Ska music reviews

It was only through the blessing of Amazon.com I found this particular band. I was spending hours with a case of Listmania when I found a beginners guide to ska with this band among the many listed. I was fortunate enough to find it at my local record store for like $5 so I snatched it up.

This album is the ska I like. Very mellow and cool, but still gets you moving. I'm no ska expert by any means, but I prefer this to the louder ska-punk. Try if you like the Mad Caddies or want a contrast to bands like the Voodoo Glow Skulls.

I was very sad to learn that 6 years prior to me finding out about them, they've apparantly broken up and moved on. At least I got my copy.

At one point CT and most of New England was caught up in the Third Wave of Ska, bands were a dime a dozen. But JTB had something different, something extra. Rather then modeling themselves after a silly version of the Specials they dug deeper for their influences, The Skatalitles, Prince Buster, Judge Dread et al. to create an original style that stood above the others. After building a huge following in New England, and the release of a fantastic demo, 7" and comp tracks, this pleasant full length surfaced through a Moon off shoot. A nice collection of ska/reaggae tunes with a modern touch. Superior song writing and fantastic musicianship. A true gem!

If you're a ska fan and you don't have this album, you're not a ska fan. This is one of the best CDs I've ever heard. It's just soo good!!! It deserves 12 stars, one for each song!! Every track is nothing short of orgasmicly good. My favorites are McCookin', Wait 'Til Later, Sad Taco (Doesn't Matter), Patchwork Girl, Untitled, Cider Song...damn, I love all of 'em!! This band was one of the great local ska bands in CT ever. Their tone quality and blending of horns makes them god-like. And Roger's voice is one-of-a-kind. I just wished that some of the awesome tunes on their original demo tape (I forgot their titles) were on this CD. And of course their break-up saddened many ska fans in the CT/NY area. They were always rockin the house. We'll miss them. Buy this one--you won't regret it!!!

I found the song "Japanese Robot" on a moon ska compilation and I really liked it. I then ordered this album from amazon and I was very surprised. This is ska at its best.

The album starts out great with "Japanese Robot", "Blood Red Sky" ,"Aquaman", and "Frog Spirit." All of these songs have a great ska beat and the horns are probably the best you will ever hear with the exception of a few bands. Even the instrumental "Japanese Robot" was done very well. "Aquaman" is my favorite on the album and "Blood Red Sky" is awesome because I love vocals in this one.

However this is were the cd gets a little repetitive. "Bli-Blip",
and "Hob-Nobbin" sound very similar, don't get me wrong there not bad but they do run together. "Ts Tsa Cha" is another great instrumental, it's very upbeat and the horns are once again awesome. "Phobus" is another ok song, it's just that it sort of runs together with "Ts Tsa Cha" two instrumentals in a row was not a very wise idea.

The album starts to pick up again with "Wildfire" which has a very coll jazzy feel to it. Then comes "Lativan Lullaby" which is very slow and sort of dull. But then "Drunk" comes next and it's probably the most upbeat song on the album with excellent horns. "The Plague" is similar to "Lativan Lullaby" but the horns are much better, a really good song.

By the end of the album you'd think that Skavoovie wouldn't throw in another instrumental yet they do. "Brother Beauford" is an uplifting melody and it's also fun to listen to even though it's an instrumental. Now the album ends with "Riverboat", which is a great song to end the album on, it's really cool.

Overall this is a great album for ska fans. If you've never heard of the band then don't buy this, just should really listen to them first. This has magnificent horns, great instruments overall, and when there are vocals they also fit the mood of the songs. Best Songs: "Aquaman, "Riverboat", and "Drunk".

This band's tight, solid, well rehearsed, technically good, and write great songs. Some of the best and most interesting arrangements of horns that you'll find. The instrumental work on this album is what makes it great. The singer's horrible. It seems the Achile's Heel of ska for the last decade or so has been singers. Lots of great ska bands with crap singers. I'd say more than half of the Moon Ska world falls into this catagory with Dr RingDing and the Senior Allstars as the best example.

