Compilation Review - Compact & Bijou by The Mayfields (2018) (Firestation Records)

Firestation Records have assumed the mantle of chief musical archaeologists over the years. Not just because of their superb The Sound of Leamington Spa series, which has provided me with some quite wonderful tracks from bands I have never heard of or have been re-acquainted with after seeing them support the latest 'indie sensation' one rainy Tuesday night in some place like Skegness, but also because they have the brilliant ability to find the best of the 'should have been big bands' and make them just that, for an hour or so on their brilliant compilation CD's.

Album Review: Step Outside Love by the Black Cillas (2014) (Firestation Records)

In my London University days, Kentish Town's Bull and Gate Pub was one a hive of activity for young music snobs. As such I used to regularly make the hour plus voyage from West to East London to see the coolest of bands that 'were not quite making it' (at the time a minimum requirement of 'cool').

Album Review - 45 Revolutions Per Minute by Candy Opera (2018) (Firestation Records)

A Victorian propensity to invade less affluent countries coupled with an 'island race' mentality that means over half the population voted to leave Europe and face economic ruin rather than have 'Johnny Foreigner' continue to dictate how bendy our bananas must be, ensures the British remain the most culturally insular of races.