Description
A WELCOME RETURN TO THE ACE CATALOGUE THIS NOVEMBER * Concept: An Ace Records compilation curated by Bob Stanley and his Saint Etienne bandmates, built around the idea of a jukebox soundtracking a night at a real Soho pub, the Dog and Duck -- Ace's first time putting UK glam rock, rockabilly and sweet soul together on one release. * Structure: The tracklist flows like an actual DJ set -- opening with early-60s instrumentals and girl groups, building through Northern soul and rockabilly rave-ups, then easing into smoochier soul and pop ballads toward the close. * Featured artists: A mix of cult and classic names, including the Zombies, Little Richard (a rare Vee-Jay demo not officially released until 1970), Alex Chilton, Sniff 'n' the Tears, Ohio Players, Les Paul & Mary Ford and Brian Protheroe. * Standout surprise: Former Goodie and TV birdwatcher Bill Oddie turns up as a genuinely skilled soul songwriter and performer -- the reviewer's biggest shock of the set. * Verdict: Reviewer Ady Croasdell calls the collection eclectic and inspired, likening it to Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour, and expects it to turn listeners on to plenty of overlooked great music.
