Various Modernism (CD)

24 tracks of hip-shaking club soul, and vintage R&B compiled by Ady Croasdell and Dean Rudland. The selection would have filled mod dancefloors at any time in the culture’s 50+ year history. “Modernism” mixes tracks discovered during mod’s various reincarnations with records so obscure that they have yet to have their day in the sun. Despite the general level of obscurity there is no lowering of standards. Bigger names such as Chuck Jackson with ‘Beg Me’, Lou Johnson with ‘Magic Potion’ and Darrow Fletcher on ‘I’ve Gotta Know Why’ are all sought-after masterpieces. There are a slew of previously unknown gems from the US, including Chet Ivey’s ‘Soul Is My Game’, hidden on a B-side, Leroy Harris’ I’m Gonna Get You’ and the Shirelles unreleased at the time ‘Crossroads In Your Heart’. The CD sports photographs from Paul Hallam’s critically acclaimed study of 1980s mods, the book Odd and Sods, and in-depth sleeve notes.