Ska music reviews

This album is worth buying if you're into Christian Ska. I like Jigsaw and Paradise the best. However, their Motor City Ska album is superb and a lot better to skank to. I've seen the Insyderz live, and nothing gets you movin' like their songs from the Motor City Ska album. I do give them kudos though for experimenting in this CD. The Skalleluia CD is ok, but is extremely limited in terms of creativity for obvious reasons (they're tweaking mainstream church songs). Overall: Motor City Ska--BUY IT NOW / Fight of my Life--Buy it when you get around to it / Skalleluia--Borrow it from a friend first

Good stuff. Not too preachy. Focused on the music. Could have spoken of the Savior a bit more though.

I must say at first I was not too crazy about this album but after giving it a few listens it grew on me. It is now in my top 5 ska albums of all time!!!! Musically the insyderz lean more towards pure ska on this CD but there are only 10 songs. Tracks 1,2,4, & 10 are the songs that have some hardcore influence. You can hear punk influence on track 5 and 9 and track 7 is an interesting instrumental song. Yes it is different but it's still the insyderz brand of music. AWESOME SKA-CORE!

As you may have noticed, this cd dosnt have many songs. Being the second record they have released on this label (or any MAJOR label) they did ok. i mean this cd really isnt as good as the first. if you dont have the first dont worry because this is a good first cd to buy by them. it gives you a little sample of what they are like. if you love the fish and have all of their other cds dont bother because this cd only features 2 new songs unheard on the other cds.

This is a great Cd. It has everything... Good songs, good videos, a good game.... It's all there. The songs: Alternative, Baby: This is a nice tune about modern love and getting kicked in the head. Why Do All Girls Think They're Fat: Finally voicing an age-old question, this a pretty catchy song with the "Hey! Hey! Hey!"s. I'm Cool: A song which worms it's way onto every RBF album, this is the best version of it. S.R.: Great song. It's funny and catchy. Unity: Hey, what's wrong with another unity song? I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend Too: In case you were awareness-imparied, this is a hidden song. After Unity, let your player keep going and you'll hear it. It's a great song, I wish they included all of it. Everything Sucks: This is one of the videos. This song is my all-time favorite. Sell Out: Another video, this song is really upbeat and catchy, plus, the video is really cool. Trendy: A great song, but I wish they'd had the She Has A Girlfriend Now or The Set-Up video instead. 241: The best instrumental song they've ever done, this the game you can play. It's kinda fun.

A really good cd. this cd is for fans really

the band geek mafia is the sexiest vgs album ever, it reminds me of when i broke my ankle and had it in plaster, and i hired out the nintendo game banjo & kazooee. i put it in and played it over and over, so now when i see banjo & kazooee at the video store i intanstly start humming 'love letter' or that 'guy with glasses' song. ohhhhh i love it and so will you it is very skankalicious. besides if it wasn't good mark adkins wouldn't endorse it now would he? yum yum yum yum 4 stars, 4 yums.

At first, the singer dude sounded all whacked out and stuff so I really didn't like it. But after a while, I started thinking that this was pretty cool, so I started liking it. The horns are kind of funny and also unique because they're used like in different ways and stuff like that. The guitars are like insane and really cool, and so is the bass. So this is a pretty cool CD and I'd recommend it to like ska/punk heads of course. This is kind of what my band sound like except my voice isn't as deep as this guy's.

The best song is They Always Come Back. The cover art is kind of funny, with the nerd guy and stuff. Also check out Aquabats, The Clash (who wouldn't?), River City Rebels, Catch 22, Less Than Jake, and Reel Big Fish.

I've never been much of a fan of the Glow Skulls' earlier stuff, but this album just really hit perfection on the nose. A lot of people were turned off by the vocals of the fat, bald guy yelling monotone into the microphone. But it's not about that. This album doesn't even NEED vocals as far as I'm concerned. Instead it gives you a wicked super-charged brass section. The only other band I've ever heard come close to that is the Mad Caddies, and they didn't come very close. This is by far the best fusion of ska and hardcore out there, mixed with a Latin edge and taken to speeds guaranteed to get you pulled over even on the Autobon. Every song is worth listening to, and if you eat up this kind of sound, you won't find yourself touching that "Skip" button on the stereo much.

