5 comments about Forget the World.

1. If you dont want to pay alot for this album go to the vagrant website so you can pick it up brand new for 10 bucks 13 with shippings. I have no idea why it is so expensive on here but it isnt even a rare cd so just go pick it up with out getting screwed. Long live cheap music, peace



2. This album was one of my very first ska albums. Very energetic horns, unique percussion style, good vocals, everything. I bought it in 1997 and unbeknownst to me at the time, my cousin was in high school with one of the horn players in Southern CA. I got to see the Hippos live once in Dallas, and they are fantastic both on and off stage. Their 2nd release - Heads Are Gonna Roll - is also a great CD, where their musical maturity really shines through. As of now they are broken up, but did manage to release a 3rd album because of an overwhelming number of requests (sometimes even bitter demands!) from their fans. This is incredible; I've never heard of any band putting out a new release after splitting up. It makes a good collector's item, but is somewhat evolved and has virtually no ska influence. Stick to Forget the World for your ska fix, and be sure to check out the band's updated website - www.thehippos.com. Peace.



3. If you only own one ska cd this definately should be it. A large variety of songs with many different themes (some love songs, serious and funny songs too). The title track for the cd "Forget the World," I think is the best ska song ever written both for the lyrics and the musical content. Overall the song writing on this cd is tremendous. Well worth putting out the money to get a hold of this music!!!



4. Buy this only if you already own "heads are gonna roll."



5. I was never a really big fan of ska (i actually didn't even know what it was) until i heard the hippos. Now i'm addicted to ska! They are absolutely great! Some of the songs are so funny, and they are all great, even the filler tracks :). If you want something fun to listen to...this is definitely it! And if you love this cd, you'll love "Head Are Gonna Roll" even more!

5 comments about Maximum Perversion.

1. Mephiskapheles was one of the best ska bands from the mid to late 90's. The singer and primary songwriter, the Grand Invidious, was perhaps old school ska's final, dying gasp. His music is such a complex combination of emotion and ideas; it really manages to capture an authentic flavor of intelligent, refined, subdued evil. His lyrics are usually very good but they can be pretty puerile at times; still, I find that they are often the perfect icing on the cake of a great ska tune and they are always kept within the theme of the band.
   
   If you've never heard of these guys, give them a listen. They are one of the most overlooked ska bands in the history of the genre. I highly recommend this album as well as their other good album, God Bless Satan. Give Mightay Whitay a pass, as it's much lesser in quality.



2. Add this to your collection if you love ska. It will soon become one of your best cd's. Every song is great!



3. I really like this CD. They are the first ever satanic ska band, and they are highly enjoyable. I love the horns and the vocals are alright also. Songs I enjoyed: Attack Of The Geniuses, Break Your Ankle Punk, Bad Toupee, Satan On The Beach, Aliens, Safe, Demon Weed, Introducing The Yellow Passion, Foursome, Snack Pack, Plan B, Turtle Soup, Scram. That tells you something... I didn't like break your ankle punk, but other then that one this CD has to be one of the best I own. Go buy it now.



4. I loved God Bless Satan, but it took me a while for this one to grow on me. After it did though, I loved it. Mephiskapheles has such a great variety of style in each song, and it makes for great music. There are so many great songs in this album. My one complaint is the album is too short. I really wish each song was longer, since there can never be too much of a good thing when it comes to music.



5. God Bless Satan was the best album ever. But now Mephiskapheles has become too jazzy for me... "Bad Toupee" is incredible though (this is not the version on NYBeat : Breaking and Entering Vol.2)! All for all, a very good album, but not as great as the previous one.

5 comments about El Vals del Obrero.

1. I'm nervous. I really am. I have to write a review for a band that is not only my favorite (never heard a bad song by them) but has also impacted me greatly despite the language barrier. To some, if you cannot understand the lyrics (which are ALL in spanish) than it's not worth your time. To me, it doesn't matter at all.
   
