5 comments about Sublime:Sublime.

1. This video is good but reeeeaaallly short. It has some halfway decent footage, but if your not a diehard sublime fan, it wont give you much in the way of seeing the band "exposed" or whatever. I suggest Stories, Tales, Lies, and Excagerations. It is full legnth and also has live performances and interviews and what not. But then again, if your reading this, shouldn't you be a diehard fan? R.I.P. Bradley



2. Perfect buy! A little short but definitely worth it! If you love Sublime you'll love this!



3. This DVD is mostly music videos so if your expecting something more its not but it is a very good dvd. RIP Brad Nowell



4. This dvd is great but it doesnt have my favorite Sublime video, Badfish. Other than that its awesome. It has little snippets of brad and the band being interviewed in between each video. The order goes What I Got (Kahne Version), Wrong Way, Santeria, STP, Doin' Time, Date Rape, and What I Got (Leary Version). Great for any Sublime fan but what were they thinking when they excluded Badfish.



5. i'm a huge sublime fan and before buying this item, i haven't run into a sublime product that i didn't care for. this compilation starts with the kahne version of "what i got" and ends with the leary(acoustic) version of the same song. they're the almost the exact same videos. the only videos worth vewing are the amature ones, "stp" and "date rape". the only reason being that they show live footage of brad and not some super-empossed ghost in the desert or on some road sign. if you're an insane hardcore fan, like me, you're going to buy it no matter what i say. if you don't have the cash to throw away on a couple music videos, save your money and just listen to your cd's....you'll get just as much satisfaction...

5 comments about Close My Eyes.

1. Another solid entry by The Slackers. My favorite songs on this album are:
   Skankbon, Bin Waitin, Mommy, Close My Eyes, and I'll Stay Away. If you are a Slackers fan and have not bought this yet, get it!



2. This might not be my favorite Slackers album but it does have a couple of my favorite songs on it. "Close My Eyes", "Lazy Woman", "Mommy" and, quite possibly my favorite Slackers song ever "Old Dog". Absolutely essential for anyone interested in this band.



3. This album blew my mind when I first listened to it. The Slackers are in my opinion the best 3rd wave ska band playing 1st wave ska and rocksteady. This album covers all styles and the band pulls it off without a hitch. A must have for any ska fan.



4. I thought I had reviewed this album when it came out, but apparently no. I hadn't listened to it in a while until a couple days ago, and I was stunned that I hadn't had in my CD player in so long. Chances are, this is the best Slackers album since Redlight, and although musically it is far and away different, the touch and feel of the albums are more similar to each other than The Question or Wasted Days.
   
   Orignally, when I the albums came out, I felt that The Question was one of the best albums I'd heard by the Slackers. Years later, The Question hasn't really stood the test of time with me. Redlight, on the other hand, which I payed little attention to after its first year, is once again becoming a favorite of mine. Why the change, and why did Close My Eyes suddenly peak its head out and thrust itself back into my active CD collection? I blame production. Redlight and Close My Eyes have a certain feel to them that reminds me of listening to some of those Trojan Reggae/Ska comps that feature poorly produced songs that were recorded in crummy studios in an under-developed country 30 to 40 years ago--and thats how I like it to sound. Although the production isn't as bad as those, the feeling it gives seems more throwback and less like its trying to compete with modern ska tracks by more "mainstream" ska bands of the nowadays. The Question, on the other hand, suffers from being rather un-even and overproduced. Apart of me thinks too many songs were thrown on that one in order to make an album that us fans would one-day call "their best," which I had done myself for some time. But, I feel like the Slackers are at their best when they dim the lights, allow cigarette and pot smoke to cloud the microphones, and drink heavy rums while recording albums. Its a bar-room, downtown type of Ska that is lost these days. I've always said that Hepcat is my favorite Ska band, but since that band is no longer, The Slackers are the ones for me--they're still out there, doing their thing, and doing it the best. May they continue to tour, hitting the dive bars and getting drunk on stage, and may they continue to produce traditional style (sound and production) Ska that hasn't been handled properly by any one else in years. Thank you Vic and company for keeping Ska alive.



