Ska music reviews

If you're a fan of the more traditional ska sound you won't find too many bands out there today that can compete with Hepcat. New York City's The Slackers are the closest in terms of putting a modern spin on the classic "Skatalites Sound".

Although "Push N Shove" is a good album; I still prefer their previous three albums. This record is slower; and although it's got a fun groove on it - it lacks the rollicking dance songs like "No Worries" from Right on Time or "Bobby & Joe" from Scientific that made those records great. The closest song on this album that would fit that mold would be "The Region"; which also appeared on the Hellcat Compilation "Give 'Em The Boot Vol. 2".

Here's how I would break it down:
If you're new to Hepcat's music and want to try one of their CDs to see if you like them - I would recommend you buy their 1997 album "Right On Time" first.
If you like that - then get their 1995 debut album "Out of Nowhere" (now back in print).
Next would be the 1996 album "Scientific".
Then pick up this one last.

If you're already a Hepcat fan then you know what you're getting when you buy this CD... another batch of soulful ska from one of the best bands of the last decade.

OK. So this probably ISN'T Hepcat's best. But so what? It's still amazing, and a fitting final chapter in this band's all-too-short career. The glaring weakness is, of course, the departure of Alex Desert, one of the best vocalists in ska today. However, he does appear as a "guest" lead on "Tek Dat" and "You and I", and for a verse or so on "Comin on Strong" and in the background on "Gimme Little Sign." This is not to say Greg and Deston aren't also very good; it's just the sound is incomplete. Raul Talavera (alto sax)'s departure is less noticeable, as the equally excellent Kincaid Smith and Efren Santana can carry the album horns-wise. To the songs:

1. Push n' Shove 4/5 Weakest song on the album.

2. Tek Dat 5/5 Lord Funny cover. Great, but can't understand a word of it.

3. Lude 1 2/5 Too-short dub track #1.

4. Prison of Love 5/5 Karina Denike of the DanceHall Crashers sings this one. Almost as good as the original, but very different.

5. The Ronnie 5/5 Solid instrumental. Some good guitar work.

6. Daydreamin' 5/5 Very doo-wop influenced.

7. Comin on Strong 6/5 My favorite. Sounds like a Temptations song. Everyone sings lead on this.

8. You and I 5/5 Beautiful slow reggae ballad. No horns, though.

9. Beautiful 5/5 Great fast jazz-samba. Rhythm section shines.

10. The Region 5/5 EXTREMELY catchy. Just try to not sing along.

11. Gimme Little Sign 4.5/5 Brenton Wood cover. Good, but not the best here.

12. Lude 2 2/5 Again, too short.

13. The Spins 4/5 Alright instrumental.

14. Live On 5/5 Fitting last song from the band. Very relaxing, positive lyrics.

This is the most available Hepcat album, but my suggestion is to get them in chronological order, to best represent the band's evolution.

Highly recommended.

This is the latest, and in my opinion the greatest release from Hepcat to date. The tracks flow flawlessley through, in a perfect arrangment. Each song is a wonderful thing in its own way, this album should not be missed by any person. Even is you are a true fan of ska, or just looking for something different, I assure you, this album will not be a disapointment.

this is definitly an butt-kickin� album. Ska-P is one of the best Ska bands in the entire world. Lotta Catchy tunes and hilarious lyrics.
My personal favorites are "Napaes","Romero el Madero", "Cannabis" and "Sexo y Religon"
Also check all other albums of them, as they also are really recommendable,especially "Eurosis".
But nothing can beat them live on stage. That�s an experience i don�t wanna miss.

"Y saco un papelito me preparo un cigarrilo y una china para un canuto de hachis..." Y asi empieza la cancion de Cannabis, una gran cancion sin lugar a dudas. Ska-p, para mi culmina la reinvindicacion de la libertad de expresion, de pensamiento y de religion. Su ritmo, es increible y la letra original y graciosa, burlesca pero con un toque maestro, que a mas de uno seguro que le invita a pensar tal y como ellos piensan (anarquia, antireligosos etc...) Bueno pues eso! 5 estrellas, merecidillas ;-) y los que tengan el disco... LEGALIZACION!!!!!

SKA-P es lo m�s grande que hay, al fin una banda que puede transmitir lo que sienten los animales de laboratorio, y ponerte la p�el de gallina.

I really like Mark McGrath so I knew I would like the CD! I bought it and I don't reagret it!

Sugar Ray's import disc for Every Morning is much better than the American release. This EP has 3 tracks, all of which are cool. Rivers, the B-side which has only appeared on the Scream 2 soundtrack and on none of their LPs is a really great song. It's interesting to hear the original version of Aim For Me with slightly different guitar riffs. This CD is for Sugar Ray freaks like myself only.

I really like Mark McGrath so I knew I would like the CD! I bought it and I don't reagret it!

