Ronnie Mayor: New Album "Beyond The Limberlost" and Vinyl Reissue of "Retrospectively Yours" Compilation from former Tours & Da Biz songwriter

Ronnie Mayor, the former joint singer, songwriter and guitarist with the legendary Power Popsters Tours', one of the much-missed DJ John Peel's favourites, has two releases out now. First of all, there's a new solo album "Beyond The Limberlost" and then courtesy of Bachelor Records there's a vinyl reissue of the compilation "Retrospectively Yours" that showcases his songwriting talents with Tours, Da Biz and as a solo artist, here's some information on the compilation from the record company...

"Power Pop enthusiasts, rejoice! For the first time ever, Ronnie Mayor’s cult-favorite CD "Retrospectively Yours" gets the vinyl treatment, courtesy of Austria’s premier garage/punk/power pop imprint Bachelor Records. Originally released in 2022 as a CD-only archival compilation on Small Operations and available exclusively via Boiler Room Records, "Retrospectively Yours" dives deep into Mayor’s late-70s/early-80s tape archives. Now this essential collection is being reissued on limited edition vinyl (500 copies), bringing new life and analog warmth to 14 gems spanning Mayor’s prolific work with Tours, Da Biz, and his solo releases. Featuring all three of Mayor’s cult 7″ singles—including the John Peel favourite "Language School", the long-lost TOURS anthem "Imagination" and the ultra-rare "On the Beach" by Da Biz—this LP is an irresistible time capsule of DIY energy, sharp hooks, and pure pop passion. The album also unearths eight previously unreleased recordings from Tours and Da Biz, plus the raw rockabilly cut "Clock ‘n’ Rock", written for Surfin’ Dave but never issued until now. "Retrospectively Yours" is exactly what it claims to be: All killer, no filler. A must-have for fans of vintage UK power pop, mod revival, and punk-inflected guitar pop. Released on June 23rd 2025 via Bachelor Records, housed in a deluxe sleeve with a printed inner sleeve with liner notes about the songs and recordings."

Ronnie Mayor in 2018 - Photo by Paul Slattery

 

 

As mentioned above, Ronnie has also just released a new solo album entitled "Beyond The Limberlost" which starts off with the acoustic Country & Western opener "Hank Made It Home" and the pedal steel guitar of second song "Don't You Know You're Home" and you can tell Ronnie is in fine voice. What hits you next is the quite excellent production perfectly highlighted on "This Love Passes On" with some superb backing vocals and understated percussion. Then there's the feel good blue-eyed Soul of "I Wanna Make You Happy" with its brass section and gospel style backing harmonies. The more familiar jangling guitars make an appearance on "Love Is Gonna Pick You Up" and the uptempo album closer "A Kinder World" is based around a naggingly catchy guitar riff and is a great ending to the record.

Tours with Ronnie in the centre - Photo by Paul Slattery

Our features on the Tours reunion gig in 2018 by photographer Paul Slattery, who photographed the band back in their early days, can be found in our archive here. You can also hear Paul discussing the band and playing some choice cuts in our Retrosonic Podcast Episode 47...

 

Retrosonic Podcast · Episode 47 "This Is No Audition" with Rock Photographer Paul Slattery

Photos copyright Paul Slattery.