It’s that time of year again. I’ve checked the figures, added them up and worked out A Year In Mod: 20 most popular posts of 2018.
Not that it really tells us much about mod. But it as always an interesting guide to just what the people who read Modculture (which is hopefully you) have been most interested in over the past 12 months. Many, many more posts have appeared on the site, but these are the ones that have been viewed more than the rest.
Of course, like all the best round-ups, I’m going to run them down in reverse order. And surprisingly, the Brighton photos didn’t come out on top again this year.
20. Mod shoes: An interview with Doctor Watson Shoemaker
Been meaning to cover this label for a while and in 2018, finally got around to it.
Want some authentically stylish 1960s-style shoes? Go see Dr Watson. Limited editions, handmade and all styles inspired by footwear that was once available from the more hip stockists of that particular era. Not cheap, but quality rarely is.
19. It’s Time For…Five Thirty: The Tara Milton Interview
It’s funny, both myself and Mark (Raison) pondered whether the would work on Modculture and we decided to give it a shot. I’m glad we did.
Everything you wanted to know about the career of Tara Milton and Five Thirty, with the details expertly coaxed out of Tara by super-fan Mark. A great read.
18. The Modculture interview with Steve Ellis
This was actually the second Modculture interview with Steve, many years after the first one.
As you probably know, Steve worked with Paul Weller the year on some new music, so a great time to catch up on both the past and present, courtesy of Claire.
17. Fab Gear: The British Beat Explosion 1963-1967 Box Set
2018 was a bit of a box set year, with this one doing rather well for Cherry Red.
An extensive and definitive set, taking in plenty of mod classics along the way. If you didn’t get it for Christmas, one to chase up with any spare cash you have.
16. Small Faces – Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake 50th anniversary vinyl and CD sets
50 years of this wonderful album, so the reissue machine went into overdrive.
CD and vinyl sets, remastered and expanded with rare archive material. If you are a fan of the band this is no-brainer.
15. The Action: Shadows & Reflections – The Complete Recordings 1964-1968 box set
There was a vinyl compilation too, but the box set was the popular item here.
Pretty much everything that can possibly be sourced, from studio material through to live tracks from radio and TV. This is the ultimate Action collection and unlikely to be bettered.
14. Interview: Kenney Jones talks to Claire Mahoney
A follow-up of sorts from the Ogdens’ releases, with the band’s drummer making himself available for a chat with the site.
Again, if you are a fan, this is something to lap up, with background on both the original album and the new reissues.
13. Mods features in The Chap magazine
It does still have the ‘silly moustache’ vibe about it generally, but The Chap did a bit on mods this year. A decent job too, with a lengthy photoshoot and a feature on mods as part of its ‘style tribes’ feature.
12. Tootal Alternatives: Five 1960s-style mod scarves
An updated and revamped article, but the content is much the same.
Essentially, alternatives to the Tootal if you want something either cheaper or a little different from the crowd.
11. Focus on: Adam of London mod suits and shirts
Adam of London has gone under the radar in the past, but the retailer serves a very useful purpose when it comes to the mod scene.
If you don’t want high street and can’t afford tailored, Adam of London is probably the place for you. 1960s-inspired formal clobber at a reasonable price and from a longstanding maker. If you want to know more, check out the article.
10. Spotify playlist: 1980s London mod club scene
I have neglected Spotify playlists of late, so great to see this one pop up.
Not one of mine (as you might have worked out), but this is a huge and expertly put-together playlist taking in the tunes from the key club nights of the day. Great nostalgia or just great music.
9. Modzines by Eddie Piller and Steve Rowland
This still isn’t out, but it hasn’t stopped it being popular.
A lot of people (myself included) are really looking forward to this one, which is the first proper look at the mod fanzine, courtesy of Eddie and Steve. I think I get a mention too, but don’t let that put you off.
8. Mod and 60s t-shirts from Mr. B’s Soulful Tees
Remember the long, hot summer? Seems like an age ago, but it was a great time for Mr. B to be selling shirts.
Hot weather means t-shirts and some of the best around are here, especially from a mod perspective. So many gems to choose from and new designs constantly added to the range.
7. Brighton Mod Weekender 2018 photos by Feej
Brighton snaps are always popular, so great to have a new selection thanks to new contributor Feej.
She went out with her camera and captured the people and the sites. As simple as that. Lovely photos.
6. Sainsbury’s offers exclusive Small Faces coloured vinyl
Yes, more Small Faces, but from an unusual place.
The retailer is an odd place to look for this kind of exclusive, but we all went there and picked them up, along with a few extras for tea. Not sure if they sold out or if they are still there.
5. New stock of clearance Bass Weejuns at TK Maxx
2018 was the year TK Maxx took control of the Bass Weejuns market.
Ok, not quite, but they seem to have unearthed a never-ending supply of the classics, selling them for a fraction of the price. I’m not sure how anyone can ask full price elsewhere and sell any.
4. Modculture buying guide: The Harrington Jacket
Another buying guide, this time the humble harrington.
Again, this is a guide to what’s out there. Yes, you can spend on a Baracuta (especially with the sales on), but there are more affordable options too if the price is a little steep for you.
3. Brighton Mod Weekender 2018 photographs by Chris Wild
Chris Wild’s photos of Brighton are something of a tradition on the site, with this year being no exception.
Chris is an accomplished photographer and also someone who has a knack of picking out the perfect scene from the seafront at Brighton. You will struggle to find better imagery anywhere.
2. How to do mod on the cheap – without buying cheap brands
Another revamped guide – and a hugely popular one.
For good reason. No one likes to waste money (myself included) so getting the best value when you buy clothing and footwear is essential. Hopefully, the guide helps with that, picking out places to find a bargain.
1. Martin Freeman And Eddie Piller Present Jazz On The Corner (Acid Jazz)
First place – and by some distance too – is this wonderful collection from Acid Jazz.
Yes, more Eddie Piller in the rundown, this time teaming up with Martin Freeman to pick out their favourite jazzy grooves. Popular initially, it had a renaissance when the price was dropped drastically at Amazon.
That’s your lot! I might see you in 2019.
