Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World

Modcast #233: Stuck in the Sixties

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:29:43 GMT

The sound of the sixites is addictive and the primary reason I got into the mod scene in the 80s. Then sixtiesque bands were either mod groups blending soul and power pop or garage rock revival groups pounding out the primeval sound of sixties garage rock. For as long as I can remember I've been stuck on that sound, and so stuck in the sixties. So, this week I've a got a full dozen bands all doing their best to emulate the great sounds of the sixties from the original garage punk bands like The Standells, The Sonics, The Seeds, The Yardbirs, Love, The Creation and many more. If you dig the sixties sound you'll wanna stick around for the whole show. You can get the full track list on the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com, as well check out cool videos from Thee Vicars and The Onlookers.

Modcast #232: The Ice Cream Man Cometh

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:40:01 GMT

Here's comes the Ice Cream Man, Rick N. Baker from the excellent blog Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More (Ding Ding) is at the helm for this week's modcast. He's sailing you into some familiar and not so familiar waters. Check the track list on the modcast homepage and you'll see right away that it's going to be smooth sailing.

Modcast #231: It's Tiki Time

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:38:53 GMT

Oasis. Tiki Oasis. That's right, it's tiki time. Guest DJ, Ken from The Shingles put together a special modcast this week to highlight this year's Tiki Oasis 0012. It's an action packed show with lots of music and no rubbish talking. Every year for over a decade the annual conference has been the landing spot for lovers of all things tiki: exotica, lounge and surf music as well as cocktail culture. Each weekend includes great music from all sorts of bands, cocktail and music seminars, as well as fun in the sun and lots of drinking and dancing. This year's theme is Exotic Espionage and Polynesian Pulp. Featured entertainers will include: The Love Me Nots, Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Barbwires, The Martini Kings and more. Check out the Tiki Oasis website for a complete dossier on this year's mission. For a complete track list for this week's tiki extravaganza head on over to the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com.

Modcast #230: All Psyched Out

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:41:21 GMT

Are you ready for some fuzz? Some freakbeat? Some psychadelic garage rock? You better be because I'm taking you on a trip back to the sixties for some of the best psychadelic rock you can get. Get a full track list at the modcat homepage at mistersuave.com, and check out some cool videos from John's Children and Steampacket.

Modcast #229: Working My Way Back To You (Sans the burning love inside)

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:38:23 GMT

It's true, I'm working my way back to you from two weeks of pneumonia which sidelined new modcasts there for a while. But that's all behind me now and it's back to the mod mod world for Mr. Sauve. Got a lot of cool new stuff for you this week. One nice find in particular was The Biters. Discovered them over at Ratboy69's very fine music blog, where he always seems to have something good to share. Check out bonus videos from Raglans and Quantic, and get a full track listing for the show at the modcast homepage at (a href="http://www.mistersuave.com>mistersuave.com

From The Vaults: Modcast #37 Summer Songs to Blow Away the Big Chill

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:28:44 GMT

Originally podcast winter of 2007. Welcome to Mr. Suave's Cold Cold World. The big chill came to Seattle this week dropping about five inches of snow and temperatures to a downright inhospitable 18 degrees farhenheit this week. And, to make matters worse my electric furnace decided to implode leaving me with a freezing cold house and a deep desire for summer to come blowing in. But, since summer --at least in our hemisphere here-- is still months away, I'm going to try and heat things up with some summer type songs from the likes of Pizzicato Five, Corduroy, Swing Out Sister, Love Jones, The Orange Peels and more. Get on over to the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com for a full track list and some nice bonus videos.

From The Vaults: Modcasts #140 & #141

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:06:40 GMT

Modcast #141: Sophisticated Synthesized Soul

Listen Now Download The show this week features predominately 80s sophistipop: soul mixed with jazz and pop, infused with strings and horns, and synthesized throughout. Lots of mod and mod friendly bands were part of the movement, which helped pave the way for the acid jazz of the 90s. Thanks to my friend Mary who's insistence that it would be worth the trip to Milano to see Swing Out Sister caused me to dig back through some old stuff and come up with a bunch of great tracks for this week's show. Enjoy.

Modcast #140: On The Right Track (Guest Hosted by The New Fidelity)

This week the modcast is most ably hosted by Dan from The New Fidelity. Hailing from Southern California The New Fiis a well-established mod outift that has produced some fantastic work featured on past modcasts even, and you can look forward to a new release coming very soon. So, I'm pretty happy to be able to turn over this week's program to Dan and let him run wild with some truly great mod music. Get over to mistersuave.com for complete track listings for both casts.

Modcast #227: Get Easy, Mod Easy

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:37:48 GMT

Life is easy in the mod world this week. As in easy listening. Of course it's always easy listening to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, but this week it's especially easy. From bossa nova to lounge pop, I've got a suave set of easy listening music from the heyday of the now sound, mostly thought not exclusively. I've even thrown in a few surprise easy gems from Supergrass, Truly Smith, Frank Sinatra and more. Be sure to hit me up at Facebook and like Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, and while you're out browsing the interwebs cruise on by the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com where you will find the track list for all of the shows, as well as links to bands featured on the modcast, interviews with bands, bonus videos, links to cool blogs and all sorts of good stuff. So get over to mistersuave.com.

