Various artists

Beat Scene ’65 (Alley Club)

Compilation albums are a bit like Marmite, you either love ’em or hate ’em. Even if you fall into the former camp, compilation albums can be akin to a selection box of confectionery. Some are mouthwatering morsels, some are surprisingly sweet on the (musical) taste buds, then there’s the orange cream and the coffee cream that invariably appeal to a few but not to many. Beat Scene ’65 is a 16-track collection of mainly current bands on today’s Mod/60s/ ska live circuit. An exception is The Face who hail from the ’79 revival; Morning Time is their first release ever, anywhere! The majority of the bands featured have played for Cambridge’s nomadic Alley Club who specialise in Mod/60s and ska nights and events. Established acts such as Small World, The Threads, Mr Bridger, The Mynd Set and The Sha La La’s rub shoulders with the likes of The Frantics, The Galeio 7, King Mojo, The Baron Four, The See No Evils, Dying Breed, Sons of Mod, The Embrooks, The Smokestack Shakers and The Beatpack. Compiled and collated by Paul Sawtell, this CD album is a taster for the Alley Club nights, as well as which it contains a mix of styles and genres, including ’79 revival, soul (inspired) raw R&B, 60s garage, 60s beat and psychedelia, plus a bit of ska. For those who like their music, live, fresh and alternative, Beat Scene ’65 has a bit of something for almost everyone. Available mail order from www.alleyclub.co.uk Sarge