Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World is the web's original modcast celebrating the music of the mod lifestyle, as well as mod-influenced music from past eras. You'll hear everything from power pop to rock, soul to ska, acid jazz to lounge, and whatever falls in between.
One of the things which has impressed me most in life was the mod movement in England, which was an incredible, youthful thing." -- Pete Townshend, The Who, 1968
Catalogued here are the sights and sounds of mod as I understand it. Much will be familiar to other mods. I realize many narrow-minded people, mods and others, will look at much of this and dismiss it as not truly "mod." So be it.
However you view it, I hope you enjoy exploring these sights and sounds as much as I did putting them together.
Dredging through the memories of the misspent days of my youth I found that the styles, music, fashions, even the words I read all led me down a common path. The various twists and turns of that path drove me to the edge of the cocktail culture. Teetering on the brink, I was finally repulsed by the mockery of things once held cool. Repulsed enough to pull myself back and begin making my way down a new path of my own creation.
Here then is a path where my days of now pay homage to those who have gone before, heeding well-worn advice in the conception of my own modernistic stylings. While there is nothing new under the sun, there can be fresh ways to look at what has passed us by; original ways of combining those pasts into a more perfect understanding.
I don't believe in living in the past, but in using the past to enhance living for today. When I was swinging in the mod scene I was always looking for those people, fashions, sounds, trends, groups who could honor the past while creating a new style all their own.
Every era produces its own bit of swank culture, suave styles, and just plain cool. Once cool, always cool. Once granted, there is no retracting the title of suave. Most of what is here comprises those cool things and hip people who over the years have gained that certain ... Je ne sais quoi.
In music -- jazz, lounge, mod, and certainly even some current rock and pop groups and musicians are here, and are suave.
Suave is what you make it. In my mod world these things are suave because I make them that way.
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. Step back to December of '06. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.
This is modcast 31 and I'm finally getting around to presenting what I think are the essential tracks for the modern mod's music library. These bands represent the latest wave of mod music reflecting sixties R&B, power-pop and soul influences.
Word is spreading of a very wild weekend coming up soon. The official Wild Weekend in fact, the Wild Weekend Power Pop Festival in Austin, TX on August 29th and 30th. Just to be clear I am (unfortunately) not getting a dime, nor a nickel nor a penny, nor anything else, for plugging this gig. It's just an effing fantastic lineup of power pop bands new and old. One that, if I wasn't poor, and old and lame, I would damn sure be getting my ass down to Texas for. You can get your ass over here to find out how to get tickets.
The line up is pretty spectacular with some legends of the genre coming together for the show: The Boys, The Pointed Sticks, 20/20 and Nikki Corvette to name a few. Nikki has even recorded some new material in the last year or two. The others have played some limited reunions, but these will be the first, or the most prominent, of such shows in the US for most of these guys. And it's about time. Thankfully, to keep the dinosaurs in line, there are a few new kids on the block doing their best to give punk rock a solid power pop public send up: The Baby Shakes, the Cute Lepers (maybe my fave of the whole shebang), and The Pleasure Kills. All in all this might be the best festival line up of the summer. How could I not give you a taste of that?
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. I'm opening the show with some solid soul with style from the heartland, from the brand new release by the Diplomats of Solid Sound - for the first time featuring the Diplomettes. The new CD --which will be released July 8th-- simply sizzles with soul and wicked good R&B. Check out a video of the band doing "Hurt Me So" on the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com. I've also got another brand new track from the Modfather hisself, along with some French mod sounds, and some great sixties psychadelia.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. It is hot hot hot here in the pacific northwest. After almost no spring to speak of, seattle is finally jumping feet first into summer. So, I've happily put together a show that plays well in any climate, but especially seems suited for the summer sun we're enjoying here right about now. From pop to mod with a few stops in between this modcast is going to quickly become one of your favorites. You've got the trad mod sounds of the Bishops, some acid jazz goodnes from Mother Earth, and serious sixties vibes from The Monks, Boyce & Heart and The Free Design. Tune in, turn on and enjoy yourself.
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. Step back to the Fall of '06. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.
Welcome to episode #24 of Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. This week, you will be treated to some most excellent tracks ranging from mod, to soul, to rock and even some late sixties ska. And, there's a great Swing Out Sister video too. What more could you possibly want from a podcast?
