When you think about the 1960s British youth culture, it’s hard to overlook the Mods. Known for their sharp suits, their love of scooters, and their obsession with soul, rhythm and blues, the Mods helped define a generation. At Mazeys, we’ve always been proud supporters of Mod culture. From classic Harrington jackets to tailored trousers, we know that Mod style isn’t just about fashion—it’s about a way of life, a soundtrack that defines a movement. Today, we’re diving into the albums that shaped that soundtrack: five iconic records that became the heartbeat of British Mod music and left an indelible mark on music history.
What Is British Mod Music?
Before we jump into the records that defined the Mod era, let’s take a moment to explore what British Mod music is all about. Emerging in the late 1950s and hitting its peak during the ‘60s, Mod music was heavily influenced by American rhythm and blues, jazz, and beat music. The Mods embraced these sounds, rejecting the stale rock 'n' roll that had come before them in favour of something fresh and modern. But Mod music wasn’t just about a change in tempo or a switch in genre—it was about creating a whole new identity.
Mods were style-conscious, and their music reflected that. It was slick, sharp, and soulful. British Mod music evolved alongside the fashion choices of the era, with bands like The Who, The Small Faces, and The Kinks providing the soundtrack for a generation of sharply dressed young men and women who saw themselves as the cutting edge of cool.
As the music evolved, so did the culture. Mod culture music became more than just a genre—it became an anthem of rebellion, a way to say, “We’re different, and we’re proud of it.” Today, Mod music still influences bands and style trends across the globe, and at Mazeys, we’re here to keep that tradition alive with the finest Mod clothing and accessories.
Now, without further ado, here are the five albums that defined British Mod music and continue to inspire us at Mazeys.
1. The Who – My Generation (1965)
If there’s one album that screams Mod more than any other, it’s My Generation by The Who. Released in 1965, this record became the anthem for disillusioned youth everywhere, particularly those with a love for scooters, sharp suits, and late nights spent dancing at all-nighters. The title track, “My Generation,” wasn’t just a hit—it was a statement. Roger Daltrey’s stuttering delivery of the famous line, “Hope I die before I get old,” became the voice of a generation tired of conformity.
The Who were quintessentially Mod. Their style—complete with target logos, Union Jack jackets, and aggressive, defiant attitudes—captured the rebellious spirit of Mods everywhere. Pete Townshend’s sharp guitar riffs and Keith Moon’s chaotic drumming drove the energy of the album, while John Entwistle’s thunderous bass lines added a rawness that felt authentic to the movement.
Other standout tracks like “The Kids Are Alright” and “The Good’s Gone” exemplify the youthful energy that Mod culture was all about. But what made My Generation truly iconic was its ability to encapsulate the Mod ethos: fast-paced, stylish, and unapologetically youthful.
For anyone looking to channel that early Who swagger, there’s no better way than with a classic Mod jacket from Mazeys. It’s the perfect way to honour the legacy of The Who while keeping your look sharp and timeless.
2. Small Faces – Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake (1968)
If The Who were the rebellious Mod icons, then Small Faces were the soulful, stylish representatives of the scene. Formed in 1965, Small Faces quickly became synonymous with Mod culture music, thanks to their mixture of soulful vocals, tight rhythms, and Hammond organ riffs. By 1968, they had already solidified themselves as one of the biggest Mod bands, and their album Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake took their sound to the next level.
This album stands out as one of the most experimental and innovative records of the Mod era. It’s a conceptual piece that blends rock, soul, and psychedelic influences, yet it never strays too far from its Mod roots. The opening instrumental, “Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake,” sets the tone for an album that balances both sharp, catchy tunes and mind-bending arrangements. Tracks like “Lazy Sunday” capture the carefree, cheeky attitude of the Mods, while “Afterglow” demonstrates the band’s ability to craft lush, emotive soundscapes.
Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake is more than just an album—it’s an experience. The Small Faces managed to encapsulate the adventurous spirit of Mods in this record, showing that Mod music wasn’t confined to any one genre but could evolve and expand into new territories.
Looking to add a bit of Small Faces-style to your wardrobe? Check out our range of Mod shirts. With crisp lines and clean designs, they’re the perfect addition for any Mod looking to make a statement.