Modcast #226: Come On Now!

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:40:43 GMT

Here it is, the 226th of its kind, the latest and greatest modcast. Of course, each one is better than the last. Trust me on this one. Get on over to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World for the full track list for the show and to check out some cool bonus videos from Modlife Crisis and The Love Me Nots.

From The Vaults: Modcasts #122 & #136

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:50:52 GMT

Modcast #122: Watch. This. Now.

Welcome to modcast #122 and welcome to the Moscow Underground a brand new London mod band on this week's show. They've got a really cool, really heavy mod sound, as does the rest of the show. There's more new stuff as well from Supernova, Morrissey, and the Takeover UK, some garage rock from Los Immediatos and Magic Christian, as well as some Britpop from the likes of Blur and Sleeper.

Modcast #136: Kickin' It Old School

Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World Kickin' it old school in the mod world this week. Gettin' back to when the gettin' was seriously good, along about 1966 and thereabouts. This week's modcast features a nice set of sixties mod, garage, blues, and psych pop from the likes of The Small Faces, Powder, Graham Bond Organization, Alan Brown Set, Mouse & The Traps and more. As hot as it's been in Seattle of late, this is a much needed set of super cool music. Be sure to hit the modcast homepage for a complete set list, and to check out some cool bonus videos including the Graham Bond Organization from the horrid 1965 film "Gonks Go Beat". Don't be a stranger.

Modcast #225: Can't You Hear The Music?

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:22:10 GMT

Welcome to the mod world friends. What a crazy world it is, too. Here it is March 13, a week from the dawning of the spring era here in Seattle, and by jove it snowed last night. Believe it or not, it's untypically cold here right now. One thing is hot thought. This modcast. From start to finish, from The Twin-Sets to The Housemartins, from top to bottom, this thing is smokin' hot. Best be careful or you'll burn your ears. A quick shout out to a couple of fantastic blogs for providing much inspiration: Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More (Ding Ding) and Shotgun Solution, both of which are reliable sources for cool music tips and hints. As always Suave HQ has your full track listing and bonus videos.

Modcast #224: Movers & Groovers

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:25:41 GMT

It's another modcast alright. More movers. More groovers. Some shakers. All righteous stuff from The Goldstars, The Theme, Mother Earth, The Mob and more. It's epic. Get thee to mistersuave.com for the complete tracklist.

From The Vaults: Modcast #173 Mr. Suave's Losers Lounge

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:07:34 GMT

In the early 90s there was a bubbling up of cocktail music coming from the unsorted Goodwill record bins all the way to the dusty film music libraries of long dead or dormant record labels. Like a slow burn it crackled and hissed its way from one hi-fi set to the next, reviving memories of the yesteryear of 50s and 60s music, mostly amongst folks (like yours truly) just a tad to young to actually have such memories. In 1993 a little book called Incredibly Strange Music Volume 1 accompanied by a CD compilation arrived to little fanfare. Like they say it only takes a spark. The fire that got going not only included an explosion of lounge music compilations (multiple volumes of Music For a Bachelor's Den, the Beat at Cinnecita and Easy Tempo series, and the grand-daddy of lounge mixes, Capitol's Ultra-Lounge series which is still going strong) but also original acts like Love Jones and Combustible Edison who were echoing the smooth, suave, and sometimes silly and screwy, sounds of Esquivel, Martin Denny, Les Baxter and even Burt Bacharach and The Rat Pack among others. The lounge revival was in full swing, complete with it's own movie, Swingers. And later it's own parody, Austin Powers. It's not surprising that mods like myself, lovers of all things 60s, grew up and into the lounge revival. The music evokes some of the best aspects of 60s culture above and beyond the typical British Invasion, soul, and garage rock sounds most mods were weened on. Joining me on this week's loungecast is loungemaster extraordinaire, Ken from The Shingles, a long time mod friend, and he who is guilty of turning me on to the sounds of the cocktail nation all the way back in the early 90s. Here then is our primer on lounge music with a few better known tracks, some lesser lights, some easy listening, and some more jazzy stuff. Overall this is as good a lounge sampler as you might stumble across anywhere. And, for those so inclined here are a few recommendations for what to spin during your next cocktail hour. Be sure to slip over to Mr. Suave's for a complete track list and other goodies.