   What is bad about this CD? Nothing. There are very few CD's I will give a perfect rating to no matter how much I love it. I have to literally find no problems for it to get 5/5. This album is a great example of perfect music. The album kicks off with El Gato Lopez (Lopez the Cat) which is a great ska song about a working "cat" who goes to ska shows to relieve the stress of being working class. It is inspiring and will have you saying Sigue siguelo all day even if you don't understand (RESIST IT LOPEZ!).
   
   The album, much like the band in general, meshes styles together flawlessly from ska (Gato Lopez) to punk (El Vals Del Obrero) to celtic drinking (Romero el Madero) to calypso (Cannabis) to even pseudo-rap (Revistas del Corazon). The band tosses in a lot of latin and spanish-folk along the ways, and also has an obligatory banjo song (La Sesera no Va). This band maybe third wave but this album is so unique and so interesting. As a fun note this album as well as their rare self-titled album and Eurosis are recorded without a horn section in the band. Instead Kogote (the brilliant keyist/songwriter) synthesizes all the horns into a delectibally unique sound.
   
   The band themselves are also talented. Pulpul and Joxemi are brilliant guitarists both off and on the beat and Julio is incredibly versatile on the bass. Luisimi paces the rhythm perfectly and of course the band has great harmonies. Lyrically the band belays their happy music with powerful and witty (after google translator told me) leftists lyrics. Lyrics range from police brutality to animal cruelty to religion. The band on stage (from the videos I have seen) is just as if not more entertaining. Pipi will often run around on stage assissting with vocals and dressing up in costumes to do gimmicky onstage gags.
   
   This is quite the review for an import album from Spain, but if you like ska, punk, latin, rap or I mean anything this band is an absolute MUST. Buy their back catalogue because as of now they are on a hiatus and it is a sad day for ska. If you are ignorant towards new things, new languages or new politics (they HATE the U.S. and refuse to play concerts there) than don't buy this.
   
   5 stars as that is as much as I am allotted to give.



2. this is definitly an butt-kickin' album. Ska-P is one of the best Ska bands in the entire world. Lotta Catchy tunes and hilarious lyrics.
   My personal favorites are "Napaes","Romero el Madero", "Cannabis" and "Sexo y Religon"
   Also check all other albums of them, as they also are really recommendable,especially "Eurosis".
   But nothing can beat them live on stage. That's an experience i don't wanna miss.



3. "Y saco un papelito me preparo un cigarrilo y una china para un canuto de hachis..." Y asi empieza la cancion de Cannabis, una gran cancion sin lugar a dudas. Ska-p, para mi culmina la reinvindicacion de la libertad de expresion, de pensamiento y de religion. Su ritmo, es increible y la letra original y graciosa, burlesca pero con un toque maestro, que a mas de uno seguro que le invita a pensar tal y como ellos piensan (anarquia, antireligosos etc...) Bueno pues eso! 5 estrellas, merecidillas ;-) y los que tengan el disco... LEGALIZACION!!!!!



4. SKA-P es lo más grande que hay, al fin una banda que puede transmitir lo que sienten los animales de laboratorio, y ponerte la pìel de gallina.



5. Que gran CD este de ska-p, de una forma bastante irreverente y comica dice las verdades tal y como lo piensan. Totalmente recomendado si te gusta el rock con los matices latinos del ska. Una gran variedad musical y tematica..... deberian acercarse a dar una vuelta por latinoamerica!

4 comments about Hopelessly Devoted to You, Vol. 3.

1. this music is good as a fast paced background when painting- no other time, tho...



2. This is easily one of the best punk comps I've ever bought. The songs on here excepting one or two are solid gold. Well worth four dollars, to say the least.. it's one of those CD's it is hard to get tired of...



3. This is the best punk comp I've bought. Like any comp, there's a bunch of ..., but on this one there's just as much good stuff as there is not good stuff. There's about two songs from each band and in most cases, if one song is good, both of them are. The good ones are by Mustard Plug, Selby Tigers, Falling Sickness, Digger, The Queers, The Weakerthans, and, of course, Samiam. There's a few other good ones, but those are my favorites right now. If nothing else, buy this comp for the fact that Samiam and the Weakerthans are on here and that it's only four bucks. -Randy



4. it was a good cd, not the best, but it was ok, for 3.98, it was worth it, go ahead and buy this one.

