reviews
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Here is where I put reviews of anything and everything Ska that anyone wants me to review, or anything that I want to review. I rate CDs by how much I would pay for them. Keep in mind that I'm a cheap ass, and this is just MY opinion. The ratings are retail (I would pay retail prices for this CD), Mail Order (I would pay mail order prices. Catching on?), used, bootleg, and don't bother (please clown this CD when you see it). |
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The Skatalites featuring Laurel Aitken, Ska Titans (Moon Ska Records) Well, Moon finally put this one together and released it after much anticipation. In case you don't know, The Skatalites invented ska, and Laurel Aitken is called "the Godfather of Ska." They've been making music since the 60's but haven't recorded together since 1965. Ska Titans is as original as it gets. I like some first-wave ska, and I don't like some. This one is a little boring. I've liked the records that Laurel Aitken and The Skatalites have released on other labels, but not the ones on Moon. All of the songs on this CD sound the same; same drum beat, same tempo, same chords, and same damn reverb on the vocals. If you like Reggae, you'll probably like this one, but I don't like Reggae and I don't like it. (Mail Order)
Moms Like Us Too, Volume One (BEC Recordings) MLUT is BEC's latest budget compilation (or at least I assume because it has songs that are already released in their catalog). It seems like BEC puts out a compilation every few weeks, well them or Tooth and Nail. MLUT has 22 tracks from 12 bands. Budget comps are usually a good bet because they're cheap and usually have the best songs from the bands, plus you might find some new bands that you like. All my favorites from BEC are on here: The Dingees, One Eighty, Value Pac, The Supertones, and Not For the Crowd, as well as the ones I can't stand: Joy Electric, Fold Zandura, and Bon Voyage. So in all, about half of this CD is worth listening to, but then again it's cheap, so you decide. (Mail Order).
The OC Supertones, Chase the Sun (BEC Recordings) If you've never heard of the Supertones, you probably either A) don't go to youth group or B) don't attend a Christian college. Since I do the later, all I hear about is the Supertones from people who assume that I like them because I like ska. Well I've got new for you: I don't like the Supertones!!!. Now before you tune me out, hear why I don't like them. I first started to not like them when I borrowed their first CD from my friend and it didn't impress me, it was too metally. Too much emphasis on the core of ska core. Then a few Christmases later, my mom bought me The Supertones Strike Back and I didn't like that too much either. I didn't like the music much, but I also noticed something else. To me, they fall into the same category as Petra and Amy Grant: one dimentional, they only sing praise songs about God and seem to deny the fact that they live in the world and do other things than pray, go to church, and read their Bible. Write some tour songs or something! Now I will admit that this CD is better than their other ones. They've refined their sound a bit to make it more poppy and not so hardcore although it's still there in force. Plus they've added organ, which I love, but their songs are still all the same. Even though I don't like them that much, The Supertones are one of the few Christian bands that I listen to (as my major advisor said "I listen to the real McCoy!"). I did gain a new respect for them when I heard that they played for the Pope when he was in St. Louis, though. The Supertones already have a cult following, so I doubt that a mediocre review from me will matter much. (Mail Order).
One Eighty, Crackerjack (BEC Recordings) More Orange County stylee ska-punk with dual female vocals. I can't help make the Dance Hall Crashers/No Doubt parallels: from Orange County, beautiful female vocalists in all male bands, and sounds very similar to them, although more similar to Dance Hall Crashers than No Doubt. I really like these guys. Very catchy music with a positive message sung in sweet voices. They are a Christian band, but they don't fall into the Supertones trap, they sing about other things than just God. This is probably the best CD that I've ever gotten from BEC. (Retail).