5. The title of my review says it all. I have every Slackers studio album, all of which are well worth the money, but this has to be my favorite. There isn't a single bad song on here. The production is crisp and clear without being glossy (excellent), and everyone seems extremely focused (especially Vic, whose voice, lyrics, and catchy melodies are in absolute top form here). Also, there were a few personnel changes (the departures of longtime drummer Luis Zuluaga and trumpeter Jeremy Mushlin). The absence of trumpet gives the band an even more mellow sound, which is very good.

   The opening drum solo of "Shankbon" is all it takes to get you hooked on this album. Listen to the masterful trombone and sax solos and the great swing/ska rhythms on this, the best instrumental they've ever done. Next comes "Old Dog," with a great reggae beat and cool harmonica work. "Axes" is another great song to which you'll be singing along before the first verse is over. "Bin Waitin" is very good, but doesn't really stand out much.

   This is followed by Marq's only lead, "Real War," a slow, soulful reggae song with the best lyrics on the album. It's followed by "Lazy Woman," another slow, smooth, insanely catchy reggae track. The guys pick up the pace on "Mommy," a great contrast of bright, happy melody and sad lyrics. The intro to "Don't Wanna Go" sounds a lot like Hepcat's "Rudies All Around." Maybe this is why the song doesn't really grab me. Yet another slow reggae song, "Who Knows," is next, and contains my favorite lyric (a reminder to 'Don't pet squirrels in the park'). The album comes to a close with title track, soulful and catchy, then my absolute favorite "I'll Stay Away" that reminds me of early Drifters songs, and a decent dub track that (unfortunately) ends the album on its weakest note.

   All in all, The Slackers make an excellent comeback from the inconsistent "Wasted Days," reclaiming their position as my favorite band, and reminding everyone they are THE premiere ska band out there.

5 comments about Friend or Foe?.

1. The Forces of Evil are a side-project of the well renouned Reel Big Fish and just like their lyrics the Forces of Evil lyrics are just that...Evil! But when i say that i don't mean it's a bad thing, i mean it in a very good way, very upbeat true to the style with their last song "Fight For Your Right To Skank" and their "Angry Anthem" puts it all together. if you are a Reel Big Fish fan this album is for you.



2. This is one of the few "super group" ska bands out there, and it really behooves anyone out there who is a fan of ska to pick this disc up. It's one CD you can listen to straight through over and over again.
   I have to say that, in general, this sounds like a "lost" Reel Big Fish album, i don't know if it's the production quality (which sounds a lot like a RBF album) or what. The other comparison that popped into my head was "Toasters meets RBF" (which doesn't really make sense since Toasters had nothing to do with this).
   
   Sorry for the rambling review. This CD is excellent, ska fan or not, if you like well written songs that make you feel good even when things are against you, this is the CD to get.



3. Wow! Awesome cd full of fun, catchy music that never slows down from start to finish. This is third-wave ska at its finest. If you are a ska fan, you probably already own this album. If not, get to a record store, or order this online. You won't regret it, I promise.



4. This is THE must have ska cd. If you like ska, you must own this cd. Period. End of story. This cd is the best thing to happen to ska in a long while. Don't let it's lack of promotion fool you. It is very well done and worth every penny.



5. This is one of the best third-wave ska bands ever if you dont get this cd you will be a loser and no one will be your friend, seriously before I got this cd I was a loser and when I got this cd I was still a loser but hey maybe you wont be!

5 comments about Slapstick.

1. Ok, first off, I'm not a kid, but I don't have an account on here. This album is completely amazing. It may be simple, but It's great. Just listen to the samples. The songs have lots of energy and fury to them, and the lyrics although stupid, accually have some good meaning behind them. It's very easy to like, and by far one of the greatest ska/punk releases ever. The horns are very catchy, and the basslines good, and Brendan's voice couldn't have been any better. So go buy this now, I promise you won't be dissapointed.



