Direct Hits - Here There or Anywhere 23 Mod Pop Classics 1982-1986 (2014)

The mod revival in England didn't die out in the '70s when the Jam got more complicated, or when bands like Secret Affair and the Lambrettas ran out of purple hearts. There were still isolated pockets of skinny ties and smart suits with bands like the Direct Hits, the Times, and the Jetset keeping it retro-real for the faces. Here, There or Anywhere is a career-spanning collection of tracks by the Direct Hits that gathers up singles, songs from both their albums (1984's Blow Up and 1986's House of Secrets), a couple unreleased songs, and a live take on "Theme from the Munsters." The Hits mixed plenty of psych pop and folky jangle into their songs — factors that no doubt led to them recording for Dan Treacy of Television Personalities' Whaam! label — and had a knack for writing catchy melodies. Early single "Modesty Blaise" does well in setting up their template of retro imagery, classic sounds, and hooks, but as they progressed their sound got richer and a little tougher. Songs from their second album, like the "My Generation"-quoting "Miles Away" and "Heat and Sun," have a wiry punch not too far away from power pop bands like the Plimsouls. The group packed it in before their output took any kind of noticeable dip in quality, and even though they didn't have any hits, direct or otherwise, a listen to this collection proves that they are definitely worth rediscovering whether you drive a scooter or just like well-crafted and well-played '60s-influenced pop.