Rain Mods

Over at Roman Empress at the weekend was a nice little post about rainy day songs. As some people may have noticed I have a little bit of a Mod obsession. I never associate Mod with sunny summer days or suntans. But rainy London streets...now you're talking Mod. Any excuse to wear a smart mac like Weller used to back in the early Style Council Days. Or a Crombie like Suggs.

Anyway, some Mod tunes with a rainy day theme going on:

The Direct Hits were a South London three piece back in the early 80s. They were a head on collision of The Beatles and The Who circa 1966, but imagine lyrics by Adrian Henri.

Madness were simply one of the best pop bands of all time. If you don't know Madness, then firstly where have you been? And secondly, do yourselves a favour and get their greatest hits!

The Prisoners are probably one of my all time favourite bands. Formed in the early 80s by Graham Day, they were a punky freakbeat kind of band. Touchstones for their sound include Hendrix, The Small Faces, The Doors, Deep Purple performing Hush and The Stranglers. The Prisoners released four albums then split. Graham Day has continued to this day through his bands The Prime Movers, The Solarflares and Graham Day And The Gaolers, ploughing a particularly singular furrow, but one of great passion and conviction. Oh and groovy tunage!

Finally The Jam. Covering The Beatles 'Rain'. This came from the 'Direction Reaction Creation' boxset.

Can I borrow your umbrella?

The Direct Hits - She Really Didn't Care
Madness - The Sun And The Rain
The Prisoners - Wish The Rain
The Jam - Rain


Go here to the fantastic TwilightZone blog and if you're lucky you may find the long lost debut by The Direct Hits and possibly some stuff by The Prisoners. But have a browse and say hi to Ride Your Pony (Hi RYP) and his amazing taste in music. Then go and buy Graham Day And The Gaolers!