Exodus (the movement of JAH People) was time magazine's album of the century, that should say enough right there. But if you are not convinced buy it and you will be for sure. This album was released in 1977, and was recorded in London England. Bob Marley and members of the band survived an attempted assination in December of 1976, and went into self imposed exile in London. Here the creativity of the band is quite good, and many of the Songs that you know by Bob Marley and the Wailers appear on this disc. Jamming, Exodus, One Love, Three Little Birds, and Waiting In Vain. All the tracks are great on this disc and you can hear for the first time in all of the Wailers recordings that the quality of the recording equipment here is much better. The dummer's (Carlton Barrett) high hat never came through so clear. This album marks the intro of Junior Marvin (lead guitar)to the band. The band was about to gain superstar status and this album marks the beginning.
The second disc features some live tracks from the 1977 tour and the songs slected for the release happen to be from the 1977 Rainbow theater concerts, which will also be availble on dvd very soon. The live performances really come through and prove that the band has a tremendous vibe live and that while in concert they most certainly bring their best. the Lee Perry tracks are rather rare and are very nice to listen to. the booklet that comes with the cd can provide more insight into them and how they came to be, but just know that it is not the Wailers backing Bob on them, rather musicians from other bands. At the end is a Bob Marley promotion of the album for radio which is really nice to hear. If you are questioning yourself about this set or the single disc edition, this set offers a more diverse selection, and the bonus tracks and bonus disc are really a great addition tot he album of the century.

This package, the 'deluxe' edition of the masterful 'Exodus' album by Marley and the Wailers, finally includes the complete nine minute and eighteen second, original version of the Lee Perry/Bob Marley collaboration 'Punky Reggae Party', recorded over two months in July/August 1977. (The single disc edition of 'Exodus' which includes 'Punky Reggae Party' says 'long version ' but it is not, lasting only six minutes before it is edited to a close, before Marley's chilling jazz scatting is complete) For this gem of collaborative genius this 'deluxe' package is worth the high price; just a bit of helpful info on this day, the 60th anniversary of Bob Marley's birth.

The original version of this album was the album which sparked my obsession with Bob Marley & the Wailers in the Spring of 2002 and I now own all the albums and know nearly all there is to know about my fallen hero. This album is phenomonal boasting the most hits on a single album in his entire career. Each song is a song for the ages from "Natural Mystic" to "One Love/People Get Ready". This album promises to deliver everything both the hardcore and casual fan could want and more with each powerful, life-changing song.

The deluxe edition promises even more phenomonal work with rare classics like "Roots" and "Punky Reggae Party," as well as an unreleased version of "Keep On Moving," with several remixes and an excerpt from a concert to boot. If you purchase this album, I can guarentee you will not be disappointed. You'll find yourself listening to it time and time again.

one of the greatest albums put together. very soulful, jazzy ska. my favorite ska band of all time. after all,they are from my home town. special guest vocals from the girl from the nyc ska band metro stylee. not your generic ska. these guys were amazing

I LOVED THIS CD IT'S THE BEST I'VE HARD IN YEARS AND FRANKIE WOW HE IS HOT AND THE BEST FROM THE BAND. GOOD LUCK TOO YOU SERENA CA.

Wow, I've seen these guys play and they are awesome, an amazing band, and an equally amazing album... not to mention Dawn is god with a small g... you'll skank hard to this one

I caught these hip cats at the Alligator in Breckenridge back during Thanksgiving week '97. These guys had the place moving and shaking. As a musician myself with a jazz/blues/carribean influence, I grooved to their beats and rifts immediately. I purchased a c.d. at the show and everyone back here in Milwaukee asked, '"Who's this? Where'd you 'find' this?"' I haven't seen them live since, I'm sure their even more tighter and balanced. (Jon, if you happen to read this, take my advice I've given you many times over the past two years via J.R. email, look into getting out here in Milwaukee for Summerfest. The music masses of Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Detroit converge for 11 days of music, sun, and good times on Lake Michigans' Milwaukee shoreline.)

I dare you to listen to this CD and keep any body parts from moving. Believe me, it would be difficult, and when I give this one a spin, I don't want to even try. Last year at a nightspot in Silver City, New Mexico, I had the unexpected pleasure of hearing an impromptu performance by this group. They had just finished a gig at the local college and showed up hoping to cool off and relax. At the urging of several patrons who had been present at the concert, these great guys got their instruments and proceeded to bring down the house. Many songs later, far past the usual closing time, the crowd reluctantly allowed them to pack up for their trip back to Denver.

All the tracks on this offering display a distinctive style and have made me a big fan of ska. I especially like "Angry Youth". The opening drum beats and gradual introduction of voices and instruments are irresistibly engaging. If you ever have the chance to catch this group live, don't pass it up! The wonderful talent of the members of Judge Roughneck has been captured very well on this CD, and I highly recommend it.

