and leave Dizzy to get on with what he was best at - buying and selling records. At this point both Dizzy and Tania were married (to other people) but as a result of the amount of time that the two of them spent together it came as no surprise really that they would eventually get together properly. Dizzy’s wife left him and Tania took her two small children and walked out on her husband. Although not moving in together straight away they bought a place together in August 1995 and in June of ‘96 got engaged although it wasn't until the 1st of January 2000 that they finally tied the knot and got married.
In 1995 the label released it’s number one best seller of all time - The Clique (of course) with their first (and sadly last) album - The Self Preservation Society, including the infamous “Italian Job” chant, that in 1997 was used on Channel Four’s The Big Breakfast. The album sold over 5,000 copies and at one point led the band to showcase for Bjorks label "One Little Indian". Probably the most exciting and maybe one of the most disappointing moments in the Detour history. The A&R guy was convinced, the showcases went ahead, we all went down the pup on the expense account and the re-release of the album was being discussed, unfortunately OLI ran into financial difficulties, sacking members of staff that included our A&R guy! The resulting disappointment eventuated in the break up of the Clique with their final farewell single coming out in 1998. The Clique’s career was such a promising one, which was why their break up came as such bad news for everyone that knew and loved them including Mark Lamarr who snapped up the chance to have them on "live in session" on Radio one whilst doing a stand in stint for Mark Radcliffe’s evening show and who wrote the sleeve notes for the farewell single. Even after all this time we still get enquiries wanting to know more about the Clique from people who have just discovered them, spin off bands include Knave and Quant, two great bands that deserve checking out. Quant in particular showed real promise and appeared live on Channel 5's Raw TV show during May 1999.
1995 saw the birth of The Publishing company, aptly named Tandiz Music, (Tan(ia) and Diz(zy)), the companies initial aim was to publish everything that appeared on the label, however it went onto publish obscure tracks for release on various compilation albums which in some cases earned songwriters their first royalty in almost twenty years.
At the beginning of 1996 the Detour employees were given full time jobs and Detour Records created it’s first payroll. The Mod scene kicked off big time in Japan with the majority of the early catalogue being licenced for two Japanese only CD releases. Unfortunately during this year things got a little too good and both the mail order and the label had to register for VAT, a nightmare that bestowed itself on Tania, however, the introduction of a credit card facility did enable the turnover to increase and following the arrival of the Internet site, both the Mail Order Company and the Label were able to reach a whole new market of people and for the first time really break America.
Since then, Detour Records has amassed an impressive catalogue of top quality releases across 7”, LP and CD formats, encompassing new mod bands keeping the flame alive as well as classic re-issues of records from the late 70’s ‘mod revival’. Power-pop bands mix casually with traditional 60’s type Hammond groups to produce a roster of mod bands second to none.
Today we now have three Record Labels and the mail order catalogue reaches almost 2,000 people world-wide. You can still find Jimmer in the office and alongside us we also have our beloved bulldogs who are of course the Detour mascotts. Working from home also allows us to run the National Bulldog Breed Rescue and dable in a small Pet supply business. Looking back, it's hard to imagine how one mans hobby could have become what we have here today, but you can always be assured that Dizzy and Tania are as passionate about the music as you the customer is - thank you!

Taken from: http://www.detour-records.co.uk/history.htm

Some selected acts at the label:

the Itch (see htpp://www.totalmodness05.blogspot.com/ for further info.)
Ian Page & The Affair
The Directions
The Chosen

Biff! Bang! Pow!

At last, a record label dedicated to and influenced by the best moments of musical history performed by the bands of today!

Taking their lead from the classic song writing established by the likes of Ray Davies, Pete Townshend, Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane, combined with the incendiary performances of such great bands as The Creation, The Action, The Who, The Small Faces and The Kinks to name but a few, and influenced by Rhythm & Blues, Soul and Modern Jazz, the Biff Bang Pow roster are set to take your sound systems by storm.

Distributed by F Minor in the UK & Europe, and Get Hip in the USA, Biff Bang Pow will be bringing together the recorded work of some of the most hard working established “live” acts of the current scene along with the most exciting new talent going.

