Ska music reviews
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Music reviews for "Ska" sorted by average review score:
Mojo Rock Steady
Released in Audio CD by Heartbeat Records (28 February, 1994)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Mojo Rock Steady - Prince Francis
- I Am Free - Gaylads
- Psychedelic Rock (Rockfort Rock) - Sound Dimension
- They Got To Go - Hugh Godfrey
- Take Me - Roland Alphonso
- Hot and Cold - Soul Brothers
- Rockers Corner - King Stitt
- Feel So Good - Denise Darlington
- Mojo Rock Steady (Instrumental) - Sound Dimension
- River Jordan - The Bassies
- Whipping The Prince - Alton Ellis/The Soul Vendors
- Secretly - Hortense Ellis
- People Get Ready - Minstrels
- Rock and Sock - Roland Alphonso/The Soul Brothers
- Tables Gonna Turn - Clarendonians
- Africa - Gaylads
Average review score: 
For Reggae Enthusiasts OnlyMojo Rock Steady was promoted at the Skateland in Half-Way Tree, Jamaica on Monday, November 13, 1972, by Puncy Nanny as "Fatman" and Ranky as "Jango". Music producer and engineer Clement "Sir Coxon" Dodd experimented with rhythyms of American R&B and jazz coupled with his own preference for a strong bassline made him a force in the Jamaican music industry. Various hits from this compact disc are easy to listen to and enjoyable to dance in step with. Most of today's lyrics are a rework of the original hits and some a distortion of the Studio One legacy.
Monkey Business
Released in Audio CD by Trojan UK (05 December, 1995)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Tighten Up - The Untouchables
- Fatty Fatty - Clancy Eccles
- 54-46 That's My Number - The Maytals
- 007 (Shanty Town) - Desmond Dekker
- Liquidator
- Fire Corner - Clancy Eccles, King Stitt
- Double Barrel - Ansel Collins, Dave Collins, Dave & Ansel Collins
- Birth Control
- Herbsman - King Stitt
- Elizabeth Reggae - Boris Gardiner
- Return of Django - The Upsetters
- Monkey Spanner - Ansel Collins, Dave Collins, Dave & Ansel Collins
- Young Gifted and Black - Bob & Marcia
- Long Shot Kick de Bucket - The Pioneers
- Monkey Man - The Maytals
- Dollar in the Teeth - The Upsetters
- Barbwire - Nora Dean
- Shocks of Mighty - The Upsetters
- Them Laugh and a Kiki - Soulmates
- Cherry Oh Baby - Eric Donaldson
Average review score:
CracktasticIt would be hard to describe this CD without using the word 'pancreatic', so there it is, it's absolutely pancreatic. I think the best way to convey the feel of this album is to describe the hilarity of Track 8 'Birth Control', by Lloydie and the Lowbites. It begins with a terrifying exchange between a surly, horny Jamaican man and his trans-gender sexual partner. The Jamaican demands that 'she' lay down on the bed, so that he can 'wash that ...'. And it just gets better from there. Also, the tune 'Young, Gifted and Black' is the most danceable song about being young, gifted and black ever written. A must have for any aficianado of truly entertaining music.
Monkey Man/From the Roots
Released in Audio CD by Trojan (28 July, 1999)
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Artist: Toots & the Maytals
Tracks:
- Peeping Tom - Toots & the Maytals
- Revival Reggae - Toots & the Maytals
- Give Peace a Chance - Toots & the Maytals
- Gold and Silver - Toots & the Maytals
- Preacher - Toots & the Maytals
- Bla Bla Bla - Toots & the Maytals
- African Doctor
- Monkey Man - Toots & the Maytals
- Sun Moon and Star - Toots & the Maytals
- Pressure Drop - Toots & the Maytals
- She's My Scorcher - Toots & the Maytals
- I Shall Be Free - Toots & the Maytals
- Pee Pee Cluck Cluck - The Maytals
- Loving Spirit - The Maytals
- Koo Koo - The Maytals
- Thy Kingdom Come - The Maytals
- One Eyed Enos - The Maytals
- Time to Love - The Maytals
- Nine O'Clock - The Maytals
- Know Me Good - The Maytals
- Got to Feel (It) - The Maytals
- Feel So Good - The Maytals
- Sweet and Dandy [*] - Toots & the Maytals
- Never You Change [*] - Toots & the Maytals
- Gonna Need Somebody [*] - Toots & the Maytals
- I Alone [*] - Toots & the Maytals
Average review score:
Reggae and Ska HeavenI've always liked Toots and the Maytals, but I almost felt guilty. I felt like I was cheating on The Wailers.