Skavoovie, fire that guy, get someone better.
Even though No Doubt isn't, of course strickly speaking, ska people like them because Stafani's one hell of a great singer, and the band is mediocre to say the least. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones is another example of a mediocre band with a great singer...
So in the bazzilion to one chance that someone in that band reads this review, please give that guy the boot.

These guys aren't your average trad ska band. Their approach on SKA is unique and the quality of the musicians in the band certainly compliment their style. Check this one out.

I found the song "Japanese Robot" on a moon ska compilation and I really liked it. I then ordered this album from amazon and I was very surprised. This is ska at its best.

The album starts out great with "Japanese Robot", "Blood Red Sky" ,"Aquaman", and "Frog Spirit." All of these songs have a great ska beat and the horns are probably the best you will ever hear with the exception of a few bands. Even the instrumental "Japanese Robot" was done very well. "Aquaman" is my favorite on the album and "Blood Red Sky" is awesome because I love vocals in this one.

However this is were the cd gets a little repetitive. "Bli-Blip",
and "Hob-Nobbin" sound very similar, don't get me wrong there not bad but they do run together. "Ts Tsa Cha" is another great instrumental, it's very upbeat and the horns are once again awesome. "Phobus" is another ok song, it's just that it sort of runs together with "Ts Tsa Cha" two instrumentals in a row was not a very wise idea.

The album starts to pick up again with "Wildfire" which has a very coll jazzy feel to it. Then comes "Lativan Lullaby" which is very slow and sort of dull. But then "Drunk" comes next and it's probably the most upbeat song on the album with excellent horns. "The Plague" is similar to "Lativan Lullaby" but the horns are much better, a really good song.

By the end of the album you'd think that Skavoovie wouldn't throw in another instrumental yet they do. "Brother Beauford" is an uplifting melody and it's also fun to listen to even though it's an instrumental. Now the album ends with "Riverboat", which is a great song to end the album on, it's really cool.

Overall this is a great album for ska fans. If you've never heard of the band then don't buy this, just should really listen to them first. This has magnificent horns, great instruments overall, and when there are vocals they also fit the mood of the songs. Best Songs: "Aquaman, "Riverboat", and "Drunk".

This band's tight, solid, well rehearsed, technically good, and write great songs. Some of the best and most interesting arrangements of horns that you'll find. The instrumental work on this album is what makes it great. The singer's horrible. It seems the Achile's Heel of ska for the last decade or so has been singers. Lots of great ska bands with crap singers. I'd say more than half of the Moon Ska world falls into this catagory with Dr RingDing and the Senior Allstars as the best example.

Skavoovie, fire that guy, get someone better.
Even though No Doubt isn't, of course strickly speaking, ska people like them because Stafani's one hell of a great singer, and the band is mediocre to say the least. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones is another example of a mediocre band with a great singer...
So in the bazzilion to one chance that someone in that band reads this review, please give that guy the boot.

These guys aren't your average trad ska band. Their approach on SKA is unique and the quality of the musicians in the band certainly compliment their style. Check this one out.

This cd is pretty good. This is for Sublime fans. I'm not a big fan, but I like the lyrics to this, they present a clear message of the gospel.

I was captivated from track 1 to the final. Sort of a mix between Catch 22 and Sublime, except better. Definately a fun band. This is such a great CD I'm still listening to it, and I strongly suggest that you buy this before they're all gone,so what are you waiting for? Listen to a sample, and if you like that, then TRUST me you'll love the CD!

I don't know I just like these guys, they aren't Ska-Core, like "The Insyderz,"but they have a way of getting their songs in your head. From tunes like: "Run Joseph Run, My Greatest Day, and CB, to Screw Up." They are very creative and original. When I saw they were classified as Ska-Core I was expecting something like "Less Than Jake." If you like "Five Iron Frenzy, or Silage," You will very much like these guys. Check them out!!

Any Byron Lee release is going to be good, and if you are new to soca, this is a great CD to buy. It contains the biggest songs of the year as well as a remake of Tiny Winey and an oldies medley. If you are like me however and have all the originals, it is not essential. The biggest thing that was missing was a great new song like "Jump Up", "Brassline", and "Soca Tatie" from the past few years. Good, but last year's was better...

