Ska music reviews

This cd, released this year, is another mix and match grab bag of Dekker delights from the late 60's.

As always, Dekker's rocksteady sensibilities are on full display on this cd, and, as ever, his choices of cover songs on which to display his style of music, are ever intriguing. On this album, he chooses the mid 60's blues/rock staple "Hang On Sloopy," most notably done by the McCoys, as well as Harry Belafonte's "Island In the Sun" to go with the traditional "Wimoweh," (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) Burgess' "Farewell Jamaica," and "Halfway To Paradise." the rest of the tunes are Dekker/Leslie Kong originals.

As one comes to expect from Dekker, the rocksteady grooves are tight and danceable, and Dekker's tenor is right on the money.

The results are (again) pure magic and a joy to listen to.

High energy, well written songs. Strong horns playing jazz licks backed by a solid rythm section. All around great.

A great CD that brings back some great memories of THE premier Chicago ska band of the 1980's. There's some great dance tunes here. Kate's vocals are just as biting as ever, and Frankie's sax still wails! Makes me wanna pull out my leather jacket with all my ska pins, find some skinny ties and head out to the Cubby Bear!!

Ever wonder what Istanbul, a half European half Asian city of 12 m people sounds like? Get an Athena record and find out for yourself. This "little" band of 4 have managed to combine ancient oriental sounds with modern ska beats in a witty and unique way. Unique because the different music styles are arranged together, they harmonise, and are not just randomly thrown together.

However, Athena does not only toy with clashing music but also conflicting life styles.
Their songs deal with relationships frankly, in a down to earth and openminded manner. This is unusual for a Turkish band. You may not understand the lyrics but, obviously Athena gets the message across. Gaining more and more fans in Europe, they ranked 4th in the 2003 Eurovision song contest.

By the way, when listening to them I also have a constant grin on my face, not only because of the music but also because of the singer's gorgeous looks.

Athena are four boys from Istanbul: G�khan, Hakan, Ozan und Turgay which makes them officially Turkey`s first Ska Band.
They started off in `The Last Breath' a Punk Band, then formed after a couple of musician changes Athena (after the Greek Goddess of war). By and by their Fan base got bigger in Turkey, until one day they were invited to start off the Istanbul gig of the Rolling Stones in front of a 40000 people crowd.
Now they are absolutely huge in Turkey and made it already on the excellent Ska sampler "United Colours Of SKA Vol. 3 by the famous German label Pork Pie Records.
I am aware, it's a hard sell: a Ska band, from Turkey, of all places! Though they're good, in fact they're damn talented musicians. It's excellent upbeat Ska with some very catchy Middle Eastern tunes. I noticed my constant grin on my face because it's fun and very enjoyable to listen to, which is exactly what good Ska is supposed to do - think of Madness and Bad Manners. Now dare and order!!

Athena are four boys from Istanbul: G�khan, Hakan, Ozan und Turgay which makes them officially Turkey`s first Ska Band.
They started off in `The Last Breath' a Punk Band, then formed after a couple of musician changes Athena (after the Greek Goddess of war). By and by their Fan base got bigger in Turkey, until one day they were invited to start off the Istanbul gig of the Rolling Stones in front of a 40000 people crowd.
Now they are absolutely huge in Turkey and made it already on the excellent Ska sampler "United Colours Of SKA Vol. 3 by the famous German label Pork Pie Records.

I am aware, it's a hard sell: a Ska band, from Turkey, of all places! Though they're good, in fact they're damn talented musicians. It's excellent upbeat Ska with some very catchy Middle Eastern tunes. I noticed my constant grin on my face because it's fun and very enjoyable to listen to, which is exactly what good Ska is supposed to do - think of Madness and Bad Manners. Now dare and order!!

Rocksteady rulers from Milwaukee make G-d. Better lyrics than the first Violent Femmes album, hotter dance beats than the second Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans album, and better singing than on just about any album by anyone ever. Shahanna McKinney's words are like bullets, and she makes them sound beautiful. I played melodica on 'South Africa,' but don't hold that against it. This band is too beautiful for words, especially their bass player. Lifesaving sounds from nowhere. What's your aversion to dancing?

This album is basicly a greatest hits album from the early to mid years Toasters. It offers up all the classics like History Book, East Side Beat, I Wasn't Going To Call You Anyways and plenty more. Not to be passed up by any true ska fan. If you don't like this then you sure as hell don't like Ska!

Well, I'll keep this short, you gotta get this CD, its some of the best I've heard!

totally kicks the big one roll out the bong pop in a clip and let one slip

fat and black

the nuts

This is an inspired lp from the always trustworthy Skatellites, and for me to not singularly praise them for what they do would be treason.

Fans will like the fact that Stranger Cole, the Maytals, the Dominoes, the Techniques, and Baba Brooks are among the guests on the lp, as well as the fact that the music, as always, is top rate.

Another excellent effort from the kings of ska, with more than a little help from their ska and rocksteady friends.

Dr. John's "Silent Night" is definitely the best reason to get this album. He also does a weird, trippy instrumental version of "Toyland", that is not nearly as good. The Roches also contribute two nice a capella versions of Christmas classics. Nicolette Larson does a couple of obscure covers, including an excellent version of Steve Earle's "Nothing But a Child". The second half of the disc is pretty good too, except for the very annoying "Good News" by Rob Mathes. But don't worry about that... Dr. John's "Silent Night" makes the whole thing worth buying.

This album is not, in general, my style - I prefer Christmas albums that are either entirely secular or entirely religious. However, Dr. John's rendition of Silent Night makes me willing to forgive anything. The Roches versions of Adeste Fidelis and Angels We Have Heard on High are well done. Eastern Bloc's Jingle Bells and Eugene Ruffolo's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas had little appeal. So why five stars? for Dr. John's Silent Night - you need to hear it.