5 comments about Foundation Ska.

1. The Skatalites are one of the most fantastic ska bands ever, they practically started ska. The two discs contain the amazing feel of the Skatalites. Def recommend for anyone into old time ska :]



2. The title fits. This was the birth of reggae with Jamaica's Jazz and R&B supergroup the Skatalites in the 1960s. Hear them back up Bob Marley dn the Wailer's first record "Smmer Down" and you will do just the opposite. Enjoy "Exodis," Cool Smoke," and their lovely rendition of "I Should Have Known Better" (aka Independent Anniversary Ska).
   
   But the real bonus here is the late great genius Don Drummond's wailing trombone in "Eastern Standard Time." Why more people in the uSA aren't familiar with this is a mystery. But in either case, this is one of those happy Cds that is recommended listening after a hard day.



3. 
   This is an excellent collection of songs. Can't really find a single poor track on either CD. These guys somehow combine a mastery of their craft with the primeval feeling of true ska. If I was to subdivide the many flavors of ska even further, I'd say this was "Big Band Ska" - a category the Skatalites own. While I'm generally not too keen on instrumentals, this album is way too good to pass up - and with 32 songs is also a bargain. Can't imagine a lover of ANY type of ska not enjoying this... 4.5 stars.



4. I caught a whiff of this great music late at night on the left side of the dial where the public sponsored stations all hang out in a small, little huddle trying to remain fiercely independent. Most of these stations play incredible music of all types and this was one of the records the midnight DJ spun....
   
   Oh, man...this is great stuff. I've always liked ska music, mostly English Beat and General Public, but that music almost sounds contrived compared to the "real thing"...
   
   This music has a jumpy, happy beat...I mean, if you can make the song "Exodus" into something you want to dance to, you're onto something.
   
   I have very eclectic tastes ranging from the conventional to the obscure. To me, music has the obligation to move the soul. If the soul is happy then the feet will be happy and if the feet are happy the hips will be happy until pretty soon your happy soul will unite with your happy body and you have what we call dancing and as Nietzche said in one of his essays, "I can only believe in a God that dances..."
   
   Well, God does dance, friends, so let the spirit/the soul within you come out to play and buy this fantastic collection. It's a little pricey for something that's over 40 years old, but it still beats a lot of the stuff that's currently "out there".



5. 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

5 comments about Charge!!.

1. The Aquabats, a revolutionary band, originally tangled up in what was a great ska movement, has evolved into something incomprehensible. Dropping the horns and picking up the synth, CHARGE!! is nothing short of amazing. This rather quirky and fun-loving band of superheroes, though changing their sound (just a touch) and maturing (very little), has, by far, created one of the catchiest and rather uplifting albums to date.
   I always found that the Aquabats (excluding The Return Of...) never took full advantage of their horn section, and therefore lacked (or rather gained) an edge on other ska bands of the time and present day. Completely replacing any signs of what could have been potentially blaring trumpet with synthesized keyboards, gave them that super extra edge of ultimate catchiness and fun that they needed after a 5 year pause. Lyrically and instrumentally, the songs feel more materialized, complete, and strangely enough, smart. Everything about this album compliments everything else, even the band itself. They strayed from their sound and stumbled onto something fantastic. The Aquabats are so freaking cool! Ha =)



2. As a long-time, loyal fan, I'm confident in stating that Charge is by far the most impressive Aquabats album yet. The absence of horns have been replaced with genius lyrics, towering vocals and prolific guitar work. Each song a masterful work of art. Absolutely amazing stuff! These guys are at the top of their game. Aquabats unleashed!!!



