RECOMMENDED REISSUE: Various Artists: Eccentric Soul; The Cobra Label (vinyl/digital outlets)

We draw attention to this terrific compilation of sixties Tex-Mex, rock'n'soul music because the 28 songs have been issued across double vinyl and digitally.

From the opening Spanish-language Wooleh Booleh by Sonny Ace and the Twisters (more familiar in the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs version) and Searchin' popular with Merseyside bands (here by Texans Mike and the Belairs with Nyolia Moore) through Little Henry and the Laveers' ragged garageband I Don't Want No Woman, the Dreamliners' soulful Just Me And You and on to Summer Rain by Freddie Martinez which sounds like closing credits, this is a goldmine of slightly left-field, pop length singles.

Here too is Doug Sahm with the aching ballad Just a Moment, different takes on familiar material (Mad Mods with Percy Sledge's Warm and Tender Love, Sonny Ace and the Twisters with a feverish Fever) and throwbacks to the Fifties ballad style (Dell Tones with The Best Man Cried, Royal Five with Someone Who Cares).

A journey through time and a small label out of San Antonio.

Enjoyable, rewarding and full of unexpected discoveries.

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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here