Of the Give 'Em The Boot albums this is simply the best and certainly one of the best punk samplers ever. It is a great mix of crusty punk and ska. It showcases the best bands that Epitaph has to offer. This is a must have for any punk or ska fan.

OK, no one's done a track-by-track review yet, so here goes:

1. Intro- Just a couple seconds of snarling cats. Yeah. -/10

2. Gang's All Here- Anthemic, enjoyable drinking song: what else do you expect from DKM? 9/10

3. Riding the Region- Also known as 'The Region' off Push 'n Shove. Great trad-ska song that'll be stuck in your head for days. 10/10

4. If the Kids Are United- There's been a lot of complaining about this Sham 69 cover, but I think it's just as good as the original. Anthemic, but really bad lyrics. 9/10

5. Nocturnal- Not a huge fan of psychobilly. At least the country influence is muted here. Pretty good song. 8/10

6. Can't Stand It- As another reviewer said, the dancehall/dub thing isn't their best. Check out their earlier stuff. 8/10

7. Tell Me What You're Feeling- Dancehall artist Mad Lion teams up with Rancid. The result: not too good. 6/10

8. Goin' Out- Decent shout-along song. Don't like this band much. 7/10

9. Bad Gadjit- I LOVE THIS BAND! Their blend of ska, blues, 1950s rock n roll is amazing. 10/10

10. LA Girl- Pretty good song, but her voice is grating. 8/10

11. X-Ray Style- Not gonna rate this one. Too unique. World music influences shine on this mellow song. RIP Joe Strummer.

12. Misty Days- Reggae legend Banton and Rancid: should've been better. 6/10

13. The Fool- Solid trad-ska from Slackers side project. Hepcat's Greg Lee sings. 9/10

14. Bruk Out- The best dancehall/Rancid collaboration. A lot of people disagree, but I love it. 9/10

15. Have the Time- Anything by the Slackers is outstanding. 10/10

16. Crack Rock Steady- YESSSS! From the streets of New York comes that crack rocksteady beat. Funny song (just don't take it seriously). Best from CV (too bad they broke up). 10/10

17. Forget Yourself- Forget this track. Forget this band. 5/10

18. Crack City Rockers- Choking Victim with a new drummer and new name. Still keepin that crack rockstaedy beat. 9/10

19. Fools Gold- Solid. Great band, but sometimes sound like Clash wannabes. 9.5/10

20. Rent for Sale- By INDK. Skwert and Ezra of CV's new band. Check em out. 8.5/10

21. Flight of the Phoenicians- Take the vocals and horns out of Hepcat's sound and you get Vanity 5. Good instrumental, but sounds a little weak. 9.5/10

22. Life Won't Wait- Excellent ska song. Great way to close the album. Buju Banton guests. "The vision is the new world order..." 10/10

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to find some good ska and punk. However, I would've liked tracks from Pressure Point (a great oi band on vol. 1) and SOMETHING from King Django. BUY IT NOW!

This is my favorite out of the Give Em the Boot series. I think it's the perfect mix of punk and ska, and the track selections were excellent. It's one of my favorite compilations to listen to on the road. There isn't a song on it that a generally skip, which says a lot for a compilation cd. There is great variety, but every song is good.

One of the best political ska bands ever. Personally, I like Leftover Crack's songs more. Despite all that, Choking Victim will change your thoughts on everything. A true punk/ska band. They mix a unique sound unlike most street punk bands(i.e. Clit 45, The Unseen, A Global Threat) and most ska bands(i.e. Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22, Reel Big Fish). They are even different than your average Operation Ivy band. They mix it in a way that EVERYONE who's listened to the cd, loves it. It's a cd where you can nod your head one second, and then be skanking the next, and then singing along the next part. You'll NEVER be disappointed in this cd. If you like this cd, you'll love Leftover Crack, INDK, Morning Glory, and Team Spider. If you love the hardcore part of it I suggest F-Minus.