Even if you aren't from the Carribbean you will love this cd. Get up and dance to the music and have fun with Byron Lee and his band.

hey people, you have to have this cd. It is da bomb, i love RIVER, HORNING AND FALUMA. IF you want a party jumping just put on this cd. once again Byron Lee comes better than the year before.

This CD is good because you get to hear the rawness of their playing live. But I'll say one thing, having seen Sublime play twice live in very intimate settings before Bradley tragically passed, there is no CD or recording out there that can capture the true passion and power that Brad brought to the table with his guitar playing and his voice. That is the tragedy that we as fans have to live with.

This record is perfect. One thing - DO NOT GET THE CLEAN VERSION. Two reasons: 2 songs are cut from the original recording (5446, Caress Me Down) + Why would you want a clean version anyway? cus' I got mine by mistake

Okay! Maybe you happen to be one of those people who think they've seen it all. Well you ain't seen nothin' yet! SUBLIME'S LIVE ALBUM!!!! It's a helluvan album: Bradley performing Sublime classics: like DATE RAPE, STP, DON'T PUSH, CARESS ME DOWN, just to name a few. If you wish you coulda went to a concert, then you HAVE to get this CD. I know it's not very popular. But one listen and you'll agree: This is a should-be-platinum record! I recommend it!!! By the way, in case you didn't notice at first, this is the page to order the clean version. I have the dirty version. Its not really a dirty CD. Just several uses of the F word. I got my friend the edited CD, and he doesn't mind. He listens to it every day like I do. I leave you now with this: buy this CD, you will NOT regret! Worth the $$!

Like the Ska scene of the late 70s and early 80s this package is dominated by the Specials, and rightfully so. They had bounce, a great horn section and, like their contemporaries the Clash and the Sex Pistols they had brains in their heads. That's a wicked combo.

The first disc has the more earthy and rough-hewn records that were popular in nightclubs on both sides of the Atlantic; most of the great stuff from the first couple of Specials LPs, the Beat's excellent cover of Smokey Robinson's "Tears of A Clown"---too bad "Save It For Later" couldn't have been included--and a few tunes from The Selector help make it a classic side.

Despite some inspired selections, the second disc is too slick and decidedly less interesting. Again, the tunes from the Specials carry the day--"Ghost Town" may have been the best thing the Specials ever did--but the Apollinaires, Higsons, and the Friday Club sound like filler to me.

Overall, though, A CHECKERED PAST gives an accurate and lively insight into what I consider the Golden Age of British Ska. If nothing else, it's a great overview of the Specials under rated career.

Correct Title: "The 2 Tone Collection: A Checkered Past" 2CD

CD1
1. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Gangsters" (2:44)
2. The Selecter - "The Selecter" (2:57)
3. Madness - "The Prince" (2:32)
4. The Selecter - "On My Radio" (3:16)
5. The Specials (featuring Rico) - "A Messge to You Rudy" (2:51)
6. The Specials (featuring Rico) - "Nite Klub" (3:09)
7. The Beat (The English Beat) - "Tears of a Clown" (2:39)
8. The Beat (The English Beat) - "Ranking Full Stop" (2:47)
9. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Too Much Too Young" (2:03)
10. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Guns of Navarone" (2:25)
11. The Selecter - "Three Minute Hero" (3:00)
12. The Bodysnatchers - "Let's Do Rock Steady" (2:54)
13. The Bodysnatchers - "Ruder Than You" (2:50)
14. The Selecter - "Missing Words" (3:20)
15. The Specials - "Rat Race" (3:07)
16. The Specials - "Rude Boys Outa Jail" (2:37)
17. The Bodysnatchers - "Easy Life" (3:12)
18. The Bodysnatchers - "Too Experienced" (2:33)
19. The Specials - "Stereotype" (3:50)
20. The Specials - "International Jet Set" (4:12)
21. The Swinging Cats - "Away" (3:13)
22. The Swinging Cats - "Mantovani" (3:14)
23. Rico - "Sea Cruise" (3:02)
24. The Specials (featuring Rico & the Ice Rink String Sounds) - "Do Nothing" (3:39)
25. The Specials - "Maggie's Farm" (3:31)

