MUSIC REVIEWS

  • parkakings

    ¡Bienvenidos!

    the Parka Kings

    JUMP UP! Records

    Listen

    Although this album contained a few good songs I’d have to say that overall this was pretty generic. No offense but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. As I said before there are a couple of good songs on this album such as “SOULED” which was catchy and made me want to dance and “MOB BOSS” which had a reggae feel to it with a hint of ska. Buying this album is a gamble, I know some people who think that it is great whereas I don’t really think much about it. It is generic with some catchy tunes. It may be one of those albums which grows on you because it sounds much better second time around. Nonetheless, if a friend of yours has it definitly borrow it and make the decision to buy it yourself, I don’t want to be responsible for your unhappiness if you don’t like this album. On a scale of 1 - 10 I give it a 5.

  • adjusters

    Politics of Style

    the Adjusters

    JUMP UP! Records

    Listen

    I really enjoyed listening to this album. One thing is for sure, they have soul. They bring a whole different style to the ska/soul sound which until now was completely dominated by the Pietasters. Their sound could be described as James Brown meets the Skatalites, which can only mean one thing, that this album is fucking good. The organ is exceptional and the female vocals give them a really beautifully smooth sound. The horns create some increadibly catchy melodys and the bass just makes you feel the music. The choice tracks on this record are “THEME FROM POLITICS OF STYLE”, “OUR TOWN”, “TRUTH TO POWER”, “BURNT CREAM”, “ELEGY”, and “TSKF”. Get this album, you will be... well find out for yourself, get this album.

  • flifreal

    Flip F'Real

    The Articles

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    Probably the best album you’ll hear all year! The Articles are rapidly becoming one of my favorite bands and this album is an example what ska music is all about. It is jazzy, exciting, dance music done with pure style. Their jazz influence is clearly noted with exceptional covers of Thelonios Monk’s “WELL YOU NEEDN’T” and “BLUE MONK” as well as a cover of Charlie Parker’s “SCRAPPLE FROM THE APPLE”. The ska is very roots which is refreshing to see in a ska band this day and age. My favorite tracks are “STARSKY” which is a brilliant, jazz/ska tune that shows all aspects of the band and really brings forth an uncontrollable desire to get on your feet and dance. The production on this album is incredible. If you are searching for the perfect mix of jazz and ska in today’s ska scene you need not look any further, this is the real article.

    Author: Tim

  • The Eclectics - Idle Worship

    Idle Worship

    the Eclectics

    JUMP UP! Records

    Listen

    This is some very decent Punk/Ska. The first song really grabs you and makes you want to listen to the rest of the album which is incedently very good. “WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN” shows the musical diversity this band has and the true potential it has, showing their talent in playing straight ahead ska with very nice sounding guitars and a decent horn line. It is a catchy tune, as is “TELL THE TIME” which is a very good song featuring a very Spring Heeled Jack-esq horn line. This album has some decent tunes and is well produced. I am looking forward to seeing what the Eclectics will do as the mature as a band, they certainly have the makings of a great punk/ska band..

  • reggaenow

    REGGAE NOW!

    The Aggrolites

    Pirates Press Records

    Listen

    The Aggrolites sixth record doesn't disappoint. Released in 2019, this album confirms that they are carrying the mantle of that trad ska and the dirty reggae sound. From instrumentals like Jack Pot or Western Taipan, to the mostly instrumental Invasion, to tracks like Help Man and People Win, this album has something for everyone. Well, something for everyone if you like ska and reggae. If you get a chance to see them live, do yourself a favor and go. Their live show is every bit as good as this record.

  • slackersaggro

    SoundClash Series Vol 1 - The Aggrolites Vs The Slackers

    The Aggrolites & The Slackers

    Badasonic Records

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    I wish I could have picked this up as a 7". This is a great record of two great bands covering each other. The Aggrolites doing Wasted Days is one of my favorite covers that's been recorded in a long time. They just make it sound like it was written for them. On the flipside the Slackers doing Country Man Fiddle is also fantastic. The Slackers make it their own, between the singing and the keys... It's actually hard to tell which version I like better.

