Early Eric Clapton anthology

For any fans of the blues or British R&B, Clapton Is God, a two-disc collection of Eric Clapton's early work, looks well worth checking out.

It covers most of the man's early career, with disc one covering both live and studio work with The Yardbirds, as well as his work backing blues legend Sonny Boy Wiliamson. Disc two follows that up with some session tracks, the pick of his work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and some tracks with Jimmy Page and The Immediate All-Stars.

40 tracks, retailing for around £12. It hits the shelves on 17th September.

More about the CD at Amazon.co.uk

ABC of Men's Fashion reissued

First issued in 1964, long out of print and sought after by just about everyone with an interest in classic/vintage fashion and style, The ABC of Men's Fashion by Hardy Amies is finally scheduled for a reissue in the coming weeks.

It's re-appearance is down to the V&A, which is reissuing the book as part of its Golden Age of Couture exhibition. And if you have any interest in men's fashion, this is pretty much essential, breaking down just about every fashion term and item into an A to Z listing, with descriptions for each in Mr Amies' own witty style.

So if you want to know the difference between a flare and a bell bottom, The ABC of Men's Fashion will tell you when it's released in October, with a new introduction by Ian Garlant, priced around £9.99.

Find out more at the V&A website

Take My Tip Competition winners

As a new competition starts, an old one finishes - in this case, the competition for the Take My Tip compilation CD.

Below are the winners from a very big number of entries, who will be contacted via email in the coming days. If you didn't win this time, there's always another time - we have competitions running constantly.

Jean-Paul Seculaire - London (UK)
Alex M. Franquet - Barcelona (Spain)
Neil Lee - Leeds (UK)
Stefan Theissen - Meerbusch (Germany)
John McKenzie - Dundee (UK)

Danger Man DVD set reviewed

Before there was The Prisoner, there was Danger Man. In fact, Patrick McGoohan's role in Danger Man as a spy almost links with his latter role as the imprisoned secret agent in The Prisoner.

And if you haven't seen Danger Man, now is your chance as the show has just been reissued as Danger Man Special Edition - a 13-disc boxset of the show, featuring 48 episodes and a host of extras and add-ons.

The whole thing is reviewed over on our cult film and TV site Cinedelica. So if you're thinking of buying a cop, check it out now.

Read the Danger Man Special Edition DVD review at Cinedelica

Retro TV W/C 27th July 2007

Barry Murphy once more trawls the TV and radio guides (so you don't have to) to find anything worth tuning into this week. All listings are for UK terrestrial TV, Freeview and national radio, with the shows running from Friday 27th July to Thursday 2nd August.

Highlights of the week

TV

British Film Forever (1/7) - Saturday 28th July. BBC 2. 9.05pm.
Guns, Gangsters and Getaways: the Story of the British Thriller - Series celebrating the best of British movie-making over the last 100 years genre-by-genre as part of the Summer of British Film season, beginning with the best thrillers. Films under scrutiny include Get Carter, The Long Good Friday, The Third Man, and a clutch of Hitchcock classics. Contributions come from Bob Hoskins, Richard Attenborough, Michael Caine, Daniel Craig and Kate Winslet. Narrated by Jessica Hynes.

Radio

6 Music Plays it Again - All or Nothing: the Small Faces Story: BBC 6 Music. 9.30pm - 10.00pm, Weds 1st/Thurs 2nd August. 9.30pm
Two parter, repeated over consecutive nights, documenting the history of the Darlings of Wapping Wharf Launderette. Presented by Phil Daniels.

Win Jean-Luc Godard DVD boxsets

The first Jean-Luc Godard DVD Collection got high praise on its release back in May - and Jean-Luc Godard Collection Volume Two looks every bit as good. So you'll definitely want to win one of the two boxsets we have to give away.

Five movies from the French New Wave pioneer are featured, including two new to DVD in the UK - the Parisian love triangle Une Femme Est Une Femme from 1961 and 1963's Le Petit Soldat, which focuses on love across the political divide. Also included in the box are Pierrot Le Fou (1965), the tale of a couple (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina) on the run to the south of France, La Chinoise from 1967 (Godard's most political movie, a satire based on Maoist theory) and finally, one from the 80s - Detective - Godard's take on modern morality and popular culture.

All titles are packed with extras, making up a set that's pretty much a must for any fan of French cinema. The set is available to buy now for around £39.99, but if you enter the competition, you could grab one for free. Simply enter your details using the link below and you'll be in the draw. Good luck!

Enter the Jean-Luc Godard Collection Volume Two competition

Paul Weller – The Changing Man

Claimed to be 'the frankest and most honest portrait of Paul Weller ever written', The Changing Man is a new biography of Paul Weller by Paolo Hewitt - and it's set for release by Bantam Press on 24th September 2007 in hardback for around £18.99.

It's said to be a twist on the typical biography (thankfully - there's plenty of those around about PW), mixing Hewitt's knowledge of Weller and his music making with an examination of Weller's lyrics - selecting the key songs as a tool to explore the man's character, as well as a few personal anecdotes to add a bit more depth and uniqueness to the book.