1 comments about Sustain.

1. It's a known fact that ska has seen better days. Some even go as far as to say that ska is indeed dead. This album really disproves that statement. Buck-O-Nine has never gotten as big as other 90's "ska" bands such as No Doubt, Sublime, and the like. But then again, Buck-O-Nine has earned their title of being one of the few 90's ska / skacore bands that are still around today.
   
   With that being said, this album is, I dare say, one of THE best ska albums to come out in a long, long time. Whether you even consider these guys straight ska or lump them into a smaller sub category, it does not matter. This cd will no doubt make you get up and skank around your room, your house, your cubicle, and will for sure stay in your cd player for a long, long time.
   
   Usually you would point out strong songs on an album, but the fact is that almost every single song on this disc is a shoe-stomping good time. This is Buck-O-Nines strongest album, by far. Obviously some fans will disagree, but this album is so great on so many levels, it's just not even funny.
   
   I think it's worth it to point out that the bass lines in some songs, notably "Lie to Me," "Less than Comfortable," and "Sailing Away." are killer and really, really bring the songs together. The horns are also some of the catchiest horn lines (or whatever you would call them) that Buck-O-Nine have done in a really long time.
   
   Final verdict? This is a must buy for fans of the ska genre, or if you just want a real nice listen, then definately get it. For a better buy, go to asianmanrecords(dot)com, Buck-O-Nines label, and get it from the store there.

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.

3 comments about Pezcore (W/Dvd).

1. For all of you Hardcore "Less Than Jake" fans who have never seen them perform their classic tracks LIVE...GET THIS DVD !!! IT'S AWESOME !!



2. 18 Track Pezcore album reissued. Accompanying live DVD filmed on February 10, 2007 in Ft Lauderdale recreating all 18 tracks in order from Pezcore.



3. Ever since I heard "this is going nowhere" off a compilation cd I've been hooked on LTJ since. Pezcore I would have to say is one of their best albums. It captures the perfect ska-punk mix i loved, with fast paced beats mixed with somewhat depressing themes of feeling trapped, isolated...but hopefull at the same time.
   Over the years LTJ's sound has changed...my feeling is not for the better. Their last few albums feel very studio polished and commercial...which makes me long for the rough, fast pace train-spanking songs they used to write. Pezcore epitomizes LTJ's best and to this day still holds a special place in my great albums list.

2 comments about Hold Me Tight: Anthology 1965-1973.

1. Fantastic collection of tracks from a rock steady legend who is too little known to today's reggae fans. One CD of solid instrumentals, including a seminal version of the classic "Pressure and Slide," and one featuring Taitt's work behind a medley of great late 60's singers. Pure class.



2. Lyn Taitt is a legend, the only problem is not many people know it yet. Unless your really into ska, rocksteady, or reggae, chances are you've never heard of him, which is understandable since before now, all that was available was one of his instrumental albums, "Rocksteady Greatest Hits", which was so hard to get it might as well have been out of print(which i think now it is out of print). But now trojan have come to the rescue with one of their great anthologies. You really can't go wrong with any of these trojan 2 disc anthologies, i tend to buy as many as i can find(other great sets are Skatalites and Friends- Phoenix City, and Tommy McCook- Real Cool). This collection of Lynn Taitt's work is something i've been waiting for for years since i bought "Rocksteady Greatest Hits", which is represented on here with 7 of the albums 12 tracks. The first disc has 27 of his amazing instrumental cuts, while the second disc contains vocal tracks of which Lynn Taitt and the Jets were the session band. These vocals are all amazing, and a bunch of them are REALLY rare, and there are a lot of big names, such as Hopeton Lewis, the Paragons(Who did the original version of "The Tide Is High" which later became a big hit for Blondie), The Melodians(who were on the soundtrack to The Harder They Come), and Johnny Nash. So go out and buy this set, it's on trojan so it'll be easy to get. Any store that carries ska should have it. Hopefully this set will bring Lynn Taitt the recognition he deserves.