    Author: Tim

  • dontletthesunlight

    Don't Let The Sunlight Fool Ya

    the Slackers

    Pirates Press Records

    Listen

    Over the past thirty years I've constantly listened to the Slackers. This album is as consistent as the rest of their work, and a truly enjoyable listen. It's obviously a product of the COVID lockdowns and the political turmoil of the times we live in. Songs like Windowland, which starts the album, are a playful take on quarantine and the fear that surrounded the early days of COVID. Other tracks like They Are Losing and Statehouse make no bones about where the Slackers stand politically, educating their listeners about political debates like flying the confederate flag in the South. There's a breadth of different sounds throughout the album, like the upbeat Hanging On, Nobody's Listening, and Boogie Nowhere, to the more reggae Time Won't Set You Free, and the soulful reggae Almost Lost Ya. Overall this is a great record and is up there with classic Slackers records like Wasted Days and Redlight.

    Author: Tim

  • ...and out come the wolves

    ...and out come the wolves

    Rancid

    Eptitaph

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    I just got this from Rancid's website where they were selling it on a limited edition red and white vinyl. It's a classic record and one that actually held up 25 years later. This pressing is really good and I hadn't actually listened to the album on vinyl. I was pleasantly surprised by how different it sounds. Warmer tone leading to rawer emotion being conveyed. It's just a great album and not just for nostalgia's sake. Worth a revisit if you don't still listen to it.

    Author: Tim

  • Black Sabbath - Master of Reality

    Master of Reality (2016 Gatefold Remaster)

    Black Sabbath

    Rhino & Warner

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    Picked up Masters of Reality (2016 Rhino Records) recently after a good experience with the reissue of the Black Sabbath's first LP in a purple and black "splatter" edition. I've always been fond of the cover art for Masters as it reminds me of the 10,000 Homo DJs' Supernaut EP, even though the Black Sabbath song the Ministry side-project covered does not appear on Masters of Reality -- so it actually doesn't make sense that Al Jourgensen referenced the album art, other than it being easy to copy.

    Anyways, package arrives and I unsheathe the disc from its paper sleeve which is tugging at the record like a magnet, to quickly feel the aura of static electricity in my hands. At that moment, the vinyl grooves absorbed every dust particle in the immediate vicinity.

    First listen, crackles and pops abound through the dust-laden grooves on the quiet tracks and die out on the louder ones while thoughts come and go, "the production on this album sucks, it's still muddy and their down-tuned instruments sound like crap. I thought this was going to be special and different from other versions, like the internet said. Ah fuck."

    Subsequent listens, "This is starting to sound cleaner and better, especially with a low pass filter and having cleaned the fucking thing about 4 times now."

    Most recent listen, "This rocks, even if the stylus may have eaten it in the process of acting like a dust comb, it took care of the crackles and the album sounds brighter."

    So now it sounds cool, and I get to listen to "After Forever" and other insulting songs from reformed Catholic and bassist Geezer Butler, who calls the listener or fan a poser and loser for not accepting Christ and proceeds to accuse everyone of likely pussying out on their death bed anyway, to go Team Christ -- but I get to hear it in high fidelity. Yeah the lyrics are insufferable and the rest of the band went along with it because they didn't care enough to make it into an issue, but the guitar licks sound good.

    Author: Dan

  • glow on

    Glow On

    Turnstile

    Roadrunner Records

    Listen

    If you don't know who Turnstile is, you should. This is their 4th record. It is excellent. HOLIDAY and TLC are my favorites, but I'm sure that'll change. These guys are only getting better as time goes on. Hardcore is alive and well. Do yourself a favor and listen to this.

    Author: Tim

  • the Interrupters In the Wild

    In The Wild

    The Interrupters

    Hellcat

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    People who say that ska is dead need to listen to this.  While the ska scene essentially killed itself in becoming a parody of itself, the Interrupters did not notice.  The Bivona brothers and Aimee Interrupter have the credentials and chops to prove that the ska punk sound can be a powerful, aggressive, and meaningful force in the culture.  With appearances by Armstrong, the Skints, and Hepcat, this album is everything that the cheesy ska of the early 2000s isn’t.  It has edgy, yet poppy choruses, buzzsaw guitars when needed, excellent production (Kevin Bivona produced it), good harmonies, and transitions seamlessly between smooth reggae and SoCal punk.  Aimee’s voice is reminiscent of Kim Shattuck at times, adding even more emotion to the obviously very personal lyrics.  Some highlights are “As We Live”, “In The Mirror”, “Let ‘Em Go”, and “Burdens”.  This is a very good album, and refreshing to hear at a time when ska punk albums are rare, and good ska punk albums rarer.  Definitely give this one a listen.

