Music Is Our Occupation

WE MOVED!

2009-02-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

That’s right we made the big leap to a new host. Thanks to the kind help from our friend and contributor Jason Lawless we can give you a more cleaner and robust blogging experience!

We will now host Music Is Our Occupation and Pressure Drop Soundcast right at www.musicaloccupation.com. Our new host site is located on the Dancing Mood Network. A community of friends contributing to the ska and reggae community. We have been in the process of merging our sites for some time now and this is just one step closer to our ultimate goal, more on that some other time.

If you have us bookmarked with the old url www.musicaloccupation.blogspot.com please update that to www.musicaloccupation.com

We will be making this site nicer by the hour with more push and power to make you wanna take a shower! Wait…that did’nt work did it? Oh well, you get the picture.

Enjoy!

Pressure Drop Featured Artists Of The Month Feb 09

2009-02-21T18:18:00.000-08:00

Stream|Download|Subscribe

Yes we are back with another group of outstanding Ska & Reggae music artists!
For this episode we all got together at the Pressure Drop Soundcast studio to play some tunes and talk about music.
Madness ensues and smack gets talked.

Each of us chose a band to feature, here are our picks.

Tokyo SkA Paradise Orchestra
Tokyo, Japan

1 Paradise Blue
2 STrange Bird
3 Theme From Enter the Dragon
4 CAll from Rio
5 Just a Little Bit of Your Soul

www.myspace.com/tokyoskanet

Ed Rome
United Kingdom

1 Non Relationship Rant
2 Mind

3 Some Truth
4 A Human Qaulity
5 March

www.myspace.com/edromereggae

Eastern Standard Time
Washington DC, U.S.

1 Eye Of The Storm
2 It's Alright
3 When Will Your Love Be Mine
4 Oh No
5 Can't Keep A Good Man Down (Feat. Dr. Ring Ding.

www.myspace.com/easternstandardtime

+Bonus mystery outro track!

Greg Narvas Gets Talkative & Unpublished Interview from 2003 sees the light of day

2009-02-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

Well first there were the duel posts (HERE & HERE) detailing bits and pieces of history about NYC's early 80's punky reggae masters The Terrorists, who had the pleasure of playing with reggae legends Lee Perry and Roland Alphonso, that hit the blog-o-sphere at the same time and now there are these two competing Greg Narvas pieces! What are the odds of that happening?

Recently Kyle Hickenbottem of Ska- Au-Go-Go fame was coaxed out of semi-retirement and agreed to start posting some material from his writing days. Some of it will be old and already seen before but others such as this interview he did with Greg Narvas and Lino Trujillo of Hepcat after they had gotten back together will be all new. Bonus for us! I've said it once and I'll say it again I'm a fan of Kyle's thoughtful and insightful reviews and writing. That and we both have a hunger for good comics and a proper Los Angeles Ska History story.

The other bit of news that hit at the same time is this interview with Greg concerning his early pre-Hepcat days as drummer for the oi! band Lion’s Pride and his continuing discussion of that period in his ongoing comic "I Was A Teenage Filipino Skinhead", which is well worth picking up. This interview also includes Martin Ruane, guitar player for Lion’s Pride, as well as singer for Headstrong.

Time to get reading folks! ENJOY!

Stepper on Roots Rock Rebel!

2009-02-19T22:53:00.000-08:00

Roots Rock Rebel

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Listen to RRR 2/18 Podcast



Hello listeners,
Hope all are well! I had a bizarre run-in with world-renowned journalist
Robert Fisk tonight, and it got me thinking...  we shouldn't be occupying
anything, except the dance floor.

Speaking of the dance floor, I just got back from the Stepper cd launch!
Nice energy, nice suits, nice whisky.

Stepper were also my special guests on the show this week, and it was a
great interview, so download the podcast, and listen!

Also, have you heard the Version City podcast yet? What the fuck are you
waiting for? Go hither: www.versioncity.podomatic.com

Stay tuned next week for more "stuff".

Stay rude, stay rebel,
RRR crew

To Download the show, visit here.



Playlist - February 18th, 2009

Lord Jellicoe - Big bamboo
Lord Power - Penny reel
The Hiltonaires - Island in the sun
The Paragons - Island in the sun
John Holt and the Paragons - On the beach
Hugh Godfrey - They got to go
Hepcat - Penny reel
Root Diamoons - From Jamaica
Viking's Remedy - Go down Moses
Stepper - Turn up your soundsystem
Stepper - Ring loud
One Night Band - Larry love
Take the Boys - Closure
Arbutus Trio - Slow music
Idlers - Guns of navaronne
Westbound Train - Check your time
The Debonaires - Right hand man
Dodger - Stomp
Robb Blake - Easey come easy go
Upground - Skanking monkeys
Cartoon Violence - Cartoon violence
The Skints - Misunderstood
Against All Authority - Skate rock
Ska-P - Vals del obrero
Don Segundo - Un segundo
Trojan Sound System - World peace
Pama International - High rise

Host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Westbound Train's New Album Coming Soon

2009-02-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

WESTBOUND TRAIN GET IT WITH NEW ALBUM

Boston Based Soul/Ska Band's Sophomore Album Come and Get It Due Out April 21st! Upcoming Performances at SXSW, Vans Warped Tour and Much More!

The best of soul, reggae and ska meld seamlessly on Boston based soul/ska septet Westbound Train’s thrilling new sophomore album, Come and Get It, out on Hellcat Records April 21.

Recorded over the span of two weeks in Brooklyn, NY with producer and Slackers saxophonist Dave Hillyard, Come and Get It features 14 brand new original songs and a reworked version of an old fan favorite that capture a classic, old-school vibe that reggae, ska and soul music fans alike will instantly fall in love with!

“This is probably the best time I’ve ever had making a record with Westbound Train,” said lead vocalist and trombonist Obi Fernandez. “Unlike “Transitions” we were able to write this record at home in Boston at our rehearsal space, and we had some pre-production rehearsals with Dave Hillyard of the Slackers that were a lot of fun. Dave had really cool ideas and brought a new approach to musicality to the table.”

Shattering musical boundaries while embracing the best of several genres, the septet has fully come into their own with Come and Get It, their second Hellcat release. The new album invites listeners on a journey, traveling through all of the band’s previous influences while creating an exciting new sound that they are eager to reveal to the world in 2009.

Compared to the band’s three previous albums, Come and Get It is the best representation of Westbound Train to be captured on record thus far. Two stand-out tracks include "So Many Things a Man Can Say," an old-school ballad that captures Fernandez’s love of the Motown sound, and the highly orchestrated second track, "Ain't Gonna Be Easy," written about Fernandez’s father. "In addition to the song being about my father, a lot of stuff was going on that was making life a little more complicated," Fernandez says.

After a relaxed yet amazing year in 2008, where the band shared the stage with the likes of Rancid, Less Than Jake, Goldfinger, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Beat Union and Bedouin Soundclash, Westbound Train is preparing to hit the road in 2009 for what is shaping up to be their biggest year yet.

Not only will the band be playing two shows at the Middle East in their hometown of Boston, MA on April 24th and 25th, but Westbound Train is also excited to announce that they will be performing on the Hurley.com stage at the 2009 Vans Warped Tour! Be sure to check out the band that was Kevin Lyman's first official choice for a spot on this year's tour.

Besides the Vans Warped Tour and the CD release dates, Westbound has some other exciting shows coming up. On February 22nd, the band will be playing at the Highline Ballroom in NYC with their good friends, The Toasters, among many others. On March 6, they are playing with State Radio at the Dwight Auditorium at Farmingham State College. And last but not least, the band has been invited to perform at South by Southwest, in Austin, TX, on March 18-21st. Stay tuned for exact date and set times!

Come And Get It Tracklisting:

You Don't Belong Here
Ain't Gonna Be Easy
Check Your Time
Why You Cry
Come And Get It
Some Things Are Meant To Be Remembered
Salvation
If Only
What You Need
The Passage
Lift My Voice Up Loud
For The Record
Many Things A Man Can Say
Critical Ska
Cheers! The World's Almost Over

UPCOMING SHOWS:

February 22^nd – New York, NY -Highline Ballroom W/ The Toasters

March 6^th – Framingham, MA –Dwight Auditorium W/ State Radio

March 18th -22nd Austin, TX – SXSW Music Festival

March 27th – Fairfax, VA- Fat Tuesdays

“COME AND GET IT” CD RELEASE TOUR:

April 24th – Boston, MA – Middle East

April 25th – Boston, MA – Middle East

April 30th – Washington, D.C. – DC9

May 1st - Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live

May 2nd – New York, NY – Knitting Factory

May 6th – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s

May 7th – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club

May 8th – Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock Social Club

May 9th – Des Moines, IA – Vaudeville Mews

For More Information:
www.Hell-Cat.com

www.myspace.com/westboundtrain

www.westboundtrain.net

Press Contact:
Austin Griswold
Epitaph/Hellcat Records
(213) 413-7353
Austin@Epitaph.com

Enter To Win The Orobians Anniversary Album!