But I've grown up a bit, and I realize there's room for two favorites in my reggae collection (and one Gregory Isaacs album, the pretty rare "Watchman of the City").
I recently stumbled upon this CD while in the Reggae/World section in a popular music shop. I had no idea what pleasure lay in store.First of all, there are about 27 songs on the CD (I assume that this is the same one. The title's the same, and it's two original albums in one). There isn't one snoozer in the whole lot (as opposed to, say, "Chances Are", by Mr. Marley). Each time I listen it's like I'm throwing a party for myself. The Maytals skank, shriek, and bop. Toots howls joyously, like a Jamaican Otis Redding; deep heartfelt shouting comparable to early Wailers stuff done at Studio One. My favorite right now is the song that goes "Da da da da". Yes, Toots is funny, too. Silly yet soulful.
These albums remind us that reggae is more than wailing, rebellion and dubs. It's FUN! I only wish everyone could hear this collection. Well, maybe not. It's kind of fun having the party all to myself.
Monster Butt Beat Dance Test
Released in Audio CD by Red Distribution, in (08 February, 1994)
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Artist: Bop (harvey)
Tracks:
- Rooster (With His Hands)
- History
- Vibe [Live]
- Dub Master [Live]
- Spinning Wheel [Live]
- Light up or Leave Me Alone [Live]
- Hieronymus Bosch [Live]
- Bend Down Low
- White Wine [Live]
- Dance Faster
- Lazarus/Lazjam
- Kiss It Away
- Fun! [Live]
- Lypso [Live]
- Soul Shakedown Party [Live]
- I Want to Breathe [Live]
- Toe the Line [Live]
- Get Ready/Mama Michigan [Live]
- Underwater [Live]
- Right Way [Live]
- Lela [Live]
- Man in Disguise [Live]
- Out of the Rain [Live]
Average review score:
This album rules!Bop (Harvey) was one of the most amazing touring bands of the late 80's and early 90's. The energy they brought to each performance radiated through the crowd, lifting their spirits and getting their feet and bodies moving. Mixing reggae,ska,jazz and rock, they broke down typical musical conventions. This double album catches that spirit musically and emotionally. Recorded at the Ocean Mist in Rhode Island, this double album shows they disbanded before their time...but at least we have this memory to touch on.
More Hottest Hits from Treasure Isle
Released in Audio CD by Heartbeat Records (28 May, 1994)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Dedicated To You - Jamaicans
- On The Beach - Paragons
- Live Wire (Take One) - Gladiators
- Lonely Street - Conquerors
- Funky Funky Reggae - Dave Barker
- If I Should Make It - Freddie McKay
- Break Up To Make Up - Leroy And Junior
- On The Bank - Coolies
- If This World Were Mine - Tyrone Evans
- You're Like Heaven - Phyllis Dillon
- I Love You Baby - Versatiles
- Funny (Take Two) - Soul Lads
- In The Studio - Duke Reid And U-Roy
- Rock Away (Version Two) - U-Roy And The Melodians
- Tonight - Winston Wright
- Do It Right (Early Version) - Three Tops
- Do It Right (Soul Take) - Three Tops
Average review score:
Original Reggae MastersDuring the late 1960s, Treasure Isle ruled the Jamaican airwaves with many of these recorded tracks. Their competitor, Studio One, made the music scene extremely exciting. In this collection of hits are reggae greats like the Paragons and U Roy and the Melodians.
They are phenomenal because they remind the listener of a time when music was good to listen to and appreciated. The lyrics in the songs aren't lewd like some of the current reggae songs. They sing of love, loss, heartbreak, and fulfillment. Phyllis Dillon has a soft and light voice when she sings "You're Like Heaven".