    Author: Tim

  • Bungle

    After The Schroeder

    Various

    Various

    Listen

    Since it has been some time since the last issue of the Schroeder was printed and now, I'd like to do a rundown of what I got into musically by year and new release:

    1998 – New kOrn album but it sucked in a way that turned me against k0rn.

    1998 – 2Pac's misnamed “Greatest Hits” that included a bunch of posthumous and incredible material.

    1999 – Mr. Bungle “California,” great and I saw them perform most of it live.

    1999 – Nine Inch Nails The Fragile: No TDS but many great tracks all the same

    1999 – The The “Naked Soul,” a decent follow up to “Dusk”

    2000 – Deftones “White Pony,” unlike k0rn they never sucked.

    2000 – Squarepusher “Feed Me Weird Things,” I finally get around to listening to his debut. 10/10

    2001 – Cannibal Ox “Cold Vein,” get outta heya, this albums one of the greatest.

    2001 – Belle and Sebastien “Fold your Hands”: Hardcore wuss rock with some decent hooks

    2002 – Hood “Cold House,” 10/10 electronic and frozen cold rock. Saw them live with Anticon.

    2002 – Spoon, the indie band made for bar jukeboxes and commercials wanting to sound indie.

    2003 – Madvillainy, a masterpiece that endures to this day. Owned the instrumental demo 6 months prior to release and it was already awesome without the vocals.

    2004 – Ethiopiques, Vol. 13: Ethiopian Groove from the 70s, rockin and very trippy.

    Okay this list is getting a little long and will just get longer, plus something feels off about calling this a “music review.” It's cute that I can remember this stuff though.

    Author: Dan B.

  • Ska Island

    Ska Island

    Various

    Island

    Listen

    This is a pretty great compilation of covers and original artists performing classic ska and reggae tunes. I had this on CD in the 90s and listened to it a lot. The cover of Bob Marley's "Crazy Baldhead" done by the inimitable Fishbone is a unique take, replacing the laid back skank of Marley's original with a super upbeat, almost out of tune, haunting sound that only Fishbone can produce. The cover of Eric Morris' 1964 Trojan release "Penny Reel" by Hepcat is true to the original, but is done so effortlessly that if you didn't know better you'd think it was a Hepcat original. Other highlights are Jump with Joey, the Toasters, the Skatalites, Prince Buster, Laurel Aitken, Dr. Ring Ding, and the Trojans. This is hard to find now, and I'm not sure if it's worth buying for $27 on Amazon. I wish I still had the CD, but then again, there's a lot of music I lost over the years. You should check out the tracks from the link above.

    Author: Tim

  • stalker

    Stalker

    The Independents

    Elevator Music

    Listen

    Well, this was weird. Metal/Ska/Punk + Satan Very interesting. I would like to see more of them.

    Author: Tim

  • kissthecarnage

    Kiss The Carnage

    The Smooths

    Reptilian

    Listen

    Features title track, dub remix of it & another song. The Smooths have done it again. (7" Vinyl only)

    Author: Tim

  • Skankaholics

    Skankaholics Unanimous

    Various

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    Skoidats, Inspecter 7, Pietasters, and songs about drinking! I can now die a happy man.

    Author: Tim

  • Mugzys Move

    Mugzy's Move

    Royal Crown Revue

    Warner

    Listen

    A fine swing album. They are cool in my book. You can tell that I am tired by the lack of change in what I am saying. For a swinging time buy this.

    Author: Tim

  • VOV

    Very Own Vegas

    The Smooths

    Monkey Puzzle

    Listen

    This is an excellent, original album. They have ingenuity. "Enemy" is a great song and, well, buy the album, you'll see.