”shake” and “shout” are two records that shows what the Biff Bang Ppw-label are all about Packed full of enthusiasm, song writing talent and a wealth of gigging experience, those collections of artists show the awesome sound that is still prevalent in the underground purveyed to the switched on set. Made by the scene and for the scene.

Taken from: http://www.biffbangpow.org.uk/

Some selected acts at the label:

Grasp (see http://totalmodness05.blogspot.com/ see for furter info)
The Bresslaws (see http://totalmodness05.blogspot.com/ for further info)
The Marksmen (see http://totalmodness05.blogspot.com/ for further info)
The Threads (see http://totalmodness03.blogspot.com/ for further info)
Thee Jenerators

future legend records

Future Legend Records was launched at the start of 1993. The label is acknowledged and respected for setting new music trends and inventing new genres of music. By 2003 they label decided not to put out any new releases for a while via record shops because of the state of the music industry that was now dominated by manufactured acts and marketing people with blandness being the order of the day. We will put out the ocassional Limited edition release exclusive to this site so check news page regularly. Although an indie label can tread water and survive via internet and mail order sales in order to fund new releases and promote them properly you need to sell records through record shops and export to create these funds. This means you needed a decent distributor. F.L.R have had many from majors likes Sony to small time operators like Greyhound. The perfect partnership during the labels 10 year history was when distributed by Pinnacle during the middle phase of the labels life. Pinnacle were Indie specialist and made it worthwhile to be an indie Label. Sadly by 1998/99 they were taken over by Zomba who specialised in the likes of Steps and Britanny Spears. The decent label managers left Pinnacle and many of the decent labels followed suit as their sales rapidly declined through this new climate.

F.L.R soldiered on for a few more years and found a new distributor in the worldwide major 'Universal',. But it was clear after the first release through this liason 'Cult Themes from the 80's'.that Universal understood nothing about indies and in 2002 they parted company. F.L.R considered their future but with exporters also in rapid decline ten years after the label was born it was decided to shelf the label. This is not to say the label will never release anything ever again because it might. Also most of the labels releases are still available to buy here exclusively through mailorder at bargain prices. So all we can say is watch this space or rather the news page.
WHAT FUTURE LEGEND RECORDS ACHIEVED F.L.R may be taking a break for the time being but they have left a decent legacy and made a dent in the history of the music business. 10 years ago the founder of F.L.R, Record producer Russell Writer was working in a record shop when he noticed a big demand for Singles and Albums of 'Cult T.V and Film themes'. No singles were available and any albums available were just easy listening affairs and none had the right track listings. He thought if ever he got his own label he'd put out just the right album of Cult themes. Because of his involvement with Cult Indie/Mod record label 'Waterloo Sunset' in the 80's he managed to realise this idea with the release 'Themes from the 60's. Volume One'
But this was no ordinary cult themes compilation. Rather than just license the original tracks he thought it would be a great idea to do new version to help break new artists and so a new hybryd album was born. Far from turning off fans of the orginal tunes and shows they were inspired by them saying many were better than the originals. It also helped a few acts get a much bigger profile. But the key ingrediant was the track listings. They were spot on 'JUST THE RIGHT CULT THEMES'. (Full details of all releases on our cult themes page)
Sadlly just after this the Waterloo Sunset label folded and the album although popular was forgotten about. Because of connections with the Waterloo Sunset Label Future Legend acquired the rights to all the now collectable record label 'Waterloo Sunset' and made 'Themes from the 60's' their first releases. Not only did it prove popular and sell well it started a music and life style trend and volumes of 60's , 70's an 80's themes followed (All with just the right track listings). Clubs sprang up playing mostly these themes, people stated dressing like James Bond and the Man from Uncle and alot of fun was had by all. It then split into and easy listening scene which F.L.R had little to do with. Hits were generated and many artist made giant leaps in their careers after appearing on a cult themes album. These album also helped bring attention to some previous hit acts like The Honeycombs, The Lambrettas and Glenda Collins to name but a few.
The most successful cult theme was 'You only live twice' by Eleanor Rigby which hit number one in Italy. It could have done the same in the Uk but for a few major cockups by Sony F.L.R's distributor. Eleanor was a Cult mod Artist from the 80's that featured on the Waterloo Sunset Label and she still had many fans including members of Blur, St Etienne and others who were heavily involved in Britpop. Which brings us to the conclusion that maybe inadvertantly Eleanor Rigby may have been responsible in some way for Britpop. Her music was a cross between The Kinks, Blondie and the Jam with the emphasis on The Kinks. Britpop was basically trying to re create the same sounds and vibes as those 60's acts. When you add to this the fact that many people thought St Etiennes 'You're in a Bad way' was a new Eleanor release a picture starts to emerge. When you add to this a few other facts like after the success of 'You only life twice' 1994 saw the release of a more guitar dominted 'Best of Volume one album by Eleanor. Just after this the Blow up club started in London and they too had a major influence in creating Britop and the phrase was said to have eminated from ther eafter the D.J there played some of Eleanors music. By the time Eleanors Best of Vol.2 was release at the start of 96 Britpop was taking off and many people around the world did think she was part of it.
Britpop has come and gone but Eleanor's music still lives and both new fans and old are tracking down her releases via us still today 17 years after her first release. Although a mod act she was often described as beyond Mod and the same can be said about Britpop. Also anyone hearing her brilliant voice and music often say this is one female singer who could have been bigger than Madonna. (For more details on Eleanor see http://totalmodness03.blogspot.com/). There is no disputing that Russell Writer and F.L.R created the Cult themes trend as this is well documented in many magazines. Wether Eleanor was a major catalyst for Britpop may be open to debate but what is not in dispute is that F.L.R and in particuar some of its artists did create new music genres. Box Office Poison Invented a new musc genre called 'Pop Noir' over 10 years ago but it took at least 5 years before the likes of Goldfrapp, Mono and others caught on and even Portishead and Madonna were influenced in certain parts of their careers. B.O.P have preferred to remain pioneers and cutting edge and have released a number of stunning records (See their page) It is rumoured they may surfice on the mainstream next year with cred in tact or finally call it a day. They have left a great legacy of work if they do call it a day and all it is available exclusive through this site.

