What Do Mods Listen To?
The Mod subculture, born in the 1960s, is a British phenomenon that has had a lasting impact on music, fashion, and youth culture. Mod culture is characterized by its love for sleek, modern designs, fashion, and, of course, music. But what kind of music do Mods listen to?
Early Influences
The earliest Mods, who emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, were heavily influenced by American rock and roll, particularly the music of Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, and Gene Vincent. These artists’ raw, energetic sound and rebellious spirit resonated with the young Mods, who were looking for a new kind of music that reflected their own youthful energy and dissatisfaction with mainstream culture.
British Invasion
As the British music scene began to take shape, Mods discovered a new wave of British bands that were similarly influenced by American rock and roll. Bands like The Who, The Kinks, and The Small Faces became instant favorites among Mods, who were drawn to their unique blend of British sensibilities and American rock influences.
Ska and Soul
In the mid-1960s, Mods began to turn their attention to ska and soul music, which were gaining popularity in the UK. Ska, a fusion of Caribbean mento and calypso rhythms with American jazz and rhythm and blues, was a major influence on the development of British rock music. Mods loved the upbeat, danceable sound of ska, which was embodied by bands like The Skatalites and Prince Buster.
Motown and R&B
Mods were also heavily influenced by Motown and R&B music, which was becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Artists like The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye were huge hits among Mods, who loved their smooth harmonies, catchy melodies, and infectious beats.
British R&B and Pub Rock
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mods turned their attention to British R&B and pub rock, which was a more raw and authentic sound than the polished, pop-oriented music that was dominating the charts. Bands like The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and The Faces were major influences on Mods, who appreciated their blues-infused rock sound and rebellious spirit.
Mod Revival
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Mod revival took hold, with a new generation of Mods discovering the music of their predecessors. The revival was characterized by a renewed interest in the music of the 1960s, as well as the emergence of new bands that were influenced by Mod culture. Bands like The Jam, The Style Council, and Madness became huge hits among Mods, who loved their energetic live performances, catchy songs, and retro style.
Today’s Mods
Today, Mods continue to influence music and fashion, with many modern bands drawing inspiration from the music and style of the 1960s and 1970s. From indie rock to punk to electronic music, Mods have always been drawn to music that is energetic, rebellious, and authentic. Whether it’s the raw energy of punk rock or the smooth sounds of Motown, Mods have always been willing to explore new sounds and styles, as long as they are true to the spirit of the subculture.
In Conclusion
So, what do Mods listen to? The answer is simple: Mods listen to a wide range of music, from rock and roll to ska and soul, from British R&B to pub rock, and from indie rock to electronic music. Mods are always on the lookout for new sounds and styles, as long as they are authentic and true to the spirit of the subculture. Whether it’s the music of the 1960s or the latest indie rock band, Mods are always eager to discover new music that reflects their values of youth, energy, and rebellion.
Recommended Listening
- The Who – "My Generation"
- The Kinks – "You Really Got Me"
- The Small Faces – "Itchycoo Park"
- The Skatalites – "Guns of Navarone"
- Prince Buster – "Al Capone"
- The Supremes – "Baby Love"
- The Temptations – "My Girl"
- Marvin Gaye – "What’s Going On"
- The Rolling Stones – "Not Fade Away"
- The Yardbirds – "For Your Love"
- The Faces – "Stay with Me"
- The Jam – "In the City"
- The Style Council – "Walls Come Tumbling Down"
- Madness – "One Step Beyond"
Recommended Reading
- "The Mods: A Very British Phenomenon" by Simon Reynolds
- "The Who: The Authorized Biography" by John Atkins
- "The Kinks: The Official Biography" by Mark Blake
- "The Small Faces: The Official Biography" by Sylvie Simmons
- "The Mod Revival: A History of the Mod Revival" by Tony Ragg
Recommended Watching
- "Quadrophenia" (1979) – a classic Mod film starring Phil Daniels and Sting
- "The Mod Revival" (1980) – a documentary film about the Mod revival
- "Mod Culture" (2010) – a documentary film about the Mod subculture
- "The Mods: A Very British Phenomenon" (2015) – a BBC documentary series about the Mods