The original hits should not be forgotten. They should be listened to as the artists of the present sample and look upon them for their musical inspiration.
They are phenomenal because they remind the listener of a time when music was good to listen to and appreciated. The lyrics in the songs aren't lewd like some of the current reggae songs. They sing of love, loss, heartbreak, and fulfillment. Phyllis Dillon has a soft and light voice when she sings "You're Like Heaven".
The original hits should not be forgotten. They should be listened to as the artists of the present sample and look upon them for their musical inspiration.
More Intensified: Original Ska 1963-1967, Vol. 2
Released in Audio CD by Mango (26 October, 1990)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Six And Seven Books OF Moses - The Maytals As The Vikings
- Dr. Kildare - The Skatalites
- Congo War - Lord Brynner And The Sheiks
- Woman Come - Marguerita
- Man In The Street - Don Drummond
- What A Man Doeth - Eric Morris
- Lucky Seven - The Skatalites
- Miss Ska-Culation - Roland Al And The Soul Brothers
- Dr. Ring-A-Ding - Roland Al And The Soul Brothers
- Run Joe - Stranger Cole
- Sucu-Sucu - The Skatalites
- The Great Wuga Wuga - Sir Lord Comic
- Dick Tracy - The Skatalites
- Mount Zion - Desmond Dekker And The Four Aces
- Marcus Junior - The Soul Brothers
- Train To Skaville - Ethiopians
This compilation captures the subtle shift in Jamaican music from ska to rock steady around the mid-'60s, a distinction that is not always easy to make. Early ska is a musical grab bag of diverse elements. Rooted in mento, a folk sound that could be described as Jamaican Calypso, ska also incorporated R&B structures, Latin American horn choruses, and elements from the burgeoning Rasta drumming movement led by Count Ossie and his band. It even reprised the musical strains of African revivalist cults such as Pocomania. Rock steady, which would soon evolve into reggae, is said to have emerged when the dry, hot summer of '66 necessitated a slowdown by dancers and musicians into steadier tempos and simpler arrangements, and the new sound and dance were both aptly termed rock steady. This ska-to-rock steady period was also the heyday of the legendary ska big band the Skatalites, many of whose members had been students at the Alpha Boys School in Kingston and had played in various marching bands. The Skatalites' instrumental virtuosity, jazz influences, and military-tight arrangements are represented here most compellingly in "Dick Tracy" and "Man in the Streets," featuring the emblematic and melancholy slide trombone of Don Drummond, whose tragic death in an insane asylum after he murdered his beautiful dancer girlfriend adds a bit of frisson to the Skatalites-Drummond legend. But all the selections in this compilation possess that distinctive Skatalite quality of springboarding from deep-rooted folk tradition to the heights of jazz lyricism. --Elena Oumano
Average review score:
Instant BlissThis album is an automatic mood stimulant, as beautiful, peppy and innocent as anything I've ever heard. It's also not something everyone else owns, therefore it is a secret pleasure. I recommend it to anyone who isn't an idiot.
My Time Is the Right Time
Released in Audio CD by Westside UK (07 March, 2000)
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Artist: Alton Ellis
Tracks:
- Blessings Of Love
- The Preacher
- Cry Tough
- I've Got A Date
- Why Birds Follow Spring
- Rock Steady
- Duke Of Earl
- Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
- Oo Wee Baby (Baby I Love You)
- How Can I?
- My Willow Tree
- I Can't Stand It
- My Time Is The Right Time
- Breaking Up
- La La Means I Love You
- Remember That Sunday (Solo Version)
- Black Man's Word
- Feeling Inside (True Loving)
Average review score:
my time is wright nowthis is a verey graet album to start off you rocksteady/reggae
cd collecton. Alton Ellis grat voice and soulful leric is what give this cd a life of its owne. give it a lison for your self
cd collecton. Alton Ellis grat voice and soulful leric is what give this cd a life of its owne. give it a lison for your self
My Voice Is Insured for Half a Million Dollars
Released in Audio CD by Trojan Records UK (29 August, 2000)
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Artist: Dennis Alcapone
Tracks:
- My Voice Is Insured For Half A Million Dollars
- Pop A Version
- Fever Teaser
- Power Version
- Rocking To Ethiopia
- Joe Frazier Round 2
- This A Butter
- Musical Alphabet
- It Must Come
- Jungle Of Crime
- Take Your Time
- Sons Of Zion
- Castles & Kings
- Mava
- East To West
- False Prophet
- Out The LIght Baby
- Ball Of Confusion
- Fine Style
- Look Into Yourself
- Out Of This World
- Go Jenny Go
- Seven Day Reggae
- Zaka-Za-Za
- Horse And Buggy
Average review score:
as good a primer for his material as you will findAs the Jamiacan deejay scene expolded with unparalleled creativity and excitement, U-Roy emerged as the undisputed king of the genre. Also emerging from the shadows of the rest of the pack was Dennis Alcapone.