From The Vaults: Modcast #173: Mr. Suave's Losers Lounge

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:28:12 GMT

In the early 90s there was a bubbling up of cocktail music coming from the unsorted Goodwill record bins all the way to the dusty film music libraries of long dead or dormant record labels. Like a slow burn it crackled and hissed its way from one hi-fi set to the next, reviving memories of the yesteryear of 50s and 60s music, mostly amongst folks (like yours truly) just a tad to young to actually have such memories. In 1993 a little book called Incredibly Strange Music Volume 1 accompanied by a CD compilation arrived to little fanfare. Like they say it only takes a spark. The fire that got going not only included an explosion of lounge music compilations (multiple volumes of Music For a Bachelor's Den, the Beat at Cinnecita and Easy Tempo series, and the grand-daddy of lounge mixes, Capitol's Ultra-Lounge series which is still going strong) but also original acts like Love Jones and Combustible Edison who were echoing the smooth, suave, and sometimes silly and screwy, sounds of Esquivel, Martin Denny, Les Baxter and even Burt Bacharach and The Rat Pack among others. The lounge revival was in full swing, complete with it's own movie, Swingers. And later it's own parody, Austin Powers. It's not surprising that mods like myself, lovers of all things 60s, grew up and into the lounge revival. The music evokes some of the best aspects of 60s culture above and beyond the typical British Invasion, soul, and garage rock sounds most mods were weened on. Joining me on this week's loungecast is loungemaster extraordinaire, Ken from The Shingles, a long time mod friend, and he who is guilty of turning me on to the sounds of the cocktail nation all the way back in the early 90s. Here then is our primer on lounge music with a few better known tracks, some lesser lights, some easy listening, and some more jazzy stuff. Overall this is as good a lounge sampler as you might stumble across anywhere. And, for those so inclined here are a few recommendations for what to spin during your next cocktail hour. As always, swing by the swank place, www.mistersuave.com for a complete track list and bonus videos.

From the Vaults: Modcasts #176 & #18

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:47:26 GMT

Modcast #176: A Firm Grasp Of The Obvious

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. My mod world has been rocking out to a lot of power pop this week, so I kicked things off with a bit of early 80s Seattle power pop, courtesy of Jim Basnight and the Moberly's. Basnight is a jack of all trades when it comes to music, and something of a basketball fiend with the rest of his life, running a college basketball blog dedicated to the UW Huskies. Even with all the power pop I've been imbibing of late the first full set of the show is new soul music. The soul revival continues, full-fledged with groups like the Diplomats and Fitz & The Tantrums, and winding its tentacles into indie pop with acts like She & Him. And, since it is summer, or at least the last few days of summer, I had to throw a little bit of summery, sunshiny, effervescent pop music. I don't know what in the world Japanese band The Bridge is singing about, but whatever it is it sounds good to me. They were one of the forerunners of Tokyo's whole Shubuya-kei scene in the early 90s that produced a slew of great artists/bands like Pizzicato Five, Towa Tei, Flippers Guitar, Fantastic Plastic Machine and a bunch more. I'm thinking I could do an entire show with just Shubuya bands. Hell I could easily do two such shows. And I just might. Just to keep you all on your toes I've rounded things out with a set of two-tone styled ska, most notably featuring all girl ska band The Belle Stars. Most people, if they know The Belle Stars at all, probably know them from their hit cover of "Iko Iko" that was featured in the movie Rain Man, allegedly because Dustin Hoffman liked the band and lobbied for their inclusion -- no matter that the song had languished for five years before that and the band had already broken up. But, for my money their best stuff was their early stuff, so you get their debut single from 1980 like it or not (I think you'll like it). She & Him -- You Really Got A Hold On Me Fitz & The Tantrums -- Winds Of Change

Modcasst #18: Chillin' in Mr. Suave's Mod Lounge

Welcome to Mr Suave's Swingin' cocktail lounge and now you can enjoy a few of the songs that started me down the lounge music path. There is no doubt that my involvement in the mod scene led me to being a lounge music junkie loving all sorts of easy listening, space age pop, acid jazz, swing and other retro types of music. Lucky for me! Be sure to visite www.mistersuave.com for a full track list for these shows.

Modcast #223: Good to the Last Drop

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:15:38 GMT

Welcome to the show. And what a show. Of course I have this little advanatage of having heard all the songs already while I was putting this thing together. And repeatedly. I couldn't help grinning the entire time. Kinda like soup. Mmm. Mmm. Good. It's a tasty treat you got coming people. I'm actually happy for you. Get the track list, as well as bonus videos from The Men and Sergio Mendes on the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com Also, check out Mr. Suave on Facebook.

From The Vaults: Modcasts #63 & #69

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:47:14 GMT

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me all the way back to those oh so sweltering days of Summer 2007. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

Modcast #63: Mod For The Summer

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, I opened today's show with a track from a band called Airborne Toxic Event, and even though they're out of Los Angeles man they sound a lot like a british band with obvious influence from Franz Ferdinand and the Fratellis. The rest of the show is equally as good. I think there is pretty much something for everyone here -- except for the Def Leppard crowd (you know who you are, now leave me alone and learn to like better music).

Modcast 69: Mods, Skins, Punks

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, this week is a very garage rock sorta show so enjoy the likes of The Pandoras, The Lizardmen, The Indikation, The Professionals, and more. Be sure to head over to the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com for a complete track list and bonus videos.