As a big fan of ska, I hear a lot of bands. There are a lot of bands that are fun but lack either musicianship, quality studio recordings or perhaps the singers voice is weak. This is one of the bands that has it all. Also, a lot of diversity between one song and another. More 'old school' than bands like Reel Big Fish or Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Nevertheless, still filled with some modern sensibilities. Definitely one of the high rotation CD's in my extensive collection. I eagerly await their next release.

This album is simply amazing. Their cover of Nena's 99 Red Balloons is great and Counting The Days is one of my favorite songs. If you are going to buy a Goldfinger album, or any album, buy THIS one!

Awesome Album. 99 Red Baloons cover is one of the best covers ever. Good purchase. Do not buy it off Amazon because you can get cheaper somewhere else. Also buy disconnection notice, goldfinger, and open your eyes (all good purchases).

Goldfinger's third CD does not lose any of the intensity they had on their first CD. The songs are fast, fun, and very singable. If you havent' yet, go see these guys in concert, they never dissapoint.

In case you are at all wondering, Pain broke up a few years ago, which is why finding their music is rather hard.

That in mind, they are a great band, and one of the only things that redeems Alabama. I am not even a big fan of Ska, but Pain has always had a way of catching the listener off guard with their over-the-top humor, and catchy beats. The lead singer has an incredibly dynamic voice, which works great at personifying the nerd in his lyrics.

This CD, while said before, is not their cleanest, but is most definitely the more diverse of the 3. Right away songs such as In A Band, Gavin, and Suckerpunch keep you rocking out, while the more astranged songs such as Easy Out, and The Song Of The 7 Inch Cowboy offer a comical experience.

Their CDs were out of print, but you can now get them via their website(http://www.thepainpage.com), which is great news for all of those who should've been exposed to this band, but weren't.

I severely doubt you will see much beyond these albums, as there happened to be a lot of disputes in the band, but live with what you have. Do yourself a favor, and buy their records. If nothing else, you will be amused. Also, you could be missunderstood as being a geek with these CDs, whereas if you bought the TechnoMetal CD by that other Pain band, you'd just be trying to buy your way into a genre full of bad cliches.

the other day my friend Mark said he had a CD for me to listen to. now he said to be open to it and just let it be. so I took a listen to it and MAN do I love it! very old school ska feel to it, but it's also very modern. I love the catchy tunes and how you can just jump and dance around to it. = )

I remember pain back when i lived in alabama Me and my cousin thought it was one of the coolest local bands ever and he has an autographed band t-shirt man it was the coolest but i havent seen them perform sence that incedent at the club where they played (some drunk lady had a keg party and got the place closed) but man i hope to see them play agin but migits with guns is my favorite cd

I grew up to this CD. These guys, simple songs, but so much soul!!! Ska can really suck, but when it is great its great, and the gadjits are spectacular!!!

the gadjits can ROCK !!THey tear it up in their live performances like nobody's bid'ness! their music hits explosively live. look for them when they're in town because they are truly a sight to behold( i couldn't keep my eyes off their gorgeous keyboardist!oh-my-god!the drummer could be keith moon's clone,who knows?!) and to hear!

spiffy dosen't quite cover it. I have a friend who got me into ska and the gadjets are one of my favorite bands. some songs that really tell it like it is, like back up, and beautifull girl. they are right up there with hepcats and slackers. buy this cd!

Nice appetizer for those looking for an intro to the Beat. Fun to listen to, just wish it had a few more tracks.

Definitely could've been another song or two added to this best of, but what a brilliant collection. I can't keep it out of my cd player.

I think everyone will find what they're looking for in a collections album when they purchase this, and it's a great cd to start off with if you don't have anything else by The Beat.

The cd ranges over the many genres and influences that are jam-packed into this bands talent to a perfect blend, but this one will always stick alongside my ska and reggae collection.

So put it on direct play, or shuffle - you'll thoroughly enjoy it either way.

This album is great package, it has most of the songs a fan of the English Beat could want. Durring high school I listened to a great deal of ska, roots reggae, 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave ska from England, the U.S. and Jamaica. I saw some English Beat but other than obscure record collectors its not something the average record store keeps in stock.

This album has many of the songs I remember really liking; Rankin full stop, Mirror in the bathroom, Save it for later, Tears of a clown, and Can't get used to losing you.

This band was faboulous encorporating jamaican elements with classic rock music and making ska available and suiting for mass media. This is probably due to an influx of immigration from Jamaica in the seventies and eighties to places like London. The music is rocksteady and lyrics are sincere and genuine. Some songs are dance songs that make you shake it even silly. Some songs are serious statements about life and love.

This band will go down as the best mainstream ska reggae rocksteady band that was'nt really mainstream, if you know what I mean. A definite pick up if you find your self liking the Police, UB40, Madness, or No Doubt.