Quite possibly one of the most underrated, but greatest skacore albums of all time. Choking Victim have a much angrier and heavier sound than most other bands and definitely succeed in conveying some of their personal views (i.e do drugs, kill cops etc.).
One of the greatest albums HellCat (Epitaph) has ever put out!

Wow Punk Rock at its best. This is i think my second or third favorite album First being raining blood by Slayer and second being Static age by Misfits... But wow this is amazing stuff. ska riffs. metal riffs. punk riffs. AWESOME BLEND.. fav trax are 5 finger discount, war story, and f*** america... awesome awesome GRAND!

there's that kid sitting at his desk, laughing his arse off reading your comments. he can't be serious, he just can't be!
now this recording offers you some of the finest the skatalites recorded since their reunion. featuring special guest ernest ranglin on guitar (check his duet with devon james on "rock fort rock", the skatalites give you a great rendition of a nice assortment of classics. there are crowd favourites such as "eastern standard time", with will clark nicely throwing in a few don drummond quotes, or "latin goes ska" with roland alphonso at his best.
this is a must have for every ska fan and a good start if you want to get into the music!

Apparently The Jamaican Star newspaper thought they were "ska" in 1964:

"The hottest Ska group in town is the Ska-talites. Last Sunday at Bournemouth was the likes of which you've never seen, with grown men prostrate at the tuffness of the sounds."
The STAR (JA) 20/6/64

This is the first time I have ever been so moved to write a review on Amazon. First, great album! Second, that guy a few reviews down really is an idiot. The Skatalites may have gotten their name by way of a skating reference, but the genra of Ska got its name from the Skatalites, and by the way if it weren't for artists like Neil Young leading the way we would not have had an avenue for Nirvana to play.

Positive vibrations. all good songs if not classics, with great lyrics. the only song I don't appreciate as much is Night Shift. This cd contains the only version of Roots, Rock, Reggae that I know. The first song topping the American charts. If your looking for your first Bob Marley cd get Live! or Babylon By Bus.

My first introduction to Bob Marley was from this CD. This CD is an excellent introduction for a Bob Marley newbie, and essential for a more serious fan. Many excellent songs. "Positive Vibration" and "Roots, Rock, Reggae" got some airplay - great selections. "Johnny Was", "Want More", "Night Shift", and "Rat Race" also stand out. I recommend this CD!

This album lacks the explicit political statement of, say, Uprising or Survival, but to me it is Marley's most balanced, soulful album, and it captures the artist at his very best. Simply one of the finest Reggae albums ever, I love the scope of material, from the beautiful "Johnny Was" to the poignant "War" (which, by the way, is taken verbatim from a speech by Haile Selassie.) Does anybody read liner notes any more?

Walking on the sun is like the best song i have ever herd i would give it 10 stars but there is only 5

the single is the best I love walkin' on the sun smash mouth is the best and they make the best cds

I just couldn't go pastthis single from those cool dudes known as Smash Mouth. Especially when Walkin' On the Sun is THE BEST single ever. You'd be crazy to pass up anything Smash Mouth!

I have to completely agree with the ... review by "punkk". Listening to this CD made my bowels liquify and my eyes tear up. Everytime I hear this kind of [stuff] all I can think of is that time I saw a girl go into american eagle with an anarchy patch on her pants. Urge.. to... hurl... RISING!

So yea. Don't buy this. Save your [money]. It may come in handy.

I have no idea why anyoen would buy ANYTHING from this record label. Outside of the fact that they're homophobic the bands that they sign and that are on this comp are just generic wannabe punk rock. There is nothing that these bands could offer to your tastes unless you're 14, think Blink 182 is punk rock and wear Abercrombie & Fitch...then you'll love this CD.