3. The Jam – All Mod Cons (1978)
By the late 1970s, the original Mod movement had long since given way to the rock excesses of the early ‘70s. But Paul Weller and The Jam weren’t ready to let the Mod spirit die. In fact, they helped lead the Mod revival, blending the sharp aesthetics and sounds of the ‘60s with the punk energy of the late ‘70s. All Mod Cons is a perfect example of how The Jam carried the Mod torch into a new era.
Released in 1978, All Mod Cons stands as one of the finest examples of how Mod music could evolve while staying true to its roots. Weller’s songwriting is as sharp as his suits, with tracks like “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” capturing the urban grit of late ‘70s London. The Jam took the Mod ethos—style, energy, and rebellion—and combined it with the political edge of punk, creating a sound that was unmistakably modern yet rooted in the tradition of British Mod music.
Tracks like “David Watts” (a cover of The Kinks) and “To Be Someone (Didn’t We Have a Nice Time)” reveal Weller’s knack for storytelling and his admiration for the original Mod bands. The album’s tight rhythms and driving bass lines are unmistakably Mod, but there’s a punk edge here that gives All Mod Cons a freshness that helped reignite the movement.
To complete your Jam-inspired look, there’s no better choice than a Harrington jacket. Worn by Mods, punks, and everyone in between, it’s a staple that never goes out of style.
4. The Kinks – Kinda Kinks (1965)
While The Kinks may not have been as closely associated with the Mod movement as The Who or Small Faces, they were still an integral part of the scene, particularly in the mid-‘60s. Kinda Kinks, their second studio album, is a testament to the band’s ability to tap into the Mod sensibility while crafting some of the most infectious pop songs of the decade.
Released in 1965, Kinda Kinks came at a time when the Mod scene was flourishing, and The Kinks’ sound fit right in. With tracks like “Tired of Waiting for You” and “Come On Now,” the band delivered catchy, tight pop songs that resonated with the Mod ethos of forward-thinking, stylish music. Ray Davies’ witty, observational lyrics, combined with the band’s stripped-back arrangements, gave Kinda Kinks a timeless quality.
Although The Kinks would later evolve into one of Britain’s most innovative and eclectic bands, during the Kinda Kinks era, they were firmly rooted in the Mod sound, providing the perfect soundtrack for scooter-riding Mods across the country.
For a bit of that timeless Kinks style, explore our selection of Mod footwear at Mazeys. From loafers to desert boots, we’ve got everything you need to complete your Mod look.
5. The Creation – We Are Paintermen (1967)
If you’re talking about cult Mod bands, The Creation have to be near the top of the list. While they may not have achieved the same commercial success as The Who or Small Faces, their impact on the Mod scene is undeniable. Their 1967 album We Are Paintermen is a raw, energetic slab of garage rock that’s filled with the kind of rebellious energy that defined the Mod movement.
We Are Paintermen showcases The Creation’s ability to craft short, sharp bursts of music that hit with maximum impact. The album’s lead track, “Making Time,” is a perfect Mod anthem, with its pounding rhythm, driving bass, and searing guitar lines. It’s a track that feels like it was made for the dance floor at a smoky Mod club. Other songs like “Painter Man” and “Biff Bang Pow” further demonstrate the band’s ability to mix art, aggression, and style—three key pillars of the Mod movement.
The Creation may not have had the longevity of some of their peers, but We Are Paintermen remains a cult classic among Mod enthusiasts. The band’s influence can be heard in the music of later acts like The Jam and even Oasis, proving that their raw energy and style transcended their brief career.
To embody The Creation’s style, check out our selection of Mod loafers for a sharp, stylish look that’s perfect for any modern-day Mod.
The Bottom Line
The Mod movement was more than just a fashion statement—it was a way of life. From the soulful grooves of Small Faces to the rebellious anthems of The Who, British Mod music helped define a generation, and its influence continues to be felt in music, fashion, and culture today. At Mazeys, we’re proud to keep the spirit of Mod alive with our carefully curated collection of Mod clothing and accessories. Whether you’re looking to capture the sharp style of The Jam or the swagger of The Kinks, we’ve got everything you need to look and feel like a true Mod.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Mod culture music, revisit these iconic albums, and explore our collection to complete your own Mod look. After all, the Mod lifestyle is all about being sharp, stylish, and ahead of the curve—and that’s exactly what we’re here to help you do.