Ska music reviews

In a time when many roots reggae bands were trying to increase sales by incorporating dancehall elements into their sound, Albert Griffiths instead focused on producing a fully realized version of his classic reggae sound. Several of the Gladiators' earlier tracks are remade and given new life by this era's increase in sound quality. In addition, all the new tunes on this disc are of such quality that they easily match this band's previous output (which is quite an accomplishment). I cannot recommend this album enough, it ranks among the top ten reggae albums of the '80s and continues to be as powerful a reggae album as you could ever find. Buy this album and give this band, who has continued churning out quality roots music for over thirty-five years, some much deserved recognition.

Every reggae lover must have this crucial c.d. It's funny how a lot of roots fans are not that familiar with this band because in my opinion, while Bob was number one, the Gladiators were number two, but not by much. Singer Albert Griffiths sings in a very Jahful way and the rest of the band is amazing. "Symbol of Reality" deserves much praise. I'm surprised that I am the first one on Amazon to review such an irie album. It must be added to your collection.

THIS IS OME CLEAN SOUNDING BAND THEY SEEM TO HAVE GOT IT RIGHT

ON THIS ONE THE WAY IT WAS MIXED IS SOO CRISP IF THIS IS THE WAY THERE GOING TO RECORD THEN THERE HEADED TO SURE STARDOM. PLEASE KEEP UP THE GRATE WORK.

I first heard this song in December, and if the album was as good as the single, then you have just gotta buy this CD. As a HUGE Smash Mouth fan, I reccomend this to fellow fans of this band. This is the pinnacle of Smash Mouth's musical career.

These guys may not know a lot of english, but their music rocks. The horns and everything are great. Although after a while I became concerned with the lead singer cuz I didn't understand a word he said. Oh man, I'm thankful they have the lyrics included in the album.

Favorite song: Now that My Love is Gone

Great Japanese ska and some reggatta! I personally recommend you get any of their albums. My personal favorite Japanese ska band.

Orginally, I had purchased this CD in 1992 around the time my son was born. I have very fond memories of him cradled in my arms throughout the day/night and putting him at ease with this collective reggae cd. I am a big Bob Marley and Peter Tosh fan, but this album also exposed me to other sounds of reggae than just the streamline Marley/Tosh i had been listening to.

13 years later and a addition of 8 year old daughter as well, our son is now liking our old cd's (hard rock/reggae/etc.) I have found that some come up missing/scratched, etc. and started to look online to replace some of my favorite cd's that I can't live without. This is one of them. Two of my favorites are funky kingston and breakfast in bed. It's hard to choose b/c they are all great songs. Enjoy!

I agree with Jeffrey. This is a fantastic album (cd, whatever). I originally bought it at a used record store in Monterey, CA (Recycled Records, which I think is still there). I recorded it on cassette and carried it with me for the past 20 years or more. I still have the cassette (somewhere) but its good to know the cd is avaiable now. I've seen ALOT of mediocre to BAD reggae collections, but this is a very good sample of the early days. Some songs seem a little quaint, but they grow on you. I especially like Guava Jelly, The World is Upside Down and The Book of Rules, but all the songs are good, though some are better known than others.

WOW - I can't believe I found this on CD! I am a HUGE music collector, and purchased this album new when it came out. It has disappeared over the years, along with my hairline and eyesight, but when I saw it available, I snapped it right up.
Every track is a classic. Organic, tasty as a mango and even somewhat tribal, this is the sound of the making of a culture. The collection went somewhat downhill from here, but, my friends, get this while it is still available. From the atmospheric "This is Reggae Music" by Zap Pow, "I Shot the Sheriff" credited to the Wailers (before Bob was an international legend), the standout "Breakfast in Bed" by the alluring Lorna Bennett, the Doo Wop inspired "Book of Rules" by the Heptones, Toots, Jimmy Cliff, Brother Bob - believe me, a classic and one of the top recordings of all time. Enjoy !

This is a truly superb record, top-rank in areas of vocals, songwriting, musicianship, and production. The line-up of players is the best, and I'm sure they loved making the music on this album. Sounds it. Some of the songs have a bluesy vamp goin' on -- one wonders if this has something to do with the fact that the label behind this recording (Nighthawk) was founded as a blues label. Note that there is a hidden bonus track on the CD in the form of a tasteful dub version of Sweet Loraine attached to the vocal cut. Audiophiles should also note that though this is not a re-mastered CD release, the sound quality is quite fine. Justin Hinds and the Dominoes left a slim legacy in terms of complete albums -- but this one (released in 1984) is a strong classic. Hinds' somewhat plaintive voice is a truly beautiful thing. Reggae lovers are fortunate that Nighthawk got him and his Dominoes out to make this beautiful recording.