2. Less Than Jake's "Losing Streak", really got me into a Ska/Punk phase a few years ago, so I read a bunch of positive reviews about Slapstick, and figured I'd better pick up this CD. To be honest, I didn't really like the CD at all at first and was initially disappointed because I was hoping for a Less Than Jake clone. But like Operation Ivy's "Energy" album, I got a couple of its tunes stuck in my head, and the more and more I listened to it, the better and better it became. It's one of those albums that every time you give it a listen, you hear something new, and like it that much more. The CD was also my first exposure to vocalist Brendan Kelly (Later a vocalist for The Broadways and The Lawrence Arms) whose voice just packs every song with overwhelming energy and excitement. The lyrics are deep and thought out, many of them political, and many of them dealing with the everyday life of being a punk in Chicago. This band was the starting point for many artists in the great punk bands of the 1990's and early 2000's. Members of this band eventually went on to bands such as Less Than Jake, The Alkaline Trio, The Broadways, The Lawrence Arms, and The Honor System. This really is one of the Greatest Ska/Punk CD's of all time.
   
   If you like this CD I would also suggest:
   
   Operation Ivy- "Energy"
   Less Than Jake- "Pezcore" & "Losing Streak"
   The Suicide Machines- "Destruction by Definition"
   The Lawrence Arms- "Guided Tour of Chicago"



3. IT just doesn't get much better than this. Every single song on this cd is upbeat, fun, loud, exciting, and darn catchy. Alll the songs have the perfect mix of punk and ska. Just enough punk and just enough ska. I love it. It's also perfect party music to jam too. I really enjoyed this album.



4. Slaptick and Operation Ivy i think are the two best punk/ska bands ever. I hope they do a reunion tour or something cuz i would love to see them live. This cd has 25 great tracks which is impressive.



5. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, they are perhaps the greatest ska-punk band that has ever been or ever will ever be. The vocal combo of Brenden Kelly's rasp and Dan Andriano's smooth back-ups, coupled with the blaring horns over mean guitar riffs has never been done by any other band the way Slapstick does it. Simply awsome!

5 comments about Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 4.

1. I know most reviews say that this is not the best Punk O Rama volume. But I'll have to disagree. It's the best.
   You can always rely on good songs by NOFX and Pennywise.
   But the highlights of this CD are 1998 by Rancid (very catchy song in the typical Rancid way), Faster than the World by Pulley (a good fast song), Hopeless Romantic by Bouncing Souls, Think the World by All, and Getaway by Ten Foot Pole (all three really good pop punk songs).
   The only song I ever skip on this CD is Big in Japan by Tom Waits. That song's annoying!
   Get this CD. You won't regret it as you listen to it over and over again.



2. This album was good and all but it just seems like they grabbed a handful of songs and threw them on a CD. The songs featured are not the best by the bands.



3. Come on people.

   I can't understand you don't get bored with compilations like these. It's fun to discover new bands but you can't base your judgement on one song only so you need to find another source still to find out if you really found a new band.
   Ok, this is not the worse out there. There are worse compilations, but well. Some are better. Punk-O-Rama 2 and 3 are better than this one, so I'd say buy them IF you want to buy a compilation. I prefer EP's and albums though.

   Also, why is Tom Waits on this compilation? Yes, I know why; because's he on Epitaph...but isn't this called PUNK o rama?




4. This is a great cd to listen to while driving, working, partying, whatever. It is a good collection of songs from a bunch of good punk bands. (not blink 182, sum 41 etc.) It is more than likely that after listening to this a few times, you will be singing along and air-guitaring with many of the songs.



5. This album has some really good punk songs on it. All of them are awesome save for tracks 17-20 which are either poppy or they sound like they're goth or metal. But if u want a Punk compilation that has all awesome punk tracks buy vol. 5.

2 comments about Record of Convictions.