Modcast #222: Just The Ladies This Time

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:50:46 GMT

This week it's the ladies turn. I realized that it's been a while since I did a show feturing just the ladies, so here it is. In going through my catalog I realized that while I have a lot of great female bands and singers, the ratio of male to female singers is about 30:1. Still, I did find some good stuff, so don't worry there's lots of X chromosomes coming your way. There are soul singers, garage rockers and guitar mavens. Got bands from the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Finland, and even Seattle just to name a few. Sort of an international estrogenfest you might say. There's some old, some young, some new, some famous, some obscure. Lots of fishes in the sea, as they say. So, cast your line and reel in some fresh ones on this week's modcast. Be sure to head over to the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com for a full track list and so fantastic bonus videos.

Modcast #221: Baby It's Cold Outside

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:15:15 GMT

What a week. Icy cold storm kept me holed up in suave headquarters most of the week, only to emergy to the news that Etta James had died, Jamesetta, that was her real first name which she later reversed for her stage name, grew up hard, lived hard, worked hard, and sang hard, she had a voice that was large and in charge. Didn't seem like much of a show without something from the legendary Ms. James. Most of the week though was spent sipping hot beverages like hot chocolate with coffee liquueur and amaretto just to keep warm. And of course I had thse beautiful songs to heat me up. So, listen up and I guarantee you'll get hot. Of course, as usual, you get what you pay for. As always you can zip over to mistersuave.com to get the full track lists and check out other goodies.

From the Vaults: Modcast 125: Mod Essentials II - The Revival

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:50:45 GMT

Welcome to Mr. Suave’s Mod Mod World. This is a special episode of the modcast, the second in a series I call Mod Essentials. The first one, Mod Essentials: In The Beginning premiered last summer and featured my take on the most essential mod tracks of the 1960s. As you can imagine it was hardly definitive. And this one likely won’t be either . This is Mod Essentials II: The Revival. You will see that while there are some fantastic songs here, there are a number of key artists missing like The Crooks, Squire, The Amber Squad, Long Tall Shorty, The Cigarettes and lots more. From 1977 to 1981 mod was reborn in the UK, which sparked mod revivals around the world. For a few glorious years the energy and angst of punk was wed to the rhythm of soul, the pulse of power pop, and the fashions of the sixties. The Who released Quadrophenia at the height of the revival creating even more interest in all things mod. Inevitably the mod scene became overexposed, it went mainstream briefly, and that more than anything else killed it and drove the remaining mods back to their soul clubs to await the movements next revival -- still more than a decade away. Here then are the songs that I think epitomize the wide range of sounds in the mod revival. So, what are your essential mod revival tracks? I'm dying to find out from people what they see as the quintessential mod revival sound. Head over to the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com and leave a comment and let me know what you think of my list here, what you would have added, or what you would have scrapped.

Modcast #220: The Best of 2011

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:58:18 GMT

Welcome to 2012, sure to be a better year than 2011 (the Mayan calendar fiasco not withstanding). Even though it is 2012 the focus of this modcast is actually 2011. It is time for my annual "best of" show where like all the other music critics out there I am going to give you a piece of my mind, specifically the piece that lists out what I thought were the best releases of the past 12 months. I'm highlighting some power pop, some indie pop, some soul, some garage rock, all of which rose to the top of the heap of last years new music. Enjoy!

From the Vaults: Best of 2009 & 2010 Modcasts

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:29:22 GMT

I guess I am just like everybody else. End of year lists of songs and albums are a mainstay of the muscial intertubes. Here then is a reprise of my shows highlighting some of the best mod friendly tunes in 2009 and 2010. And lest you think I'm shirking last year completely, I'm not. I've got a best of 2011 show coming up next week and then it will be back to mixing up some old, some new, and everything in between. Until then remember back to when these tunes were still fresh. As always you can zip over to mistersuave.com to get the full track lists and check out other goodies. Happy New Year!

Mr. Suave's 3rd Annual Christmas Modcast Extravaganza

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:45:50 GMT

Well, it is Christmas time even if it doesn't really seem like it around Suave HQ. Usually I'm fully into the Christmas spirit by this time of the season, but this year just hasn't done it for me. As will be evidenced by the somewhat ho-ho-humbug attitude of this year's annual Christmas modcast extravaganza. Back to share his despair is Ken from The Shingles. I issued a challenge for him to find better Christmas tracks than I could in several categories including power pop, soul, exotica, jazz and so on. The resulting picks make for a very eclectic show. Hopefully that will be enjoyable for an after dinner moment of relaxation. While you're relaxing you might want to enjoy one of our Christmas cocktails. Mine is the Christmas cooler while Ken favored a hotter drink. Christmas Cooler 2 parts gin (Hendricks works nicely adding a bit of cool sweetness) 1 part peppermint schnapps Add to ice in a hi-ball glass, top it off with 7-Up. Volcano House Hot Buttered Rum (the recipe for which comes courtesy of Rumdood.com) 1.5 oz Rum .75 oz Sugar .75 oz Lemon Juice .25 oz Maraschino Hot Black Tea Butter Place juice, sugar, maraschino, and rum into a pre-heated mug. Add hot tea. Stir and then float the butter. Garnish with lemon peel and cloves. Be sure to check out the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com for a complete track list for the show. Enjoy the drinks. Enjoy the show. I'll be back next year with a look back at the best albums of 2011.