While Alcapone never overtook U-Roy's place as the premier toaster in Jamaica, this by no means implies that he wasn't influential or didn't make top notch recordings- both implications would be dead wrong. Alcapone worked in the 70's with the likes of Prince Buster and Lee "Scratch" Perry, and would also produce works by Augustus Pablo and Delroy Wilson. He was very much in demand.
His unique style of toasting is well represented on this compilation, showcasing his unique blend of singing and rapping to great effect. Many of the tracks, including "Musical Alphabet," "Jungle Crime," "East To West," and "False Prophet," landed Alcapone #1 hits in Jamaica.
Alcapone is still going strong today, putting his unique stamp of classic toasting on whatever he does. This cd is a great look at one of Jamaica's most beloved dee-jays, and well worth the investment.
Never Grow Old
Released in Audio CD by Heartbeat / Pgd (07 October, 1997)
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Artist: Toots & the Maytals
Tracks:
- I'll Never Grow Old
- Sweet Sweet Jenny
- Are You Mine
- Matthew Mark
- My Destination
- True Love
- Just Got To Be
- Treat Me Bad
- Hallelujah
- Don't Let
- War No More (AKA Down By The Riverside)
- Tell Me You Love Me
- Six And Seven Books Of Moses
- Four Seasons (Version 1)
- Four Seasons (Version 2)
- I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)
Toots and the Maytals are well-known as a defining reggae group, but their roots are back in the glory days of ska. In 1962-63, when these cuts were recorded, Toots was still in his teens and Bob Marley had yet to enter a studio. The harmonies have traces of American gospel and R&B, but are already breaking out in the distinctively Jamaican rhythms that would evolve throughout the 1960s. The Skatalites provide typically pumped-up brass, the Maytals add tight harmonies, and Toots soars over it all. "Are You Mine" is pure doo-wop, and "War No More" is a skatified "Down by the Riverside." The gems, though, are "Six and Seven Books of Moses," a romping Jamaican gospel, and the title track, which mixes it all together in an exuberant celebration of wailing voices and honking saxophone. --Elijah Wald
Average review score:
Only reviewed once huh?After some 20 years of listening to, and collecting, SKA, Rocksteady, Skinhead Reggae and Reggae, this album continues to be among the best I own. I have everything Toots has ever done, and seen him several times, but these songs from the beginning are, in my humble opinion, the best he has ever done. Never Grow Old and Hallelujah alone are worth the price of this CD, but all the others are great as well. If you like old Reggae at all, do yourself a favor and add this to your collection imediately. As the other reviewer stated, it will change your life
Jumping music to lift the soulIf you get the opportunity this album will change your life. Big Words? Try it then call me a liar. Early Toots records started with a bang and got fiercer as the song developed. Want to learn the first chapters of the Bible, try the Book of Moses. Just try it and see. You will not be disappointed.
New Ground
Released in Audio CD by Bib (11 June, 1996)
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Artist: Burma Jam
Tracks:
- Intro
- Word Equality
- All Churches
- F*ck (Missing U)
- Less Than I
- New Ground
- Catastrophic
- Fur Das Kind
- Bastard
- New Ground Dub
- Crunch
- One Cut Deeper
- Zoo
- Reprise
Average review score:
Modern reggae without the BSThis CD rocks like no other. I have never heard such a good mix of reggae, rock, and a little dancehall and ska thrown in. The horns are a perfect addition, and the music is far from the happy-go-lucky sh*t you hear from most ska and what not.