50s/60s charts

Review: Paul Weller is perhaps one of the best non-soul musicians to ask to compile a rare soul compilation. Rather than documenting soul music as it proliferated in the 1960s, Ace Records' soul aim was to capture a genre, fashion and style as one man saw it in retrospect, in light of his involvement in the mod revival of the mid 1970s. Weller would later go onto form and front The Jam, but in late 1974, shortly before his involvement in the punk movement, he was about none of that business at all. Punk partly grew on febrile tissues of mod, which was in turn an offshoot of 60s soul; and it is true that we may hear a foetal form of the sound in the brasher cuts on this record, be it Billy Stewart's 'Summertime' or James Carr's 'Pouring Water'. Also clock Brother To Brother's 'In The Bottle', a super-early drum machine blues gem perfect for the house heads.

Review: Eddie Piller Presents The Mod Top 100 is a fulfilling four-CD set that revisits the golden era of 1960s mod culture through a meticulously curated selection of tracks. This collection, inspired by the original Mod Top 100 compiled by Randy Cozens, offers a rich mix of r&b, soul, jazz and beat music that was integral to the iconic dancefloors of London's West End. Piller has expanded upon Cozens' influential list, including additional personal favorites from the era. The result is a vibrant homage to the Mod movement, featuring soulful voices from Doris Troy, Betty Everett, and Bessie Banks, alongside classics from James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, and Solomon Burke. Instrumental gems from Hank Jacobs and the Ramsey Lewis Trio further enhance this comprehensive set. The release not only showcases the era's diverse sound but also serves as a tribute to Randy Cozens, whose passion and dedication helped shape the Mod scene. With new sleeve notes by Piller and support from Cozens' family, this collection is a fitting celebration of a pivotal musical and cultural moment.

Review: One of the most startling aspects of Todd Philips' Joker sequel - aside from the creepy, claustrophobic, horror-leaning moodiness of Hildur Guonadottir's original score - was the director's decision to get its lead character to belt out cover versions of well-known songs, jukebox musical style. It's that aspect of the film's soundtrack that's showcased on this release, rather than Guonadottir's incredible score. Joaquim Phoenix and Lady Gaga, then, are the undoubted stars of the show, belting out - individually or collectively - such familiar favourites as 'That's Entertainment', 'That's Life', 'When You're Smiling (The World Smiles With You)' and 'To Love Somebody'.

Review: Chicago's soul scene in the early 60s thrived on a dynamic blend of raw emotion and polished craft, and this collection is a testament to that unique balance. The arrangements burst with tight, syncopated rhythms, uplifting brass, and smooth vocal harmonies, capturing the essence of a city reshaping soul music. There's a raw edge to the production that keeps the energy unfiltered, while the melodies radiate warmth and storytelling depth. Each track contributes to an atmosphere of heartfelt resilience, showcasing Chicago's role as a powerhouse of innovation during this pivotal era.

Review: The soundtrack to Jon Savage's monumental history of LGBTQ influence on popular culture is an essential double CD compilation that traverses the clandestine alongside the openly celebrated. Featuring artists from Joe Meek to Buzzcocks, Patrick Cowley, Tom Robinson Band, Lesley Gore, Billy Fury and Little Richard, it encapsulates the hidden and overt narratives of LGBTQ life in post-war music. Starting with the groundbreaking success of Little Richard in 1955, the compilation captures the coded expressions of the 50s and 60s, mirroring the societal secrecy and oppression faced by the gay community. As the music progresses into the early 70s, it reflects the era's burgeoning openness, marked by the influence of icons like David Bowie. The tracks span pop, Tamla, soul, glam rock, and the early funk and disco sounds that dominated underground New York clubs, ultimately leading to the disco explosion of the late 70s. This compilation is a tribute to freedom and the intertwined worlds of music and sexuality. Some artists identify as LGBTQ+, others are included for their impact on or by the gay aesthetic, making a heartfelt homage to the diverse and rich history of music shaped by the community. A vibrant and significant cultural journey.

Review: Since the release of Make Mine Mondo in 2018, fans have eagerly awaited a follow-up - and the second instalment is a thrilling collection of wild instrumentals, rockabilly, garage rock and energetic r&b. This compilation collects some rare music that helps the collection of obscure tracks be a blend of the quirky, the rebellious and the heartbroken. It's a fascinating mix of the mad, the bad and the dangerous, each song oozing raw energy and a sense of urgency. Volume 2 proves just as captivating as its predecessor, delivering an exhilarating ride through the fringe of musical history. Expect the unexpected.

Review: Back in 1961, before taking a break from live performance for eight years, Elvis Presley played one last gig - a benefit concert for the USS Arizona Memorial Fund at the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii. It was a legendary gig, with Presley delivering an energetic, enthusiastic and memorable performance in front of a similarly over-excited audience. This CD presents the performance in full - complete with such classics as 'I Got a Woman', 'All Shook Up', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Hound Dog', 'That's All Right' and 'Heartbreak Hotel', as well as plenty of on-stage chat - alongside a previously long-buried recording of a press conference given by "the King" following his arrival in Hawaii. A genuine must-have for Elvis fans!

Review: Tramp Records' Movements Vol. 12 offers an excellent trip through rare rhythm & blues, mod-jazz and mid-70s funk. This latest installment in their acclaimed series is a treasure trove of obscure gems and infectious grooves, each track a testament to the label's dedication to uncovering hidden musical gems. Opening with Johnny April's 'She Had A Pikanese,' featuring the Mat Matthews Quartet, the compilation sets a tone of rich, soulful rhythms. Lu Elliott's 'Common Sense' and Lloyd Fatman's 'No Big Thing' follow, with a variety of underappreciated r&b delights. Billy J's 'Teacher Teach Me' and Wayne Johnson's 'Scram Gravy Ain't Wavy' continue the vibe, offering distinctive flavors of classic soul. The compilation dives into deep funk with 'Hipper Snapper' by 4 Dimensions, reminiscent of Charles Wright's 'Express Yourself.' Other tracks like Gus Brendel's 'Sax On The Rocks' and The Hornets' 'Seven Days To Tahiti,' perfect for dance floors. Bret Breitinger's 'Jive Samba' and Downtown Trio's smooth 'Summertime' add to the eclectic mix. Overall, Movements Vol. 12 is a triumph, delighting with its rare finds and impeccable curation, solidifying the series' reputation as a flagship of musical discovery.

Review: The 11th and 12th editions of this celebrated series, a bestseller for Stag-O-Lee, continue to capture the sultry and atmospheric charm of Melbourne's underground music scene. These compilations transport listeners to the shadowy ambiance of a monthly club night where vintage music lovers and enigmatic figures gather in a smoke-filled, dimly lit room to sway to decelerated r&b, soul and exotica grooves. Curated by Ritchie1250, the mastermind behind SGF and its insightful liner notes, these volumes feature a carefully selected lineup of tracks from legends like Dinah Washington, Harry Belafonte and Charles Brown, alongside hidden gems from lesser-known artists like Jeri Simpson, The Rockbusters and Hirao Masaaki. The soulful strains of 'I Left My Baby' by Count Basie All-Stars and the exotic flair of 'Caravan' by Dinah Washington deliver timeless appeal, while tracks like 'Gee Gee Baby' by Lenny Johnson and 'Danger Theme' by Tony Mottola add intrigue. With each track, these compilations create a vivid soundscape, blending the moody nostalgia and rhythmic allure that will transport listeners to another era.