Modculture News

Paul Weller - new single details

If you can't want for the new Sonik Kicks album, you can get your hands on new Paul Weller material a week early, when a new single is released.

The single is called That Dangerous Age and is out on March 11th on Island Records, a week ahead of the Sonik Kicks album (March 19th). According to the pre-publicity, the single will be sold as a CD digipack, as well as two 7-inch singles and a download of the EP. Unfortunately, there's no details of the extra tracks.

According to Weller, the lead song is about the 'agonies of the frustrated middle-aged wage slave'. He said: 'There was an inference that I was going through a mid-life crises. Which I found really amusing: the clichéd notion of it. And that was the impetus for (the song) even though it isn’t really about that. It’s a bit tongue in cheek, too. I guess it’s also about how society views people of a certain age. For me, does it really matter what age you are? It’s what up there in your soul that matters'.

If you can't wait, Amazon has previews of all the tracks on the album ahead of the launch. Go here to hear them all now. The album, including the limited edition, is listed here.

eBay watch: 1979 Observer 'mods' issue

Just noticed this on eBay - an issue of The Observer magazine from 1979, with a feature on the mod revival of the day.

In fact, it's the cover story of this September '79 issue, called 'the mods speed back' and with an article about the revival coupled with images by Chris Steele-Perkins. Could be wrong, but I suspect there aren't many copies of this around.

According to the seller, there is 'some creasing', and the front cover is 'wrinkled', with a couple of slight tears too. If you fancy it, the issue is at £5 right now.

Find out more at the eBay website

Extras wanted for King of Soho

Fancy some paid work on an upcoming movie? The King of Soho, a movie about Paul Raymond, is looking for extras with the look of a bygone era.

The film stars Steve Coogan and is directed by Michael Winterbottom, looking at Raymond's life from the '50s to the '80s. With that in mind, the movie folk want 'Revue Bar members, audience, party and wedding guests' who will fit in - so if you can carry off a 1960s or early '70s look, you'll be in with a chance. According to the message I got, 'it would certainly help our costume, hair and make up department if we had people with the right look'.

There's a casting for 'dancers' of the exotic variety one day (get in touch with the casting if, for some unlikely reason, that's you), but the day for general extras is Wednesday 15th February 2012, running from midday to 7:30pm at The Farringdon Room at Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane, off Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ (nearest tube St Pauls).

You have to be over 18 and it is paid work, although it's not clear how much. If you want to know more, get in touch with the company via the casting email address. Filming is over various dates in March and April.

Maximum Weekend in Genova, Italy

If you fancy a weekend in Italy (or already happen to be there), here are the details of the Maximum Weekend in Genova, Italy.

The 14th event takes place from the 9th to the 11th March and if you want to do the social networking thing, the event has a Facebook page here. What's it all about? See below for the full breakdown:

Friday March 9th

8:00pm
Dinner at Maxela, typical local restaurant (by reservation only)
10:30pm ‘till late
1st allnighter @ Lucrezia Bar

5QUID live - northern soul from Reggio Emilia

DJ set by: Dario MrBogo Divella (Bari smoderata)
Gabriele (Cortona Soul Society)
Matteo Manini (Souls SC Parma)
Luigi Michelazzi (La Superba Mod Club)
Fabrizio Bagnoli (La Superba Mod Club)

Saturday March 10th

Afternoon at Caledonian Pub!
3:00pm - vintage market, darts tournament and 'pint-lifting' and Mauro Cao’s modernist comic-strips
5:00pm
Presentation of the book'"Calcio a 45 Giri' with the author Riccardo 'Scanna' Scannapieco
6:00pm
Soulful Bogey live - Britpop from Genova
DJ set by: Alex Le Soul (Piazza Statuto Mod)
Filippo DrJeckyll (Milano Mod)

10:30pm 'til late
2nd allnighter @ Lucrezia Bar
DJ set by: Paul Sawtell (Alley Club Cambridge UK)
Leo Mastropierro (Right Track Roma Soul City)
Brian (Northern Mods Varese)
Carlo Espero (La Superba Mod Club)
Piergiorgio Baiardo (La Superba Mod Club)

Sunday March 11th

1:00pm
Lunch @ the Antica Trattoria della Raibetta with typical local food
(by reservation only)

Weekender CDs free for the first 50 guests.

Midlands Mod Weekender 2012

Not coming up for a while, but if you want to make a date in the diary, the Midlands Mod Weekender 2012 takes place in Birmingham over 2nd and 3rd June 2012.

It's the first New Untouchables event there for three years, the weekender taking place at the 70 Eight Venue (4, Gibb Street, B9 4AA Birmingham), which is next retro shop Urban Village at the old Custard Factory in Digbeth. The venue is set out over three floors, with two rooms of music and a capacity of 400.