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. You know what's good about this world? It's good when local boys make good. That's what the lead off band of this modcast --The Blakes-- have done, made good. Since I'm in Seattle and they're from here, that make's 'em local to me. This particular modcast is jam packed with very listenable songs. Got something new from Sloan, something cool from the Kaiser Chiefs, something very mod from the Len Price 3 and something obscure from 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't be Wrong. Also you can check out a couple of bonus videos from Sloan and The Blakes on the Mr. Suave's Mod Mod Worldmodcast homepage. So get ready to have a blast.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, I've got some new stuff from the Jimmy Lingon Band, The Chalets and Fobxoro Hottubs this week, as well as some sixties psychadelia from the Riot Squad, sixties beat sounds from The Remains, and sixties sounding garage rock from Thee Fourgiven. If you want to catch a couple of cool videos hit the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com and check out The Jimmy Lingon Band lookin and sounding a whole lot like the Yardbirds, and a great clip of Tres Bien that includes several of their TV appearances as well as some interview clips.
So, I'm creeping up on having produced a hundred modcasts. I'd like to hear from any of you about what some of your favorite shows of the past were, or if you're in a band and would like to hear your stuff on the show, or if you have any other comments feel free to e-mail me at
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. Step back to end of the summer of '06. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.
This week's episode is features even more power pop songs, and this time around I've got some classics, as well as some more obscure tracks and some harder edged songs.
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.
Be sure to head on over to the homepage at mistersuave.com and check out this week's bonus videos from Looker and The Kinks. Enjoy.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. Got some new stuff to share this week, including the brand new single from Paul Weller, joined by Noel gallagher. It's a psych rocker, lots of fuzziness, lots of noise, but eventually it evens out. Weller's never shied away from production values, but this one might be a bit overdone for my taste. Still, amongst all the noise and atmosphere there are some good hooks. His full album is due out in June, so you've got that to look forward. The rest of the show is just as strong with new stuff from the Stabilisers and tracks from the A-Lines, The Ammonites, John Mayall, Ian McClagan and Etta James just to name a few. Enjoy.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, 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 a really long time. Got some great stuff for you on this week's 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 modcast homepage for this week's bonus videos from The Charms and The Nice.
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 for you. Head on over to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World and get a taste of The Posies, Tahiti 80, The Legends, Super Deluxe and more. Enjoy, people, enjoy.
Welcome to Mr. Suave’s Mod Mod World. First off a big thank you to Ken from the Shingles for holding down the fort last week with a great show. So great I had to dig up a Motown cover of the fab four to try and compete. And, I've got a few other covers including one by The Eddies from their brand new disk Twice Around the World, which is garnering some rave reviews -- not bad considering it's all covers.
Lots of other good reasons to listen in like The Dickies, The Terrorways, 20/20 and The Hawaiians, plus bonus videos at the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com. Why are you waiting? Click here now, you know you wanna.
Step back in time, to a time when the modcast was young and fresh. Step back to July of '06. I've opened up the vaults and dusted off a classic modcast that I think you'll enjoy. Again.
I've picked out some good tracks for you this week, if I do say so myself. A little something for everyone -- some old stuff, some new stuff, some rock, some soul, some very mod, and some only reminiscent.
Head over to the modcast homepage and check out the track listing, as well as a classic Count Five video.
Welcome to Mr. Suave’s Mod Mod World, and it’s a good, good world this week indeed with the latest release from one of my fave Britpop bands The Charlatans. I had to get that Charlatans track in there in order to let you know about the free Charlatan’s album available for download at Xfm. You can grab the whole thing right now, right here.
But I digress. In truth the rest of the modcast is a bit out of step with that opening. It’s got cool, groovy sounds beginning to end. Anyhow, I recommend you grab yourself a libation, sit back, relax and enjoy some cool swingin’ sounds. It’s time you were Rockin’ with this Mod.
The Charlatans – You Cross My Path
Michael Brown & Friends – Rockin’ with the Mods
Earl Grant – House of Bamboo
Mel Torme – Sunshine Superman
The Mel-Tones – Quick Pick
The Omega Men – Cat Robot
Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited – Grid Girls ‘68
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.
Welcome to Mr. Suave’s cold, cold world. Cold, brrrr, because I spent this past week in the freezing cold, the subzero, completely ungodly temperatures of snowy Minnesota. I thought for sure that I’d have all the time in the world to work on the modcast – I mean what the hell else do you do when it’s below zero? And way, way, way, below zero with the wind chill. Surprisingly, I had a full schedule of relaxing, drinking martinis, sleeping, drinking martinis, relaxing, drinking martinis, and visiting with the family. Oh yeah, and drinking martinis. Gotta keep warm somehow. No matter, the songs on this week’s show are hot, hot, hot. We’ve got mod, mod and more mod. From The Crooks and The Lambrettas to Manual Scan and The Vertabrats, it’s all good. Welcome to modcast #85. Enjoy.
