Viva Marina - Various Artists Viva Marina

Viva Marina celebrates the 100th release of Marina Records. The label was founded in Hamburg in 1993 by Stefan Kassel and Frank Lähnemann. Over the years the label released many outstanding albums by artists like The Pearlfishers, Shack, Brent Cash, The Bathers, James Kirk, The Free Design, Malcolm Ross, Ashby, Paul Quinn & The Independent Group, Der Plan, and many many more - incl. the best-selling Beach Boys/ Brian Wilson tribute album Caroline Now!. Plus anthologies by The Pale Fountains (Longshot For Your Love), Josef K (Endless Soul), Jazzateers (I Shot The President) and by soundtrack maestro Peter Thomas (Moonflowers & Mini-Skirts).

..And three volumes of the legendary compilation series The In-Kraut featuring German Beat, Soul, Soundtrack & Groove nuggets from the 60s & 70s. Henry Rollins is a huge fan of the series, apparently. The brand The In-Kraut - often stolen and copied - was originated & copyrighted by Marina. The label has also been hailed for its distinctive packaging & look - designed (and often photographed) by the label’s Stefan Kassel.

The label’s main musical influences are definitely the three BIG Bs - Burt Bacharach, The Beach Boys and The Beatles. Plus growing up listening to John Peel’s radio show - and its eclectic, always colourful and exciting musical universe.

The album opens with the appropriately titled Listen by The Free Design and their heavenly vocal harmonies. Marina single-handedly initiated The Free Design’s reunion and their comeback album Cosmic Peekaboo (2001). The track is followed by Evelyn Pope (from Ashby) with her stunning new track Surround Yourself In Sound - sounding like NEU! meets Stereolab. Motorik meets Melody.

The compilation features a great and unique array of cover versions: David Scott of The Pearlfishers surprises with a truly marvelous version of Taylor Swift’s rather unknown nugget The Last Great American Dynasty. Eclectic pop duo Ashby from Boston put their magic touch to George McCrae’s 1974 Miami Disco Soul classic You Can Have It All. Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) & David Scott combine their perfect vocal harmony blend for a take on The Roches’ Hammond Song. All exclusives to this compilation.

Fascinator, a Glasgow supergroup of sorts - James Kirk (Orange Juice), Grahame Skinner (Hipsway / Jazzateers/ Cowboy Mouth) and Andy Alston (Del Amitri) - hit a classic Al Green-like Memphis Soul groove with their prev. unissued track Mississippi Mud. James Kirk also contributes a brand new song to the comp - in cahoots with his new partner Warren McInytre: the fabulous Iron Star (‘...getting down with Billy Ocean, filled with Sheila B. Devotion... Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions, we’re gonna do it again...’). A full album of the duo will follow in 2026. The Pearlfishers sparkle with a superb, piano-led new song called Limelight - recalling the soulful grace & beauty of Laura Nyro & Labelle.

Shack are presented with the wonderful, string-laden Carousel - in a prev unreleased, uncut ‘full version’. Marina released Shack’s classic album Waterpistol in 1995. The vinyl edition became a much sought-after and collectible - fetching prices of 400+ Euros these days.

Brent Cash from Athens is featured with the super-catchy killer pop of Good Morning Sunshine. He released three stunning albums on Marina of elaborately arranged and performed 60s style sunshine pop - reminiscent of Roger Nichols, Harpers Bizarre and The Association. The Bathers from Glasgow released three classic albums of beautiful chamber pop on Marina (‘The Marina trilogy’). Their No Risk No Glory makes its vinyl debut on Viva Marina. The Kingfishers - who have the distinction of appearing on all four Marina compilations - provide Byrds-like jingle-jangle Rickenbacker heaven with Long Lost Friend. Michel van Dyke seduces with a What’s Going On-like groove a la Marvin Gaye with his prev. unreleased Ich Find Dich Gut.

The legendary Dislocation Dance from Manchester enchant with the breezy jazz pop of It’s A Long Way Down - feat. the outstanding trumpet of Andy Diagram (The Pale Fountains/ James). More stunning trumpet action comes from Edinburgh’s Colin Steele Quartet who recorded three beautiful jazz albums for Marina - their most current one celebrating the music of The Blue Nile.

The compilation comes to a close with the haunting piano ballad Heartbroken All Over Again by Malcolm Ross (Josef K/Orange Juice/Aztec Camera) who recorded two fabulous solo albums for Marina. The track was produced by Dominic Murcott of The High Llamas. Master Van Dyke Parks provides the perfect coda to the compilation with his beautiful, cinematic, widescreen instrumental Chateau Marmont.

Enjoy 21 tracks / 75 minutes of pure aural pop pleasure. Viva Marina!