The daytime event includes a market, scooter run and competition plus an open decks DJ session - free entry for that. The evening event is DJ sounds, with guests to be confirmed. Sunday is about the bands, with the reformed Sorrows with Don Fardon playing, as well as the Small Fakers, plus some more DJ sounds too.

More details sure to follow. We'll have all of those listed when the updated site launches.

New Untouhchables website

Reflections on Love on YouTube

I could be late to the party with this, but I've just noticed Reflections on Love is on YouTube in its entirety.

Not that's it's a long entirety, the swinging sixties short from 1966 by Joe Massot (the man behind the Wonderwall movie) is only about 12 minutes long, so you should be good for slipping it into your lunchtime viewing.

Anyway, it's below, check it out if you like that kind of thing.

New Velvet Cave auctions for men

We have featured Velvet Cave's auctions in the past, but this one is interesting because it's the first one to add men's clobber into the mix.

A mixed bunch of '60s items as you might expect for both men and women, although there is a leaning towards for the late '60s for this latest batch.

Not that's it's exclusively from that era. Check out the rather smart three-button sports jacket above, which is currently at £6.50. There's also a vintage Fred Perry on there too (£4.99 right now).

More items likely to follow, so keep an eye on the page if you're after some vintage gear.

Velvet Cave on eBay

Peter Cook season at the BFI

Not sure it's been advertised all that much, but starting in March is a Peter Cook season at the BFI, featuring a couple of cracking movies.

Obviously, one of them is Bedazzled, which is showing twice. But there's also an outing for the (even better) satire The Rise And Rise of Michael Rimmer, which you can read about here.

On top of that, there's a selection of TV highlights showing on the big screen. The reason for all of this? Well, if he'd have lived, Peter Cook would have been 75 this year. Full details below…

BFI website

Beyond the Fringe
BBC 1964. Dir Duncan Wood. (Extended version) 116min.
This famous stage show launched the careers of four of the generation’s brightest humorists, as Jonathan Miller, Alan Bennett, Dudley Moore and Peter Cook combined their skills to present a scintillating series of sketches, skits and satirical shenanigans. The show proved a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic and brought the new comedy of the emerging Oxbridge generation to a wider world. It almost single-handedly kick-started the satire boom that was to dominate TV comedy for much of the 1960s. The BBC originally screened only a 60-minute version of this historic tele-recording.
Thu 8 March 18:10 NFT1

Not Only But Also
BBC 1965-1966, 1970. Compilation c100min
The Cook and Moore double-act reached its zenith in this brilliant TV sketch show that was a big success for the newly launched BBC2. The pair played perfectly off one another, often seeming to stray off-script or to incorporate ad-libs in an attempt to faze each other. Moore’s near corpsing, as Cook fixed him with a laser-like stare following some deftly delivered comic time bomb, became a much-loved feature of the show. We are delighted that this evening’s bespoke compilation will be introduced by one of the show’s original producers, Joe McGrath.
Mon 12 March 20:40 NFT3

Peter Cook and Co
ITV 1980. Dir Paul Smith. With Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Beryl Reid, Paula Wilcox. 55min The dream supporting cast for this one-off special illustrated the high esteem in which Cook was held by his peers. Although critics at the time thought it patchy (a term perennially applied to sketch shows), it can now be viewed as a wonderful snapshot of Cook at the time, with the sketch spoofing Road Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected particularly memorable. Plus a full supporting programme of Cook TV appearances (total r/t c100min).
Fri 16 March 20:40 NFT3

Oddities and Rarities
Sketches, interviews, adverts, chat show appearances and comedy monologues from the master himself. Tonight’s specially compiled pot pourri will bring together fascinating fragments from all periods and areas of Peter Cook’s career. Be warned – this screening will include adult material definitely unsuitable for those of a tender disposition, since within the programme we will be reacquainting ourselves with the notorious Derek and Clive! Wed 21 March 18:20 NFT2

Bedazzled
UK 1967. Dir Stanley Donen. With Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Eleanor Bron, Raquel Welch. 103min. 12A
Cook’s script crosses the Faust legend with the permissive society of the Swinging Sixties as hapless everyman Stanley Moon (Moore) falls under the spell of the Devil, in the guise of George Spiggott (Cook). Stanley is tempted to mortgage his soul to win Margaret (Bron), the girl of his dreams, but the Devil’s devious machinations constantly muddy the water. Great to see Cook and Moore on the big screen and they receive terrific support from the first lady of satire, Eleanor Bron.
Thu 1 March 20:40 NFT3 Sun 4 March 18:10 NFT3

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer
UK 1970. Dir Kevin Billington. With Peter Cook, Denholm Elliott, Arthur Lowe, Harold Pinter, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Ronnie Corbett. 102min. 15 A biting satire, underappreciated in its day, which has since gained cult status. The ruthless but charismatic Michael Rimmer (Cook) barnstorms his way through the world of advertising before setting his sights on higher office – running the country itself. Cleese and Chapman had the original idea, though the final screenplay also credits Cook and director Kevin Billington, and the result is a wild fantasy, with various comic vignettes linked by Rimmer’s irresistible charge to the top.
Sun 18 March 18:20 NFT2 Wed 21 March 20:40 NFT
Wed 21 March 20:40 NFT

Shake n Bake - Manchester

Fans of ska (in the Manchester area) might want to check out the upcoming Shake n Bake night at Band on the Wall.