5 comments about Live From the Middle East.

1. ... "if dimension, fidelity, and artistry are more your bag, Live pretty much bites. --Sue VanHecke"
   
   Sorry Sue, I can't agree with that. Saying the Bosstones lack artistry is almost laughable. The Tones showcase some of the most talented musicians I've come across in my time. Masterful bass playing, a tight brass section, excellent guitar work and frankly, Dicky Barrett's vocal's are individual, endearing and soulful.
   
   All up a great CD!



2. Wow...wow is all I can say about this display of live concert music. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are my favorite band, and I completed my collection of their cd's by laying down $18 for this cd- and I don't regret it oooone bit.
   Between the awesome blend of songs from all their albums and the raw energy being witnessed, this cd can please anyone who's in the room. Cd's such as Devil's Night Out and More Noises and Other Disturbances weren't all that great to me...but this cd has made me come to love both of those "okay" cd's just because hearing some older songs by MMB played live seemed to bring a new light over them!
   It's plain and simple...BUY THIS ALBUM! It's a must-have for annny MMB fan.



3. Like the Grateful Dead, the Bosstones are better live than recorded. This is essentially a live greatest hits album. It has all the songs of theirs that I could name, good sound, and an amazing 22 tracks. It's the only Bosstones disc I need, especially with "Where'd you go", "Someday I suppose", and half of the "Let's face it" album. Who needs that anymore. If you enjoy that "live" energy, and listen to bands like Fishbone and The Reverend Horton Heat, you'll love this.



4. Recorded during the Bosstones annual hometown throwdown shows right after their breakthrough album Let's Face It, Live from the Middle East actually does a good job capturing the essence of the Bosstones live. It features classic songs as well as a ton of songs off of Let's Face It, all in all it's a massive 22 song collection and every song sounds great. The set opens with 1-2-8 off of Let's Face It, it then goes into the classics Do Somethin Crazy, He's Back and one of my favorite Bosstones songs Devil's Night Out. With this live album they also breathe new life into songs such as Dr.D, Howwhywuz Howwhyam, Cowboy Coffee, and Where'd You Go. All of which are highlights of the album. Songs such as Kinder Words, Hope I Never Lose My Wallet, and Hell of a Hat also sound just as good live maybe even better than their studio recordings. Other songs from Let's Face It include the title track, Rascal King, Noise Brigade, Royal Oil, and their hit single, The Impression that I Get. The band sounds very tight on the live album, as any band would after touring for months at a time. Honestly the one low point of the album is the song Royal Oil, I'm just not a fan of that song, I actually think it's one of the worst song's they've ever recorded. The album ends on a great note also with The Impression that I Get, the classic Someday I Suppose (also featured in the movie Clueless), and the short Lights Out, which features the band members going back and forth singing to each other, definately a highlight of the live album. Live from the Middle East is definately worth the money, of course nothing will ever capture the essence of the Bosstones live but this cd comes extremely close, you should definately check them out if you get the chance to.



5. This live CD by the Bosstones is also a nice pre-Pay Attention "greatest hits" collection. Songs are taken from everything from Devil's Night Out to More Noise... to Don't Know How To Party. Many selections also come from Let's Face It. The recording quality is not as bad as some may say. All the songs do credit to the studio versions, with that touch that can only be felt live. The only song that just plain stinks is "The Impression That I Get" because it does nothing to capture the essence of the original masterpiece. Dicky's voice is in top-form, and he switches from growling to his deep tone very nicely. So there you have it. A live 22-track compilation of some of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones greatest. My only gripes are the bad quality of song 20 and all the unneeded language.

1 comments about Skeletones.

1. This is a great skeletone c.d
   Very hard to find.
   Ahh, such great memories!
   Get it! You'll love it!