1. This is a pretty good album. Buford O Sullivan is my favorite member of this band. Top notch 3rd Wave Ska



2. In the midst of a declining ska scene in the US, littered with dozens of mediocre new bands and their legions of apparently deaf fans, The Scofflaws continue to play some of the best new ska music, largely unnoticed by newcomers. The Scofflaws' previous album, "Ska in Hi-Fi", remains one of the best 3rd wave ska albums ever recorded, and firmly established the New York band among the leaders in ska in the mid 1990's. Although this album is perhaps a hair in quality below their last one, it is still quite good and certainly among the best 3 ska records of 1998.

   "Record of Convictions" is helped by the excellent sound quality, and has a few knock-out songs, but there are unfortunately a number of mediocre ones that suffer mainly from underdeveloped lyrics. Former Long Island bus driver Sammy Brooks' position at the mic has been usurped by trombonist Buford O'Sullivan, who sings on more than half of the songs. He's great at the points where the lyrics are developed, but just doesn't cut it on songs where he's trying to do too much, like on "College Student", which is an example of the tunes that had potential but fall to filler status on the album. The bald-headed O'Sullivan was welcome in his periodic vocal role on "Ska in Hi-Fi", but his prominant position on the new record upsets the brilliantly obnoxious chemistry of the band, which was previously centered around the charismatic Brooks and his womanizing, slacker persona.

   The best thing about "Ska in Hi-Fi" was that it was great to play loud at parties, and because there were no mediocre songs, you could just let it run. This new record is still a rowdy party album, and there are even some promising radio-friendly songs on it, so maybe we'll be hearing it at least on college radio in 1999.

5 comments about Live!.

1. Along with the Who's LIVE AT LEEDS and the Rolling Stones GET YER YA-YAs OUT, Bob Marley's LIVE! stands as one of the greatest live LPs ever recorded.

   The version of "No Woman, No Cry" on this CD is thE ultimate Bob Marley recording, full of love and passion, tender and sweet but still tough and rock solid. A perfect performance.

   "Get Up, Stand Up" shows the opposite end of the Marley spectrum. It is pure revolution and, if you live in Babylon and don't feel your hair standing on end during the chant at the end of this record, you ain't listening.




2. Critical acclaim AND commercial success in one album, finally! Bob's earlier albums had achieved one or the other but not both. 'Catch a Fire' and 'Burnin' were well received in Europe, but less so in Jamaica, especially the former. 'Natty Dread' was welcomed with rapturous praise in Jamaica, but had a short life on the UK album chart. Singles from these albums were selling fairly well, specifically 'Get up, Stand up', 'I Shot the Sheriff' and 'No woman, no cry', but still it was only singles.

   These seven tracks were from a two night concert at London's Lyceum ballroom, part of the tour promoting the 'Natty Dread' album. They would go on to be produced as this album - 'Live' and became Bob's breakthrough - (in Europe, anyway; his US breakthrough came later). The actual set that was played at the Lyceum included 'Slave Driver', 'Rebel Music' 'Kinky Reggae' 'Stir it up' and naturally 'Natty Dread' since that was the promotion. The order of the songs was also different. 'Lively up Yourself' was the last played, before the encores. Listen to the crowd noise - in grateful recognition that they had been part of an event.

   One of the things 'Live' did was change the rules for all future reggae shows. Previously stage performances were usually simple, staightforward renditions of what was on the album. Not anymore. Bob Marley and the Wailers simply took the album version as a point of reference and then took off, improvising on stage as they saw fit. Stuff that any rock fan was familiar with - long guitar solos, instrumental interludes, vocal improvisations - all were added to live reggae performances for the first time. Mind you, Bob on stage was something else again. He could get caught up into a rapturous, trancelike experience of the rhythm - head held high, 'locks flashing, running on spot like a Nyabinghi, arm outstretched with finger pointing to Jah.

   Some of the vocal improvisations that became staples of Marley concerts were introduced here. Along with wailing, Bob uses a throaty, gurgling sound on 'Burnin & Lootin'. On 'Them Belly Full' he repeats lines over and over again with the I Threes keeping him company in a type of call and response singing. On 'Get up Stand up' we get 'Woy-yoy-yoh chants! The harmonies with the I Threes on 'Trenchtown Rock', and 'I shot the Sheriff' are superb. This version of 'No woman, no cry' is the most emotional and beautiful rendition, and the one song persons who were there can recall with crystal clarity, to this day. I wish I had been there.