    Author: Tim

  • Skinnerbox

    What You Can Do, What You Can't

    Skinnerbox

    Moon Ska Records/Stubborn Records

    Listen

    This kicks ass! The cover is cool, the music is good. Buy this or die! What else is there to say, it's Skinnerbox, 'nuff said.

    Author: Tim

  • Ripe

    Ripe

    Skavoovie & the Epitones

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    Even better than Fat Footin'! Produced by Victor Rice. Look out for "Aquaman" & "Blood Red Sky". (I hear they made a video for it which might be on MTV)

    Author: Tim

  • 28Teeth

    Twenty Eight Teeth

    Buck-O-Nine

    TVT

    Listen

    I like this album. It is wierd & fun. Buy it.

    Author: Tim

  • Skarmageddon3

    Skarmageddon 3: A New Beginning

    Various

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    This is 0.K. it could have been better but hey, Skoidats were on it! Their song was great and also check out Lord Steev & the Echoes, their song was really good. There are bands worth checking out

    Author: Tim

  • Brevett

    African Roots

    Lloyd Brevett & The Skatalites

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    Part 3 of Ska Authentic. If you liked part 2, this will knock your socks off!

    Author: Tim

  • Tricia

    King Bravo Selects Ska Authentic Volume 2 (Miss Jamaica Meets The Skatalites)

    Tricia & The Supersonics

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    I can't stop listening to this. It is addictive! Part 2 of Ska Authentic.

    Author: Tim

  • TW

    Trojan Warriors - The Best of the Trojans

    The Trojans

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    Installation 2 of British Ska collection. Melodica songs, the whole thing was good. Another plus is a live track y/ Prince Buster.

    Author: Tim

  • Insteps

    Eleven Steps to Power

    The Insteps

    Stubborn Records

    Listen

    I liked it.

    Author: Tim

  • Oi

    The Best Of Oi! Records

    Various

    Captain Oi!

    Listen

    If you like 0i! you'll like this. Features the Oppressed, Oi! Polloi, the Betrayed, & others. I like boogers.

    Author: Tim

  • DD

    The Definitive Collection: The First Time For a Long Time

    Desmond Dekker

    Trojan

    Listen

    Basically a greatest hits but shows off Dekker's genius. This is a must.

    Author: Tim

  • TimeTough

    Time Tough: The Anthology

    Toots & The Maytals

    Island

    Listen

    Wow! This is a great 2CD set. Features "Desmond Dekker came first", "Do the Reggay", "Monkey Man", "Get Up, Stand Up", and too many good songs to list. Expensive, but worth it.

    Author: Tim

  • ROR - Rocksteady

    Roots of Reggae - Volume 2 - Rocksteady

    Various

    Rhino

    Listen

    This is good too. Features songs by Tommy McCook & the Supersonics, Ken Boothe, Prince Buster Allstars, & more. I enjoyed it, so will you.

    Author: Tim

  • Roots of Reggae - Vol 1

    Roots of Reggae - Vol. 1 - Ska

    Various

    Rhino

    Listen

    I liked this one a lot. It is really good. Buy it.

    Author: Tim

  • SMAS

    10" Split

    Super-market Allstars/Injury

    Elevator Music

    Overall I'd have to say that this was a kick ass 10". It kicked ass for two reasons, 1st, it is on vinyl, 2nd it is good music. The first two SMAS songs rocked and I really liked the second Injury song. If you can find this, buy it, it rocks.

    Author: Tim

  • Skavoovie & The Epitones

    Fat Footin'

    Skavoovie and the Epitones

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    Being a fan of swing jazz, such as Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Glenn Miller, Skavoovie was the ideal purchase. Although there isn't actually as much swing as I imagined (In fact, "Old man of the Mountain" and "She sure can cook", maybe "Nut Monkey" are probably my fav. tunes), the album still is in fact incredible in the way that it mixes ska with a very jazzy backbeat, and is rapidly becoming one of my favorite ska albums. The Ska is jazzy, played at a good tempo and very danceable.

    Author: Dan

  • Thumper - No One Left The Disco Alive

    No One Left The Disco Alive

    Thumper

    Elevator Music

    Listen

    Thumper mixes heavy riffs with fast ska. I became interested in Thumper when I heard from someone that they were metal/ska like "Can't Say" (which I love). The sound is actually different than that of "Can't Say", but still, Thumper has done a good job of upholding and maintaining both sides of the term "Ska-core".

