Ska music reviews

This album makes really your day or night! It's honest. It has a lot of emotions, a mid-groovalistic-reggae-jazziz tempo, travelling mood and a lot of guitar magic-riffs. An Ernest Ranglin's classic.

Ranglin first gained the world's attention in the 60s when he played a major role in developing Ska, and in this album his music still sounds fresh and exciting. The back-up group consists of acoustic bass, drums, percussion and famous Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander. My personal favourite tracks have to be 'Surfin', 'Below the Bassline' and the Reggae classic 'Ball of Fire' with outstanding sax solos by the mighty Ronald Alphonso. A stunning blend of Ska, Reggae & Jazz, Definetly worth checking out.

The songs are tight but playful. The musicians are having their say while contributing to the group. One of the best music purchases I've made this year. Get it.

Drummer Dan is an old, now distant, friend from elementary school near Wash, DC. We used to jam together, to the extent that we could at that age, and I can verify that he had rhythm even way back when. I've only recently discovered this music (March 2003), which takes rhythm to a whole new level of interesting involvement -- I'm still amazed it remains rock solid despite its ska swings. Anyway, just a note of hello to Dan and thanks to the band for music that appeals to intelligent listeners! Regarding the CD itself, production is fine; musical balance is excellent; and emotional involvement hits highs immediately and remains.

When I heard The Articles were a Ska band, I thought they would be another horn/punk guitar/banging drums band. I found something better. It's more sophisticated and may take more than one listening to appreciate. If you like jazz, give this a listen.

Right now the third wave of ska seems to be the predominant source of that Jamaican beat. But please realize, that this is where it's at! Comparable to the eternal Skatalites, these peeps know how to keep that rhythm alive and crankin'! Pinched with a touch of jazz, every memorable legend from both genres are here: Thelonius Monk, Charles Mingus, The Skatalites, even the godfather Laurel Aitken! No funny lyrics... none at all! Just smooth stylings for a smooth release!

This cd is totally fun to listen to. My favorite song is "Garota Nacional." Skank is one of the coolest bands.

A must album for anybody who likes to dance. The whole CD is just full of great songs like "� Uma Partida de Futebol," "Garota Nacional," "T�o Seu," and "Samba Pacon�." They just keep outdoing themselves with every album.

I was amazed to see this CD at such a low price. Itis WELL worth it! The CD cover might look a little risque but it has nothing to do with the content........love these guys!

Music that transcends all!!!! Everyone hears this music and loves it right away.

This CD is by far one of the greatest finds I have made--thanks to down loading music.

If you take your ska back to its roots, this is the album for you. In the vein of their modern peers, the Toasters, this Hepcat's album takes the ska sound back to the original 1950's and 60's rude boys of Jamaica. The Hepcats are true to their predecessors--the Skatalites, King Tubby, Desmond Decker, and others. This is not your neighbors ska-core, this is real island ska.

Buy it, you wont regret it.

It's time that I make a verbose review for "Scientific", which I think is Hepcat's best album. The others are great as well, but Scientific is incredible.

Granted, they lost a great sax player in Dave Hillyard before making this album, but the remaining horn players (Efren, Raul and Kincaid) do an exceptional job in picking up the slack. Of course, what I love about Hepcat is their vocal harmonies, with Greg Lee, Alex Desert and Deston Berry doing their usual great job in creating great sounds. I think that overall Greg's songs are the most memorable, but perhaps my favorite song on the album is "Home", sung by Alex (of "Becker" fame(?)... is Alex still in the band? I hope so.).

Some other classics on this album are "Country Time", "Bobby & Joe", and "Relation". Despite the talent of the vocalists, Hepcat manages to sneak in a few excellent instrumentals, including "Dollar Dance", "Clarence" (which is also on their self-titled album on Moon Records), and "Yoko Zuna".

There have been many permutations, combinations and bastardizations in ska over the recent years. However, if you want to hear a new band put their twist on the old style of ska, pick up Scientific. Hepcat is one of the best "third wave" ska bands to recreate and redefine the old school sound.

Being a native of the island of Martha's Vineyard for 3 years, i could immediately notice that this local band has successfully captured the island way of life. This album in particular has an amazing way of making the listener get up and dance. I saw these guys a few times on MV, once in Plymouth, and also at the orpheum when they opened up for a band of a similar sound, Dispatch. Their live show alone should make you wanna pick up the cd. these guys really know how to have a good time. gotta buy this album

Amazon screwed up and sent me someone else's copy of this CD. Never heard of the band or any of their music.

Damn! These guys are awesome! Great stuff-- jazzy w/a touch of international sound, a bit of reggae, a smattering of funk, and a dose of good old rock and roll.

Awesome.

Entrain is a fantastic group! I've been a fan since the early 90's and only seen them twice. I had summer jobs all through college and worked on the Cape and usually went to see them in Woods Hole. I recomend buying all of their CD's. Their style changes though each album which I like. I actually think Entrain is a mix between Jimmy Buffet meets Phish meets the Dead.

I heard about this band about 5 years ago and downloaded some of their first stuff off the web. It was great and different. I wish that web page was still here because that stuff is not for sale apparently and it has disappeared. Can they put out an early works CD with it. I don't have it anymore due to hard drive crashes and data loss. But I'd love to heard it again!

