For connoisseurs of obscure girl group pop, psychedelic relics, and soft pop sumptuousness, few if any labels are as consistent or as indefatigably eclectic as Britain's Rev-Ola Founded by
Joe Foster, who with Alan McGee spearheaded the legendary Creation imprint, its adherence to top-quality mastering, packaging, and liner notes is a rarity in the run-and-gun reissue market. The label's milestone 200th release, the sampler The Revola Rock Machine Turns You On, spotlights its wealth of underground psych reissues, emphasizing pop hooks and fuzz-drenched guitar solos over more cosmic musical pursuits. While the great
Nick Garrie is the only act to earn considerable hipster cachet, the disc as a whole is a delight. Highlights include
Octopus' "The River,"
Mortimer's "Second Floor," and
Jawbone's "Jeremiah Dreams." ~ Jason Ankeny