A Double Blast of Christmas Past-- Christmas Modcasts from 2010 & 2008

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:16:48 GMT

Christmas is just around the corner, soon to be followed by New Years. I can hardly wait to get out of 2011 and into 2012. Anyhow, here are a couple of mod rockin' Christmas shows from years bygone. Be sure to head over to the modcast homepage for a complete track list, bonus videos and all sorts of other goodies. And, coming up next week on Christmas Eve be sure to tune in again because I'll be bringing you the third annual Modcast Christmas Extravaganza.

Modcast #219: Powerchords, Harmonies & Mistletoe

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:34:53 GMT

Welcome to the mod world, where this week the powerchords really are running wild. Lots of power pop from the mod revival/Britpunk era of the late 70s and early 80s, as well as a few other cool tracks. I was lucky enough to have a chance to interview my old friend Dean Hoth, who is the lead singer of power pop trio The Eddies. We talked not just about what the band is up to, but more importantly to discuss a new Christmas compilation that is the perfect gift for any and all power pop loving mods out there. Powerchords, Harmonies and Mistletoe, which was just releaased last month by Twist Records and the first pressing has already been sold out. Now hear from Dean about how the album came together, what other mod comps are currently being developed and even hear a few of the songs from the CD. Be sure to head over to www.mistersuave.com for a complete tracklisting for this modcast.

Modcast #218: The Mods Are Alright

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:29:02 GMT

Welcome to Mr. Suave's mod mod world. If eclectic is your thing then you're in for a treat. From the psychadelic garage rock of Trolley to the very swirly power pop from the aptly named Swirl 360 to the Protones a 90s act that channels 70s power pop pretty damn well, then this week's show is a grabbag of goodies. It's kinda like busting open a mod pinata and suddenly there's all this candy for your ears. Be sure to head ove to the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com to see this week's bonus videos from The Laynes and Jarvis Humby, as well as get links to band sites and as usual a complete track list for the show.

From The Vaults: Mod Essentials: In The Beginning

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:08:07 GMT

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past, all the way back to 2008. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a couple of classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

Recently a friend --we'll call him Minnesota Mark -- asked me what mod is. More than that, he asked if I could put together a short playlist of the best mod songs. And you know, I was blown away by how difficult a task that turned out to be. I found that you can't narrow down to a dozen or so the most quintessential mod songs. Not to mention it's a totally subjective thing. What I think of as quintessential mod songs will be much different than another mod's picks. And what is quintessential anyhow? Again it's pretty subjective. I think I would define the quintessential mod songs as the songs that made me a mod early on -- mostly these were the songs that I simply loved that were already considered mod songs. As I thought about it though, I realized that quintessential mod songs are also those that when I hear them they make me think mod, they make me think of the mod sound and what it means to be a mod. They need not be original quote unquote mod songs. Anyhow, Minnesota Mark's question got me to thinking: I bet there are a lot of people who'd be interested in hearing what I think are the most quintessential mod songs. At least I hope so. So, I'm going to do a periodic series of modcasts picking the dozen or so most essential mod sounds -- each time corresponding with a specific genre unique to mods, or a specific mod era. For this modcast I'm starting where you should start, at the beginning, in the sixties. Thank you to Mark for asking the question of what a mod is and what mod music sounds like and getting this ball rolling. For the early mods it really all started rolling with the soul sound. I could go back to the jazz roots of mod -- the modernists, but this modcast is only supposed be a thirty minute affair and we're already going to blow that out of the water. So, let's jump up to the modernists' next gen children; the first 'mods' as it were and their love affair with all things soulful. all things bluesy, all things dancable. This podcast just barely skims the surface of what the sixties mod sound was like, but at least it's a start. Be sure to head over to the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com for a complete track list for this show.

Modcast #217: Now With More Fiber!

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:54:20 GMT

How much fiber do you need in your diet? Who the hell cares. What you do need a daily dose of is some cool music and this week's modcast fits the bill. A few sharp blasts from the past, as well as a some more contemporary sounds, all making for a well-rounded show. It starts with a single helping of Sugar Stems, a band I really should have played before now. Including members of the late great all-girl garage rock combo The Flips and The Jetty Boys, the Sugar Stems have a pretty pitch perfect take on sixties influenced power pop. You get a lot of protein power out of Sick Rose -- both old and new, The Candyskins and The Blades. For the main course there's a review of Title Tracks fantastic 2011 release In Blank. You can round it all out with some sweet treats from Sweden, The Tangerines. Who wouldn't want a meal like this everyday? Get on over to mistersuave.com for a full track list and bonus videos.

From the Vaults: Modcasts #57 & #58 from 2008

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:33:53 GMT

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past, all the way back to 2008. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a couple of classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

Modcast #57: The Warmth of The Sun Pt 1

Summer will be officially kicking off this week so I've got a bunch of ... what do you think? Wrong! It's not a bunch of songs with summer in the title. Instead, I'm doing songs that remind me of summer, ar least of summer sun and warmth. You're going to hear a bunch of warm, sugary, summery, pop music that might or might not be twee, but certainly has a bit of the sixties and a bit of power pop going for it. So, enjoy this first episode of songs that benfit from the warmth of the sun. There's a second episode coming soon.

