The Who – Who’s Missing
by The author recalls discovering The Who’s albums “Who’s Missing” and “Two’s Missing” in 1987, appreciating the musical talent in “Who’s Missing,” which he sought for years before reacquiring.
Pete Townshend – Scoop
The review discusses Pete Townshend’s Scoop, highlighting its acoustic and demo tracks that reveal his songwriting brilliance. Comparisons to Nick Drake and John Martyn reflect a preference for raw musical simplicity.
Uppers On The South Downs
We discuss a re-released LP from 1981, highlighting its changed track listing, the historical context of the Mod Revival scene, and specific band contributions, notably of the Purple Hearts.
A Modern Mod Revival? Sharp Class of ’25
As I write this we are coming to the end of 2025, a quarter of the way through the 21st Century, and it seems mod revival, the mod scene, power pop, brit pop and the like are refusing to lie down.
The Headboys
The Headboys’ debut album presents a mix of catchy power pop and confused musical styles, featuring notable tracks like “Shape Of Things To Come,” while ultimately lacking a clear band identity.
The Lambrettas – Beat Boys In The Jet Age
The Lambrettas, a mod revival band, gained popularity in the late 1970s with hits like “Poison Ivy.” Their first album, “Beat Boys In The Jet Age,” features standout tracks.
Secret Affair – Behind Closed Doors
Behind Closed Doors was written in a bit of a rush, presumably to capitalise on the success of the first record. It meant that the two main songwriters, Ian Page and David Cairns, worked remotely and apart, each writing in isolation in different parts of the world.
The Chords – So Far Away
Another mod revival title from 1980, The Chords’ So Far Away is probably as good an example of the genre as you’re likely to listen to. Punchy, angsty anthems that encapsulates the spirit of mod revival, the 1980s and working class values.