2009-02-18T00:16:00.001-08:00

"This 20 track compilation compiles 10 years of history of a band that has dedicated themselves to capturing the sound of 60's Jamaica. The Orobians come from Northern Italy but they capture the spirit and sound of a different place. Mixing in various styles with Jamaican ska such as jazz, rocksteady, mambo, etc; This is a very highly crafted collection of songs from a very skillful group." - Bobby Babylon

Enter to win a copy of The Orobians new Anniversary Album from Redstar73 Records! Win, and rub it in everyone's face! Contest ends February 27th.

ENTER NOW!

Brought to you by:
www.redstar73.com
www.dancingmood.com
www.musicaloccupation.com

Coachella 2009...come for the Aggrolites (stay for Paul McCartney?)

2009-02-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

I realize this is plenty late after the lineup for this year's Coachella has been announced for awhile now, but...our favorite dirty reggae band (The Aggrolites for those of you who don't know...) will be playing at the world famous Coachella 2009 on Friday...with some other big names...you might have heard of some them...

Check out the line up at Coachella website..

Combination 13-Innovative & Edgy Art

2009-02-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

[click to enlarge picture]

Every band out there needs to sound good. But in these days of Myspace, MP3s and the downfall of the traditional record industry as we know it, bands need to look good too. That's why guys like Combination13 are so important! It's rare that you can find a industry standard artist who's in it for the love of music and to help great bands get noticed.

It seems many bands need to be working bands to stay afloat these days & good merchandise is a key piece to that puzzle.

I've personally worked with Combination13 many times and not only are the prices great for the product produced but they're quick and most importantly creative to the highest degree. As big Ska music fans, those guys offer out their service to such bands at discounted rates. Take a look the picture above! They've created artwork for big guns such as The Offspring, Bowling For Soup & Reel Big Fish, but I know from experience that they treat all jobs with the same level of care & attention despite the bands profile or size.

Should you be looking to get a a great poster for a show, a new logo for your band, some tasty album artwork or some band t-shirt designs you could do alot worse than to get in touch with www.combination13.com

Version City Podcast 3

2009-02-15T23:16:00.000-08:00

VERSION CITY PODCAST Episode 3

"Version City History"
hosted by King Django and Steady Rocker
with special guest Victor Ruggiero of the Slackers

Listen to Version City Podcast 3

1. Version City Time - Westbound Train - Searching for a Melody (Megalith/Stubborn)
2. Sugar - Version City Rollers - Version City Sessions (Asian Man/Stubborn)
3. SNEAK PREVIEW - Shopping for More - Sic & Mad - Songs for the Revolution (Stubborn)
4. Shtiklakh - King Django - Roots & Culture (Stubborn)
5. Cocaine - Victor Ruggiero - Version City (Stubborn)
6. Damage - Victor Rice - Version City (Stubborn)
7. Boss Deejay - Rocker T & Version City Rockers - Nicer by the Hour (Stubborn)
8. Straight to Hell - Skinnerbox - Demonstration (Triple Crown/Stubborn)
9. Patience - Victor Rice - at Version City (Stubborn)
10. Motel Room - Victor Ruggiero - Version City (Stubborn)

Buy the music you heard at www.stubbornrecords.com

Subscribe at versioncity.podomatic.com

Cartoon Violence

2009-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

CD Review:
"Whatever Happened To The Likely Lad"
by Cartoon Violence

1 Vauxhall Nova@3:04
2 Attic@3:38
3 Teresa@3:32
4 Cartoon Violence@2:58
5 Easy Tiger@3:05
6 Do Something About It@3:51
7 Rattlesnake@3:38
8 Kite@3:05
9 Johnny Come Lately@5:54

I knew I would like this CD in the first ten seconds. It isn't ska-punk. It isn't trad-ska or skinhead-reggae. It is what I think of as classic UK pop ska. Piano is featured prominently in the mix and it sounds great. That coupled with the vocals made me think of Madness right away. They aren't copying the sound, but they are mining the same vein only without horns.

There are nine tracks on the CD. Four are outstanding. Three are good. Only two are clunkers in my opinion. Oddly, one of the tracks I don't like (#7) was featured on the recent Do The Dog Chooses episode on Pressure Drop Soundcast. Not everyone likes the same stuff.

The lyrics are clever and very catchy. I found myself singing along, even if I had no idea what the lyrics meant. The sound quality and musicianship are first rate. The tempo varies within many of the songs along with the loudness and I like this device. It helps to build tension. My two favorite tracks are "Attic" and "Johnny Come Lately". There is an odd 45 second intro to "Johnny Come Lately", but then the piano starts and you get pulled right in. It seems "Johnny" has ED, and the spelling of "Come" in the title has been sanitized. Poor lad.

Cartoon Violence are on the Do The Dog record label out of the UK. They have several tracks up on their myspace page. The label says:

"Superb debut album by Welsh 4 piece crew. Cartoon Violence are the new side project formed by 3 Minute Warning keyboardist Chuzz & their sound is an insanely catchy affair that mixes super bouncy 2 tone ska with distinctly British sounding pop & indie stylings. The 9 track album looks set to garner the band many instant fans with its endless soaring energy, great sing-a-long choruses & wonderful piano melodies!"

I agree! The CD isn't on iTunes. You can order it from Do the Dog. You won't be sorry. There a bunch of other good artists on the label to check out as well.

Pressure Drop 136: Daoster Rides Again!

2009-02-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

Stream or Downlaod PDSC 136|right click+save as

What better way to celebrate this day of love then my glorious return? It's been far too long since I've been gone, but I'm back at the control bitches!! Daoster rides again!

Also, our very own Andrew Barker interviews the legendary Dennis Alcapone and talks to him about his involvement with the Highrise Campaign in the United Kingdom...

SO CHECK IT OUT FOLKS!

Lee Perry & The Upsetters - Jungle Lion
Oi Skall Mates - Kidz Next Skaa
Ska Flames - Good Morning
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - 964スピードスター (964 Speedster)
The Clash - Revolution Rock
Kingston Rudieska - Oscar Wilde (Reprise)
Prague Ska Conspiracy - Madness
The Slackers - Sing Your Song
The Aggrolites - You Got 5
Hepcat - Comin' On Strong
Go Jimmy Go - Set Me Free [Dub]
Pama International - Versionrise ft. Dennis Alcapone
The Skatalites - Latin Goes Ska
Bad Manners - Lip Up Fatty (live)
Clancy Eccles - Fatty Fatty
See Spot - Prescription

Find out more about the Highrise Campaign at : http://www.rockersrevolt.com/highrise/

Review: "Censura" by Don Segundo

2009-02-13T13:01:00.001-08:00

"A couple of years ago when I needed a song for an anti-war podcast, I stumbled upon a song called "Mentirosa" by a band from Puerto Rico called, Don Segundo. I really liked this band's sound, and when I found out that "Mentrosa" means "Liar's Poker", I was hooked!

Now Don Segundo has released a full-length album on Jump Up Records called "Censura", and not only is it a favorite of mine, but I know that Gabe is a huge fan too. This album is mostly in Spanish with a few songs in English as well as a couple instrumentals. What I really like about this cd is that, although mostly in Spanish, it's a root-oriented ska album, and not ska-core, which permeates so many Latin/Ska bands today.

Stand out tracks include "Start Stompin", which I used in an episode of World Ska Radio, and "I Will Not Beg". If these two tracks don't get your feet tapping, you just might be dead. My favorite Spanish track is "Censura", and I like the instrumental track, "La Dony" as well. And while I do find myself skipping one or two tracks, overall this cd, with its powerful vocalist Lourdes Lopez, is ¡Excelente y bien recomendado!"