3. I can't believe nobody has mentioned the incredible similarities between the "Fashion Zombies" track and Devo's music (my wife actually thought it was a Devo track she had never heard.) "Fashion Zombies" is a revival the long lost art of punk/synth fusion, albeit much more poppy sounding. There are little lyrical gems here criticizing the effort goth kids (or "emo" as they get called now) go through to make themselves look scary:
   
   "Dressed in expensive fashions
   To look like they crawled out of coffins
   
   And who can blame them?
   They walk through asphalt cemeteries"
   
   And this little parody of Vincent Price's bit in Micheal Jackson's "Thriller":
   
   "Darkness falls across the land
   The midnight hour is close at hand
   Creatures crawl in search of blood
   To accessorize their black zipper hood"
   
   If you have to shop at the mall to show how society has marginalized you...then you've missed the point. It is not an original theme, but it bears repeating...especially in the last 10 years.
   
   Though I loved this particular track, I wasn't that impressed with the rest the tracks, but they weren't horrible. Admittedly, I have never been a big Aquabats fan. I gave it 4 stars based on the strength of this one track.
   
   Btw: If you are new to punk/synth fusion sound and like it, look into stuff like The Stranglers - "No More Heros", The Nuns - "Suicide Child" or Devo - Penetration In The Centrefold.



4. The Aquabats have done it again, only with 5 members this time instead of 11. The Aquabats are hilarious, have awesome riffs, lyrics, and overall tone. It doesn't have all the horns of the earlier albums, but they compensate with vocal backgrounds and more guitar riffs. One of my favorite cd's!!!
   
   1 - For your own safety - only a few seconds long, a nice opener
   
   2 - Fashion zombies - makes fun of emo kids, but all in good fun. Awesome lyrics and opening guitar
   
   3 - Stuck in a movie - You enjoy it more every time because you catch something new every time!
   
   4 - Tiger rider vs. the Time sprinkler - Mystic, extreme, how do they do it? Awesome bridge.
   
   5 - Nerd Alert - Saying that nerds are really cool. Raise your fist and take a stand, with your super-cool wrist bands!!! Catchy tune, hysterical theme.
   
   6 - Plastic Lips - Beautiful girls really are too good to be true, aren't they?
   
   7 - Look at me, I'm a winner! - Awesome guitar, lyrics, and overall point.
   
   8 - Hot summer nights - Definitely one of my favorite aquabat songs of all time. Why can't guys take a hint?
   
   9 - Once again, amazing guitar and vocals. A little repetitive.
   
   10 - Mechanical Ape - The title says it all, this song is yet another glorious display of Aquarandom goodness.
   
   11 - Demolition Rickshaw - Highly energetic (as are all aquabats works) good on a stressful day. :)
   
   12 - Waterslides - Gets away from the traditional Aquabats saound and feel, yet one of my favorites.
   
   13 - Awesome Forces - Way to go out with a bang, this is one of the best songs on here. Stating how they're the rock band to battle all the villians.



5. Im not the greatest fan of the Aquabats, i knew 5 or 6 old songs and they were pretty good. This album is very different, theres less trumpets, its more rocky (not to the extent of actually being rock music though) and dare i say it, a hint of angst creeps in?
   
   Most of the songs on this album are very good. Instrumentally less complex but keeping to the same formula of singing, the aquabats have conjoured up catchy tunes that are also well rounded songs. Fashion Zombies is a great start to the album, the singing style perfectly complimenting the bouncy background. In fact, apart from 'Meltdown' which i could take or leave, this is a very solid album.
   
   The album isnt for everyone as the lyrics may prove to be too repetitive for some (look at me look at me look at me, im a winner, im a winner!) but its great if youre an aquabats fan or generally like a ska singing style
   
   i personally think this album is great, i hope they make many more

5 comments about Sublime.

1. I first bought the Sublime "Sublime" album on cassette when it first came out. Time to upgrade to CD..Great Ska/rock mix. I got introduced to some other songs of their's buying this CD



2. I can be a little biased because I'm an obcessed Sublime fan. I listen to Sublime at least five days a week. This is one of the three real Sublime albums out there (as in not a compilation) This album has to be the most professionally produced, and comercial of the three. I would recomed it to any type of music lover because this is just great music. Once you buy this one you will have to have 40 oz to freedom and Robbin the Hood. What's more to be said? Just buy it, you won't regret it.