Assorted Jelly Beans, What's Really Going On? (Kung Fu Records) What's Really Going On is the second release from the band that Kung Fu Records was started for. You may know them from their college radio hit, "Brain Dead." In the press release, the Assorted Jelly Beans is described as ska core-ghetto style. I'd say this is true, with an influence on the "ghetto." Their music is more punk than ska, with three guys playing instruments and singing most of the time. They don't really harmonize, but it makes for an interesting vocal sound. If you like punk and ska, and the two together, you'll like this CD. (Retail)
The Busters, Make a Move! (Moon Ska Records) Make a Move is the latest CD from our venerable German friends. I think these guys have put out about four or five other full lengths in the many years they have been together. The Busters play an easily danceable upbeat third wave ska with a traditional soul. I have their first CD, Ruder than Rude, and their third(?) CD, Dead or Alive, and Make a Move sounds a lot more developed and mature than those. My favorite tracks (out of the 22!) are Enjoy Yourself (yes, that one) Do What You Want, Six Beers and Rocksteady Music, and the Tiajuana Brass classic, A Taste of Honey. (Retail)
Happy Christmas (BEC Recordings) As the name might suggest, Happy Christmas is a compilation of Christmas songs by your favorite Tooth and Nail/BEC Artists. This isn't really a ska compilation, but it's not really punk either because these labels aren't punk or ska labels, they release all kinds of "alternative music," though mainly Christian. So consequently Happy Christmas has ska, punk, techno, folk, and alternative bands doing their versions of holiday classics and original Christmas songs. This CD is about half and half with songs that are cool and songs that I can't sit through. I like the songs by the Supertones, Five Iron Frenzy, Pep Squad, One Eighty, The Huntingtons, and The Dingees. I don't like The Chasing furies, Sarah Masen, Almonzo, Seven Day Jesus, House of Wires, and Puller, but I'm sure some people will. Unfortunately Happy Christmas falls into the category of a seasonal CD and probably only get played at Christmas time. (Mail Order)
Aks Mamma, Jolly Holidays! (Kick Save Records) In all honesty, the first time I had heard of Aks Mamma was when I pulled this CD out of my mailbox. This Detroit outfit has been included on quite a few compilations to date, including American Skathic 4, Misfits of Ska II, and Skarmageddon 3, as well as a few others. Aks Mamma plays an energetic ska with a bit-o-punk and reggae. They sound similar to The Siren Six, with a mix of slow and upbeat organ driven songs. Coolie Ranx even makes an appearance on this excellent CD. (Retail) ($11 ppd from Kick Save Records PO Box 404 Appleton, WI 54912-0404)
Mr. Review, One Way Ticket to Skaville (Moon Ska Records) One Way Ticket to Skaville is billed as "The Essential Mr. Review." This is because One Way Ticket to Skaville is a compilation of this veteran band from Holland's best stuff taken from four full length albums, and several singles. Until now this stuff has only been available in Europe, but thanks to our friends at Moon, the same folks who brought you Dr. Ring Ding's Dandimite!, their music is now available for us Americans on a budget who don't feel like paying for an import CD. Mr. Review's sound can be described as European 2 tone, which reminds me of the Chickenpox, and a little like Dr. Ring-Ding. This CD is 70 minutes worth of moderately paced songs over three minutes long. Not for the short attention spanned ska fan! (Mail Order)
The Adjusters, Before the Revolution (Moon Ska Records) Before the Revolution is The Adjusters premier CD (I think). These Mod skasters combine the funky soul sounds of days of yore with traditional ska and reggae to make a unique sound. Not to say that the Adjusters are a funk band either, much more the funk of James Brown and Otis Redding than the bullshit funk of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Adjusters are also very involved in bringing social issues to the forefront of their music. The members are socialists, which they show in their lyrics and the liner notes of the CD. Highly recommended (Retail)
Mad Caddies, Duck and Cover (Fat Wreck Chords) In what seems to be a radical departure for Fat Wrech Chords, they promoted the Mad Caddies from their closely related label, Honest Don's, and released a ska album. But as might be expected from Fat, the Mad Caddies are a far cry from the traditional ska of the Skatalites or Hepcat. The Mad Caddies (as in Caddilac, not golf sidekicks by the way) combine ska with melodic punk and a pinch of dixieland jazz for some silliness. I'd have to say the band they sound the closest to is Less Than Jake, but with more of the Fat Wreck Chords sound of Strung Out and No Use For a Name. All in all, a great CD. (Retail)
Secret Cajun Band, Big House (Razor Boy Records) Big House is this well established ska band from St. Louis debut CD. It came out in 1994, but I'm just reviewing it now because I just got it alright! Secret Cajun Band play a crazy, upbeat, third wave ska, that is insane to see live apparently. I've never seen them myself (apparently they don't like to tour the west coast too much, the bastards), but seeing as they were voted the Band Most Likely to Start a Riot by the citizens of St. Louis, and have been called "A post-modern Marx Brothers lounge act", as well as many other things I'd say they really do. If you've heard Secret Cajun Band's contribution to compilations, such as Mr. Canoe and Cisco Kid and weren't too impressed, don't worry, these songs aren't exactly representative of the rest of the CD. Well the reason I'm reviewing such an old album is because Secret Cajun band is trying to finance a new CD, and need to sell more of this one to make that a reality. So help them out why don't you? This CD is well worth the money. (Retail) (to obtain this CD, send $12 (post paid) to 444 Newtown RD, Virginia Beach VA, 23462. Make checks payable to Miguel Figueras. Mention this review, and recieve a $2 discount.)