For more information, visit Don Segundo on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/donsegundo

"Censura" is available on Jump Up and Megalith Records

Pama Intl's Highrise Campaign

2009-02-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pama Intl - Highrise Campaign (RRHITCD8) - in all good record shops 16th Feb 2009 -dist.by Cargo
available now from www.rockersrevolt.com

"wicked wicked...will playlist on my web radio….Brilliant" Laurent Garnier
"another winner from the Rockers Revolt stable...10/10" Mikey J-Radio Ceredigion
"Every bit of sound, echo & effect is 100% to the point" Reggae Vibes.com
10 out of 10 Street Voice
"thoroughly recommended, I haven't really got that band in the past, but very, very much enjoying this" Mark Lamarr - BBC Radio 2
"its great to report that the music is as fantastic as it is" i really love music
"**** Album of the Week" Update
"I played the whole of side 1 in a row the other week on the show! Great album" John Kennedy xfm

Pama Intl are proud to announce the launch of their next release...The Highrise Campaign, an anti-knife & gun album, featuring versions of Pama Intl's anti-knife/gun anthem 'Highrise' by; Studio One legend Dennis Alcapone, Billy Bragg, Michie One, Wrongtom (best known for his work with Hard Fi and recent Roots Manuva album), G.Corp, Mungos Hi Fi, Lynval Golding (The Specials) and Banana Clan protege Jimmy Screech. The album will be in all good record shops on 16th February'09 on Pama Intl's own Rockers Revolt label, with proceeds going to a number of UK children's charities including; Kids Company, London, Southmede Centre, Bristol and Basement Studios, Bristol.

It is very plain for everyone to see that knife and gun crime is out of control in the UK. Everyone involved with the making of Highrise, is truly passionate about spreading a positive message, as well as providing funding, mentoring and opportunities to the younger generations.

Musical Occupation will be giving away 4 copies of this new album soon. And Pressure Drop Soundcast will be talking to Lynval Golding, Sean Flowerdew, and Dennis Alcapone about the campaign and their personal experiences with knife and gun violence.
Keep your eyes alert!

Black History Month special on Roots Rock Rebel

2009-02-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

Roots Rock Rebel Black History Month

Wednesday, February 11th, 200910pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Hello listeners,
Here is our latest batch - our Black History Month special on the show!

Wedevoted the two hours of this week's show to look at the key stylistic
moments in Jamaican popular music, spending a half hour each on ska,
rocksteady, reggae, and dub.


Also, there's a new RSS feed here at Music is our Occupation blog,
where you can download our shows directly ever week, plus stay abreast of
all the developments in ska and reggae music. Don't hesitate! Check it out
Subscribe now!

Tune in next week on the show for an interview with Stepper. They have a
new album out, and we'll be reviewing it and chatting with the band.
myspace.com/steppermusic

Until next week,
Stay rude, stay rebel,
RRR crew

Playlist - February 11th, 2009
To podcast or download the show visit here.

Prince Buster - Oh Carolina
The Skatalites - Ball of fire
The Skatalites - Fidel Castro
Derrick Morgan - Forward march
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Millie Small - My boy lollipop
BB Seaton - Power
Lord Tanamo - I'm in the mood for ska
Justin Hinds and the Dominoes - The higher the monkey climb
Rico Rodriguez - Oh Carolina
Alton Ellis - Rocksteady
Ken Parker - A change is gonna come
Slim Smith - Rougher yet
The Uniques - People rocksteady
Pauline Morgan and the Lovelets - Stop the wedding
Phyllis Dillon - Don't stay away
Derrick Morgan - Conquering ruler
Toots and the Maytals - Pressure drop
Marcia Griffiths - The first time I ever saw your face
Susan Cadogan - In the ghetto
John Holt - Reggae from the ghetto
Johnny Clarke - Crazy baldheads
Twinkle Brothers - Get behind me Satan
Peter Tosh - Arise black man
Greyhound - Black and white
Bob Marley and the Wailers - Lively up yourself
Count Matchukie and the Destroyers - Movements (the Joe Gibbs way)
I. Roy - Hot stuff
Michigan and Smiley - Rub a dub style
Prince Francis - Rock fort shock
King Tubby and the Roots Radics - King Tubby's explosion dub
King Tubby - Dub magnificent
U Roy - Dynamic fashion way
King Tubby - Roots of dub
Augustus Pablo - Kid ralph version
The Clash - Bank robber

 "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

The Pepper Pots US Tour Dates. Lucky us!!

2009-02-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

The day I never thought would ever come...is coming! The Pepper Pots are playing the US!!

What started out as a single date at The SXSW Festival has bloomed into a mini-tour of the SouthWest. Here are the tourdates:

Mar 20 2009: Blue Bubble Ballroom, San Antonio, Texas
Mar 21 2009: South by Southwest 2009 Festival, Austin, Texas
Mar 22 2009: Take II, ElPaso, Texas
Mar 23 2009: The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, Arizona
Mar 24 2009: Winston’s Beach Club, San Diego, California
Mar 25 2009: Bluebeat Lounge, Hollywood, California
Mar 26 2009: Spaceport 2058, Atascadero, California
Mar 27 2009: Balazo Gallery, San Francisco, California
Mar 28 2009: Phoenix Theatre, Petaluma, California

Lucky Girl? Lucky Us!!

For more info, visit The Pepper Pots on MySpace

You can read my review of "Shake It!", here.

The Pepper Pots are now on Megalith Records!

Review: 3 Floors Of Ska: Hollywood!

2009-02-12T12:42:00.001-08:00

First of all, I'm back. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Andrew Lyons and I run CA SKA and World Ska Radio. Over the summer, I got bit by the ghost hunting bug, and I neglected my duties as a blogger for MIOO. My bad.

But as I am about to assume more Marketing responsibilities for Bucket Hingley and Megalith Records, I feel that it's time to start writing again.

First up is my wrap-up of the "3 Floors Of Ska / Ska Is Dead" show that packed The Knitting Factory last weekend. What a great night! After overcoming a potential shutdown by The Health Department, 3FOS went on as scheduled to an over-capacity, SOLD OUT show!

Due to a last-minute cancellation of One Pin Short, The Delirians were first up in The Front Bar. This band from East LA plays traditional ska and reggae, and they did an awesome job! First up on The Main Stage was Half Past Two from Orange County. I'm normally not crazy about the whole OC sound, but I really like this band and their fantastic energy and positive attitude. I suspect we'll be hearing a lot from this band in the future.

Next in the Front Bar was Kingston A GoGo, a relatively new band that played great originals and old Jamaican covers. Second on The Main Stage was Rice Rokit. Rice Rokit consists of former Dubcat members and since Kendo, the lead singer, is from Hawaii, their sound is laid-back and funky. Look for their new cd on Megalith Records. (Was that a plug???)

Up next in The Front Bar was Raskahuele from East LA. Raskahuele sings only in Spanish, but that didn't seem to keep the crowd from dancing their ass off! Your ears may not understand the words, but your feet understand the beat!
Deal's Gone Bad kicked off the Ska Is Dead portion of the show on The Main Stage. They never play a bad set, and 3FOS was no exception. DGB killed it!

Back on The Front Bar, The Roundabouts took the stage. The Roundabouts are a great local band who I've know for years. With Michael Firestone on lead vocals and his two sisters on backing, The Roundabouts is a family affair with Jamaican flair. Meanwhile on The Main Stage, Buck 0 Nine showed the crowd how San Diego rocks a stage. Who could resist dancing to "My Town"?

Up next in The Front Bar were Hub City Stompers. Last year, some kids took offense to their song, "Train To Dorksville". So naturally, in true HCS-style, they played it again, and extra loud too! It's OK, kids. Hub City Stompers really do love you... NOT! Meanwhile, up next on The Main Stage was The Toasters. Jah-son has since left the band, but the Toasters sounded great, as usual.

Whoa Mama! After over 4 hours of continuous music on 2 stages, plus 5 DJ's in The AlterKnit Lounge, the final two acts of 3FOS 2009 took their stages. First up in The Front Bar was Boogaloo Assassins. Boogaloo Assassins was an inspired choice of mine because they don't play ska at all. But I've always felt that a little cross-pollination never hurts, and people really seemed to like them. Finally, on The Main Stage, Voodoo Glowskulls put on a blistering set. What a way to finish up the night!

So that was it. Like Christmas, there's months of preparation and then pfft!, it's over. Many thanks to Jason Lawless and all the DJ's for showing us the roots. Thanks to all the bands who showed us the branches. Thank you to all the fans who helped sell out the show! Thanks to Duke Duel for designing this year's logo, and thanks to The Knitting Factory. But special thanks to Bucket Hingley for organizing an incredible night of music and camaraderie. Like him or lump him, you gotta hand it to Bucket who has worked tirelessly for over 27 years to keep ska alive in America. (Was that ass-kissing???)

