Paul 'Smiler' Anderson

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is guest castaway, Paul 'Smiler' Anderson.

Paul has been in love with the Mod way of life since 1979. Throughout the 80's to the present day he has been involved in organising many events, publishing fanzines and running club nights. Alongside Damian Jones he co-compiles and writes sleevenotes for the 'Rare Mod' series of compilations and EP's on Acid Jazz records. In 2011, he presented the biggest ever exhibition of 60's Mod related items. 'Reading Steady Go!' proved to be Reading museum's most successful exhibition to date.

Paul co-wrote 'Circles, The Strange Story of The Fleur de Lys, Britain’s Forgotten Soul Band' which was published in 2009 and is author of ‘Mods – the New Religion!’ which is being published by Omnibus early next year.

“It all really started for me around September 1979 when I finally became a Mod after watching it flourish from a distance. I was 14 at the time so I was too young to have been a Punk but I loved New Wave and Punk music, and through The Jam the Mod scene became more noticeable. I was living in Reading (40 miles from London) and there really wasn’t anything more than our local youth club. I was always one of the youngest Mods it seemed, the older lot got scooters and went off to see bands such as Secret Affair, The Chords and other revival bands.

 

As I got older I too got a scooter and went to bands. By the time I was 18 in 1983, a lot of the older Mods had become scooter boys, so clothing and music became more irrelevant to them as it was more about just having a scooters. I loved scooters and have owned at least one every year since 1982 but it was always clothes and music that took priority to me. Luckily I found a like minded soul in a guy called Richard Molyneux who rejected the local Reading scene in search of something different. In 1984 we went off to London one Saturday night to a club I’d read about called The Phoenix in Cavendish Square. It was fantastic and a million miles away from the local soul nights I had been to up until then (and never felt comfortable at). It was full of sharp suited kids dancing to old R&B, Beat, Soul and Jazz. It was my Mod Nirvana. After that we became regulars at The Phoenix on Saturdays and Sneakers in Shepherds Bush every Sunday. I started getting suits and shirts handmade and collecting vinyl records with a passion. 

Around 1990 I was really heavily involved in the scene DJ’ing, running clubs, writing fanzines and helping organise the Mod rallies. I felt that somehow I couldn’t expand any further and felt very limited. I got very into Acid Jazz, and the whole vintage tops and Duffer St George look. By 1991 I was buying things like The Young Disciples, Galliano, Brand New Heavies, A Tribe Called Quest plus seeing bands like these alive alongside the early Manic Street Preachers, Revs and 5.30 bands. I became a regular at Dingwalls on Sundays and various other clubs.

By early 1992 I literally walked away from the Mod scene. I never stopped being or calling myself a Mod it was just that I had had enough of the actual scene.I sold off all my tailored suits and trousers as well as my hand made shirts. I began wearing Lacoste, Armani, Hugo Boss, Stone Island, Paul & Shark and Paul Smith. Feet were shod in Patrick Cox loafers or Adidas Gazelles. I was riding a  1966 Lambretta SX225 before moving on to a 1964 Vespa GS160 mk 2. 

It was around 2000 that I was asked to DJ at a Mod orientated club for the first time in years as I still had all my record collection. I enjoyed myself and although I have never fully immersed myself back into the Mod scene, I began to get more involved with it again. I started to get my shirts , suits and trousers tailor made again. These days you are likely to find me dressed casually in a Lacoste polo, Levi 501′s with 1 inch turn ups and Adidas Italias or Adidas Japans. Dressed up normally in a handmade shirt, tailor made trousers and either Bass Weejun loafers or vintage shoes.

To me the essence of Mod is always about being smart and sussed. Dressing to fit the occasion rather than just dressing up for the sake of it. To me a true Mod will take the best influences both musically and clotheswise from the past and the present and co-ordinate them to move forward."

Martha & The Vandellas
Heatwave

"I heard this many, many years ago at a soul night and fell in love with it. The lyrics seem so passionate and just make me feel great. I really like The Jam's version too and always find myself singing along to the 'yeah,yeah,yeah,yeah' bit !

Luckily I got to meet Martha and interview her for my book. She's a lovely lady and gladly signed my copy which I'll treasure forever ! "

Little Walter
Up The Line

"As much as I get a kick from soul music, my true love is the blues.

This was such a hard choice as there are so many greats : Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, the list is endless...  but harmonica driven stuff is my favourite.  

It was a close call between this and Sonny Boy Williamson's 'Checkin' Up On My Baby' but I really rate Walter's phrasing, and on this uptempo record he never gives up and shows he has a great voice too."

Prince Buster
Cincinnati Kid

"I'm really into early ska music and there is only one true King... that, of course, is Prince Buster.