Modcast #58: The Warmth of The Sun Pt 2

This is The Warmth of the Sun, the second in a special two-part ode to the start of summer and really just an excuse to enjoy some more infectious pop music. The sounds here within are all reminiscent of Bacharach, the Beach Boys and even the Beatles. For this show I've got a bunch of great pop songs that will put you in mind of girl groups with a nod to the sixties, some power pop strumming and all smartly done with catchy pop hooks, harmonies and melodies. What could be more welcoming to summer than this? As always get the complete track list at www.mistersuave.com.

Halloween Modcast #216: No Costume, No Candy

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:50:02 GMT

Ken and Darren from The Shingles are hand to scare the bejeebers out of you. Don't worry they won't do it with heavy metal or gangsta rap. Nope their serving up delicious treats from the likes of The Action, the Mummies, Batlove, Swingin' Neckbreakers and more. Get your costumes on if you want some candy. Head on over to the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com for a complete track list and some bonus videos.

Modcast #215: Live for Today

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:02:31 GMT

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World where we've got the power pop ringing loud and clear this week. Power pop has always been a big part of mod music, right alongside northern soul. And over the years there have been some great power pop bands that hitched their trailer to the mod scene. Since the days of The Who and The Creation, and then later in the mod revival with The Jam, Secret Affair, The Chords and so on. Brit pop of course had a lot of power pop influences and much of the guitar driven indie rock of the 21st century has its roots in power pop. Coming up on the modcast you'll get some great power pop influenced music from The Crack, Electra, The Corsairs, Sloan, The Rifles, and The Perms. Speaking of which, nestled right there in the middle of the show is another of Mr. Suave's Reviews You Can Use this time around giving you a taste and feel for The Perms great new album, Sofia Nights. Be sure to head over to Suave headquarters at mistersuave.com for a complete track listing, bonus videos from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and Sloan, links to bands and blogs and more.

A Spoooktacular Modcast Blast from Halloweens Past

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:31:04 GMT

Halloween is right around the corner so enjoy two fiendishly good modcasts from the days of yore with the likes of The Gravedigger V, The Damned, The Ghastly Ones, The Dead 60s, Bobby Fuller Four and more. Tracks and treats available at www.mistersuave.com.

From the Vaults: Modcasts #27 & #29

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:23:41 GMT

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past, all the way back to 2008. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a couple of classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.

Modcast #27: Coming Tuesday I feel Better Here's a special episode of Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, featuring songs about the days of the week from The Easybeats, The Jam, The Odds and more.. Enjoy, and I'll have a new episode for you right away. Modcast #29: Biff Bang Mod Welcome to modcast #29. Lots of good stuff this week from The Lambrettas to Shel Naylor to Sloan, and a really cool bonus video from United Future Organization. Now if that ain't mod, I don't know what is! As usual all tracklists for both shows and all bonus materials are available at mistersuave.com.

From The Vaults: Modcasts #93 and #145

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 21:00:26 GMT

Modcast #93 Just Floating By In listening, listening and relistening to this week’s Modcast, I have to say I’ve even impressed myself. This is a damn good show. It starts out strong, and it stays that way throughout. Lots of new stuff here from the Baskervilles, Looker, Radio Days, and The Fores, all of which make the show downright unstoppable. The rest of the show is only that much stronger for showing it’s staying power from the likes of The Kinks to Oasis. This is just a little snap shot of my current mod world. Don’t be so jealous, I’m sure you’re nearly as suave in your own way. Enjoy. Check it out at www.mistersuave.com Modcast #145: Mods Ride Again I'm back baby. You can't get rid of me that easy. Between guest hosts, and sharing a few of the old shows from the vaults, it seems I haven't done a lot of my modcasting of late. A big shout of thanks to the recent guest hosts who've made me look like such an amateurish hack -- Dan from The New Fidelity (Modcast #140), Neal from Modest Proposal (Modcast #143) and Ken from The Shingles (Modcast #144). But, I'm back on the beat, Pete. And have I got a show for you. Don't believe me? Just listen in. As always, get the complete track lists for these modcasts plus bonus videos and more at www.mistersuave.com.

Modcast #214: Music To Walk The Dog By

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:01:22 GMT

Regular suavesters know that I've got the world's best dog, a yellow lab/red hound mix we call Kali Shiva, after the goddess of destruction. I walk her everyday for 30 minutes or more listening to my iPod. I'm a slave to shuffle. I just flip it on and whatever comes up is what comes up. Music to walk the dog by. All of this week's songs came up during the past week's walks with the dog. I've taken some liberties in reordering them, but they're honest to dog, dog walking songs. I guarantee you won't need your pooper scooper. No shit in this show. Take your own walk over to Mr. Suave's modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com and check out the track list for this week's show as well some cool bonus videos.