Add 3FOS as a Friend on MySpace!

Pressure Drop Soundcast 135: Dub Diner

2009-02-10T14:56:00.001-08:00

Listen to or Downlaod PDSC Pt.1
Listen to or Downlaod PDSC Pt.2

Yes it's true, dub served piping hot to your mp3's and computers straight from Andrew Barker's kitchen. In this episode I have for you a nice mixing of dub and ska. Also i have the first part of an interview with Chicago's reggae/dub band The Drastics. If you want to know why's there is two parts you'll have to listen. HAHAHHAHA. You can find more info on The Drastics at:

www.thedrastics.com

www.myspace.com/drasticdub

Part 1 Track List:

1.Hashashian Dub- Dubmatix, www.dubmatix.com
2. Runaway Dub-Alvin Ranglin
3. Melt Your Brain- Bombtown www.myspace.com/bombtown
4. Pum Pum - Kinky Coo Coo's www.myspace.com/thekinkycoocoos
5. Fever- Dub Is A Weapon www.dubisaweapon.com
6. Dark End of the Street- Prince Buster
7. Thick Ass Stout- Skankin Pickle
8. Maggie Mae- The Pietasters www.thepietasters.com
9. Shine, Shine, Shine- Mr. Symarip www.symarip.com
10. Fraudulent parts 1&2 - The Drastics
11. Ransom The Senator- The Drastics
12. Das Krampus- The Drastics

Part 2 Tracklist

1. Najib Najib- The Drastics

2. Love Is War- The Drastics

3. Nyahbhingi Blues-The Drastics
4. Ever Ready/Dub- The Drastics
5. Communication Breakdown- Crazy Baldhead www.myspace.com/crazybaldheadband
6. Dark Premonition- The Drastics
7. Channel One Under Heavy Manners- King Tubby
8. Teresa- Cartoon Violence www.myspace.com/cartoonviolence
9. Stand To Lose- The Brentford Sound www.myspace.com/thebrentfordsound
10. Come On In- The Pinstripes www.pinstripes.rudeska.com
11. East and West- Dirty Revolution www.dothedog.com
12. Type 'A' Stepper- Victor Rice www.victorrice.com
13. Cracker Dub- The Slackers www.theslackers.com

One Night Band's New Video!

2009-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

From their superb new album Hit & Run on Stomp Records

Visit www.onenightband.net

Check our review of the album here

Musical Occupation Mixtape 1

2009-02-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

Redstar73 Mixtape| right click+save as

Jan Kroll from Redstar73 Records has put together our very first Musical Occupation Mixtape!
This mix takes you through some of the best ska and reggae music Europe has to offer. Jan has a bunch of ideas for mixes and will be putting more together soon. Visit the new Redstar73 Web Store and see what they got!

Tracklist
Rude Boy - Baby Love & the van Dangos (denmark)
You are too bad - Club Killers (sweden)
Skinhead Revolt - Contratempo (catalunya)
Call me - Skapoint (poland)
Dedication - The Babylon Whackers (england)
Don't fall in love . The Deltones (england)
Don't go - the Dualers (england)
Jumpstart - The Forest Hillbillies (england)
Soon you'll be come - Casino Royal (italy)
I don't feel - Capone and the Bullets (scotland)
Tom Hark - The Piranhas (england)
Steps in the Alley - Blue Chateau (germany)
Napoleon Solo - The Orobians (italy)
They rule the world - The Busters (germany)
No mess no fuss - The Kinky Coo Coo's (catalunya)
Funny little fella - The Riffs (england)
No excuse - Alpha Boy School (germany)

We got more mixes in store from our friends on the inter-webs so look out!

Would you like to put together a mix to share with everyone?
Hit us up at info@musicaloccupation.com

Subscribe to our podcasts in any media player!
itunes, Zune, Media Monkey, and more.

Robb Blake - One Man Ska Explosion

2009-02-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

2008 Do The Dog Music

The minute you see the album cover you'll be drawn in. Inspired by the classic Trojan Records Rocksteady Explosion album it boasts 14 highly explosive ska hits. But be warned, this is far different from the ska your mama grew up with . With that said you can't deny the passion and talent this one man act has.

From acoustic ska to some Sublime tinged rock reggae Robb Blake has a style all his own. Highlights for me came by way of tunes like "Easy Come Easy Go" with its scratches and pops from the vinyl background noise and that chilled out heavy bass line and one drop. Kinda reminds me of fellow UK act Ed Rome with a more rock reggae vibe. Then there's some nice upbeat ska with "The Fun Has Just Begun" and "Pick Yourself Up" with that darker bass tone and bounce. Just some fun danceable pulsing ska. And another is "If You Leave Me" with it's country music guitar licks and straight ahead feel good sound.

But other than these songs I was a bit let down by this release as it really does not live up to the title and superb artwork I was drawn in with. Even though I know Robb Blake's style I was hoping maybe he had taken a turn for some ska or rocksteady sounds you might hear on a Trojan Records album. No, not everyone has to sound like the originals to play solid music but please don't trick me like that.

Musically you can't deny it's quality but it does tend to get a little repetitive. I wish there was more acoustic tunes and an expansion on the sound of "Easy Come Easy Go."

Bottom line, if you like Sublime, Chris Murray, The Hotknives, or similar acts you will probably like Robb Blake's One Man Ska Explosion.

www.myspace.com/dothedogmusic
www.myspace.com/robbblake1

The Expos Mixtape

2009-02-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

Check out this brand spankin' new mixtape from Canada's The Expos!

The Expos new LP, "Blackwater" is in the mastering stages and is set for release very soon. So keep yourself posted on that, and we'll be having some new tracks up A.S.A.P.

TRACKLIST.

1. Madvillain - America's Most Blunted (Intro)
2. Jah Loyd - The Lama
3. Madvillain - Curls
4. The Upsetters - Taste Of Killing
5. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luis Bonfa - Frevo
6. Junior Byles - Fever
7. David Bowie - Oh! You Pretty Things
8. Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Beautiful & Dangerous
9. The Aggrolites - Sound By The Pound
10. Studio - West Side
11. Amral's Trinidad Cavaliers Steel Drum Orchestra - The World Is A Ghetto
12. Inner Circle & Fatman Riddim Section - Careless Dub
13. Pink Floyd - Any Colour You Like
14. Devendra Banhart - The Other Woman
15. The Gladiators - Pretending (12" Mix)
16. Victor Rice - JD
17. Search & Destroy - Candyfloss (Loefah Remix)
18. Frevo Interlude
19. Culture - Zion Gate/Forty Leg Dread (feat. Prince Mohammed)

Download it here:

http://www.divshare.com/download/6361955-0f6

Visit The Expos on Myspace: www.myspace.com/thedonutska

Win Tickets: Mighty Diamonds Make LA Dub Club Stop

2009-02-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

From Tom Chasteen:
Vocal trio the Mighty Diamonds are one of the most internationally popular reggae groups to emerge from the '70s roots era. More accessible than many other roots outfits, the Diamonds boast soulful, gorgeously pure harmonies and tight, catchy songwriting, much of it from within the group itself. They are devout Rastafarians, but balance their spiritual and political messages with sweet romantic material, which gives them a more universal appeal than militant groups like Culture or Black Uhuru.

Regardless of whether they are singing love songs or protest anthems, the Mighty Diamonds bring a startling emotional commitment to their best material, and their debut album, "Right Time", still stands as one of roots reggae's all-time classics.

The Mighty Diamonds were formed in 1969 in the Kingston ghetto of Trenchtown, also home to Bob Marley. From day one onward, their lineup consisted of founder and harmony singer Pat "Lloyd" Ferguson (aka Judge Diamond, the Judge), lead singer Donald Shaw (aka Tabby Diamond, the Prophet), and harmony singer Fitzroy Simpson (aka Bunny Diamond, the Jester).

In 1973, they caught on at Byron Lee's Dynamic Sounds studio and notched their first hit with "Shame and Pride." From there, the group moved on to Joseph "JoJo" Hoo Kim's Channel One imprint in 1975.

They scored two quick hits with "Country Living" and "Hey Girl," and then had their biggest success yet with "Right Time." Signed to a major-label deal with Virgin, the Mighty Diamonds issued their first album, also titled "Right Time", in 1976. It was an instant classic, tackling a multitude of social and spiritual issues with powerful yet graceful music, and spawned further hits in "I Need a Roof," "Have Mercy," and "Africa."