His output is phenomenal and once again it was hard to choose from his back catalogue. He transcended the ska thing through to rocksteady with ease. I was lucky enough to see him live a couple of times and got some of my singles signed but sadly never got to interview him. He suffered a stroke a few years back and I don't think we will see him in this country again. 

The spoken word intro on this is brilliant and it seems to draw people to the dancefloor."

Young Disciples
Get Yourself Together (LP Version)

"I had a great time at Dingwalls during that Acid Jazz period when Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge played some awesome jazz stuff : Brazilian, jazz hip hop and, obviously, new releases such as Galliano, Brand New Heavies and  Young Disciples.

When the twelve inch of 'Get Yourself Together' came out in 1990 I thought it was a great track but the following year when it was re-recorded as the introduction to the LP it sounded fantastic as they had added the Hammond organ and Carleen Anderson's wonderful gospel type opening to the tune. 

I really embraced a lot of new black music during this period after years of only really listening to and playing vintage stuff on the Mod scene. this record takes me straight back there."

The Googie Rene Combo

Smokey Joe's La La

"I thought I should put in an instrumental... but which one ?

'Green Onions' by Booker T & the MG's is worthy here. Although it's an obvious record it is probably the first true funk record. I could have gone for a rare Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff or Jimmy MGriff Hammond track or maybe some obscure jazz gem. 

No, it had to be this tune which was first released in the UK in 1966. A tune that brings back memories of sweaty London Mod clubs circa 84/85 when we were truly an underground scene : Handmade mohair suits, handmade button down shirts and basket weave shoes. 

The outside world was doing what Frankie said whilst we were gliding across dancefloors to this. I think I made the right choice ! "

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Paul's book ‘Mods – the New Religion!’ is being published by Omnibus early next year, but you can pre-order your copy on Amazon now :

click on logo

 

 

Paul has written the sleeve notes to a great series of CD's 'Rockhouse : How Mods Got The Blues'. 

Check it out on the website shown below :

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Mr. Mendel

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is my latest guest, Amsterdam based DJ,  Mr.Mendel.

Mr. Mendel started out spinning records at the infamous Café de Duivel. This landed him a residency at Freakin III, an old school club night at Bitterzoet, Amsterdam. He soon decided that hiphop just wasn’t enough and Waxwell Records introduced him to soul, afro-beat, rhythm & blues and disco records. He instantly fell in love with the smell of dust, thousands of album covers and the crackling sound of old vinyl.

The 25 year old Mr. Mendel has developed his DJ’ing skills to an all-round style, collecting and spinning dance music from all corners of the globe with only one condition: “as long as it’s good soulful music”. Always selecting passionate, intriguing tunes. You'll hear sexy melodies, funk filled basslines, energetic drums, exotic percussion and euphoric vocals.

Influenced by & played alongside DJ's Rich Medina, Rahaan, Sadar Bahar, Kon & Amir, Rob Manga, KC The Funkaholic, Marcel Vogel, Mr. Mendel currently hosts successful parties, like The Daisy Age at Bitterzoet and I Love Vinyl at Canvas, which continue to attract an enthusiastic crowd of music lovers. Mr. Mendel knows how to rock a party with his soulful, upbeat, heartfelt musical extravaganza.

"Being allowed to only take five songs, is one of the saddest thoughts I had in a while. But then again, it probably wouldn't be my worst problem when on an deserted island. Maybe I would take some more recent dance floor tunes, but in this case I went for some (major) artists that influenced me through time."

Bob Marley & The Wailers
War

"I couldn't go anywhere without Bob. I hope the deserted island is sunny at least. In that case maybe I should take only reggae music.  

Actually almost any song of Bob will do, although for me this is a song that always moves me, especially the lyrics "Until the colour of a man's skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes, me say war!".

For me discrimination has always been an important matter. Bob always shines light on the matter, so simply, so true."

Fela Kuti

Roforofo Fight

"About 10 years ago someone told me to check out the master's music... I did. 

I skipped through some songs and didn't understand it. Then a couple of years ago, at the record shop I worked at, we got a box of records (smelling like shit) straight from Nigeria. I gave it another chance, and since then it never let me go. 

You have to listen to the songs from A-Z, the arrangements are perfect, so much energy! 

There has to be some dancing to keep the spirit up on the island right?  Plus the song is extra long, ha ha !"

Gil Scott-Heron

The Bottle (Mr.Mendel Edit)

"Though one of my favourite artists, not especially one of my favourite songs, but I would definitely take it to a deserted island to remind me of my work and help me remember spinning music for a crowd. 

This record always seems to stir up the dance floor and bring people to another state.     

It will soon be on vinyl, so I could take the record... or do I just get to take an iPod to the island ?"

Tracy Chapman

Talking 'Bout A Revolution

"Tracy Chapman was the first 'soulful' artist I listened to (it's maybe more folkish though ?). 

When I was very young my parents used to play this in the car when we where on vacation and I never knew if she was a boy or a girl, but I knew I liked it!