Modcast #213: For The Win

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:59:58 GMT

Welcome to another modcast jam packed with mod friendly songs, every one a winner. Checking in early in the show are two groups whose line-ups measure up alongside the finest bands. First, Dot Dash from Washington DC, a new power pop combo that is made up of a bunch of old farts, you know guys my age, from some great bands of the past like Modest Proposal, Julie Ocean, Saturday People and Youth Brigade. Dot Dash is sporting e a cool new album, Spark Flame Ember Ashj, just out from canadian record label The Beautiful Music. It's a great bit of power pop, sort of minimalist and post-punkish in its approach, and overall a good listen. Joining them in the first half is The Kik, a new band out of Rotterdam full of old friends. The Kik includes Dave von Raven, the lead singer and guitartist from The Madd, as well as the Arjen Spies lead singer and guitartist from another great beat band, Mark & The Spies. So you know that The Kik are going to be one kick-ass band. But wait. Listen now and you'll hear even more like The End, The Funseekers, Nervus Rex, Ko & The Knockouts, The Smithereens, The Mods, Popular Spies, The Yardbirds and more. All shots on goal. All scoring. Like I said, this modcat is For The Win. Be sure to head over to mistersuave.com for a complete track list, links to band sites, bonus videos and all sorts of other goodies.

From The Vaults: Modcasts #90 & #91

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:21 GMT

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past, all the way back to 2008. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a couple of classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.
Modcast #91: Oh So Pretty Kicking this show off is the brand new single Supernatural Supercilious from REM. I'm not a big REM fan, but in 1984 they were breaking new ground in power pop to be sure, and here there are 25 or so years later pounding a really great song, one of the best they've produced in a really long time. Got some great stuff for you on this week's modcast including, The Frowning Clouds, The Charms, The Standells, The Expressos, and a little something from the very earliest days in REM's existence. Be sure to check out the bonus videos from The Charms and The Nice on the modcast homepage. Modcast #90: I Like What You Say Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, and do I have a big treat for you all this week. Mike Tholfsen is guest hosting and he's a got a great line up of power pop, jangle pop, pretty much just all great pop, for you. Enjoy, people, enjoy. Don't be a stranger.

Modcast #212: Go For Soul

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 05:21:57 GMT

What is it about soul music that has captivated every mod since ... well, since the beginning of time. Or at least the beginning of the 'rock' era. I guess mods like to dance, and truly there really isn't any better dancing music. Pop music dancing, I'm not talking any sort of stuff you have spend six weeks of lessons learning like tango or swing (a thing I've never done, but someday might thanks to Groupon). Nope I'm talking about the music plays, the notes hit your brain, and your toe begins to tap. For most mods the toe tap becomes a shoe shuffling, body spinning, eyes closed sort of religious experience. My wife knows what it looks like, though she associates it a bit more with gin and vodka than Sam and Dave. So be it. Point is mods love soul music. And I think it's because it makes us dance. Maybe we gotta dance because it's in our genes. Or at least in our blood, thank you pharmaceuticals of all sorts. No matter,i. When the sound is right you gotta go for soul. On this show we go for Jackie Wilson, Joe Quartermain, Barbara Lynch, Marvin Gaye, Gloria Jones, PP Arnold, and a whole lot more. It's good to the last note. Head on over to the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com for a complete track listing as well as some bonus videos from PP Arnold and more.

Modcast #211: Long, Hard & Fast

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:34:15 GMT

How do I like my music? Long, hard and fast like my . . . . modcasts. This week's show has a lot of little gems from my musical gold mine like Ace Spectrum, The Luck of Eden Hall, Pimlico, The Parties, Beady Eye and lots more. Please enjoy. Be sure to head over to the modcast homepage for a complete track list and this week's bonus videos.

Modcast #210: A New Mod Revival?

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:07:07 GMT

The pressing question on my mind of late is whether or not we might be in the midst of a sort of mod revival. Is there a new mod revival in the offing? Hard to say, especially from the middle of the moment. But I do have to say that there are a few things aligning that might be pointing that way. There's no denying that there are more so-called mod bands on the circuit these days then there were say five years ago when I launched the modcast. And these are bands that don't run from being tagged as mod. There have always been mod friendly bands, --soul groups, beat bands, power pop trios and so on-- but it seems that they often didn't want to get labeled as mod. Not so with the newer bands. So, are we in the midst of a new mod revival or not? It seems to me that the one thing that is lacking to really have a mod revival is a leader, a figure head, someone like Townsend or Weller. Movements need their leading lights, someone to rally around. The sixties had great bands like The High Numbers, The Creation, The Small Faces, complete with larger than life legends like Pete Townsend and Steve Marriott. And there were complimentary bands like The Zombies, The Beatles, The Kinks and more. In the seventies the first mod revival had Paul Weller and The Jam. The Britpop scene had Olympian-sized bands (with matching egos) like Oasis and Bluer. Thus far, while there are perhaps more and better (gasp! did he just say that?) bands, no group or individual has risen to the pinnacle of supreme leader status, that sort of god-like figure that is neccesary to really ignite a revolution. Let me know what you think. In this modcast I am gonna make a case that there's lots of good mod friendly music being made right this very moment and that's at least half the battle. You let me know in the comments section at www.mistersuave.com. As usual, on the modcast homepage you'll find a complete track list for the show, and some bonus videos from The School as well as an interview clip with Miles Kane.

