Fred Perry are known for their classic polo shirts with the sleeve piping, but this one’s a bit different. Not only is it a strong navy colour minus the collar stripes (unusual), but it’s also pure cotton with the look of a John Smedley and probably that silky smooth feel to match. To complete the retro look, the sleeve piping is slightly wider.
 
It’s a bit pricey at £70, but given that brand new ones from the FP shop are £55, it could be worth it. And it’s wool remember.

Ok so he might not be still at school, but he does look about 12.

​Absurd photo. Especially when you compare with pics of the guy now...

​Yes folks, roughly thirteen years ago I listened to this song for the very first time and took my very first step on the path to Mod and the appreciation of style. The road was winding (in the words of another artist we all know) but we got there in the end. At the time I even had a pair of those shoes that Weller and Foxton are wearing in this particular video - “badgers” I believe they were called. 
 
Still sounds good even now, although I can’t believe it never went to number one.

So Liam Gallagher has announced the release date of his new album (titled "As You Were") - well, sort of. It will be available from October, although when specifically is not revealed. You can also pre-order it from tonight. 
 
I imagine you probably have mixed thoughts about this, as I do. 
 
Admittedly, I am quite stoked for it. I think it has the potential to be pretty decent and he seems pretty proud of it, so I probably will have a listen to it at some point. 
 
To be honest the whole announcement actually took me a bit by surprise. I thought he was still soldiering on with Beady Eye, although I’m not sure when they last released anything. Beady Eye were alright - they had one or two storming songs actually (including the likes of The Roller and Four Letter Word and a couple of others) but I could never listen to an album all the way through. These fiery anthems were unfortunately held together in the LP by what felt like filler tunes and I actually thought the second album was even more sparse. 
 
I’m just listening back to it now to make sure, but I’m afraid my opinion stays the same. What is that bit at the end of Flick of the FInger all about? Talk about cliche.

To be honest I think he's had far greater success with his fashion label than his music since Oasis split.
 
Basically, the problem with the Gallaghers’ albums now is that Liam has all the spunk and attitude (and highly distinctive voice) of Oasis but lacks the emotion for the lower tempo tunes. By contrast Noel is all about the rhythms and the groove, but seems to be a bit damp on the attitude. Oasis obviously blended the two in a messy, Manchester-type way to create genius, but we have yet to see the brothers go it alone with anything like the same success. I suppose there is a sense that we never will get over that break-up but still - let's see if LG has nailed it this time!

Does this need any more words?

I'm sorry I couldn't find one with a high enough resolution that you can read it all, but this is the best I've got!

​ This is this week’s top track - a trippy, semi-stoned number from the Libertines that pretty much epitomises London in the current heatwave. Although it starts a bit gimmicky with the sound of the waves lapping on the beach, the music makes up for it and I have to say the Libertines have the voices for this kind of tune... as if they are constantly forgetting what they are supposed to be singing as they sing it.

​This is probably an accurate description of what actually happened in the studio.

​For ages I did notice there was a niche in the Mod market for a cheeky paisley tie. The best we’ve got is Ties Planet. Ties Planet’s alright, but they ain’t Mod. They do narrow ties in a few decent styles, including polka dots and those tiny pin dots, but no decent paisley.

Once again, Adaptor have smashed it. New range of paisley ties, but with that Adaptor retro twist that looks high street, but also wouldn’t look out of place back in 1963. In fact I can actually imagine Paul himself wearing one this moment.

Nice one guys.

This is a mod's delight - Paul Weller playing the Small Faces.  I couldn't possibly comment on which version I think is better...​

Bit of a goofy video, but great car.

Great shoes, great glasses, great song.

A steal in teal.

​You all know I love a Chelsea boot. Especially one in suede. Now Beatnik shoes have added a few to their collection in the lushest colours imaginable. When I say lush I don’t mean the fruity combos I talked about in previous posts. I am talking sensible Mod lush, a lush that prides detail and style over bold colours, suaveness and smoothness over attention-grabbing loudness, subtlety over spectacle. Basically, a series of different shades of brown.
 
Check them out - they are a little over the average in terms of price (about £177 including P&P and currency exchange), but then they are treated with a special anti-moisture material, so you do the maths.
 
I also really like the blurbs that go with them - even if the English translations don’t always make sense.

Another feature. This track is bloody great, again with QJ's distinctive sound, but complemented fantastically by Little Richard's voice. And great words for all you capitalist pigs out there...

Paul Weller at what was once my "local" venue. I don't live here anymore.

Nice one here. QJ (as I think nobody calls him) has done a few decent film scores and they all have that distinctive sound, running from the big band into jazz and, later, a bit funky if I may say so.