3. Dude, you're an idiot. Anyway, onto the review... Since the death of Bradley over a decade ago (duuude, I'm getting old) there have been many Sublime cd's that have come our way. Some great (Sublime-Acoustic) and some not so great (20th Century), but either way it's always good to get some new Sublime. This particular cd has been reviewed extremely well by some great fans, so I won't get into that. I just wanted to note that "Seed", one of the fastest and punk-esque Sublime songs from the self-titled album appears to have not found a place on this "re-issue". That's something of a shame, but oh well. We'll enjoy it anyway.
   
   Oh yea, they should have put the Pharcyde mix of "Doin Time" on this mix over the Wyclef version. Clef's doesn't even compare.



4. i must agree with paulo. knopper or whatever his name is is definatly a idiot. i can never get enough sublime if it be 40oz to freedom,sublime.second hand smoke,robbin the hood, or anything else i missed. now that i think of it there was this one time me and my roommate got all spun out on lsd and listened to 40oz to freedom 5 times in a row. this is definatly a must have along with the 4 disc box set that comes out in nov.



5. Everybody loves this album; why else would you have clicked on the icon in order to view the product?
   
   Everybody knows that the album has been re-sequenced in order to comply with Bradly Nowell's original sequence. I have listened to this album for so long, that it will take a while to RE-ADJUST to the new sequence of the songs!
   
   Also, everybody knows that this album comes with a supplimental disc with extra goodies! The second disc contains several priceless songs- especially the accoustic material which has been included. In my OPINION, the accoustic tracks make the second disc the gem of the whole collection.
   
   This release is a no-brainer for the fans.

5 comments about Rapid City Muscle Car.

1. Great Cherry Poppin' Daddies. An eclectic mix -- as usual. With this kind of variety, you may not like every tune -- but, you're bound to find something new you like, if your a CPD fan.



2. the daddies are for you. i am lucky enough to own all of their work and with the exception of ferociously stoned (their first release), they are all awesome. this is my #1 favorite cd out of all their work. an adventure in musical styles, you will be surprised with every song.



3. Everything I was ever looking for in music, I found in Rapid City Muscle Car. Skyline Drive is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. It is probably the most diverse album you can get and all of the musicians are as talanted as they come. I picked up the CD in an obscure shop on a vacation in Virginia, and it really is all I can remember about the trip. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't saying that Virginia was borning, that's just how powerful this album was. Okay maybe a little boring...
   Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, or at least listen to the samples. All of them.



4. The Cherry Poppin Daddies are a wonderful band. I really like this CD. Infact out of the four it is my favorite. It has all different kinds of music. The Lyrics are touching. As I said it before they are a wonderful band!



5. ok, well, i heard zoot suit riot on the radio, went out and bought the cd. I LOVED IT. so a couple of months later I bought this one, "rapid city muscle car." Quite frankly, i didn't like it. I put it away for a while. When I started to like rock and ska more, I got it back out and started listening to it. I listened to some of the tracks, grew to love some of them, avoided the rest. Then one day, I was in a, well, mood, where I just put it on, and well, more of the songs grew on me. I listened to the entire CD every day, just lettin' it run, u know. I started to learn the words and started to feel the music, and the great, let me stress that, GREAT, lyrics, got me to thinkin' this ain't no ordinary band. I would start singing in school, it was to the point where I would wanna go home just to listen to it!(if i wasn't doing anything more useful than sittin' at a friends house) I mean I have not bought a full length CD in like a year, besides the CPD! why u ask? because I didn't need to! I mean i bought singles and everything but this CD, and the Zoot Suit Riot CD have kept me goin' for like a year and a half now. So let me tell you ppl who came to read my review, if you think this cd is swing, well it is a little, but if you're like me and all you lived for was swing, consider this cd the revolution in your life. it sure changed me, and i guarantee you it'll change you- It got your swing, some rock, punk, ska, even a touch o' country. no matter, you'll love it, so buy it.