Welcome to Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. It is Valentine's Day after all, so here's the requisite lovers package. A valentine of sorts from Mr. Suave to Mrs. Suave. These are songs that in some case date back to our original courtship when I had to woo Mrs. Suave with all of my charms, just to get her to have dinner with me. And, some of the songs are more recent, proving that being in love never goes out of style. So, without further ado here is the Valentine's edition of the modcast.
But, that's not all. Download now and you can include these six delicious tracks into whatever mix you want. All are songs that should have, could have, would have made the modcast, time and bandwidth permitting No matter, they're yours for the taking right now.
This week's bonus video is one I put together myself. A montage of suave shots of the queen of cool herself, Mrs. Suave.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. Lots of really great stuff on this week's show from beginning to end. The opening track from the Undertones is nothing short of terrific -- a song that does justice the band's original sound and could have easily been penned and played in 1980. And, all that without the distinctive vocals of original front man Feargal Sharkey. It's rare for an aging band to reform and produce good new material, and almost unheard for them to do so with a new singer. But, the Undertones deliver in aces. Other standouts here include new material from The Cynics, The Svengalis, The Gurus and Joe Jackson who is back in top shape also with a track that could have fallen out of his back catalog circa the Look Sharp era. This week's bonus videos are delightful tracks from Dolly MIxture and Graham Coxon. So head over to the modcast homepage at mistersuave.com and check out the track listing, videos, band links and more. Enjoy kids.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. This week it's a ska world indeed. I've got here a bunch of bands that know a thing or two about skanking. For instance,what better way to open a show that focuses on ska, than to do so with a band that isn't a ska band, but sure as hell loves the music? I open with Border Ska by Camper Van Beethoven. Camper Van was probably the band that the terms alternative and indie were created to define, and a big part of their sound was combining ska with punk and straight ahead rock and roll. So tune in and check out Dr. Ring Ding, Los Fastidios, Inspecter 7, and The Toasters.
Be sure to head over to the modcast homepage for more, and to check out some cool ska videos.
It's only fitting that the opening to this week's show is from the soundtrack to Quadrophenia, that's The Who's Get Out and Stay Out which was one of three songs Pete Townsend penned specifically for the 1979 movie version of Quadrophenia. Fitting because as it turns out, this week's modcast has some sixties floor shakersas well as a whole lot of modish british punk from the same '79 era as the film.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. Today's show is the first of the new year and pretty much covers all the bases, from mod gods The Jam to others bands like Game Theory, Airship, Cream and even The Beastie Boys. (That's right, The Beastie Boys.) So, don't waste any time. Jump right in, the listenin' is good.
I recently tossed up a post about the Martini Mood complete with a basic martini recipe.
Now I've got some lounge music recommendations over at www.mistersuave.com for your sipping pleasure. These are reviews that I originally wrote for Mr. Suave's Swingin' Cocktail Lounge about a decade or so ago, at the birth of the cocktail nation. But, they're as true now as they were then, and having been listening to these disks again lately, I'd have to say my thoughts then are maybe even more right now. I mean when you consider the dreck that is passed off for lounge music these days, you have to admit that these earlier comps --while cheesy to be sure-- were the real deal.
Head on over to the modcast homepage to read the reviews and download some sample tracks.
Welcome to the end of yet another great year in music history. I always tell people that the best music I've ever listened to is the music I'm listening to right now. If you're a music lover like me, what else can you say.
2007 is over, but the music will live on. And there was so much good stuff out this past year, how could we not explore a few new gems. Rather than provide yet another year ending list of what I happened to think was best this year, I've opted to serve up some stuff that will hopefully be new to you. All the dozen tracks on this week's show were released in 2007, and so rather than let them get stale in '08, I'm going to deliver them fresh while the year is still with us. Enjoy!
I love Richard Cheese because he's ... well, he's cheesy. There's seldom a better time to be cheesy than at Christmas. Richard does it up just right with this original Christmas tune, "Christmas in Las Vegas". Last year he had a video contest for the song. You can see dozens of entries at Youtube, but this one is my favorite.
Christmas in Las Vegas
Be sure to head on over the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com and check out the other Christmas goodies.
Merry Christmas and welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod Christmas episode. It is indeed that time of year again when everyone is dusting off their old skool Christmas disks and spinning Nat King Cole and Burl Ives morning 'til night. But not on this modcast. Nope on this modcast you're going to get the likes of Otis Redding, Arrah and the Ferns, High Elevations, and the Staple Singers. So, heat up the eggnog, slip in some whiskey, sit back and relax with some Christmast cheer.