Ska United: A Global Ska Sampler (Moon Records) It seems that Moon keeps spitting out theme compilations at a maddening pace. In a world of mediocre ska bands and even more mediocre ska compilation CDs, Moon continues to make quality samplers. Some recent examples: Love and Affection, New York Beat: Breaking and Entering, and Nihon Ska Dansu. Moon has put out many regional compilations, but now it's time for a comp that covers the entire world. Despite the problem of such a wide scope, Ska United is pretty well representative, despite the large number of European bands. One reason Moon's compilations are so good is the fact that most of the bands on their compilations are well established, and with bands such as The Porkers, Dr. Ring Ding, Judge Dread, The Toasters, and Bad Manners, Ska United is no exception. Although there are a few new names such as Napoleon Solo, Rocking Time, and Spook and Guay. This CD is very similar to the Pork Pie "United Colors Of Ska" series, which is also excellent. (Retail)
Skanic, Last Call (Moon Ska Records) Originating in San Diego, Skanic plays a organ driven two tone ska. I belive this is the Skanic's second CD, the first was released on Steady Beat Records a while ago. I haven't heard that CD, so I don't know if if this CD is better or worse or what, but this CD sure is good. Skanic takes a cue from the two tone bands that influenced them and mixed a bit of rock with their ska. This addition makes them sound similar to the venerable Untouchables, and fellow California ska band The Upbeat. Aparently these guys will have a video from a song on this CD, so keep your eyes out for that. Last Call also contains a Nirvana cover, which I suppose is a warning for some and an endorsement for others, but for me (not a big Nirvana fan) it doesn't detract from the rest of the CD and makes me smile. (Mail Order)
Johnny Socko, Full Trucker Effect (Asian Man Records) Full Trucker Effect is supposedly the soundtrack to a "Major Motion Picture" of the same name, but I wouldn't hold my breath about it coming to the Cineplex Odeon in your town. Even though, I doubt this is a movie soundtrack, truckers are kind of the theme of the record. Track three is a hilarious trucker equivalent of the conversation about France in Pulp Fiction: "They Call it Le Red Man". Ha ha, What a hoot! Yeah, so anyways the music is really cool too. Johnny Socko have a modern/ third wave sound that's not punk and not metal. I really like this album. (Retail)
Mailorder is Fun! (Asian Man Records) Mailorder is Fun! is Asian Man Records addition to the ever growing market of budget samplers put out by record companies to expose consumers to new bands. These are a bonus for the consumer too. For a very low price ($4), you can get a damn good CD. This CD is awesome. It has 29 tracks of just about every band on Asian Man Records, as well as on Fueled By Ramen Records. The highlights are Slapstick, The Broadways, Johnny Socko, MU330, Let's Go Bowling, The Blue Meanies, Less Than Jake, Animal Chin, and even J Church. While this CD is mainly ska, there is plenty of punk, which reflects the diverse line up of these record companies. Highly recommended. (Retail)
Potshot, Pots and Shots (Asian Man Records) Potshot is one of the finest Japanese punk-ska bands with 8 instruments, yet only 3 members of the band. I don't know what's going on with that, but I'll just say they use a lot of guest musicians. They sound similar to Less than jake and Five Iron Frenzy, except you can't really understand the lyrics. I like "Someone to Lean on, Time, Clear, and the classic, Tears of a Clown. Good stuff. (Mail Order)
The Chinkees, ...Are Coming! (Asian Man Records) The Chinkees is Mike Park and Asian Man Records house band by the looks of it, all of their employees are in it. The Chinkees have a organ driven (I love organs!) ska sound with a bit-o-punk added in to spread their anti-racist message around the world. They sound like a cross between the Suicide Machines and Skankin' Pickle, but only because Mike Park sang for them too. They also have the longest (30+ minutes), most monotonous hidden track that I've ever heard. These guys are really cool though, and they have an awesome message, so get it chump! (Retail)