1 comments about Moon Hop: Best of the Early Years 1960-69.

1. While the first CD of this set contains most of Derrick Morgan's hits from the Ska period of the early 60s, it is the second CD that shows this artist at his peak in the later 60s. Derrick uses lyrics borrowed from Jamaican folk music paired with the intense beat of the rocksteady period to make the best music of his career. I'm particularly fond of his duets with George Agard (check out "Me Naw Give Up"). You have two of the best Jamaican singers of the time over some of the rawest, most insistent rocksteady ever recorded, driven by scratchy guitar and heavy basslines, this music sounds raw compared to the more polish releases by groups like the Melodians and the Maytals. The duets with Paulette are very affecting as well ("You Never Miss Your Water"). Crucial sounds from an era of Jamaican popular music that deserves to be more widely heard.

5 comments about More Specials.

1. With the release of their second album, the Specials proved definitively that they were more than a flash in the pan. This is an excelent follow-up, one continuing in the ska idiom with brilliant pop thrown in for good measure. The most rewarding aspect of this remastered edition, however, is the remarkable sound that shines through on every track, revealing every nuance of a densely layered collection of songs. My only critique of this remaster would address the baffling exclusion of 'Rat Race,' a track fans will feel cheated out of once they get this cd home. Why in the name of all that is holy was it excluded?



2. I agree with everybody else that the first Specials album was probably the greatest ska album ever--a fist-pumping pleasure from beginning to end. However, I cannot help but admire Jerry Dammers' artistic courage in refusing to repeat himself, and instead driving the band into new territory on this album. The result was a unique work--incorporating hard ska, dub, lounge singing, and muzak (!) influences into one really strange trip of a record.
   
   Like the first record, it is a journey from beginning to end. But while the debut album was a studio recreation of a live gig, this is a dyspeptic trip into studio hell, opening with a lively cover of the standard "Enjoy Yourself", and ending in a sardonic port-mortem version of the same. In between the band meanders through all sorts of studio space, harsh and mellow, on their way to their ultimate demise, with the same biting lyrics (but darker here) and great playing that the band displayed on its debut.
   
   It's fantasticly weird art-rock album, done by the world's best ska band. It's a terrific companion to the first record, and if the band pretty much dissolved afterward at least they finished playing their "A" game, in my opinion. If you wanted a repeat of the first record, well, small wonder that you're disappointed. But then, you would have been anyway.



3. Why do these record companies put out remasters and then remove a song or two from them? One has to wonder where Rat Race disappeared to? It isn't on this cd anymore. Oh, nevermind. I found it on the Hits disc. How Lame. They did the same thing with the remaster of English Beat. Don't buy this crappy version of this cd unless you either can't find the original issue or you absolutely have to have the video of Ghost Town (a pretty good vid) and Rat Race (a pretty crappy vid).



4. Do your best to try not to listen to the reviews saying "one good song, the rest are fillers."
   After reading that, I sat and thought long and hard of what song he could possibly be talking about, but I can't figure it out, because the entire album is equally well done, with nothing really outstanding.
   I would suppose if you were looking for an album with 4 or 5 radio hits on it, or potential singles on it, this wouldn't be the album you're looking for (with the exception of Enjoy Yourself, and Hey Little Rich Girl).
   The diversity of the album is insane. It varies from a calming melodic tune like "I can't stand it" (which features the Bodysnatcher's Rhoda Dakar, to "Sock It To 'Em J.B" (a less than satisfying ode to James Bond films). Most of the tunes are highly based on the melody and instruments, instead of the vocals. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
   If you want to get into two-tone ska, this is a must have, whether some guy who only listens to one mysterious song thinks so or not.



5. I love ska. I love the Specials 1st Album and Ghost Town. On this CD you get the Keith Richard's whammy, "One hit and (X-1) trax of crap" (rhymes). Can you guess which song is not vapid? The rest of the album needs more vitamins. Save your money and get "I Just Can't Stop It" by The Beat - English.