Modcast #209: The Hour of Power

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:53:12 GMT

The mod world is busier than a fly at a crap convention this week. So, I picked out songs that for the most part need no introduction, by artists that you are all well familiar with. Then I just get out of the way and let the music testify. The verdict? Guilty of greatness I'm sure. As always you can get a full track list at mistersuave.com.

From the Vaults: Modcast #169: It Must Be Summer!

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:22:54 GMT
Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me back to a not so distant past. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.
Never mind the gray skies, summer is finally upon us and as usual Ken from The Shingles is here to drive you straight into summer and beyond. And he's got a co-pilot along for the ride, the famous Mike Simmons. So get on board, select your seat, get strapped in and get set for high flying hi-jinks on the annual summer modcast. Get the full track listing on the modcast homepage.

From the Vaults: Modcasts #86 #122

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 22:13:52 GMT

Modcast #86: Take a Tip From a Tip Top Mod Welcome to Mr. Suave’s Mod Mod World, episode #86 in which we have a few interesting connections. Opening act Elton Motello frontman Alan Ward had once been in another band with future Damned member Bryan James, so maybe it’s no surprise that both bands produced great punk rock. Another connection made in the show is between more 70s Brit punks, this time the move from Chelsea to Generation X. Lots of pitch perfect power pop in this week’s show up from the likes of Martha & the Muffins, Clive Culbertson, The Briliant Corners, Fast Eddie and more. And if you head on over to the modcast homepage you can check out this week’s bonus video from Beulah. Thanks for listening. Modcast #122: Watch. This. Now. Welcome to modcast #122 and welcome to the Moscow Underground a brand new London mod band on this week's show. They've got a really cool, really heavy mod sound, as does the rest of the show. There's more new stuff as well from Supernova, Morrissey, and the Takeover UK, some garage rock from Los Immediatos and Magic Christian, as well as some Britpop from the likes of Blur and Sleeper. As always, get the complete track listing and bonus videos on the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com.

Modcast #207: It's A Smash!

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:15:54 GMT

Welcome to the modcast and to another great set of music from pop with power to garage rockin' beats and even some smooth soul to warm the icy corners of your hearts. As usualy you can get the complete track list as well as check out bonus videos at mistersuave.com. Don't be a stranger.

From the Vaults: Modcasts #129 & 142 from 2009

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:50:46 GMT

Once more into the vault my friends, once more into the vault. Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Take a giant step outside your current listening constraints and journey with me all the way back to the fun filled days of 2009. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off two classic modcasts that I think you'll enjoy. Again.
Modcast: #129 Got The Time & Modcast #142: Soundtrak for Groovy Listening Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. Got an eclectic show this week with lots of different types of stuff. The new Joe Jackson Live at the BBC just came out a couple of weeks ago and I've been listening to it continuously, and it's just excellent. The version of Got the Time here is one of the best Jackson ever recorded. Other gems include some nice, rockin' power pop from Star Collector and OK Go, some groovy sixties pop music from The Groop and Yellow Balloon, and a nice set of 2-Tone bands doing easy listening, lounge ska. A little something for everyone. Modcast #142: Soundtrack for Groovy Living This show is nothing short of loungerific, with some groovy instrumentals, some swingin' covers, and just lots of cool songs from beginning to end. French lounge master Chris Joss is in the house with his latest, as is Frank Popp Ensemble. Got a nice little set of pacific northwest lounge acts, The Colorifics, Dudley Manlove Quartet and Johnny Astro all of whom are complimented by the classic sound stylings of Vic Damone, Jeri Southern and the one and only Mel Torme. And there are some great bonus videos of Mel and Vic from back in the day, doing their thing. So, mix yourself a nice little libation and settle back for some sweet lounge sounds. For complete tracklists go to www.mistersuave.com.

Modcast #206: Sum-Sum-Summertime Booze

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:19:29 GMT

Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, it's time to get some summertime booze. At last, at long last, summer has come to seattle. This has been one of the coldest springs on record in the northwest, but the times they are a changin'. The thermometer has actually eeked up over 80 degrees fahrenheit. Not exactly Vegas temps sure, but I'll take it. This week you're going to get a full dose of sunny, hot, summer songs. But don't blame me, it's not my fault. Give credit where credit is due right, so I have to give credit and a shout out to one of the best blogs on the net Music Ruined My Life. If you dig power pop, punk, pop-punk, mod, new wave and so on then Music Ruined My Life should be one of the blogs you follow. Jeffen the man behind the blog recently did a great post featuring summer songs -- which got me to thinking. I started putting together a list in my mind and voila here's the modcast to prove it.

Mr. Suave's Guide For The Drinking Mod

rob@mistersuave.com (Mr. Suave) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:53:20 GMT

A little video I worked up in honor of Alan Sherman's "The Drinking Man's Diet." Be sure to check out the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com for other cool videos, album reviews, and of course the web's longest running weekly modcast. Click play to watch the video, or check it out at Youtube.