| Mod - A Very British Phenom by Terry Rawlings |
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| Books - Non-Fiction | |||
| Written by Lance Winslow | |||
Talking 'bout my g-g-g-generation... One of the greatest causes of inter-generational conflict is fashion; it's closely followed by politics, but that's not what we're here for, is it?
It didn't really hit in Singapore. Here, our teen culture was way too ethnocentric in the early sixties to adopt anything from overseas. In fact, it wasn't until the 1990's - in a post-modern, post-punk world - that Singaporeans embraced many of the basic dress tenets of the 1960 Mod culture. So, what do we have here in Mr. Rawlings book? It's a chronicle of what that time was about. Told in a broad sweeping narrative that is supported by a spectacular series of photos and first-person stories, the book confirms the title... Mod was a very British Phenomena. But, oh what a great time it was for music. And, that's real story in Rawlings' history. Sure, the Mods were self-absorbed fashion plates. But, while dressing for their own success, they also forged an amazing amalgamation of US R&B music with British skiffle and music hall beats. It was this synthesis of sound and culture that formed the foundation for most of The British Invasion. Listen to any of the early LP's by The Who; The Kinks; The Animals; or any the scores of one and no hit wonders. How many of them were covering Motown hits? How many of them took that beat and revved it up? That's why so much of the book is a history of the rise and fall of groups. And, a comparatively unknown history it is. If you're into music - with a bias toward the 1960's - or if you just miss the good days, Mod - A Very British Phenomena is a worthwhile addition to your library.
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And fashion is what Mod was all about. It was a uniquely British affair at the time, a teen movement that claimed to be a break with the staid past, but was almost fascistic in its relentless doctrine of 'dress this way or risk being ostracized'.