In the early '80s, the group started working with producer Gussie Clarke, reworking old Studio One rhythm tracks into new songs on their 1981 albumChanges. One of those new songs, "Pass the Kouchie" (or sometimes "Kutchie"), was a major hit in Jamaica, and in 1982 it was covered by the band Musical Youth for the U.S. and U.K. smash "Pass the Dutchie" (substituting a type of cooking pot for the original's marijuana slang). Since then they have continued to record and tour, always putting on a great show.

Wednesday February 11
The Dub Club presents:
The Mighty Diamonds
www.mightydiamonds.com
backed by Yellow Wall Dub Squad

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

at the Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd. in Echo Park
$10 Advance tickets available from www.ticketweb.com
$15 at the door/ 9pm/ 21+
www.myspace.com/dubclubla

Want to win tickets to this event? All you have to do is make sure you are friends with the Dub Club via their myspace page (link above). Put them in your top friends and repost the flyer above.

Email me here: jason@lawlessrecords.com when that's all done and you can win one of 3 pairs of tickets! I'll notify the winners of the tickets early Wednesday morning via email and the winners will be on the guestlist at the club that night. Easy enough right? Well get to it!

See you there!

Interview with Kevin Long of Los Angeles Mod/Ska band The Untouchables

2009-02-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

Well ska-lovers! This is my first post. Gabe invited me to contribute to this blog and I happily accepted. It's the best one out there to be sure! I've posted this to my other blog and thought it would make a great addition to this one as well.

Thanks Gabe for drawing me into your madness and here goes:

A long and in depth interview with Kevin Long of Los Angeles Mod/Ska band The Untouchables came up on my Goggle Alert today. I love how that little piece of technology works! Well I figured I'd give it a shout out here since it's a pretty good article.

The Untouchables were on the forefront of U.S. Ska in the early 80's. Along with Fishbone, The Toasters and The Terrorists (from NYC - while not big by any means a personal favorite of mine) they founded the way for U.S. Ska to flourish. I still have my "Free Yourself" picture disc in the shape of a 44 magnum displayed proudly in my house. Watch out people - I've got a gun!

They were signed to Stiff Records (If It Aint Stiff It aint Worth A FUCK!) at one point with Madness and released more then a few mod/ska/scooter rally favorites over the years including "I Spy For The F.B.I.", "Tropical Bird", "The General" and "Free Yourself".

You may also remember the band from their appearance in the cult classic flick "Repo Man" where you can see the whole gang hit the streets on their Vespa scooters (wish I still had mine!). Where have the scooter boys gone?

The band with lone remaining member Jerry Miller still manages to play out and about these days. There is even talk about putting something more concrete together as well.

Here is the exclusive interview with Kevin Long of Los Angeles Mod/Ska band The Untouchables:

"The influence of 2-Tone outside of the UK remains one of its most enduring legacies. In fact, the speed with which the sounds born and made in Coventry, Birmingham and London made their way across the Atlantic Ocean to the U.S. is astounding.

In the matter of just a few short months in early 1980, like minded groups of people in New York, Chicago, LA as well as places as far afield as Portland, Oregon and Arizona heard these records and were moved to start their own bands. These new bands used the 2-Tone sound, look and ethic to kick-start a purely American version of ska which featured a combination of 60's mod, R&B, power pop, rock and reggae."

Read More Here: http://marcoonthebass.blogspot.com. It's well worth the time and a very interesting read if you are at all into early 80's mod, ska and scooters! Did I mention that this cat is also the Bass player for Bigger Thomas and his blog is full of great photos and information. Check it out!

Read More at Wikipedia.

Check out their myspace page HERE.

Here's the video for the already mentioned gun shaped picture disc.

Get "Gangsters" On The Charts For The Specials 30th Anniversary

2009-02-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

The fans of The Specials have suggested that we get 'Gangsters' back in the charts for its 30th anniversary this year.

To get it into the charts, we all have to buy and download the track in the space of a single week - this week. If you'd like to see Gangsters in the charts please download the single and buy it now.

To download the track visit - Play.com

Or download from itunes

To get more people to buy it, forward this message to everyone and get them to join the Specials facebook group as well.

The Pepper Pots Album Shake It Available In USA

2009-02-05T08:34:00.001-08:00

"Shake It!" is one of those great albums you put on when you've had a crummy day at work or at school. The superb vocal harmonies and instrumentation will instantly brighten your day."-Andrew Lyons

The Pepper Pots album Shake is now available to purchase in the states through Megalith Records!

Imagine if The Supremes formed a ska band. That in a nutshell, describes The Pepper Pots.

Formed in 2002 in Catalonia, Spain, The Pepper Pots, fronted by a trio of female vocalists, Adriana Prunell, Mercè Munné, and Marina Torres, painstakingly recreate 1960's ska, soul, Motown and reggae. Their second album, "Shake It!" continues the foundations set down by their debut album, "Swingin' Sixties", and takes their craft to a whole new level by including such guest appearances by The Pioneers, France's APSO, and Herr Doktor himself, Dr. Ring Ding.

Stand out tracks include the cover of "By My Baby", "Starvation" featuring The Pioneers, and the skinhead reggae-inspired "You Love Her". Dr. Ring Ding appears on two tracks, "One Unity" and "Stay On Your Way". Read More

Track List
Lucky Girl
Starvation (Feat. The Pioneers)
Be My Baby
Stay On Your Way (Feat. Dr. Ring Ding)
My Heart Belongs To You
You Love Her
I'll Fly With You
Duck Soup (Feat. ASPO)
Forget The Rules
It's Raining
The Garden Of Love
I Can Feel It
Love For Sale
Bonus Track
One Unity (Feat. Dr. Ring Ding)

Check our interview with The Pepper Pots here.

Look for them hitting the U.S. this year!

http://www.thepepperpots.com

http://www.myspace.com/thepepperpots

Ska Is Dead Hits The West Coast This Week

2009-02-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

More info at www.skaisdead.com

Sat | 2.7.09 | Los Angeles, CA | Knitting Factory
3 FLOORS OF SKA
with The Toasters, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Buck-O-Nine,
Deal's Gone Bad, Boogaloo Assassins, Hub City Stompers, The Roundabouts,
Raskahuele, Kingston, Ricerokit, Delirians, Half Past Two, One Pin Short, plus DJs
all ages | bar w/id | 6:30pm doors | $15adv/$17dos
flyer | handbill
TICKETS

New at Stubborn Records This Week

2009-02-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

www.stubbornrecords.com proudly presents ever fresh flavors for your musical feast!

Version City Rockers Version City Dub Clash LP BACK IN STOCK!	Westbound Train "This is Boston Ska" T-Shirt	Lord Kaya & The Kinky Coo-Coos Co Tonga Tonga CD	Jackmove Cops & Robbers T-Shirt
King Django - Avenue A 45 rpm 10" EP pre-order now for $3 off!	King Django "Lion Statant" Boxing T-Shirt Limited Edition! All sizes in stock!	Matt Wixson Wixipedia CDR OVER 200 mp3s!!!	Jackmove Choose Your Own Title CD
Version City Puppeteer T-Shirt All sizes in stock!	The Impalers Blood, Rum & Reggae CD	The Aggrolites - Dirty Reggae CD Back in stock!	Bang Matu & Orquesta Kingston

Do The Dog Podcast Vol.1

2009-02-03T00:42:00.000-08:00

Listen To DTD Podcast Vol.1

Do The Dog Music is taking over the Pressure Drop Soundcast this week with the first installment of the Do The Dog Podcast! Hosts Kevin Flowerdew and Gabe Pressure take you through 15 of the newest releases from the Do The Dog stable. We talk about how the label got started and where it's headed.Listen in and Do The Dog!

http://www.myspace.com/dothedogmusic
http://www.dothedog.com

1. Cartoon Violence - Rattlesnake
2. The Skints - Misunderstood
3. Rebelation - Reggae Woman
4. Robb Blake - It's Never Over (Till Its Won)
5. John Player Specials - Identification
6. Ettin - Try To Pretend
7. Squid 58 - Last Word
8. Dirty Revolution - Failure To Communicate
9. Drewvis - Happy Medium
10. New Town Kings - Somebody
11. Sadies Doll - End Of Summer
12. Too Many Crooks - Salvation
13. Jimmy The Squirrel - This One's For You
14. Four 0 - Come On Summer
15. 3 Minute Warning - TV Is On

Recommended Band Of The Month-The Delegators

2009-02-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Every month starting today we will recommend a new band we have come across that just knocks our socks off. We're always finding new music and why not share it with you?

