The Vault Sale: Rare Finds from My Collection!
Hi everyone, After a recent clear out, we found all sorts of interesting records and artefacts. The previous rare records newsletter created huge interest, showcasing a few of the rare Squire records - and many of you bought the pink sleeve No Time Tomorrow!
Well there’s more! Records from other bands!! We are going to list these for sale, but since they are all wrapped up in the Squire history and have fascinating stories, its a great opportunity to also share some of this background with you before they go off to their new owners!
All seven inch singles, and often the bands debut release! We love the keen independent start as they pursue their dream. Every band's first record is a gem and fond memory. Every record holds a surprise! We’ll let the vinyl tell the story.
They were played maybe once and stored away for safekeeping. And now we’ve found them after al this time! The songs were listened to again via YouTube links, and prices checked against Discogs. All for sale!
Each short story here links to a bigger one, often with a link to YouTube so you can hear the song! So enjoy yourself and have a virtual rake though some of our rare finds!
California is, of course, well represented in this collection. Whether through fans sending me records to check out, my own purchases, or trades with bands, these records offered me a window into a new world. At the time, there was no internet and hardly any way to hear music from up-and-coming bands—no coverage in the overseas music press, no radio play. You had to be there to discover it!
This experience was a key inspiration for the HiLo American Heart & Soul compilation, which aimed to give these bands a chance to reach audiences beyond their local scene. And it worked—many later appeared on UK releases and even played in London. Amazingly, many of these bands are still active, and I’m still in touch with them today!
The Question – Distance Apart
Tony Rugolo’s songwriting shines on this brilliant track, blending frenetic mod drums with Brian Wilson-esque harmonics. Squire were backed by The Question during for the 1983 LA gigs, and we’ve been friends ever since.
This is a true mod gem. Don’t miss this piece of history!
➡️ [Link to shop]
The Untouchables – Twist n Shake
This 1982 single captures the raw energy of LA’s emerging mod scene, blending ska, Motown, and surf vibes. Recorded at Cherokee Studios where Bowie recorded Station To Station in 1976 (and where a million other famous records have been made).
I recognise the sound of the room! Essential listening!
➡️ [Link to shop]
The Untouchables – Tropical Bird
A standout track from LA’s vibrant mod scene, inspired by the enigmatic “General.” - more about him on the record page! A vital piece of underground music history. They were there first at the ON Club!
The Key – Thrashin’ Power Pop!
From Orange County’s mod/ska scene, this single bursts with youthful adrenaline, blending power pop with mod style.
The Jetz – Point of View
A rare 1982 single from these West Coast mod icons, capturing the true Southland Mod sound. Includes badge, sticker, and fan club flyer.
Still playing. A must-have for collectors!
➡️ [Link to shop]
The Shambles – Original Tangent EP
Bart Mendoza delivers San Diego’s mod sound at its finest in this 1995 EP. Authentic, energetic, and a true gem for fans of West Coast mod culture.
➡️ [Link to shop]
Modest Proposal – I’ve Seen Your Face Before
A jangly, infectious 1980s mod anthem from this Washington band. A quintessential piece of American mod culture.
Their contribution to American Heart & Soul was crucial.
➡️ [Link to shop]
Just outside the ‘mod’ scene existed a parallel wave of up and coming independent bands in LA.
The Wail – 45 Degrees
Discovered on KROQ by Rodney Bingenheimer during Squire’s 1983 LA trip, this rare powerpop gem is unforgettable. Little is known about the band, but the music speaks for itself. They rode scooters and embraced the mod 1960s sound. A true collector’s item!
➡️ [Link to shop]
The Bangs – Getting Out of Hand
Before The Bangles, there were The Bangs! Their fragile yet vibrant first single, packed with indie charm, laid the groundwork for their success. Rare and iconic.
➡️ [Link to shop]
The Rain Parade – What She’s Done To Your Mind
This indie gem from the LA Paisley Underground captures the spirit of 1967 acid rock. A unique piece of psychedelic history.