Note that this isn't to be confused with Suburban 100, the Weller lyrics book that is also due out in September with a Peter Blake sleeve. Although it could well cover similar ground.

More about the book at Amazon.co.uk

Nom De Guerre Reefer Jacket

It's not winter yet - but give it a few weeks and the weather will certainly take a turn for the worse. And you'll need to be kitted out in something cool, like this Nom De Guerre Reefer Jacket.

This coat from the New York-based collective is every inch the future classic, a nice twist on the classic pea coat in black, fitted and predominantly made of wool. It also features a Cupra lining, one internal and two external handwarmer pockets and an adjustable cuff.

Not cheap - £375 at selected UK retailers.

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

Piaggio's retro-like Vespa S scooter

Piaggio has a new scooter model on the market, claiming the Vespa S is a direct descendent of its 50 Special and Primavera.

The idea, apparently, is to appeal to the Italian youth who may have heard tales of those older models from their parents - and indeed the fun they had riding them in the late 60s and early 70s.

Saying that, it does look not unlike a modern Vespa, with the addition of the rectangular headlight, trimmed-down mudguard and sporty rear light. There's a choice of 50cc and 125cc and a variety of colour-schemes, each with its own accessories - with prices at 2,500 Euros for the 50cc and 3,200 for the 125cc.

Find out more at the Official Vespa website (translated from Italian)

Decca 7-inch box sets

Three Decca 60s 7-inch boxsets are set to hit the shelves in September - but you might have to order now as they're limited to just 500 each - and as they're packed with big price rarities, cut directly from the analogue masters with original labels and sold with a booklet, they're sure to be in demand. Details of tracks below...

Decca Mod Masters Volume 1 - Circular Grooves

Sandra Barry & The Boys - Really gonna Shake c/w When We Get Married
Graham Gouldman - Stop! Stop! Stop! (Or Honey I'll Be Gone) c/w Better To Have Loved Than Lost
St Louis Union (pictured) - East Side Story c/w Think About Me
Marc Bolan - The Third Degree c/w San Francisco Poet
Eyes of Blue - Supermarket Full of Cans c/w Don't Ask Me To Mend Your Broken Heart
Wards of Court - All Night Girl c/w How Could You Say One Thing

London Cancer Awareness Mod night

If you happen to be in London this weekend, make a point of heading down to the 100 Club and showing your support for Above The Clouds.

It's taking place on Sunday July 29th at the The 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street and is in memory of Jenny Scales and in support of breast cancer awareness, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

Live music comes from 17 Black and Darron J Connett, with DJ support from Paolo Hewitt, Kev Lock and Andy Lewis. There's also an auction for some items well worth owning.

Admission is £10 and it all starts at 7pm. It's tickets in advance, so if you want to know more, contact Jimpiddington66@aol.com or find out more on the web here.

Win Addams Family DVD boxsets

As well as the competition for the Take My Tip compilation on Modculture, we've managed to sneak in an extra competition, this time for some Addams Family DVD boxsets.

We have four boxsets of series two of the show up for grabs, 21 episodes over four discs, along with an assortment of extras. In fact, if you went to buy it in the stores, it would set you back £29.99.

If you want to be in the draw, just enter your details at the link below and you'll be in with a chance. Good luck!

Enter the Addams Family DVD competition

Simon Carter Target cufflinks

I noticed recently that Simon Carter is now doing a fashion line that's very late 60s influenced, but he's still probably best know for his cufflinks and watches. Indeed, if you're after that old favourite - the Target Cufflinks - he's got a pair on sale right now.

Just as you'd imagine - enamel target design with silver metallic clip. But as he's a man with a reputation in the field, you can be sure they're well made.

Available online at his website, they retail for £19.95.

Find out more at the Simon Carter website

Georgie Fame: 1967 - 1971 CD

Georgie Fame's CBS output is back under the spotlight for a new compilation CD - Somebody Stole My Thunder (Jazz-Soul Grooves 1967-1971).

It's a mixed bag of material, headed up of course by the title track and regular mod dancefloor filler, as well as a number of soul and soul/jazz tunes (as the title suggests), including the likes of Knock On Wood, Roadrunner and the marvellous Seventh Son. And there's some material new to CD, notably a live take on Parchman Farm.

Read on over the turn for the full tracklisting. It's out on 30th July, look out for a review on here.

Grab a free Darron J Connett EP

Mono Media is offering the new Darron J Connett EP absolutely free to Modculture readers - all you have to do is send your address, no matter where you are in the world and you'll get one within 14 days.

The EP - Onwards and Upwards - is released today on the Original Ikon Music label, featuring:
1. Just A Boy
2. Problem Page
3.Nobody Cares
4. Forgot To Give Back

- there's 200 to give away. Sounds a lot, but if you knew how many people read this site, you would get your name down quickly. If you want one, send your name and address to mono_media@hotmail.com and if you are in time, you'll get one.