So this month's recommendation is a band from England called The Delegators. They are a 5 piece band that plays a sweet mixture of Reggae, Rocksteady, and Soul. Their lead singer Janet Kumah has a beautiful tone. You can hear the strong influences from Motown in their music and the vibe is infectious.

On their myspace page they describe their sound as "if The Supremes moved to Kingston via South London". What a combination! If you're a fan of The Impalers, The Agrrolites, or Red Soul Community you will love this great group from the U.K.

Look out for a new EP coming out soon.

Check them out at www.myspace.com/thedelegators

Delegators in Leipzig (2009-01-24)

Thanks to Urs The Ska Nurse at www.ska-pics.de for the recommendation and sweet video.

Trojan Releases John Holt's 1,000 Volts Of Holt Remastered

2009-01-31T10:08:00.001-08:00

From www.trojanrecords.com

The eagerly anticipated 2CD deluxe edition John Holt's 1,000 Volts Of Holt finally sees release this week.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Reggae albums of all time, ‘1,000 Volts’ combined the rhythms of the Jamaican ghetto with sophisticated western arrangements and by so doing successfully transformed John Holt into a mainstream artist. Soon after its release, the singer’s rendering of Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ peaked at number six in the Pop listings, while a year and thousands of sales later, the LP finally made it into the British album charts, a top 10 position denied only by the unregulated nature of Reggae music sales in Britain. In addition to containing the original 12 album tracks that comprised ‘1,000 Volts’, this 2 CD deluxe edition features many of their respective Jamaican mixes along with numerous previously unreleased recordings, many of which had been intended for a never issued follow-up collection.

Digitally re-mastered from the original Trojan tapes and featuring extensive liner notes, this seminal album never sounded or looked better, and is a truly essential purchase for any self-respecting fan of classic Reggae.

DISC 1: 1,000 VOLTS… PLUS!
1. Never, Never, Never
2. Morning Of My Life
3. Stoned Out Of My Mind
4. Baby I’m A Want You
5. Help Me Make It Though The Night
6. Mr Bojangles
7. I’d Love You To Want Me
8. Killing Me Softly With Her Song
9. You Baby
10. Too Much Love
11. Girl From Ipanema
12. Which Way You Going Baby
Bonus tracks:
13. Morning Of My Life (Ja mix)
14. Stoned Out Of My Mind (Ja mix)
15. Baby I’m A Want You (Ja mix)
16. Help Me Make It Though The Night (Ja mix)
17. Mr Bojangles (Ja mix)
18. Too Much Love (ja. mix)
19. Girl From Ipanema (Ja. mix)
20. Which Way You Going Baby (Ja mix)

DISC 2: 4,000 VOLTS OF HOLT (RARE & UNRELEASED MASTERS)
1. I Don’t Want To Be Lonely
2. It’s Just Because
3. My Eyes
4. Love And Affection (aka Sweet Vibrations)
5. Here Today (Gone Tomorrow)
6. If I Could Hear Her (aka Blue Dawn)
7. I Could Dance All Night
8. Maybe Some Day
9. I Played The Fool
10. Got My Head On Straight
11. Come Dance With Me
12. Good Morning Sun
13. Room Full Of Tears
14. Only You
15. Lonely Times
16. Sweet Malinda
17. Love So Right
18. Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me
19. Just The Way You Are

More info at www.trojanrecords.com

Rebellion Festival 2009

2009-01-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

(click to enlarge)

www.rebellionfestival.com

Poster by www.combination13.com

Roots Rock Rebel - January 28th podcast

2009-01-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

Listen Roots Rock Rebel Jan 28th Podcast
(Right Click & Save As)

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Hello massive!

We're back with another batch, so to speak. Plenty of old school rockers
delights, psyched-out dub, and frantic ska to fill your sound bellies.

I especially hope you enjoy the excepts from the Expos mixtape, "Bass: The
final frontier", which we played at the very end of the show.

Be sure to tune in next week on Roots Rock Rebel, because we'll be joined
by members of the Expos from Toronto for an interview. In the meantime,
check them out at myspace.com/thedonutska

Enjoy this week's podcast!

Until next week,
Stay rude, stay rebel,
RRR crew


Click here to podcast or download the show

Playlist - January 28th, 2009

The Ethiopians - I'm gonna take over now
Justin Hinds and the Dominoes - Carry go, bring come
The Gaylads - Your eyes
Tommy McCook and the Supersonics - Testify (version)
Carleton and the Shoes - Love me forever
Cornell Campbell - My conversation
Johnny Osbourne - Truth and rights
Judy Mowatt - Rescue me
The Brentford Sound - Coming home
One Night Band - First I look at the purse
The Expos - Brawl
Rudeboy - War/ska
Tea for the Voyage - Dick Tracy
Stepper - Ring loud
The Afterbeat - Rudeboy
Rude City Riot - 25 years
Tri-State Conspiracy - Snuff you right out of my life
Brian Setzer Orchestra - This cat is on a hot tin roof
Lord Mike's Dirty Calypsonians - Sweet lord mike
The Planet Smashers - Here come the mods
The Scofflaws - I can't decide
Patchanka - Set things in motion
Crazy Baldhead - Funky drummer
The Aggrolites - Mr Misery
Predator Dub Assassins - The good you do
Benjammin - Va va voom (feat. Hermano L.)
O'Luge - Istanbul
Zenzile - Axis of evil
The Observer meets Mutabaruka - Dis poem burns babylon (DJ Spooky mix)

-from the Expos mixtape "Bass: The Final Frontier"-

Madvillain - America's Most Blunted (Intro)
Jah Loyd - The Lama
Madvillain - Curls
The Upsetters - Taste Of Killing


Host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Version City Podcast #2

2009-01-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

Listen to Version City Podcast #2

Stubborn Records presents
Version City Podcast Episode 2
hosted by King Django & Steady Rocker
Subscribe to the podcast at versioncity.podomatic.com

Artist - Title - Album (Label)
1. Rocker T - Version City Lady - 45 (King Django)
2. The Drastics - Fistful of Dub - Premonition (Jump Up)
3. Carlton Livingston - Special in Hand - (Steady Rocker Special)
4. Yellow Umbrella featuring Victor Rice - Dub Time Warrior - Same Same but Different (Pork Pie)
5. Predator Dub Assassins - Downtown Killer - The Hardest (Stubborn)
6. Bomb Town - Melt Your Brain - !?INTERROBANG!? - (Stubborn)
7. Cold Spot 8 - My Little Life - Get On High (Stubborn)
8. The Soul Merchants - How Do You Do It? - ...if you like music (Stubborn)
9. Bums Lie - Lie Dub - Why Lie, It's For Beer (self-released)
10. Lord Kaya & The Kinky Coo Coo's - Black Station - Co Tonga Tonga (Liquidator)

Stubborn Records
Version City Myspace
Stubborn Records Myspace
Stubborn Records Forums

Latest Episode of Smigly - Film Festival

2009-01-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

Animator Allen Mez just posted another of his Smigly series. A hilarious take on the film festival circuit. Featuring Joey Altruda as the voice of Smigly and his new Smigly theme song.

Babylove & The Van Dangos - Lovers Choice

2009-01-25T22:44:00.000-08:00

2008 Megalith Records/Mad Butcher Records
Review by Gabe

The unstoppable Babylove & The Van Dangos are back with more heavy ska and rocksteady grooves to make you move, shake, and make the earth quake! No other band has the sound that the boys from Denmark have. Lovers Choice picks up where their last album Run Run Rudie left off and improves on that unique sound they are known for.

Daniel "Babylove" Broman's soulful vocals are infectious, even with no musical accompaniment his tone can probably fill any room.
"A Brand New Beat" is a better, stronger version of the original with a more RnB intro transitioning into a sweet rocksteady rhythm. The soothing chorus is timeless and easy to sing along to for days. The legendary Doreen Schaffer lends her beautiful voice to the song "Number One" where she duets with Borman who compliments her just right.

Another update comes with "Big Baboon" this time featuring Coolie Ranx who spices things up up with his unmistakeable chatting. Their great writing style shows off in the tune "Stormy Weather". A nice feel good song that almost is reminicent of those great Dualers songs that have just the right amount of Rnb and pop influences but are still stand out ska tunes.

Babylove's influences are very apparent in each song on Lovers Choice. They cover a wide range of styles but seem to neatly package it in a way that it never strays to far off from thier unique brand. This new album is solid through and through, a refreshing new sound at the right time. If your ready for some ska, rocksteady, and reggae that is moving forward in the right direction, Lovers Choice is the right choice for you.