3. I enjoy this superb performance very much. The crowd is receptive and lively. The band is playing tight but loose raggae in a way that only pioneers of the sound are able. Bob Marley is in fine form. He is responsive to the energy of the audience. I find his ironic music engaging with its bouncy rhythms supporting serious, sometimes disturbing, lyrical content. If you have an interest in the music of Bob Marley from the early seventies, this CD will be interesting to you



4. As live albums go, Marley's "Live" is a pretty good effort. It is quite obvious that his band was in good form that evening, and that Marley himself had the crowd eating from his hand.

   The song selection is good, with a good mix of protest and love songs to keep the audience's juices flowing.

   I don't care too much at all for live albums- there are too many potental technical problems, no less recording the band on an off night (I don't recall how many Grateful Dead bootlegs or legit live releases I've heard where the band sounded lousy...), or the mis-mixing and bad mastering- too much crowd, not enough crowd, etc etc etc... but to my pleasant surprise, "Live" avoids most of these pitfalls, and comes across strong.

   Because I am not a fan of live lps, I reluctantly recommend this one. It has nothing to do with Marley's performance on that evening- its quite good, as were the Barrett brothers and the I-Threes..I just think that the Wailers 1st 3 studio lps- "Catch a Fire," "Burnin',", and "Natty Dread," are better all around examples of the group at its finest, and the listener would be better served with these lps over a Live one....




5. The Live version of Marley's music truly is supreme compared to the studio renditions. You can really feel the emotional appeal that his music has and how it conveys through the audience. I often don't like Live renditions after all they seem to be very similar to studio editions and I often find the crowd noise distracting, but when it comes to Marley half of his appeal is his ability to empower people with attitude and emotion and that just isn't as obvious in his studio recordings.

   My only problem with this album is that it is not what I consider some of the best of his work. Though the last four tracks are great songs, they are not the best versions of these songs I have heard.

   However, what a great way to end a CD, "Lively Up Yourself" is a great song that is not that easy to find and this is truly a great version. Then comes the great "No Woman, No Cry" which is such a great song it even now brings tears to my eyes. Then there is the often imitated but never duplicated, Marley rendition of "I Shot The Sheriff" this may very well be the best version of this song yet. And he ends with an absolutely great tune that makes you want to jump out of your seat, "Get Up, Stand Up"

   Overall I recommend this album, but if you only want one Marley CD I recommend you get Legend instead which has some better versions of some of the songs and has more of Marley's greatest hits like "Buffalo Soldier" However for a second Marley CD this is a perfect choice.

5 comments about The Reality of My Surroundings.

1. The stereotypical review of this scorcher is as follows: "The funk rock 'Sgt. Pepper'!" That's not too far off...do yourself a favor and experience the best platter of aural gumbo you could ever ask for. Truly a travesty that something so good wasn't rewarded as it should have been.



2. This album is an absolute classic! Every track is a standout. In fact it is so good it will turn your brains to mince!



3. I bought this album when it came out after hearing "Behavior Control Technician" and being floored by it. I wasn't sure when I bought it if the rest of the album could be that good and original. It was, and more. A brilliant piece of work that stands strongly amongst other great albums of it's time such as, "Check Your Head" by the Beastie Boys, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and "Ritual de lo Habitual" by Jane's Addiction. A must listen for everyone who wants to hear mind expanding music that will move your soul. A true classic.



4. From the first time I heard this back in 1991 I was hooked on this band - an amazing amalgam of different musical styles something between a ska, punk, rock, rap, funk, progressive jazz etc... position, with an intelligent attitude, brilliant musicianship and showmanship (they are amazing live) and a true creativity in their music - able to explore a lot of boundaries while making very listenable songs.
   
   This album is a freak - all the tracks on in flow reasonably well but they are all supurb. Best examples of it's variety:
   'everyday sunshine': a great song which successfully uses a brass section in its build up in pace and noise - very inspirational song and greatly enthusiastic lyrics.
   
