The swinging sixties marked a turning point in popular music with “Swinging London” acting as the home base for the British Invasion. One band at the center of that scene was Small Faces. They are often considered the essential “Mod” group of the era, encapsulating post war youthful angst and modernity. Their success in England, however, did not translate overseas. Whether it was poor management or shady record label practices, this side of the Atlantic was only graced with “Itchycoo Park,” their only top 40 hit.
​
“Feeling Lonely” is from their 3rd full length album and features the earnest song writing talents of Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane. It’s an often overlooked love song whose use of the harpsichord and triangle would have had adoring teenage fans swooning.  

When the average American thinks of Japan they think of WW2, Samurai warriors, Sumo wrestling, Sushi, insane gameshows, but rarely music. The language is beautifully complex and over the years American music executives wouldn’t take the risk bringing it to Western ears.

I first heard Coaltar of the Deepers tucked away on a compilation cd in 1992. The song was “My Speedy Sarah,” a blurring homage to shoegaze, with fuzzy harmonies and swirling distorted guitars. I couldn’t wait to hear more. Two years later I scooped up a copy of their first full length album The Visitors from Deepspace and was delighted.
​
“Joy Ride” is from their 2001 Robot ep and perfectly captures their energy, light hearted nature, and often heavily distorted guitars. I think it’s a great introductory track from a band that should receive more attention this side of the Pacific.  

Betty Hutton was one of those firecracker personalities that dominated film, stage, and the radio waves from 1938-1957. Her comedic timing, vocal range, and ability to act and dance was highly sought after by Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures and the other media companies in Hollywood.
​
“It’s a Man” is a hilarious number written by the brilliant and unheralded Cy Coben. It’s the perfect song for Ms. Hutton and features her ability to hold notes with humor. Although maybe not as well-known as her version of “It’s Oh So Quiet,” I think it’s hysterical, and at a time when talent was unable to hide behind digital wizardry.   

Justin Hinds and the Dominoes were a vocal trio from the musical hotbed of Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. They are considered pioneers of ska and rocksteady, and their early sides with Duke Reid / Byron Smith are considered classics, both on the island and in the UK.
​
“Time Pass By” was most likely recorded between 1966-1968 with a scaled-down version of The Supersonics and is my favorite recording of theirs.  It’s also one of my all-time favorite songs. The interplay between the organ, piano and bass is magical. Justin’s voice is raw and honest and the backing vocals (not the Dominoes by the way) are earnestly sung.

It’s funny to think that at one time the supergroup Duran Duran was having trouble breaking into the United States. I mean, what could record producers do with five gorgeous guys that wrote and played their own catchy pop songs and could star in excellent music videos?  Even the Beatles would be jealous. Luckily for us, Capital Records had no idea how to market an already excellent pop album and brought in the talents of record producer David Kershenbaum, who remixed it.

In November of 1982, Rio was rereleased as a dance album, and with the help of a sultry “Hungry Like the Wolf” music video, went on to sell millions of copies.   

"Hold Back the Rain" was never released as a single, but it’s one of my favorites from the album. This is the “Kershenbaum” or “Night Version” mix and depending on which side of the Atlantic, or when you heard it, is the version you may be familiar with.

Both the British and American pressings of Rio are outstanding, and if you love pop music from the 80’s, this is a must-own album.