5 comments about Cheeses....

1. this CD is in great condition. got here fast and all that. and of course its the greatest band in the world!



2. This album is not for those new to the world of Five Iron Frenzy. The usual FIF elements are there, the brass section, Reese's vocals (let's face it no one sounds like Reese), the random silly songs. Yes, everything the FIF fan has come to love about the band. While past Five Iron projects have been more balanced between the serious songs and the silly songs, this album definitely leans more to the silly songs.
   I love "Never Ask Us To Play This," it's just a simply request for the fans to stop asking to hear some of the classic FIF songs that the band is just tired of playing.
   "Marty," one of the few serious songs on the album, is amazing. This song really shows the ska sound that FIF is so good at.
   Lyrically, the few serious songs are cutting and the silly songs are, random and irrelevant. But that's what the band is known for.
   The band is awesome. If you don't have any Five Iron stuff, I'd definitely suggest starting out with a different album, maybe Our Newest Album Ever. If you do not already know the band, and are not familiar with their style, this album will not mean much to you; in fact you probably won't like it if you are not already a Five Iron fan.
   If you are into Five Iron, I'd suggest checking out Brave Saint Saturn, it was a few of the member's side project. The songs are darker than most Five Iron stuff, and they do not use the brass section, but it's good stuff.



3. This cd is supposed to be only for fans. But the truth is, this is the cd that made me a fan. The songs are very catchy, and there is something for everyone. There is punk, metal, even a hint of Jazz thrown in. Not only are the songs great, but there are funny little 10 second recordings that make you laugh everytime. They are about grandmas, milk, and food. This is a cd you can listen to over and over again, because it never gets old, and it is always hilarious. If you love to laugh, and are a fan of great upbeat songs, then give this a try. You will be very happy you did.



4. I am an occasional FIF fan - I particularly enjoyed the "all the hype" album. There's lots of great songs on that album, and I still listen to it all the time. Their live album is really good as well.
   
   I picked up this album because I hadn't heard anything new from these guys for awhile, and I have to say that I was quite disappointed.
   
   This isn't as much an "album" as a collection of stuff that the group had laying around - old recordings of stuff, recordings of the members of the group just goofing around, stuff that wasn't good enough to be released on an official album.
   
   B-sides are left off of most discs because they aren't very good. Unless you are a hardcore FIF fan, I'd suggest you look to some of their other releases to find some good music.



5. This is the worst album you will ever hear in your entire life. I hope you hate it.

5 comments about Trench Town Mix Up.

1. This is a seminal album one that transferred well to the punk scene in London and helped influence the Clash the pistols and others. Its pure roots reggae but alittle slicker and shorter- and includes the stunner Soul Rebel. This album is quick and propulsive- with most songs dancing around the 3 minute mark at true Jamaican pace but seems to blow by despite being 11 or 12 tracks. Im not implying that the songs are fast at all- its the spirit and the mixing of the songs down to an almost poplike form instead of six minute mantras. Great vocals great tunes and relevant lyrics make this a must own for all reggae fans especially considering this is a classic among the last dying days of the height of reggae-Bom MArley excluded. The cover captures the mood at the time not only in Kingston but in London as well. A must have!



2. excellent album to add to any collection. sweet tunes and heavy rhythms. always a steady reggae beat and strong rhthym 'chink'. everyone likes this album, no cheese anywhere on it.



3. At times I just laugh at the harmony these guys lay down, at first listen it sounds downright out of key. So you wonder why I would rate it so high? This album is soulfull, sweet reggae at its best, the more you listen the more you groove. You cant help but love it for its sincerity and innocence. HIGH on my list of must haves.



4. Great album, my only complaint is that it's a little short. Excellent beats, catchy tunes, great vocals... i definitely recommend this one. Even if you haven't heard of the Gladiators before, their sound is right up there with other much more famous reggae bands.