➡️ [Link to shop]
The Plimsouls – A Million Miles Away
The ultimate power pop anthem! First released on Bomp Records and then picked up by the majors. Featured in the 1983 film Valley Girl, this Geffen Records classic blends chiming Rickenbackers with 1960s cool. A hit that should’ve been massive—unforgettable music from an unforgettable band!
➡️ [Link to shop]
I was always delighted to get records from European mod bands, and their sound is a complete tangent to what you heard from American or UK based scenes.
The Vogue – Pill Girl
A 1981 Austrian rarity with only 300 copies pressed! This 1m 59s mod masterpiece sounds like the Velvet Underground on speed. Its so compelling and youthful.
Relentless, bonkers, and perfect!
➡️ [Link to shop]
Mops – Manen
A 1982 Swedish power pop gem with polished production and tight harmonies. Featuring a Rickenbacker with a Strat neck—no mistake, it’s real!
The Squad – Born in the Concrete
Released in 1980, this mod/punk rarity features a Hammond organ nod to Procol Harum. Claes went on to form Route 66. A rare piece of Danish mod history!
➡️ [Link to shop]
And from Japan:
Boyce – 21st Century Modern Boys
This Japanese mod single combines meticulous aesthetics with sharp songwriting, referencing icons like Ed Ball, Paul Bevoir - and Anthony Meynell! A true artefact of mod culture.
➡️ [Link to shop]
That gives a great introduction to some homegrown UK music, and who best but Ed Ball and The Times. Ed, Paul, Simon and I formed a band in the mid- 80s called Boys About Town, and you can hear the live radio shows here. Ed was always releasing great records.
The Times – Red With Purple Flashes
Ed Ball’s genius shines in this killer double A-side, backed with Biff, Bang Pow. The melodies are timeless. A must for mod collectors!
➡️ [Link to shop]
The Times – Boys Brigade
Ed delivers a more sophisticated sound in Boys Brigade, nodding to the pop production trends of the day. Always lyrical, always daring, his artistry shone through every medium. Life was a big painting! A true all-rounder!
➡️ [Link to shop]
Purple Hearts – Plane Crash
A fantastic 1982 single from mod revival pioneers. Traded with Simon from the band in Carnaby Street—now a cherished collector’s piece.
➡️ [Link to shop]
Of course, we cant mention rare records without sprinkling some Squire records in!
Squire – Eight Miles High
This rare Squire single reimagines Eight Miles High and Rain with vintage analogue techniques, blending Byrds-inspired Nashville vibes and LA psychedelia. Just one copy available!
➡️ [Link to shop]
Squire – Get Ready To Go! (Red Vinyl)
The first-ever mod single! First released on 1st May 1979, on Rok Records. This limited edition re-release red vinyl copy, long sold out, is also an essential piece of mod history. Grab it while you can!
➡️ [Link to shop]
Squire / Beat Direction – Does Stephanie Know (Flexi)
This rare 1985 flexidisc features Squire’s Does Stephanie Know and Beat Direction’s Ska-Au-Go Go. A true mod collectors’ item from the golden era!
➡️ [Link to shop]
Squire – The Place I Used To Live (Detour EP)
This song was recently re-released on HiLo Records, but its original vinyl release was on Detour Records in 1994, to coincide with Tangerine Records’ Get Ready To Go compilation CD.
Available in White Label,
Clear/Purple,
and Black editions,
this 1994 EP features The Place I Used To Live, Over You, and Make Love To You. Rare and essential!
Squire – Jesamine 1983 WHITE LABEL
A rare white label from the original 1983 pressing of Jesamine b/w When I Try, I Lie. Featuring a fanfare of trumpets, harpsichord flourishes, and lush string arrangements, this baroque pop gem evokes the spirit of 1967. A true piece of Squire history and a collector’s dream!
➡️ [Link to shop]
Thats it for now!