This compilation was quite disappointing. I loved the limited edition "Welcome to the Family" Drive Thru comp. However, that comp was more recent and apparently Drive Thru Records has improved drastically since this comp was made. "Welcome to The Family" mostly had previews to upcoming CDs and new bands that didn't exist back in the "You'll Never Eat Fast Food Again" days (like Finch). As for Allister, their current debut CD isn't all that great. However, "Welcome to The Family" had a preview of the next Allister CD and it was WAY better than their current CD. RX Bandits wasn't very good back then either. However, their current album "Progress" is quite good (which didn't exist back in these days). As for NFG, all of their songs are "Nothing Gold Can Stay" songs. Which kinda stinks cause their newer work is so much better. Midtown was still good of course. However, I already had both of those songs on my "Save The World, Lose The Girl" CD. Cousin Oliver was a good band that currently isn't a Drive Thru band. However, the newer band "Starting Line" is basically just a better version of them. Despite all of these complaints, I have to say Fenix TX was great. But what do you expect? It's Fenix TX! It's too bad only one of the songs were unreleased. I also liked the song "Mom and Dad" by Mothermania. The simplicity of it is also great. The unreleased Fenix TX song, and "Mom and Dad" by Mothermania keep this comp from being a total disappointment. In my book, this comp is outdated. I hope Drive Thru comes out with an updated comp soon that you can get ANYWHERE and is not limited edition. Because this comp is just making Drive Thru Records look bad. Peace.

I agree with Skibz here. The Bosstones, RBF, LTJ, FIF (ok, enough acronyms), et al. are not traditional ska - they are their own thing. There's connections and influences, but stepping up onto your pedestal and proclaiming that the heathens listening to these lowly recent bands should listen to 'real' ska does not make any sense. If someone likes ska-punk, they might absolutely hate traditional ska, and your admonitions will do nothing to change that. They'll just be given one more reason not to at least try to like it. If someone disdainfully reproached you for your musical interests, would that really inspire you to look into that person's musical interests?

Of course, the reviewer comparing them to the Bosstones was most likely just trying to stir up crap, and has succeeded. There's more than a few people doing that on here. Don't take every review as if the person was perfectly serious: I think there is great humor in such facetious posts, as long as you are able to see it for what it is.

Now for another realization. Some of the first few bands I got into were Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish. The Bosstones were, and still are, one of my favorite bands. They are exceptional at what they do. I *also* like more traditional ska, but I've had enough with the naming of names, and trying to one-up everyone by being more 'pure' in their selection. I don't feel it's any more 'real' - it's a totally different style, for a totally different mood.

Anyway. The Skatalites are great. Goodnight.

/steps down from own pedestal

If your looking for the Skatalites then you know what to expect...buy this! If you've stumbled accross this album because your interested in the roots of various musical gendres then you have found this one for a reason...buy it! I also HIGHLY recomend checking out Mike Youngs other reviews, very entertaining.

Of particular note are Mr. Youngs reviews of -

The movie Showtime, quote: "DeNiro's best movie"

The Fleet Adult Enema Twin Pack, quote: "The two pack is an idea whose time has come."

The movie Air Bud, quote: "Disturbingly relevant in today's post 9/11 climate" (He's down with Air Bud 1 and 3 but not 2)

The Skatalites Ball of Fire album, quote: "Ska, which was primarily invented by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Operation Ivy has gotten so big that they're now going back and calling earlier bands, like the Skatalites, "Ska" as well." (read the whole review and try not to make a HUH?!?!?! face)

I urge you to take time out to peruse all of Mr. Youngs reviews, nuggets of wisdom in each and every one of them.

Everyone likes what they like; but comparing the musicians on this Skatalites CD to those of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones is shocking. To state that the Bosstones are the source for insight or enjoyment to SKA flips reality on its head. I dink Mr. Young smokin' too much bud mon.