It always has left me with a weak spot. Good soundtrack for the sentimental mood.. which I would probably have plenty of, being lonely on an island. 

Again any song of her first album will do the trick."

Curtis Mayfield

(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below, We're All Going To Go

"Another major artist that always moves me. 

This got to be one of my favourite albums of all time. His compositions are brilliantly intense. 

I've had a little pessimistic worldview since I can remember. In this song Mr Mayfield is touching a lot of the world's problems in a hard poetic way; "educated fools from uneducated schools". 

And that intro! His lyrics are sometimes angry and sometimes hopeful, but always sensitive and still so relevant…

Or should I take some Wu-Tang after all ?"

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You liked the music, now check out these links : Mr. Mendel on Soundcloud

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I Love Vinyl @ Canvas, Amsterdam

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The Daisy Age @ Bitterzoet, Amsterdam

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Waxwell Records, Amsterdam

 click the logo to open

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Karen Thomas

My latest guest castaway on Deserted Island Discs is Manchester Soul Girl and Radio Presenter, Karen Thomas.

Karen's love of Soul Music is aptly demonstrated on her 'Soulinfinity' radio show on Pure Rythm Radio. 

Each Wednesday evening Karen plays a great mix of Modern Soul, Neo-Soul, RnB and a few of her 'Moody Numbers'.

"Choosing these tracks evokes a lot of nice memories for me."

George McCrae - Rock Your Baby

"This was the first record that I ever bought and what moved me away from the likes of Donny Osmond and into my love affair with soul music.

I was about 15 at the time and I remember hearing it played on someone's sound system from an open window as I walked home from school. 

This track got many a repeat play on my record player."    

Bennie Braxton - Come To Me

"This tune has got to be one of my all time favs for so many reasons. 

I first heard this played at a monthly Soul event called 'Parkers' in Manchester in the 90's, that I attended often and which turned out to be a very special and poignant time in my life. 

This track was love at first hearing and a 'wow' moment for me. It will always remind me of the many happy times I spent there dancing to soul tunes that I still love to listen to today."          

Roy Ayers - Poo Poo La La

 

"I've chosen this particular track because the memory of Roy performing this live was an experience that I will never forget.   

His showmanship and the way he interacted with the crowd whilst singing this was brilliant and filled with so much fun and humour.

What a fab track from a fab performer and artist."           

Will Downing - The Love We Share

"Will's music has featured so much in the up's and down's of my life.

That vocal that is so characteristically him, he has the power to make me melt.

I chose this track because it reminds me of someone very special who is no longer in my life... the lyrics tell the story of the love we shared."  

Rance Allen Group - Reason To Survive

"I debated long and hard about including this track in my selection mainly because it is so very personal to me for very special reasons and to this day I find it difficult to listen to without feeling some sadness because of the circumstances involved at the time. This song has everything for me, so I had to include it. Stunning intro, wonderful meaningful lyrics, harmonies that chill and that gorgeous melody and haunting vocal that just can't fail to touch the listener."

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 I am sure that you enjoyed listening to these five great tracks and reading the reasons why Karen chose them... and if you enjoyed them as much as I did, then you should be listening to Karen's 'Soulinfinity' Show on Pure Rhythm Radio.

 click on the logo below

Peter Sinacola

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is this month's castaway, radio presenter Peter Sinacola.

We have history, both of us growing up on the same council estate in South West London. 

Peter is a few years older than me and was a friend of my brother on the mod scene of the early to mid-1960's at local places like St.Mary's and The Pontiac Club in Putney, The Crawdaddy in Richmond and Eel Pie Island in Twickenham. Often they would go 'up West' to The Marquee, The Flamingo and La Discotheque... not forgetting The Scene.

Peter started a mobile discotheque back in 1980 under the name of Bubbles Disco, playing weddings, birthday parties and anything else where required.

In 1986 he secured his first club residency at Perrys in Wokingham, doing both Friday and Saturday nights, for about 3 years. From there, he went Caversham's Nightclub in Reading for the Saturday night slot, and was then asked to take over Friday nights as well. After opening a record shop called the Record Basement, he moved slots to Churchill's Night Club before moving to Gatzby's, where he stayed until the owner wanted to change to Rave music. That was when he called it a day and retired for the first time in 1996.

In 2008 he was asked by some old mates if he wanted to join them playing the tunes that they loved and didn't hear any more. He agreed and they started Soulstice, and from this the radio station developed.  

Peter called it a day last December, but continues presenting his 'Night Train' radio show (a superb mix of Mod, Motown, R&B, Atlantic/Stax, Ska, Bluebeat and Northern) every Friday night from 9.30 pm on soulsticeradio24.com.

"This is more difficult than I thought, but let's get going."

Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Loving

"I have lot of decades to cover,  but I  met my wife to be in 1963 and the Four Tops debut album (which was released in 1964) soon became our favourite. I could have picked almost any track from it, but we always called this one 'OUR SONG'." 

Jeff Perry - Love Don't Come No Stronger

"I DJ'd at an early Southport Weekender, where the northern custom was to clap if they liked the tune being played. I played this and the whole room stopped and clapped me. That is something that will stay with me forever."

Gift Of Dreams - By My Side

"This is from their first album 'The Gift'.  The melody and the lyrics just do it for me."

Donald Byrd - (Fallin' Like) Dominoes

 

"In 1975 during my jazz-funk days, Donald Byrd's iconic album 'Places & Spaces' was released. There was not one duff track on it, but this was the track that stood out for me." 

The Impressions - You've Been Cheating

"The year is 2013 and I've gone right back to my roots, playing 60's tunes again. This track shows off the wonderful vocal talents of the groups back then. I defy you not to tap your feet and nod your head when you hear this."

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If, like me, you enjoy 60's soul, R & B, Motown, Stax, Atlantic and Sue with a smidgen of Ska,  Bluebeat and Northern Soul, then tune in to Pete Sinacola's Night Train on Soulstice Radio 24.

 

Go to Soulstice Radio 24 via this link :

And catch all the past episodes of Night Train via this link :

Giovanca

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is this month's guest castaway, the Amsterdam based singer-songwriter and recording artist Giovanca Ostiana : a "Music lover - but ain't we all, a 70's baby who loves hip-hop, loves soul jazz"

Giovanca  hosts the Radio Show 'Episodes', a wonderfully eclectic mix of  funk, soul, jazz and world music that is broadcast each week on SubLime FM.

In 2008 Giovanca made her name with her debut album 'Subway Silence' and followed this up with 'While I'm Awake' in 2010...  with her personal idol, Leon Ware featuring on the track 'Where Love Lives'.

Giovanca got to know Leon in the 90's when she was in the Amsterdam band The Juize and developed a kind of grandfather/granddaughter relationship with him. 

For this album, Ware offered a song he had originally written for El DeBarge but that had never been released. "When I heard it, I immediately called Leon and said that I really wanted it for my album but then with you singing it with me. And he said yes. I sing a duet with Leon Ware !" 

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"So I'm on a deserted island, but I can play music right ?  Okay, but five is impossible of course :) "

Rotary Connection - I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun

"Written by Charles Stepney & Richard Rudolf. Epic Tune!! The voices, the hippy vibe, the mysterious soulful greatness of that tune is just timeless. 

I had the honor of singing this tune on the North Sea Jazz festival in Holland, which is a legendary festival. We did a tribute to Charles Stepney, the magnificent producer behind 'I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun' (and many other tunes) and this really is one my all time favorite songs, ever."

Marvin Gaye - I Want You

"The song.. sensual, genius. The album: a masterpiece. Would not wanna be stranded on a deserted island without this album. This album represents love & desire. We all need that.

Man behind it: Leon Ware. Great producer. On that same "I Want You" album is the song 'I Wanna Be Where You Are'. " 

Leon Ware - I Wanna Be Where You Are

"Leon also made a version for MJ of 'I Wanna Be Where You Are' in The Jackson 5 time.

A tune I would definitely take with me. Classic, ridiculously well sung, great lyrics. 

I love it."

Donna Summer - State Of Independence

"Vocal arrangements by Quincy Jones, who somehow fixed stars like MJ, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick and Michael McDonald to sing the choir in that song.

Amazing. Once again a mysterious epic tune. I love songs with massive vocals... with that 'a people united' kind of sound.

This one I would take with me. It reminds me of my childhood. The eighties. Pure nostalgia."

Lee Morgan - Search For The New Land

 

"My father was a horn player. I love trumpet and Lee is a legend. I could have chosen a hundred tracks by trumpet players to take with me. It's soothing, exciting : The Trumpet is one of my favorite instruments. 

This tune is just beautiful. It's melancholic one minute and adventurous the next and it's long!! It's a journey with a repetitive element. 

So I imagine that on a deserted island.. listening to this song... the first minute will make you homesick and probably make you cry but then it switches into hope! Back to melancholy and bam! hope again. This tune represents Life. Going down, getting up.. search for the new land. 

A new chance every day."

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"Since it's only 5 tunes I can bring, I'll just sing my other favorite tunes on that deserted island.

I'll just take John Coltrane, Donna Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Bob Marley, Freddy Hubbard, Norman Connors, Billy Cobham, Mongo Santamaria and many many others in my heart."

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Catch Giovanca on SubLime FM :

Follow Giovanca on Mixcloud :

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Look out for Giovanca's new album which is due for release this year... but in the meantime, enjoy this track from her 'While I'm Awake' album : 'Where Love Lives' featuring Leon Ware.