New York Ska Jazz Ensemble, Get This! (Moon Ska Records) The NYSJE is a supergroup of sorts made up of New York ska musicians brought together to play jazz and ska. All I can say is that after three albums, they're still together kickin' ass! I don't exactly know how to describe them, except that it's "ultra-smooth and deathly cool ska-jazz", like it says on the press release. Get This has a laid back feel, with mostly slow or moderate speed instrumentals with a few vocals thrown in by Gaz of the Checkered Cabs and Jack Ruby Jr. of the Toasters, although it's a little more upbeat than their last one. It's definetly not for the radio ska fan, but maybe it's time they got some real stuff. (Mail Order)
Mobtown, Cactus Juice (Moon Ska Records) Cactus Juice is Mobtown's second CD, but their first on Moon. This California band have an awesome traditional sound with a modern sound with some hints of latin. Mobtown plays a ton of instrumentals, but also a bunch of song with their soulful, but powerful female vocalist. I'd say their sound could be described as the Upbeat (or Mento Buro) meets The Skalars. My faves: Jump up, Remember, Bridgeview, and Pussycat Love. Get it, play it, get another. (mailorder)
Love and Affection: Ska in the Key of Love (Moon Ska Records) Love and Affection is Moon's second installment in a series of theme compilations, the first being Skankaholic's Unanamous, Moon's ode to the evil elixir. Actully I'm not sure if it's a series to be continued or not, but I'd assume it is. Most love compilations that I've heard have been kind of lame, but that's only because most love songs are lame. This CD is a little bit better than most I've heard, but most of the songs are slow and sappy, just like I expected. It redeems itself with a lot of quirky and silly love songs like Fat Girl by Mark Foggo's Skasters and Perfect Teeth by The Porkers. My favorites are Uno Dos Tres by Skinnerbox, Ignorance by Highball Holiday, and Love is Stronger than Pride by Warsaw (which is a modification and cover of the reggae classic Pressure Drop). There's a few that I don't particularly care for, but I'll keep them to myself. Also includes tracks from The Toasters, Bim Skala Bim, Critical Mass, The Articles, two dub versions of Bim's and (Venice Shoreline) Chris Murray's songs, and a few others. All I can say is this CD would be good for getting that special someone in the mood. (Mailorder)
Bim Skala Bim, Universal (BiB Records) Universal is the seventh album from the seminal Boston Ska band, Bim Skala Bim. These guys have been playing together since 1983, that's 15 years in case you can't count. I don't know how they have kept it together that long, but dang, they've earned my respect. Bim has a style all their own, and they continue it in Universal. Take a bit of pop, rock, punk, and soul, and a whole lot of ska and you've got Bim Skala Bim. I like Universal better than Bones (their fourth album), it's more upbeat and a little edgier. Of course Bones is six years old, and three albums ago, so that's understandable. Bim Skala Bim has been around forever, and they deserve all the attention they get, so isn't it about time you gave them some? (Retail)
Dr. Ring Ding and the Senior Allstars, Ram Di Dance (Moon Ska Records) Ram Di Dance is the second Dr. Ring Ding CD to come to my attention. I have been consistantly impressed with these German skaster's traditional Jamaican sound, despite their weak song (Big Man) on the second International Color of Ska compilation. Despite their tradional sound, Dr. Ring Ding is by no means boring. They have a sound that is upbeat and jazzy that keeps your attention while not burning you out with mind numbing speed. Ram Di Dance doesn't drag on like Dandimite seems to with all its long, slow instrumentals and dubs. If you like Tradional ska, but don't like reggae, Dr. Ring Ding is the choice for you. (Mail Order)