It takes place on 11th February, with a live set from Manchester's own Baked A La Ska!, along with DJ sounds from Coops and Martin the Mod through 'til 3am.

It all kicks off at 9pm, with tickets £8 in advance or £9 on the door.

Find out more at the Band on the Wall website

Mod Jazz Forever CD on Kent

For me, one of the strongest series on Ace Records - the Mod Jazz series that is. And that series will be added to next week with Mod Jazz Forever.

Essentially, it's jazz for people who might not like jazz, with the albums focusing on mod-friendly / dancefloor-friendly jazz grooves , throwing in a touch of soul, blues and latin, all from the original mod era.

I've just this minute received a copy (review to follow) and not had chance to play it yet. But the album, compiled by Ady Croasdell and Dean Rudland, promises a mix of old favourites and hard to find rarities from the likes of Troy Dodds, Reuben Wilson, The Dave Hamilton Set Jack McDuff, MIlly Larkin, Buddy Guy and…well, just check out the tracklisting below.

Just out, you can secure a copy for £11.99.

Find out more at the Amazon website

Tracklisting:

1. The Real Thing - Troy Dodds
2. Finders Keepers - Floyd White
3. Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf Pt 2 - The Nightbeats
4. Rod Run - The Reuben Wilson Quartet
5. Night Bloomin' Jasmin' - Jesse Davis
6. The Return Of The Prodigal Son - Byrdie Green
7. Look Out, Heartaches - Little Bob
8. Talking 'bout Love - Tobi Lark
9. D H Boogaloo - The Dave Hamilton Set
10. Screamin' - Jack Mcduff
11. Because I Love You - The Dave Hamilton Voices
12. Looking - Billy Larkin & His Orchestra
13. Double Love - The Cals
14. Sunshine Superman - Bocking, Robinson, Morais
15. A Message To Regina - Hank Jacobs
16. Tricky Too - Gus Jenkins
17. Fever - Buddy Guy
18. John Henry - Bobby Jenkins & His Quartet
19. Work Song - Clint Stacy
20. My Beat - George Stone
21. The In Crowd - Johnny Hammond Smith
22. Burgher's Beat - John Hart With Lil' Bob & The Lollipops
23. The Village Caller - Johnny Lytle Trio
24. It's Like Love - Mark Murphy

Brutus Trimfit For Dr. Martens

Not sure what's going on with the lad's trousers in the photo, but the image does the job - showing the Brutus Trimfit For Dr. Martens limited edition shirt.

Described as a 'strictly limited edition' (although numbers aren't mentioned), the shirt is a variation on the classic Brutus Trimfit shirt, using the colours of the oxblood boots, along with the boots' yellow stitching. All the other detailing and sizing are as you would expect.

Initially, this was said to be going on sale in 24 flagship DM stores, but Brutus is now doing pre-orders for the short online, which will be ready for dispatch on 10th February. £55 is the price.

Find out more at the Brutus Trimfit website

New John Smedley Outlet sale

I think we have mentioned The Outlet by John Smedley before - or at least, we flagged it up on our Facebook page. You can find out more here. Anyway, it's been up and running for a couple of weeks now, long enough for a new sale to start - the polo short clearance.

This is the first of Smedley's polo shirt sales, the first one being for short-sleeved polos. From 13th February, the long-sleeved polos are being marked down. But for now, there's up to 66 per cent off the Milo and the Isis above, both of which are made of Smedley's Sea Island Cotton and in various colours.

Prices are down from £103 to between £35 and £40, depending on what you go for. Stock limited, as you might have guessed. You'll also need to register to browse and buy (but that is free).

The Outlet at John Smedley

Via His Knibs

No Way Out night - Manchester

A quick mention for the upcoming No Way Out night in Manchester, not least because it's taking place before the new site goes live.

The now fair long-running night takes place at the Old Nags Head, 19 Jackson's Row, Manchester M2 5WD, with resident Phil Saxe joined by former Pow Wow DJs Gav Arno and Callum Simpson (the latter also running Souled Out in Newcastle). Expect lots of top quality soul and R&B.

Saturday 11th February is the date, 9.00pm - 2.15am is the time and admission is £5 on the door. Contact Phil Saxe if you want to know more.