Next week I'll be serving up my annual modcast of Mr. Suave's Swingin' Christmas. Seems that people really dig it because of the wide variety of christmas music; it's got everything from Combustible Edison to Frank Sinatra, from the most excellent holiday special ever The Year Without a Santa Claus to the Waitresses, and lots more.
And right now I've got a couple of classic Christmas videos up on the modcast homepage from The Ramones and The Kinks. And of course there's a full track list there and other info.
Welcome to Mr. Suave’s Mod Mod World. This week the mod world is blessed with lots and lots of goodness like the incomparable surf, punk, mod, power-pop band Agent Orange and the one and only modsters, Purple Hearts. And a special song I think you'll really enjoy from Mike Tholfsen. There's lots of other good stuff. For a full track listing, bonus videos and more be sure to cruise on over to the modcast homepage at www.mistersuave.com.
Here it is November with Christmas creeping towards us, and it is damn cold here in Seattle. So to help warm the blood I've got another great set of songs for this, the 76th installment of the web's original modcast, Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World.
Kicking things off is a great bit of power pop from BBC DJ Mike Reid's group The Trainspotters. The story behind this one is interesting to say the least. Reid is probably most famous for being the DJ that vaulted Frankie Goes to Hollywood to #1 hit status -- completely unintentionally. The story is that one day on his BBC show Reid started playing a new single from Frankie called Relax, without ever having listened to it first. While it was playing he listened to the lyrics and got so enraged that he pulled the record off the turntable in mid-song and broke it half right on the air. Within hours the BBC had banned the song from all of its stations. It was then that the law of unintended consequences kicked in and within a few days the song was #1 and Frankie Goes To Hollywood became megastars overnight.
There's a few lessons in there to be sure. The rest of this modcast is a lesson in pure power pop. So get yourself a lusty libation, sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds.
Head over to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World to check out this week's bonus videos from The Strollers and Camera Obscura.
Welcome to Mr Suave's Mod Mod World. First, all apologies for missing last week's modcast. It's inexcusable, but by way of an explanation I will tell you that losing electricity to half your half house is a mind boggleing experience. Mostly because you're trying to figure out what the hell happened between one electical outlet and another to make half the house light up like a Christmast tree and the rest of the house to play dead like a possum. Regardless, I am now able to get the latest modcast broadcasting far and wide. So, here you go with this week's goddam good set. On this modcast I've got The Crooks, Looker, Dirty Pretty Things, Jasmine Minks, 27 Various and lots more.
If you've got something to say then just say it -- in an e-mail and send it to me at rob@mistersuave.com.
Welcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World all girl special. I started putting this modcast together and realized that purely by accident I'd picked out mostly songs about girls. So I finished up the set keeping that with that unconcsious theme and now you're going to be treated to girls, girls, girls. Hopefully I won't get tagged as a perv for searching out songs about little girls, tricky girls, school girls, naked girls, and other girls. All from bands like The Creation, The Thanes, The Scooters and The Headboys. Get youself settled and turn up your speakers, it's time for the show. And, be sure to hit the modcast homepage atwww.mistersuave.com.
Happy Mod-o-ween! Don't be scared this is just Mr. Suave's annual mod halloween episode of Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. This week's show is extra spooky, extra creepy, and extra good. If you like sixties infused garage rock with a bit of punkish power pop thrown in then you are going to be in heaven.
Madness -- I chase the devil
Gorehounds -- Voodoo priest
Groovie Ghoulies -- Daughter of Frankenstein
Dead Kennedys -- Halloween
The Ghastly Ones -- Haulin' hearse
The B-52s -- Devil in my car
Gravedigger V -- It's spooky
Zombina & The Skeletones -- The grave ... and beyond
Welcome to modcast number 72 of Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World. This episode is chock full of garage, soul, power pop and more. From the Kravin A's to Sleeper, from The Crooks to Rare Groove Orchestra, there's no doubt you will find more than a few morsels of goodness within. And a bit of news for you all, I've launched a new sort of thing on the modcast homepage, Mod Sounds. Every so often I will be sharing mod singles with all my dear listeners out there. So, keep an eye on mistersuave.com because it will update periodically each week with a new download. Kicking things of this week you can grab The Targets -- Searching for a Scene. As always you can e-mail me at rob@mistersuave.com. Enjoy.
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Welcome to episode #24 of 
Now I've got some lounge music recommendations over at 