5. In the late 1980's I purchased The Gladiator's LP "On the Right Track". Big mistake. I did not like this album as I thought it was weak and irritating. The result was that for 10+ years I stayed away from The Gladiators all together. Another big mistake. I finally bought "Trenchtown Mix Up" after reading the review in the Rough Guide, and I have since been kicking myself for ignoring it all this time. Every song is perfect and the musical backing and production by Prince Tony is stunning. A cornerstone reggae album on par with The Congos "Heart of the Congos", Sylford Walker's "Lambsbread" and Burning Spear's "Marcus Garvey". A perfect, hard driving, rootsy mix of the heroic and the spiritual.

5 comments about Fishbone 101: Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin'.

1. This is a nice collection, but be warned that CD2 is mostly rare tracks and B-sides that might only be of serious interest to Fishbone afficianados.
   
   CD1 is a mash up of most of their early work and hits.
   
   So, here's the rub... You miss some of the best songs off "Truth and Soul", a great album, as well as "The Reality of My Surroundings". Both albums are worth owning in their entirety. This compilation is like reading chapters of great novels.
   
   For the cost of this CD, you could score both CD's used, and have enough left over to maybe even squeeze in Chim-Chim's Revenge.
   
   I think Bruce McCullough said it best: "Best of albums are for housewives and middle schoolers". The used CD's are cheap, and you get the offbeat tracks as a bonus.
   
   Fossil Fuelin' is a great addition for the Dedicated Fishheads, but as "collection" in one Jewel Case fails miserably. Which is great, because you can just go get the real albums.



2. Just buy Fishbone's s/t record, In Your Face, Truth & Soul, and Reality instead of this. This two-disc set really isn't worth the money considering there's several (inferior) demo versions of "Lying", "Modern Industry", and "Party at Ground Zero" wasting valuable disc space. 101 is definitely a sampler for those afraid to jump into the Fishbone catalog. With all the songs spread over these discs, there sure is a lot of filler. I suppose Columbia doesn't want to give Fishbone soldiers bang for their buck. There's no way that "Love and Bullsh*t" and "Scrooge" can compete with the simple synth beauty of "In the Air" and the "Many Millions" which is just as good as "Fight the Youth". Like I said, if you've never bought Fishbone before and like the audio clips here, take the plunge and buy one of their first four studio LPs.



3. Growing up in LA in the 80's my friends and I listened to Fishbone almost every time I went cruising. We saw them several times live. We couldn't help it.

   This 2 CD set truly is a EXCELLENT intro or reminder of the fun and power, not only music but intellectually, of Fishbone. The first CD covers the standard 'best set' from their albums. I love not needing to carry several CD cases now to get my Fishbone fix.

   The second CD is an excellent reminder collection for those fans who were actually there to collect this music, or for those fans who would like more Fishbone to play with!

   This album does NOT portray Fishbone as the excellent live band they are. See them in concert for that!
   This album does NOT cover ALL their great music. Collect all thier CD's, tapes, LP's and EP's for that.

   This album IS an EXCELLENT and large collection of great music by a great band at an super price.

   I hope you enjoy as much as I do!




4. I'm a big fan of Fishbone, and I really like this album. However, I just realized that another favorite band, The CRAZY 8'S (now defunct) would be popular with Fishboners. If you like OINGO BOINGO and FISHBONE, you'll LOVE The Crazy 8's! (...especially "Big Live Nut Pack!")



5. Fishbone is one band which does not do in the studio what it is capable of doing. If you ever get a chance to see them live, then you will know what I am talking about. Don't get me wrong, their albums are really jumpin', yet, the animalistic energy and musical-instrument-juggling-act which is their live performances should never be passed by.

1 comments about Trojan Box Set: Rude Boy.

1. Si andas buscando reggae diferente y bueno, ésta es la elección que debes hacer.
   No te arrepentirás.
   
   Saludos