For more info visit:
www.myspace.com/babylovethevandangos
www.megalithrecords.com

Rude Cat Festival 2009 Coming Soon

2009-01-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

www.myspace.com/rudecatfestival

Rude City Riot on Roots Rock Rebel!

2009-01-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

Roots Rock Rebel

Wednesday, January 21st

Listen now

Hello radio and internauts!
Hope you are all doing well
out there. I'm pretty
pumped about this week's
podcast of Roots Rock Rebel.
There have been some awesome
Canadian ska albums dropping
all around lately, which is
making me feel that there is
a resurgence of high quality ska in this country. Some Canadian bands
who have, or are about to release great albums:

Stepper, from Montreal: myspace.com/steppermusic
Rudeboy, from Ottawa: myspace.com/rudeboycanada
Rude City Riot, from Vancouver: myspace.com/rudecityriot

On this week's show, we had Dusty, the lead singer of Rude City Riot come
on the show for an interview. Their new EP is solid, so check 'em out.

I was also happy to play some artsy punk music on the show, courtesy of
one of my current favorite bands, Fucked Up, from Toronto. And I think
you'll all enjoy the stuff from Skindred and Propagandhi as well.

Until next week,
Stay rude, stay rebel,
RRR crew

To podcast or download the show, visit here.

Playlist - January 21st, 2009
The Skalars - Black raven
The Pepper Pots feat. the Pioneers - Starvation
The Kinky Coo Coo's - Band of gold
The Pinstripes - Come on in
Boom Club - Soundboy
Michael Franti and Spearhead - Say hey (I love you)
Jamasound - Bientot tranquille
Rude City Riot - Victoria
Rude City Riot - Don't go away
Rudeboy - Yeah yea
Stepper - Turn up your soundsystem
Fireproof - Tough enough
Ettin - Allright
Cartoon Violence - Teresa
The Pietasters - Freak show
The Fractions - Out of pocket
The Heatskores - Don't wanna be American
Operation Ivy - Unity
Propagandhi - Iteration
Fucked Up - Son the father
Skindred - State of emergency
High Tone - Bass temperature
Dubmatix - Dub in me hand
King Django - Rock and come in
Pama International - High rise

CKUT, Montreal Canada
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble's New Album On iTunes

2009-01-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

The new NYSJE is now available on iTunes. Step Forward is the the latest release from the world renown ska/jazz masters and it proves to be some of their best work to date. Don't waste time thinking about how you're gonna get this, downlaod it now!

More info at www.myspace.com/nysje

News/Articles/Etc

2009-01-24T12:44:00.001-08:00

Combination 13 - Innovative & Edgy Art
Pama International's Highrise Campaign
Pepper Pots in the US of A (lucky us)!!!
One Night Band's New Video!
Musical Occupation Mixtape 1
Get "Gangsters" on the charts for The Specials' 30 Year Anniversary
Pepper Pots' Shake It available in the USA
Band of the Month (Feb) - The Delegators
John Holt's 1000 Volts of Holt Re-released by Trojan Records
Rebellion Festival 2009
Rude Cat Festival 2009 coming soon!
NYSJE's New Album on Itunes!
Chris Murray vs. Do The Dog
New Grenadians Album Out!
Lord Tanamo Suffers Stroke
New Easy Star All-Stars album!
Bomb Town Price Package
New TSPO album in Feb!
Roots Rock Rebel - First Podcast of 2009!

Video of the Month - The Aggrolites meet Strange Manor

See Spot - The Robbery available on CDBaby

New 2009 HellCat Releases
Green Room Rockers Winter Tour
Tribute to Dave Fuentes Part 1!
Hepcat in San Francisco
Hepcat is Back!
Roots Rock Rebel - 2008 in Review

Joey Altruda's New Blog

One Night Band: Hit & Run Giveaway Contest!

Video of the week/month/whenever I feel like it

Roots Rock Rebel podcasts on MIOO!

Specials Announce 2009 Tour

R.I.P. Alton Ellis

Memorial Show for Lynette Knackstedt (Skankin' Pickle)

10 Year Anniversary for Version City
New Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Album!
Mikey Dread Passes Away
What can Comic Books Tell us About the Ska Scene?
Version City Jamaica
2007 According To Us
Alton Ellis Ill
Christmas Albums
Dave Remembered: Dave Fuentes Memorial Blog
Dave Fuentes Tribute Show
R.I.P. Dave Fuentes
GOGO 13 Teaches Kid to Pick It Up!
The Aggrolites on Nick!
Mike's Introduction
A great Time To Be in a Ska or Reggae Band - Andrew
The Current U.S. Ska Scene - Andrew
Bad Aggrolites Review by a Moron - Gabe
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Daoster
Bob's Introduction
Dao's Inroduction
Gabe's Introduction

Reviews

2009-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Cartoon Violence - Whatever Happened To The Likely Lad
Don Segundo - Censura
Robb Blake-One Man Ska Explosion
Cartoon Violence-Whatever Happened To The Likely Lad
King Django - Avenue A EP
Ed Rome - A Life In Minutes
Babylove & The Vandangos - Lovers Choice
The Orobians - Anniversary Album
The Skints - s/t

Mr. Symarip - Shine Shine Shine

Kingston Rudieska - Skafiction

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Perfect Future

K-Mob - Show De Hipnosis
One Night Band - Hit N' Run
Bombtown - Interrobang
Mungo's Hi-Fi - Sound System Champions
Drewvis - For The Win
Mr. T-Bone & The Young Lions - Heros
Jimmy The Squirrel and Dirty Revolution EPs
1592 - Rise Of The Fallen
Chris Murray Combo - Why So Rude
Magadog - Sunrise
Bigshot Magazine
The Cabrians - For A few Pussies More
Clashed by the AML
Pama Intl - Love Filled Dub Band
Spencer Katzman Threeo - 5 is the new 3
Ettin - Rise Yourself
The Impalers - Blood, Rum, and Reggae
New Town Kings - Sound Of The New Town
Georgetown Orbits - S/T
New Classics: The Adjusters - Otis Redding Will Save America
Predator Dub Assassins - The Hardest
Robb Blake - No Time To Waste
Pama Intl - Highrise single
Skyler - S/T
The Pinstripes - The Decay
Green Room Rockers - Hoosier Homegrown
The Pepper Pots - Shake It!
The Drastics - Waiting
Ta nya Stephens - Rebelution
Ska Weekend Coverage
Bedouin Soundclash - Street Gospels
Ska Is Dead Comp
The Pietasters - All Day
Dr. Ring Ding - Back and Forth
Deals Gone Bad - Ramblers
Kingston Kitchen - Today's Special
The Aggrolites - Reggae Hit L.A.
Tim Armstrong - A Poet's Life
Colin Giles - Let's Get Away

Interviews

2009-01-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

Guns of Navarone Q&A
Rebelation

Smoke Like a Fish

The Coverups
The Pepper Pots
Kim from The Donkey Show
Unsteady
The Heatmakers from France
Mr. T-Bone
Curtis from Monkey
1592 from Detroit
Green Room Rockers
Dr. Jones of the Street Vendors
Ska Joe-Ska Summit
Kevin Flowerdew-DTD Music
Dave Hillyard of the Slackers
Red Soul Community
Dr.Deadlock of Bluekilla
Dan Cowan: Manager of The Villians
Roger Apollon and Marc Wasserman of Bigger Thomas
Tommi Infamous of Bombtown
J Bonner Talks About Jandisc Records
Sean Flowerdew of Pama International
Nakarin Teerapenun of T-bone
James Trent of the Hi-Lites
Skooch of Silver Dollar
Boss Van Tright of The Upsessions
Parker Jacobs of GoGo13
Joanne & Brandon of Penny Reel
Kevin Willingham
Toby Kremple of Georgetown Orbits
Chris Murray answers 10 Questions
Brian Dixon of The Aggrolites
Colin Giles of The Big Sound

Bluebeat Lounge Celebrates 6 Years Today

2009-01-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

www.bluebeatlounge.com

New Version City Podcast

2009-01-22T08:42:00.001-08:00

Play Episode 1
Official podcast of Version City Studio and Stubborn Records. Hosted by King Django & Steady Rocker. Visit versioncity.podomatic.com to subscribe!

