Originally released in the mid-'80s,
Uppers on the South Downs collects some rarities from the mod-revival, particularly a number of bands from south coast resort towns like Brighton -- a favorite mod location and the site of many battles between the mods and the teddy boys. Included are some of the best, though overlooked, bands of the scene: Teenbeats,
Missing Persons,
Purple Hearts, and the Same. The only questionable inclusion is the South Coast Ska Stars -- a mysterious group of old-looking men who dressed in parkas and played ska-revival-style instrumentals. As it turns out, Ray Fenwick, a former member of the
Spencer Davis Group who produced the collection, was the founding member. This odd diversion aside,
Uppers on the South Downs works well as both a nostalgia trip and as enjoyable listening. ~ Chris Woodstra