Larsen Records /B-Soul Records Recent Releases
Cool French vinyl only label ‘Larsen Records' has produced more great releases of melody, raucous beats and very groovy rock steady with its current crop of vinyl. Denis, the head honcho at Larsen Records and B-Soul Records, has been releasing vinyl for many years now and his ear for a tune is outstanding. In his own words
No Stars!
No Poseurs!
No Fashionable Shit!
Only the real deal of rock'n'roll and soul at Larsen Records.
The Come Ons – Play Selections From François Hardy Songbook 7” Single (Larsen Records)
Superb 7” single from Detroit combo The Come Ons on this very melodic and sparsely arranged tribute to French chanteuse François Hardy. Deanne Iovan easily rises to the challenge with great vocals on both songs covered on this single. The piano led ‘Le Premier Bonheur Du Jour' is a melodic delight as Deanne sings this French language song with feeling. B-side ‘All Over The World' is a chilled out gospel inflected ballad with arpeggio guitars, the sugar sweet melodic voice of Deanne Iovan is a treat.
The Cool Jerks 3 Track 7” Single (Larsen Records)
German beat garage monsters The Cool Jerks have provided a great 7” single with three tracks of rampant energy. Comme L'Agent Secrèt is an all out big chord extravaganza, as these frantic Germans (singing in French) freak out on this good time 60s style beat out. James Bond vibes aplenty and this tunes nicely segues into the great secret agent instrumental Le Limiteur, a total spy drama with ace guitar sounds and crazy organ. This is the kinda thing The Prisoners used to be great at doing. The B-side ‘Garçon Garçon' features vocals from Lea and Maike and is a fuzzed out garage stomp, a fiend of tune with loads of attitude and girly vocals, grrrrreat.
The B-Soul All Stars
B-Soul All Stars have three releases amongst the recent batch sent through from B-Soul. B-Soul is subsidiary of Larsen Records focusing on soul/rock steady music and the B-Soul label's house band, B-Soul All Stars, have produced three fine releases in homage to the golden age of rock steady.
B- Soul All Stars – Rock Steady With Vinyl LP (B –Soul)
This laid back album is a great tribute to the rock steady era with the B-Soul All Stars really showing their chops on this cool release. The slick interplay between the grooving guitar and the Jackie Mittoo style organ is backed by the super tight rhythm section showcasing the bands ability. Benny Gordini (also the singer with The Slow Slushy Boys) melodic soulful voice tackles the mixture of original songs, Jackie Mittoo adaptations and late 60s reggae gems with confidence. Featuring covers by the Maytals, John Holt and Jackie Mittoo, this is a fine album inspired the sounds of the Rock Steady era of late 60s Jamaica . My favourite tracks are:
‘Ali Baba', the John Holt cover, has melodic organ flourishes aplenty and the easy going groove is a real pleasure.
‘Winter Breeze', is a perfectly tackled instrumental by super talented organ player Teen Axel, with a whole rage of sounds, chops and grooves pulsing from his organ.
The breezy reggae pop of ‘Lend Me A Hand' is a delight and the melodic licks from the guitar give the song that extra oomph.
‘When I Get My Freedom' is the defiant Stranger Cole song tackled by the B-Soul All Stars with grace and melody.
Though I'm no expert on rock steady / reggae I really enjoyed this album, and The B-Soul All Stars show themselves to be a great band filled with talented musicians.
B-Soul All Stars - 7” Vinyl Single (B-Soul)
The B-Soul All Stars continue their rock steady vibes on this 7 “ single. A-side ‘Reggae Party' and is fine upbeat soulful reggae song, with slick guitar and pumping organ. B-side ‘Sweet Daisy' is easy going reggae with chilled beat and sweet girly backing vocals. Benny Gordini once again proves his vocal ability on this.
B-Soul All Stars - John Holt Tribute 7” single (Jewel Recordings)
On this final 7” vinyl single The B-Soul All Stars go on loan to Rennes label JEWELS recordings and come up with their rock steady goods once again on this tribute to John Holt. ‘My Best Girl' has an upbeat grove with chunky guitars sizzling out soulful licks and the organ work is superb. B-side ‘The One To Blame' is a mid paced love tune and Benny Gordini's vocals surprise and delight.
Overall The B-Soul All Stars are a cool band and these vinyl releases see this extremely talented band in full rock steady flow.
JonnyMagus