The Toasters, D.L.T.B.G.Y.D. (Moon Ska Records) I'm extremely pleased to review this, the seventh record from my favorite band. In their sixteen year history, they've seemed to only improve with age. Although I won't say that this is their best album yet, (that privelege belongs to New York Fever) It is pretty damn good. DLTBGYD includes live favorites Fire in My Soul and Woyay (get on down), plus their formulatic (is that a word?) adapted oldies cover (Gimme Some Lovin') and resurected song from their early days (Weekend In LA) to round out the album. Oh yeah, it includes tons of new material too. Although this sounds like a mediocre review, I really like this CD and I really think you should buy it. The Toasters are probably the best Ska band in the world today, so don't you think it's about time you stopped listening to No Doubt and picked up some real ska? (Retail)
Nihon Ska Dansu: The Best of Japanese Ska (Moon Ska Records) This CD is 12 of the best ska bands in Japan playing for your pleasure thanks to Moon. I really like this CD. I haven't been too much into a lot of the international ska compilations, but this one really tickles my pickle. Well actully mostly just the ones that are in other languages, Latin Ska for instance. Maybe it's the language, or maybe it's the similarity to ska from the US that makes the difference, but I digress. Speaking of similarity from American ska, this CD has all the different ska sub-genres accounted for: traditional, modern, ska-punk etc. Includes: Oi-Skall Mates, Rude Bones, The Sideburns, The Blue Beat Players, and many more. (Mail Order)
Bad Manners, Heavy Petting (Moon Ska Records) Heavy Petting is the latest release by one of the original (and apparently less popular) 2-Tone era bands. Well the gist of that story is that they've been playing for over 20 years, and they're still kickin' ass. All of their fat references aren't in vain, they probably have one of the fattest horn sounds that I've ever heard. Their dark sound reminds me of Mephiskapheles. They also have a R&B sound akin to that of the Pietaster, except different. I don't know quite how to discribe it. I dunno, cross Mephiskapheles with the Pietasters, and you've got a general idea. This is a good CD. You should get it. Includes extensive liner notes with a history of the band. (Mail Order)
New York Beat: Breaking and Entering (Moon Ska Records) In commemeration of their 100th release (which has been long since past by the way), Moon is reissuing their first (and the US's first ska) compilation: New York Beat: Hit and Run (1985). Along with that, they released this CD, a second volume of sorts, which features the best New York ska bands of today. This CD includes all your old favorites (The Toaster, Scofflaws, Skinnerbox, Mephiskapheles, Slackers, Stubborn All-Stars), as well as some new blood (One Groovy Coconut, Metro Stylee, Pilfers, Orange Street, Red Rube). This CD is excellent. I think (but I'm not sure) all of the stuff on this CD is previously unreleased, which I like. Keep a lookout for the re-release of the first volume, and also for a limited edition two CD set with both of them. Man I used a lot of parentices. (Retail) The People's Ska Annual (2 stamp SASE to PO box 1418, NYC, NY 10276) The People's Ska Annual is Noah Wildman of Moon Records fame personal zine. It's pretty thick and bears a striking resemblance to the Moon Catalog and Skazette. There's tons of articles and interviews. Even an article outlining how to write a good zine. TPSA follows most of the guidelines, though I will say that a few of their interviews are of the boring variety at times. Well more specifically there is articles about Ska selling out, the roots of rudeboys, patches (not Habitrol either), Moon's first ten releases, bootlegs, an ethnography of ska, Interviews with Judge Dredd, The Busters, and The Trojans, tons of reviews and a few pictures. If you're sick of elitist zines, don't be wary of TPSA --it doesn't bitch about ska "selling out," but welcomes it's well deserved attention. order dammit! |
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If you have anything that you would like to see reviewed on this site, send it to The Elephant, c/o Nathan Shafer NNC PO BOX 2359 Nampa ID, 83686. I will review anything (music, videos, zines, clothes, food, money, sex toys, etc) so don't hesitate to send stuff. |