CD2
1. The Specials - "Ghost Town" (3:40)
2. The Special AKA (The Specials) with Rhoda - "The Boiler" (5:42)
3. The Special AKA (The Specials) with Rico - "Jungle Music" (4:00)
4. The Apollinaires - "The Feeling's Gone" (3:45)
5. The Higsons - "Tear the Whole Thing Down" (3:22)
6. The Higsons - "Ylang Ylang" (4:55)
7. The Apollinaires - "Envy the Love" (4:03)
8. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "War Crimes (The Crime Remains the Same)" (3:43)
9. The Higsons - "Run Me Down" (3:47)
10. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Racist Friend" (3:35)
11. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Bright Lights" (4:10)
12. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Nelson Mandela" (4:12)
13. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "Break Down the Door" (3:48)
14. The Special AKA (The Specials) - "What I Like Most About You is Your Girlfriend" (4:49)
15. The Friday Club - "Window Shopping" (3:58)
16. J.B.'s Allstars - "The Alphabet Army" (3:09)
17. The Specials - "Raquel" (1:56)
18. The Specials (with Roddy Radiation) - "Braggin' and Trying Not to Lie" (3:21)
19. Neville Staples (Judge Roughneck) - "Rude Boys Outa Jail" (4:04)

This is the best 2nd Wave Ska (UK) compilation out there, period. It contains all the singles from the 2 Tone imprint (except Elvis Costello because of copyright constaraints). Chances are, you've heard most of these on the radio at one time or another, back when radio was still ska-friendly (what happened?). Now if they'd just release a 1st Wave (Jamaica) and 3rd Wave (Orange County, California) true to this idea, we would all be in ska heaven. This is absolutely essential, and if you don't have it already, you need to buy it yesterday.

Now that ska has infiltrated modern alternative radio in every way shape and form, perhaps it is due time to return to the source. The 2 Tone Collection is a nearly flawless overview of Britain's initial ska craze of the eighties. From the archetypical white boy swagger of Madness ("The Prince" is included, though "One Step Beyond" is unfortunately absent), to the dynamic girl vocal bands like The Selector (wherein we can clearly hear where No Doubt's Gwen Stefani copped her vibrato inflected vocal style). And of course there is the timeless, "A Message To You Rudy" by The Specials. The Apollinaires, The Higsons, JB's Allstars, The Bodysnatchers, and on and on: all of the once vital ska acts are represented here. The recent ska revival (which has now seemingly morphed into the swing revival) owes a lot to these obscure acts of yesterday, who manage to combine elements of reggae, swing, latin, and motown into one rude stew. As The Bodysnatchers proclaim: "Let's Do Rock steady!"

Soul Jazz records latest release, 500% dynamite, concludes the dynamite dynasty so far.It has unfortunately fallen short of the rockin' standards that have been the key to success of the previous compilations.It's focus has turned towards a more modern dancehall ragga, that somehow isn't as melodic or liberating as previous ska, reggae, soul, and funk that compiles these albums.400% dynamite featured a few inclinations toward a ragga style content,with tunes such as Buju Banton's remix of "ring the alarm".This is a top tune, with a ranging beat, of great originality and very stirring.Unlike the ragga that ranges on 500% dynamite, which lacks inherent jamaican soul.The majority of this compilation is ragga and i think this reflects the record label's desire to captivate music of a more modern era.Soul jazz records have perhaps reached the capacity of their music vaults, when it comes to the old, traditional music that made the dynamite series become "dynamite", with soothing rocksteady, funky, soulful reggae and storming, hip-moving ska.Let's hope that the next album rediscovers its classical touch.When passion ignites: "dynamite"...Explodes!

