Completely Perfect

When music fans talk about the great mod revival of the late '70s and early '80s, the usual suspects that come up during the conversation tend to be the Jam, the Chords, the Lambrettas, Squire, Secret Affair, and the Merton Parkas. What many don't remember is that the scene was huge, with its roots spreading deep underground to places all over the U,K, and Europe. When the scene fell out of favor with the press (it never really died, did it?), the bands stopped receiving coverage and sunk without a trace. Now, 20 years later, the bands that mattered the most are rising to the top and labels like Detour are reminding us why they were so exciting in the first place. This smokin' two-disc set compiles almost every studio recording by Long Tall Shorty, including their classic "1970s Boy" single and loads of unreleased material. Tougher than most of their contemporaries, LTS were fabulous and raw, punching you in the gut and asking questions later. Like their early mentor, Sham 69's Jimmy Pursey (who named the band), these guys played it lake they meant it, and they did it right in your face! Although they had plenty of hooks up their sleeves, they made the listener come and get them rather than give them out for free. Just listen to "Can't Stop Moving," "By Your Love," "Long Time," and "Falling for You" for aural proof. Raw and uncompromising, this was one band that didn't bother with cleaning up their sound for the masses because, if they did, then it just wouldn't be real. There are some flat vocals, flubs, and other minor glitches, but that's a minor complaint when there is so much to enjoy here. ~ Steve "Spaz" Schnee, Rovi