Retro TV W/C 20th July 2007

Barry Murphy once more trawls the TV and radio guides (so you don't have to) to find anything worth tuning into this week. All listings are for UK terrestrial TV, Freeview and national radio, with the shows running from Friday 20th July to Thursday 26th July.

Highlights of the week

TV

A few bits'n'pieces to highlight on the telly this week. Soul Britannia begins a terrestrial repeat starting on BBC 2 on Friday 20th, continuing Tuesday 24th. If you haven't already seen this series, it is well worth a look, particularly the first episode. BBC 4 devote Wednesday 25th to an evening of programming to the late George Melly, including Smokey Dives, a look at the postwar rise of Jazz in Britain. The highlight however, must go to a rare screening of a 1969 Hollies concert (see below).

In Concert: the Hollies.Thursday 26th July. BBC 4. 7.30pm
Performance from the group from 1969, recorded in Golders Green.

Radio

The Thing about Syd. Saturday 21st July. BBC Radio 2. 8.00pm
Mark Radcliffe pays tribute to experiential, influential and troubled singer and songwriter Syd Barrett, who spearheaded Pink Floyd's drugs-inspired psychedelic period of the late 60s, epitomised by the 1967 classics Arnold Layne and See Emily Play. Barratt, who died a year ago, aged 60, suffered mental illness and opted out of the music scene in the early 70s.  Featuring input from original Floyd members Rick Wright and Nick Mason, and David Gilmour, who replaced Barrett in 1968. Plus manager Peter Jenner and Barrett's sister Rosemary.

Vertigo night in Manchester

The latest Vertigo night in Manchester takes place on Saturday 28th July at Attic on Oxford Road in the city centre.

It promises nothern, British beat, R&B and ska, all on original vinyl from 10pm until 3am, with entry £5 on the door. DJs this month include Brian walker (Twisted Wheel), Steve Crooks (North Wales), John Elias (Golbourne), Dave Jackson (Here Come The Girls), Coops (Revolver), Martin Mellors (Carnaby Street).

And if you want to spin some tunes, get in touch in advance and you can probably be acoomodated for a short set.

Email allthatjazz_mcr@hotmail.com for more details or call Lee on 07748325490.

Northern Soul Story volumes 1-4

Probably the most well-worn compilation path in recent years, but if you're after a 'starter set' of northern soul, you might want to check out the Northern Soul Story volumes 1-4.

Each one based around a particular venue -  The Twisted Wheel (volume 1), The Golden Torch (volume 2), Blackpool Mecca (volume 3) and the Wigan Casino (volume 4). The press claims they present 'the most definitive, best researched and most authoritatively annotated survey of Northern Soul ever released on CD in the UK', as well featuring a 12 page full colour booklet covering the tracks and the clubs concerned.

They're available from 30th July 2007 - we might well have reviews online before then. And if you want to know the tracklistings, read on after the turn.

Retro To Go Forums now online

If you're a fan of our Retro To Go website and indeed all things retro, you may like to know that the Retro To Go Forums are now online.

Please sign up and give it a try - you'll find a new outlet for your spare time to discuss everything from retro design, interiors and property through to fashion, books, music film and just about anything else you want to discuss. And if you're familiar with the Modculture forums, you'll know how it all works already.

You'll also be helping us test if it is working properly if you sign up. Find it at www.retrotogoforums.com - please bookmark it and we'll see you there.

Visit the Retro To Go Forums

New night in Derby

News of a new night in Derby starting on Friday 20th July - Shangri-la.

DJs Matt and Jo will be playing sixties soul, R&B, girl groups, pysch and garage, kicking off at 9pm. It's a limited capacity, so get down early if you fancy it. It takes place at The Mist on Normanton Road, Derby (at the top end of Babington Lane), with free admission and the night running until 1:30am. The second night will be Friday 12th October, then every two months.

The Mist,
25 Normanton Road,
Derby DE1 2GJ
01283 530743

Find out more at the MySpace site

Retro TV W/C 6th July 2007

Barry Murphy once more trawls the TV and radio guides (so you don't have to) to find anything worth tuning into this week. All listings are for UK terrestrial TV, Freeview and national radio, with the shows running from Friday 6th July to Thursday 12th July.

Highlights of the week

TV - Film: Mayor of Sunset Strip (2003) - Monday 9th July, More4. 10.30pm.
Documentary. Concluding More4's short season of punk films, this is a portrait of Rodney Bingenheimer, the LA DJ who helped to launch the careers of many of the most influential bands in rock music history. A quiet, shy man, Rodney seems to have a 'Zelig' quality, appearing to be photographed standing next to virtually every important rock artist of the last four decades. The bands who practically owe their careers to Rodney Bingenheimer include Blondie, the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Runaways, the Go-Go's, No Doubt, Coldplay, and many many others.

Radio - Paul Jones - Monday 9th July, BBC Radio 2. 7.00pm
A special edition of the R&B/blues programme featuring guest Mavis Staples, the youngest and lead singer of familial gospel-soul act the Staples Singers. She discusses the civil rights struggle, Hurricane Katrina and her recent collaboration with Ry Cooder. Tonight's playlist features career highlights from the 1950s onwards.