Mod Revival
tagStarted 1978Peak 1979-1981Last big hit 1982From United Kingdom
Located in 2 routes
Late-70s rebirth of 60s mod style and sound: punchy, punk-energised R&B and beat pop with sharp Rickenbacker jangle, Hammond stabs, Motown/Who/Small Faces influences and tight, urgent youth-anthem songwriting. Sharp suits, parkas and scooters return; the music is fast, melodic and proudly retro, all backbeat snap and clipped, soulful vocals.
History
Set in motion by the Jam's mod look and the 1979 film 'Quadrophenia', the revival saw London/Essex bands dress mod and cover 60s soul circa 1978-79. The March of the Mods tour featured Secret Affair, Purple Hearts and the Chords. Mostly spent by 1981, it fed later mod-pop and influenced Britpop's 60s worship a decade on.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mod_revival
- https://nostalgiacentral.com/music/music-genres/mod-revival/
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/mod-revival-ma0000012085