   'pressure': a wild something like a punk track but where it sounds all over the place it has these surgically precise swtiches and timing among it with the different segments and instruments. This is a really great song but it takes a few listens to pick up on it's brilliance I feel. Is worth it.
   
   'naztee mayen': the guys having a lot of fun with an unorthadox type of casio sound but it's great as a funk style track - again it's precision in the timing is exciting.
   
   'those days are gone': a million things going on musically but a brilliant song from them, great lyrics and a really nicely played track.
   
   'sunless saturday': rock track that shows their diversity - really nicely done, heartfelt, but fast and again extremely tight.
   
   An incredible album from an incredible band who genuinely offer something really different.



5. This is my favorite Fishbone recording. Their energy and passion come across beautifully, but are balanced by tight production that is missing from some of their later recordings. This album also features a wonderful variety of styles and moods. "Everyday Sunshine" is going to be my funeral elegy, if my wife has anything do to with it (selecting the elegy, not the timing of my funeral!). She has seen how that song moves me, makes me dance, sing, and feel good about life. It is a beautiful pairing with the hard-rocking and nihilistic "Sunless Saturday." The two songs exemplify what makes this a special album.

5 comments about The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1.

1. Yup, another long time fan here. My first Madness gig ticket cost me the princely sum of three pounds sterling back in April 1980, haha....and a sterling gig it was too! The same can be said for The Dangermen Sessions, Volume 1. On first listening, it reminded me a bit of Sugg's Lone Ranger album. Maybe because they're about the only 2 Madness related recordings not produced by Langer/Winstanley. Anyway, the Magnificent 7 have done a great job of covering some good ol' ska classics. We all know that the boys need a bit of a shaking to get motivated and they probably couldn't be bothered writing anything just now! Don't quote me on that, but doing ska covers not only gives us something that we are already familiar with, but it takes us back to their roots at the same time. The sound still has the Madness feel to it and yet is slightly updated, maybe due to different producers. It would also seem that gone are the days when that Nutty Sound was to english for other countries to get a grip of. Tho' they have always had die-hard fans from around the world, it appears they are now picking up a new generation of fans as the Madness train steams on. Keep it lively, boys! So from a long-term fan now based in NZ, it's top marks from me and I look forward to more Dangermen Sessions.



2. This album will do until they can put out another batch of originals. It's on a par with Elvis Costello's "Kojak Variety:" well-picked covers done well.
   Perhaps a tad too many mid-tempo songs, but hey it's ska.
   Anyhow, Madness has nothing at all to prove after 1999's masterpiece of a comeback "Wonderful." They still got it and probably always will.
   Best three cuts are "So Much Trouble in the World," "You'll Lose a Good Thing," and "Shame and Scandal."



3. I have been a Madness fan since the 80's and this CD is a gem! What was old is new again, eh? I love the upbeat ska grooves and my kids enjoy it too. Highly recommended--the boys have done good!



4. Granted I'm a huge fan of Madness to beginning with even to the point of spending a year or two of my college life on some madness mailing list and message board, however this album is totally solid. There aren't any flakes or half-done compositions, awesome old school reggae (no dancehall/dub) but with the occasional Madness twist and a 2005 update. I can't wait for a volume #2. Two Dekker songs and another Prince Buster song - great selections. "You'll lose a good thing" is along the lines of Hepcat - just awesome. Good job boys - come back to the East Coast USA!



5. This is a very good album of Madness. One of their best.
   But they can do better
   
   Rob

2 comments about 54-46 Was My Number: Anthology, 1964-2000.

1. This CD really does it for me! I didn't really know much about reggae other than my Bob Marley Legend CD. I saw Toots about 3 months ago and really liked him. I think this CD is great - it really does it for me. I like pretty much all of the songs and it just makes me feel good. I'd recommend it. The only thing I'm worried about is playing it too much and burning it out!



2. the best jamaican r&b soul from the carribean's answer to
   otis redding and james brown.