Problems with contacting Modculture sorted

First off, a big apology. It seems that some of the email addresses for the site were accidentally disabled, along with the 'contact us' page, so the vast majority of emails sent to the site over the past months have probably not reached us.

This has now been sorted. So check the 'contact us' part of the website to get it touch with the site or indeed, simply email hello@modculture.co.uk.

If you've sent anything for the new version of Modculture (hopefully launching in February, even in part-finished form), please do send again, as all contributions to the site are appreciated - anything from features to items for the new city guides or just tips on news stories.

Lambretta LS, LJ and LT scooters hit UK

Lambretta LN 125

Back in November, we mentioned that the new Lambretta LN scooter was priced up for the UK, with other models to follow. Well, new models have just landed, with one retailer offering a number of variations of the new Lambretta scooter for the UK.

The Eddy Bullet site now has the LS 125 in five colour options, the LS 50 in a further five shades, along with that original LN 125 plus the LJ 50 and the LT 50.

Difference? Well, aside from all the colours, the engine size is the obvious difference between the 50 and 125 models. There also seems to be some subtle styling differences between the LS and the LN, with more obvious differences with the LJ and the LT.

Price-wise, those latter two models are much cheaper too, both at £1,899. For the other models, you're looking at £3,295 for the 125cc model and £2,995 for the 50cc model.

Of course, none of this will mean much to the purists / traditionalists out there, who are probably already shaking their fists at the screen. They're modern twist 'n' go scooters and as such, will always be fighting a losing battle. But it's interesting to see how many of these new Lambretta models are appearing. In short, a good number. Check out the tech spec and details at the Eddy Bullet site if you want to know more. Images all below.

Lambretta scooters at the Eddy Bullet website

Thanks once again to Jason for flagging this up.

Lambretta LS 125

Lambretta LS 50

Lambretta LJ 50

Lambretta LT 50

A to Z of Mod book

I don't know much about this (although I believe this particular site gets a mention in it). So for now, we'll just have to go with the details on the sales page for the A to Z of Mod book.

Published by Prestel and credited to Paolo Hewitt, Mark Baxter and Martin Freeman (introduction), it's due for publication on 30th April 2012. According to the initial details. '…this guide to the many aspects of Mods takes an alphabetical approach to the most enduring of youth cults. Beginning with A bout de souffle and ending with Zoot Money, authors and Mod experts Paolo Hewitt and Mark Baxter touch on every facet of the fad. Entries such as Eel Pie Island, Otis Redding, Mary Quant, and Ready Steady Go give intriguing background information, history and facts, while colourful illustrations bring Mod style to life'.

I remember floating the idea of the A to Z of mod a few years back on the forums and doing a basic version, but in the end, decided against as it was effectively a never-ending task and one that's personal to each person. Hopefully the book can make a better job of it than I did with my online efforts over its 304 pages.

If you want to find out if it does, you can pre-order now for £12.74.

Find out more at the Amazon website

Thanks again to Jason for spotting this for sale.

Small Faces Deluxe CD reissues

Thanks to Jason for flagging these up - Deluxe CD reissues of the Small Faces albums, which are due to land in May, but are on pre-order now.

The albums concerned are The Small Faces Immediate album, The Small Faces Decca album, Ogden's Nut Gone Flake and From The Beginning. Each one is released as a two-disc set, remastered ands offered in both mono and stereo version, throwing in some unreleased bonus material, new liner notes and new interviews with Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones.

Frustratingly, Decca has seen fit to offer up sleeves and a release date for each, as well as prices (which vary from £12.99 to £19.99), but as yet, hasn't given the full track listings. Below are listed all the links - the tracks will probably be added in the near future, so keep a check on them for those all-important rarities.

Small Faces Decca album at Amazon

From The Beginning at Amazon

Small Faces Immediate album at Amazon

Ogden's Nut Gone Flake at Amazon

Mary Quant My Autobiography book

Not the first Quant biography on the market, she wrote Quant By Quant back in the mid-1960s. But the Mary Quant My Autobiography book, which is published by Headline, is likely to be a little less sensationalist and a little more balanced than that original volume.

Not a lot of detail so far, although the pre-publicity promises that 'Mary Quant has written a memoir in her own inimitable style - a witty, unique account of her whirlwind life. It is a story like no other. But then there is only one Mary Quant.'

So expect everything from her early days, her first Kings Road store (Bazaar), her dominance of fashion in that era and indeed, life as a leading light in the swinging sixties. It isn't an exclusively '60s book, so there's no doubt a few chapters on the decades since too (the shops, the dolls, the customised Mini cars etc etc).

If that sound appealing, the book is published on 16th February, with Amazon doing discounted pre-orders now for £14.99.

Find out more at the Amazon website

Footnote: There's a super-rare hardback copy of the original 1960s Quant By Quant on eBay right now at £4.99 as I write. Find out about that here.