    Author: Dan

  • One Eye Open - Hellaut

    helläut

    One Eye Open

    Sluggo's Old Skool Records

    Listen

    One Eye Open has done it again! When I first heard their portion of the Nerds split, I was hooked. Their weird style of music was too unique and cool to pass up. OEO mixes reggae/funk/disco/metal/hard-core/ska/whatever comes to their demented minds. This album is definitely a must for fans of early Janitors Against Apartheid and Mr. Bungle.

    Author: Dan

  • tedio boys - outer space shit

    Outer Space Shit

    Tédio-Boys

    Elevator Music

    Listen

    First there was The Cramps, now come the Tédio-Boys with "Outer Space Shit". This album is about as close to perfect as they come. The Tédio-Boys, from Portugal, have brought us a unique form of psycho-billy. Not to mention the artwork for the CD is just plain cool. Pictures of monsters spawned from Ed Wood movies and other bad sci-fi-horror flicks give the album the exact touch that it needs. A few of my fav tunes are "Outer Space Shit", and "Baldie (The Bulldog)", along with the fitting intro "Evil Dope". Some of the material even resembles twisted surf rock. Now I'm just waiting to catch their live act.

    Author: Dan

  • The Pietasters - Strapped Live

    Strapped Live!

    The Pietasters

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    What a great album. The Pietasters have done it again. Featuring songs like Night Owl, Take it Easy, Without You, and so on and so forth. This album really captured the spirit of the Piestasters' live show but it is much better to see them for yourself. If you can't or can see them, buy this album.

    Author: Tim

  • The All Skanadian Club

    The All Skanadian Club

    Various

    Stomp Records

    Well, a friend of mine made me this tape. I thought might as well listen to it, but to my surprise it was very good. Bands to check out on this tape are Skavenjah, and the Planet Smashers. Very Good. BUY IT.

    Author: Tim

  • The Slackers - Better Late Than Never

    Better Late Than Never

    The Slackers

    Moon Ska Records

    Listen

    This too is very danceable. It is overall a very good album. There are no songs which I dislike on this album. If you have the money, go buy it, or order it from MOON. Songs to look for are Sooner or Later, and Sarah. Buy it!

    Author: Tim

  • Dr. Ring Ding & The Senior Allstars - Dandimite!

    Dandimite!

    Dr. Ring Ding & The Senior Allstars

    Grover Records

    Listen

    A very good album. I just bought it yesterday. I must say, if you liked their song Big Man from the United Colors of Ska Vol. 2 CD you will like this. Upbeat, very danceable. ME GUSTA!

    Author: Tim

  • The Queers - A Day Late and A Dollar Short

    A Day Late and A Dollar Short

    The Queers

    Lookout

    Listen

    Well, I like the Queers, but this didn't really do it for me, some of the songs were very good, but I just found it irritating after a while.

    Author: Tim

  • Howitzer - Fat Math

    Fat Math

    Howitzer

    Elevator Music

    Four songs, vinyl. Is good. Very Catchy.

    Author: Tim

  • Cooler Than Ska - No Frills

    No Frills

    Cooler Than Ska

    Fawcett Street Records

    Howitzer before they became Howitzer, very good, very, very good. This record comes only on vinyl and has six songs. They are very catchy and have a tendency to stay on your turntable for a very long time. Jim, Barclay, Jon, and Scott did a great job on this (now I sound like I am kissing their asses).

    Author: Tim

  • The Ick - 4 Song Ep

    4-Song E.P.

    The Ick

    This is a great record. Comes only on vinyl. Although it only contains four songs (believe me you want more after listening to it) it is still a good buy. I paid three bucks for this fine piece of red vinyl. This is also a "if you find it, buy it" deal.

    Author: Tim

  • Maggot Vs. The Hog

    Maggot vs. the Hog

    Skegs

    Big Kahuna Productions

    This comes only in cassette (I think). There are thirteen fast, amusing punk rock songs on here. These guys are from Boston. If you ever find it, buy it. It is worth the five bucks. They sort of sound like the Queers.

    Author: Tim