This recording is a gem! A critical "must-have". Great performances, lyrics, and production quality. This rootsy album is all about the heart.

If you like the sounds of early reggae, then this album is a must for your collection. "Weeping Eyes" and "Travel with Love" are mantras that I could listen to all day long! Full of humility, sincerety, honesty, beautiful vocals and purity. The rhythm section is worth buying the album alone - this is the same group that backed early Marley. This album is great late at night, and first thing in the morning, I think it is a classic.

This was the first Trojan box set I bought, and with 50 tracks of great reggae, it didn't disappoint. The box draws songs from eight volumes of "Tighten Up" budget compilations Trojan released between '69-'73 for the burgeoning UK market. Selections range from the well known ("Duppy Conqueror", "Johnny Too Bad") to interesting covers ("Shaft", "Kansas City") to grooving instrumentals ("Live Injection", "The Man from Carolina"). All in all a great sampling, and at this price hard to pass up.

This is where it started - Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer laying down fundamental tracks. Every song is excellent, with particular standouts including "Soul Shakedown Party", "Adam and Eve", and "This Train". Buy this and the excellent CD 'African Herbsman' for an education in original reggae.

I only skip one track on this CD, and that's because I never liked Lee "Scratch" Perry. My favorite by far is Desmond Dekker & The Aces' "Kings of Ska." If you want an introduction to ska or reggae, then I advocate this album for your trial version. I love all kinds of genres, and this is an excellent compilation of good ol' school ska/reggae bands. Just scroll back up and look at the artists. It doesn't get any better than this guys.

this is a great ska CD with a lot of good jamaican ska stuff but also the british 2-tone, it really is a "dance-craze" record, you gotta buy it caus with this music you can keep on skanking to that nutty sound!

I bought this cd in jamaica! and wow I reallyenjoy this bouncy jamaican beat. (even though IM having trouble spelling it!) its a MUST BUY

I love this CD. It is one of my favorite reggae CDs. It is upbeat and makes a person want to drink rum. I bought this CD on my honeymoon back in '96 in Jamaica. We are magicaly wisked back to that time and place each and every time we listen to it. Buy it you will love it!

Citizen Fish on the tour for this album is one of the best live bands I have ever seen. They were tighter than a drum and conjured monster waves of energy I can still recall over 10 years later. They just BURNED up the club like it was the last night of their lives.

The band's albums are decent too, though I sold off all their early ones. MM and Thirst being CF's best IMO. If they tour near you just GO.

This is THE standout album from the best ska/punk band around these days. As always, the lyrics are hyper-intelligent, socially conscious rants that provoke real thought but never become preachy. Dick has never sounded better and the music reaches new levels of precision for this veteran band. Honestly, I've worn out my disk player with this album. It's easily one of the best ska/punk efforts ever released. Just buy it!

It's ska and it's British. What else to say? It's fast paced and lively, and I like it a lot.

Given that reggae is an R&B subgenre, it isn't suprising that there have been countless covers of American soul songs by Jamaican artists. This one may feature the estimable Toots Hibbert but it is a plodding effort. The song selection is dubious and the production flat.

For the reggae fanatic, many excellent covers are found in the amazing Trojan Records box sets. For the more occasional listener, I suggest an album by the Blues Busters titled "Phillip and Lloyd," which can be gotten on Amazon. it may not have a star familiar to Americans or a Memphis session cooked up by some record exec, but it's got a lot more spunk and two standout singers. (The Blues Busters were popular in Jamaica, and Amazon also has other titles by the pair.)

Like with anything else, you can buy based on the brand label or on quality.

Sly and Robbie supply the rock steady rhythm and folks like Teenie Hodges, Eddie Hinton and the Memphis Horns add the local color to this wonderful collection. Toots Hibbert sings like a showstopper from the US chitlin circuit on wonderful reinventions of southern soul classics. His Hard To Handle leaves the Black Crowes gasping in its wake. Love and Happiness is stunning. Everything clicks. A truly inspired project!

Toots Hibbert (no, Amazon reviewer, his last name isn't Maytal) takes these old soul standards and reworks them into something fresh and exciting. Toots shows why he is one of the greatest soul singers, ever. "Love the Rain" (really "I can't stand the rain"--the Annie Peebles hit)alone is worth the price of this cd, but there's so much more--check it out.