David Pollen
(No relation to Band except as Unofficial Self-Proclaimed Band Endorser!)

About the closest thing you'll find to resemble the style of ALL-Allroy's Revenge ........ to catchy to describe ..... the bass lines just like Alvarez's style .... just too overwhelming!!!! Actually Peach Tree is the better of the two ( My Opinion ) .... but both equal in talent / style ......... GET iT!!!!!!

The first time I saw Pollen play was seven years ago. I fell in love with their music from the start. They are by far the best unappreciated band in the scene. If you're a fan of good emo/pop-punk/indie music, I strongly suggest you pick up this record. Nothing compares to it!!

It may be me, but after literally over 100 ska-punk CDs, they all start to sort of sound the same after a while. But it's good to see that ska-punk has still stuck around for all these years.
Overall, there are a few catchy tunes, but there is much more punk than ska on this album. If you're a ska traditionalist like me, you won't think much about this album.
And on another note, I'd like to shout at spitvalves down below. I hope you know that true ska is actually a form of music discovered in early 60s Jamaica, heavily inspired by jazz and r+b. Saying that if you don't like The Spitvalves, you don't like ska is like saying if you don't like pork fat you don't like meat. You should be ashamed. First, go buy a Skatalites album, then be ashamed. Or at least listen to GOOD ska-punk, perhaps Mu330, Slapstick, Against All Authority, and The Mighty Mighty BossToneS, hmm?
That is all.

I love the Spitvalves. I love a lot of ska, but I have to say that Spitvalves, Save Ferris and Dance Hall Crashers are my favourites. This is another great release, packed with energy and blending hardcore punk and ska seamlessly. You have to
get it!!!!!!

Spitvalves are the best plain and simple. From begging to end this album is agressive as hell. Spitvalves rivals thier influences such as the bosstones. You cant like ska and not like spitvalves. If you get a chance go see one of thier shows thier garunteed to make you move like you never had. So stop read and BUY THIS ALBUM.

If you like funny, non-serious ska music, then you should definitely head on over to your local CD shop and give this disc a good listen. It's actually structured really well, and it's over-all an amazing CD, even aside from the humerous aspects of it. The horns alongside the guitars and his weird beyond weird vocals making one big explosion together just created a very unique CD. Definitely check it out.

I love how people hate SKA! Ska is very graffic with it's lyrics, most bands smoke weed, it is energetic and the concerts are funner than hell. People need to climb off of their God Damn high horse and learn to have fun and Skank to the beat! Original Rude Boy Style!!!

I remember hearing this back in high school. It was one of the first albums that got me latched onto ska. Pretty much every song on here is great. The Toasters are still around today. Check em @
toasters.org

These guys kill. I heard "Wilderness" on a dirt bike movie soundtrack and bought the cd based on that killer cut. I'm glad I did. These guys are so talented. The music is a mix of Clash, Marley, Metallica and Green Day. Nobody does sh*t like this. Very original. The review guy from "Bitchburg" is whack and doesn't know talent when he hears it. I doubt these guys have to prop themselves. I mean, you're either real or you're fake. These guys deserve recognition for the heart, soul, humor and angst they put into music. They are not passive. They relate what it is to be human in a machine world. The cd's not perfect, there is some filler, but to my mind that just makes the whole deal more real. I mean, there's filler in all of us - right?
Four stars for bein' honest with your tunes. Give this a listen it's fun real music.

I've had this CD for a little while now and went back to listening ot it after having been to a life performance of the band at the Virus Festival.. And all I can say is its terrific, a great way to linger in the festival fun they gave even through the rain. If you've seen them live definetly get the CD you'll get great enjoyment out of it.

this album rocks. buy it now, you will not be dissapointed. i could leave it at that but there is lots more to be said. this band is a collection of ska, reggae, and punk. do you listen to rancid?(you should)this is rancid with a broader, better sound. geoff's lyrics sounds as though he swallowed a bucket of nails, and he screams, croons, and spits amazingly. most of the songs have that reggae twang in the backround, but still shake the floor, and some of the songs that have a more reggae/ska/skanky sound to them give the album amazing diversity. Are You With Me? talks of punk rock rise ups, while Borrowed Time moans about palm trees, weed, rum, and warm winds. this album rocks, and you should buy it or suffer my wrath.

This cd is allright. I like the end where they put up part of their live performance in LA. To me, that part of this album stands out the most.

I have a nerd-gasim too every time I here this album! By far some of the greatest SKA songs you'll ever hear. No one cares if you don't like Ska, because if we see you in the pit we're going to bust your lip!!! Down with the RADIO and Skank to the Reggae show. Original Rude Boy Style

This album is in my top 10 favorite Ska cds, if I were on the proverbial desert island (with electricity and a stereo) I would have this in my three cds with me, along with Skarmageddon Vol I, and III. Better yet, on the "Big Brother" television show, winning "Head of Household" this is the cd I would want waiting for me in my room, and then all of America can know the magic of the Toasters. Horn section on the opening track "Direction", just about perfect, gives you that nerd-gasm , moving along "Mona" "Dub 56" and "Legal Shot" will also get you rockin' and car-dancin' just like that girl in that commercial. On a side note, buy "Ska the Third Wave" to get a really awesome re-mix of "Dub 56" You must comply! The power of Ska compels you!