Sounds and Pressure

Why yes that is a wall full of speakers. Meet the Sounds and Pressure Sound System probably the best vintage sound system anywhere in the world. They have the annual 1970 Bank Holiday Revival at the IOW rally this weekend. If you can make it out and don’t there is likely something wrong with you. We were going to do a write up on them but figured we’d let them describe themselves:

Sounds and Pressure Sound System specializes in serving up the choicest cuts of hard 60s reggae, rocksteady, ska and soul to tingle the tastebuds of any 60s freak. Our business is massive, heavyweight sound systems, in the original Jamaican style and designed to level buildings. We work alongside and support regular clubs all around the UK, such as Scorcher, Blue Cat and Liquidator and promote regular shows by some of the great names in Jamaican music, such as Derrick Morgan, Pat Kelly, Dave Barker and George Dekkar.

For The Suits Profile: Mikkel Rude

In all likelihood, if you read this website you’ve heard of Mikkel Rude. In fact, if you haven’t heard of him yet, you’re fucking up. He’s being making some of the best shirts available for the last few years. His combination of classic tailoring details and subtle personal touches have led to the creation of a distinct style of shirting, one that harkens back to the days of the original skinhead, when the details on a shirt had to be just right or you were found out as a poser. But it’s not simply Mikkel’s shirt which are of interest here. We like to get to know and understand those that make the gear, both as people and as creators of the clothing. So we’ve chosen Mikkel Rude as our next For The Suits Profile.

More Mikkel Rude

Mikkel Rude is at it again. 2 more options that continue the run of quality shirts the company has been putting out as of late. A click on the picture brings you to the site if you want either of these two, or just to browse around and see the quality gear he has on offer.

All You Need to Know About Bunny Lee

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PY0s_t2kwM?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Ever wanted to spend close to an hour learning all about Bunny “Striker” Lee? You read this blog so of course you do. Think this thing came out in the 80’s and Bunny is a smooth cat throughout. Listen to the legend tell his story in his own words.

Don Letts on Skinheads

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih26uQBff2g?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

For those not in the know, Don Letts, with help from Fred Perry, has recently produced a series of short episodes focusing on various subcultures with links to the Fred Perry brand. Believe it or not we’ve posted the skinhead episode here. While the documentary certainly leaves a lot to be desired, it’s interesting to see Fred Perry finally acknowledge it’s past history with the skinhead subculture as it seems that has become a taboo word for many classic skinhead brands as of late. There is definitely better out documentaries out there and most of the footage is recycled but let’s face it, everyone will probably at least give it a look.

Mikkel Rude, Once More

Mikkel Rude has done it once more. The six shirts above comprise his summer collection for the year and there are some beautiful shirts amongst them. All shirts were made in limited numbers and feature the great tailoring and classic features one has come to expect from Mr. Rude, so you might want to get on it quick. While we’re on the topic, we have a For The Suits profile coming soon with Mikkel Rude so stick around won’t ya?

Ooop North

This picture popped up on Twitter today, reportedly a group of Newcastle hooligans outside of St. James Park in 1970. Once again proving The Look did indeed filter throughout the country at different paces since by many accounts the skinhead and suedehead looks would have disappeared in London by this point. Being Northerners they did manage to sneak a dodgy ‘tache in there.

This is the Seventies For Ya

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH0gE4Hovk4?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

This is awesome and ridiculous. From a time when Ben Sherman wasn’t regularly turning out absolute shit in a bid to update their shirts in an attempt to be trendy whilst losing all site of the fact they were popular because of the classic Ben Sherman shirt details.

Another Classic Picture

Interesting picture dating from 1968. Looks like a mix between skinheads and lads who’d later become suedeheads. Maybe they all became suedeheads, who knows? Another example of skinhead history not being as black and white as skinheads arrival being in 1969 or suedeheads showing up in 1970. But we trust many of our readers already know and agree with that.

"I Am The Ruler" by Derrick Morgan

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQQl7iW0csQ?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Here’s hoping you have a great weekend, from For The Suits. We’ll help you start it out right with a great rocksteady track supplied by the legend himself, Derrick Morgan.

"Do It To Me Baby" by Lloyd and The Groovers

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBXJYoDwfaE?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

“Isn’t it good to do the rocksteady?” might be one of our favorite lines ever. It’s real damn good to do the rocksteady when its this tune you’re moving too. Lloyd and the Groovers backed by the stellar Lynn Tait and his Band on the very first Bunny Lee production ever. If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you probably understand why that’s such a huge deal. Hell if you’re simply a fan of Jamaican music you should understand why this record is a huge deal. Caltone put out some great stuff.

The Classic Suedehead Blazer

Photo of a bunch of suedehead lads looking proper. A blazer (with a football club patch on the breast pocket), button down shirt, sta-prest and loafers is one of the smartest looks that won’t cost you a fortune if you don’t have the money for a full suit. Don’t forget the red socks. Proper.

Waffle Knit Cardigans

Have a great weekend, from For The Suits. And if you have a spare one of these waffle knit cardigans, send it our way.

Big Night Out

Courtesy of Bunty from styleforum.net. This picture is from 1968, just as the hard mod look was starting to flesh out into what became more recognizable as skinhead style. The lad pictured with braces is the most obvious indication of this. Nice piece of history.

Sta Prest and a Sheepskin

Proper pair of Levi’s sta-prest and a great sheepskin jacket.