Taken from: http://www.future.legend.rehistory.htmlcords.freeservers.com/history

Some selected acts at the label:

POP NOIR (see http://totalmodness03.blogspot.com/ for further information)
Eleanor Rigby (see http://totalmodness03.blogspot.com/ for further information)
Ministry Of Ska

Rising Up!

Denver--On Friday, November 4, the Walnut Room presents the second installment of the new monthly underground arts showcase Rising Up! Billed by its creators Jimmy Chesterfield and Miles Van Cleef as "rock n' roll cabaret for the Terrible 2000s", the evening is a benefit for the Food Bank of the Rockies. The event features four Denver-area bands--including headliners The StartUps and area Brit-popsters King For a Day--as well as a performance by noted DJ/eccentric Magicyclops. Entertainment begins at 8pm with a set from Denver's own Color of Sound, followed by a performance by local shoegaze outfit Red Glow Aviator. Those attending the event who bring in a canned food item for the Food Bank of the Rockies will receive $2 off the $7 door charge. Scooterists will continue to pay just $4 for entry.

The Rising Up! series is a monthly showcase
dedicated to bringing the spirit and vitality of Denver underground arts
alive in a free-floating, cabaret-type atmosphere.

The Food Bank of the Rockies was founded in 1978 to serve the neediest citizens of Denver, Northern Colorado, and Wyoming. Since its inception, the Food Bank of the Rockies has grown to become an organization that distributes food supplies to over 900 hunger-relief programs in the area. Since 1978, Food Bank of the Rockies has provided nearly 190 million pounds of food to its member agencies, which translates to more than 146 million meals for those in need. Last year alone, the organization distributed over 20 million pounds of food, enough to feed 43,000 of the area's neediest children, seniors, and families each day.

The Rising Up! series continues on the first Friday of each month at the Walnut Room (3131 Walnut Street, 303-292-1700). On December 2, Rising Up! will present a showing of the classic Salvador Dali/Luis Bunuel silent short "Un Chien Andalou", as well as a performance by past Denver faves The Christines, who will be re-forming especially for this Rising Up! event.

Sound clips of upcoming Rising Up! performers can be sampled at www.myspace.com/risingupdenver.

taken from: http://www.events.myspace.com/