I have to take issue with the Soul Jazz label for the very limited amount of label information on offer, which is pared to the minimum. What year did this track originally come out? What label was it on? What won it its inclusion on this selection? No answers to be found here, though it seems to scan a period from the 1960s to the present time.
However, no quarrel with the musical contents; as it says on the jacket: "Super Funky Ska from Byron Lee, Dub from Augustus Pablo and Joe Gibbs, Calypso Style from Toots, Dancehall Kings and Queens Red Rat and Sister Charmaine, Roots classics from Freddie McGregor and Jacob Miller. Yes it's all here! This record is Dynamite!" And so it is

This is the fifth installment of the awesome " Dynamite " reggae compilations , and the quality still remains unbelievably high . All sorts of styles are represented on these discs in no particular order , it seems to me that the only requirement needed is that the tracks have to be genuine Jamaican classics , that are as vital today as they were when first released . The reputation of these compilations is such , that people in the know buy each new release without bothering to read it`s reviews , such is their confidence in the compilers at Soul Jazz Records .

The biggest compliment I can give to these compilations is that they`ll be talked about , and danced to , long after they`ve been deleted .

Certainly, it doesn't radiate the same sort of classicism that made One Step Beyond so exceptional, but there's lots of nice stuff here nonetheless. Baggy Trousers and Embarassment are both classic singles, and songs like Close Escape, Solid Gone, and Shadow of Fear are the sort of fun ska-pop that make Madness so irresistable. Worthwhile.

I believe Madness started things powerfully with "One Step Beyond" and "Absolutely." Their vibrant spirit dwindled a bit with each release afterwards, until I hardly recognized their sound by the time "Our House" became a hit in 1983.

While "One Step Beyond" is my personal favorite release by Madness, this album comes in a very close second. The opening song "Baggy Trousers" foretells the prankster essence of the entire CD--- where "One Step Beyond" had the soul of happy-go-lucky nutzy young men, "Absolutely" brings out a rowdier, slightly brattier crew, yet still shining that innocent funboy spirit.

The songs on this CD were never hits here in the U.S.A., which means there are a lot of past & modern day ska fans missing out. The show stealer is "On the Beat Pete," the leader of the high-gear songs like "E.R.N.I.E" and "Not Home Today."

I hate to spend to much time pointing out which song rules over another on "Absolutely," only because this is a fantastic and one of the most underrated albums within the 1970s-80s ska archive. This CD is just plain fun. Give it a go!

Having followed Madness from the beginning through to their embarassing demise (after the departure of Mike Barson). I have to say - 20 years on this CD is still the best they did. One Step Beyond was great - always a classic, but the songs on Absolutely make this a great CD. The next CD Madness 7 had it's moments - both good and bad but this was Suggs & Co. at their very best. Great band, great memories.

Certainly, it doesn't radiate the same sort of classicism that made One Step Beyond so exceptional, but there's lots of nice stuff here nonetheless. Baggy Trousers and Embarassment are both classic singles, and songs like Close Escape, Solid Gone, and Shadow of Fear are the sort of fun ska-pop that make Madness so irresistable. Worthwhile.

I believe Madness started things powerfully with "One Step Beyond" and "Absolutely." Their vibrant spirit dwindled a bit with each release afterwards, until I hardly recognized their sound by the time "Our House" became a hit in 1983.

While "One Step Beyond" is my personal favorite release by Madness, this album comes in a very close second. The opening song "Baggy Trousers" foretells the prankster essence of the entire CD--- where "One Step Beyond" had the soul of happy-go-lucky nutzy young men, "Absolutely" brings out a rowdier, slightly brattier crew, yet still shining that innocent funboy spirit.

The songs on this CD were never hits here in the U.S.A., which means there are a lot of past & modern day ska fans missing out. The show stealer is "On the Beat Pete," the leader of the high-gear songs like "E.R.N.I.E" and "Not Home Today."

I hate to spend to much time pointing out which song rules over another on "Absolutely," only because this is a fantastic and one of the most underrated albums within the 1970s-80s ska archive. This CD is just plain fun. Give it a go!

Having followed Madness from the beginning through to their embarassing demise (after the departure of Mike Barson). I have to say - 20 years on this CD is still the best they did. One Step Beyond was great - always a classic, but the songs on Absolutely make this a great CD. The next CD Madness 7 had it's moments - both good and bad but this was Suggs & Co. at their very best. Great band, great memories.