1. Dr Ring Ding - Version City Big Sound (Special)
2. Johnny Osbourne & Version City Rockers - Freedom (sneak preview)
3. Prince Alla & Version City Rockers - I and I Know
4. Predator One - I'm Still In Love (Special)
5. Predator One - Back From the Dead
6. King Django - East Avenue
7. Bomb Town featuring Crusader Lion - Nother Cop Done
8. Victor Rice featuring Rocker T - I Have to Say
9. Cold Spot 8 - I Could Be Wrong
10. Dr. Ring Ding - Scooter (sneak preview)
11. Rocker T - Babywrong Low Way

presented by www.stubbornrecords.com

Chris Murray Vs. Do The Dog

2009-01-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

From www.dothedogforum.com

Chris Murray returns to the UK in February for a series of dates & Do The Dog bands have been confirmed as support on half of the 10 shows.

Photo by www.oldhcdude.com

19 02 Newcastle, Trillians
21 02 Brighton, Hobgoblin (with Drewvis)
22 02 Canterbury, Farmhouse
24 02 Leeds, Cockpit
26 02 Nottingham, The Maze (with Jimmy The Squirrel)
27 02 Norwich, Bedfords
28 02 Salisbury, Winchester Gate (with Liam O'Kane)
01 03 Exeter, Hub
02 03 Bristol, The Croft (with Jack Pickering (Sadies Doll vocalist))
03 03 London, Camden Underworld (with The Skints)

If you can make it to any of these shows then please do. Chris puts on an amazing live performance that is not to be missed, oh & the Do The Dog bands are pretty good too!

King Django-Avenue A EP

2009-01-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

2009 Stubborn Records
Review by Gabe

The wait for a new King Django release has been long but the lyrics architect is still strong!

Four hot new tunes that will have you bouncing off the walls like you were transported back to the Stubborn All Stars days. This ain't no rehashing of the same old sound though. These tunes are hot oven fresh with only the finest ingredients .

Do you remember the song "Really" from King Django Meets The Scrucialists? That song goes from some chilled out reggae tune to uptempo ska with Django's soothing tone reminiscing "When It Was Really Going Down" back in the day on "Avenue A". Maybe you you missed that album or you just plain didn't feel some of those songs? Well here's your chance as another song from that album gets a musical makeover. "I Don't Wanna Work That Hard" gets stirpped down and re-inveted on side B it's called "Tryin To Be Something". This time it's done in true form, with the right sound and of course a touch of Django's unmistakable toasting style

One of the sweetest tracks is "As Tears Go By". Yes The Rolling Stones hit song sounds fantastic put to the rhythm of ska. With that healing ukulele over the percussion and keys you can almost hear the tear drops hit the ground. I'd buy this thing just for this song alone!

The Avenue A EP is like a blend of the Stubborn All Star's Nex Season and King Django's Roots Tonic album. That same crisp authenticity is abundant in all its glory and refined on 10" vinyl no less!

This is King Django at the top of his game.

Side A:
1. Avenue A
2. As Tears Go By

Side B:
1. Hey Bartender
2. Trying to Be Something

The new EP is at press now and should arrive at Stubborn Records HQ January 23rd.
Buy it now for 5 bucks pre-sale at www.stubbornrecords.com and save some dough!

King Django - Fluke Ukulele, Hohner Harmonica, Percussion
Ira Heaps - Bass Guitar
Justin Rothberg - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gregg Mervine - Drums

New Granadians Album Out Today!

2009-01-19T12:29:00.001-08:00

Los Granadians are back with their third release on Liquidator Music.

2008 saw the boys stack up memorable performances in Europe and a Japanese greatest hits release. This new release has been recorded in true Granadians vintage fashion, nothing digitized. Jump aboard this intergalactic reggae adventure today!

Tracks

- In New Orbit
- La Chica Más Dulce - The sweetest girl
- Déjame Intentarlo - Try me
- El Humanoide - The Humanoid
- La Fiebre - Fever
- Parker Boogie - Parker Boogie
- Mentirosa - Mentirosa
- Sonda Phoenix - Phoenix Probe
- Eslabón Perdido - Missing Link
- El Dinero Es Para... - The money is for ...
- Granadíssimo! - Granadíssimo!

Available @ www.liquidatormusic.com

Ed Rome-A Life In Minutes

2009-01-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

So what if King Tubby and the Upsetters walked into an English pub saw the likes of Billy Bragg and other Pub Rockers, took each other home and made a love child? Well that child would be Ed Rome. This is the debut CD from Rome and he does an amazing job of blending English rock with old school Reggae to give the whole album an authentic Jamaican feel.

The album opens up with an organ driven number properly titled "The Way In". A Life In Minutes sucks you through a journey of heavy bass and organs, with some great guitar licks to go along with the reggae vibes. "Mind" is a gem with a English sounding guitar lick that kicks into a skinhead reggae sounding organ track. The songs lyrics are simple yet potent "You're spending too much time on the things you can't find" and it is a true story.

The whole album is full of melodic guitar licks over hypnotizing dub/reggae that you can listen to from start to finish and be like "hey it's over" start it over and not get tired of it. "Private Person", "March" and "What's Different" are two great examples of some instrumental dub that you can just get lost in thought with.

"Thatcher's Children" is an acoustic guitar driven track with some great saxophone fills. It has an up tempo feel that builds up only to slip back into a bottom and build you up again. "Nationality Speaks Softly" sounds like a dready version of a Pink Floyd tune, and that is a good thing. "Non Relationship Rant" is a funny tune about relationships that you're not sure what they are and has a zinger of a chorus. "Some Truth" is a song that starts off slow with a simple organ that again just draws you in as it picks up.

I could go on about this album, but honestly take my word it is "fucking beautiful" as I told Rockers Revolt's Sean Flowerdew. You should have this record in your collection. It brings new life to Jamaican music with an English touch. It is good for a Sunday drive, picking you up when you're down or just relaxing at home de-stressing from the day. You should know Ed Rome.

http://www.edrome.co.uk/

Lord Tanamo Suffers Stroke

2009-01-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

Former Skatalites singer Lord Tanamo suffered a stroke that has left him unable to speak. The 74 old legend is now living in the Lincoln Place of Nursing Home, Toronto, Canada.

The Jamaica Observer recently published the following news:

"In an e-mail sent to his booking agent Brian Keyo of Tallawah Entertainment, Lord Tanamo's doctor Michael J Taylor expressed concern that the friends and family of the veteran entertainer, born Joseph Gordon, are not aware of his condition or whereabouts.

"Sadly, Mr Gordon has had a stroke that has left him unable to speak. Over the last several weeks, he has had no visitors and we have had limited success in contacting any family members," stated Dr Taylor who is also calling on the wider music fraternity.

"I'm hoping that you can assist me in locating anyone who would be interested in visiting Mr Gordon and providing him with support in this difficult time," he pleaded.

Locally, organizations with mandates to offer such support are the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA), the Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM) as well as the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports."

Can you help with any information about his his family's whereabouts?

You can contact the singer born Joseph Gordon at the following address with any information or get well wishes.

Joseph Gordan
c/o Lincoln Place Nursing Home
429 Walmer Road
Toronto Ontario
M5P 2X9
Canada

To read the entire article from The Jamaican Observer visit here.

Easy Star All-Stars Announce New Album

2009-01-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

Official News

EASY STAR RECORDS ANNOUNCES EASY STAR ALL-STARS’ REGGAE RE-IMAGINING OF SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

EASY STAR’S LONELY HEARTS DUB BAND SET FOR RELEASE APRIL 14th

ALBUM FOLLOWS THE TREMENDOUS SUCCESS OF DUB SIDE OF THE MOON (2003) AND RADIODREAD (2006)

“They made a smashing success out of their cover of Dark Side of the Moon…” — Pitchfork

“The All-Stars have tackled Radiohead’s OK Computer, and the result is again impressive.” — Rolling Stone

Following the widespread critical and commercial success of 2003’s Dub Side of the Moon and 2006’s Radiodread, Easy Star Records announces the Easy Star All-Stars’ complete reggae re-imagining of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album, titled Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band, is set for release April 14 on Easy Star Records and features guest vocals from an impressive list of reggae, dancehall and dub greats including Steel Pulse, Matisyahu, Michael Rose (Black Uhuru), Luciano, U Roy, Bunny Rugs (Third World), Ranking Roger (English Beat), Sugar Minott, Frankie Paul, Max Romeo and The Mighty Diamonds. The first single, “With A Little Help From My Friends,” featuring Luciano, will be released as an iTunes exclusive February 10. It will be paired with a b-side dub version featuring the legendary U Roy.

Dub Side of the Moon, (Easy Star’s reggae tribute to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon) is one of the most successful reggae albums of the 21st century and spent over five years on Billboard’s Top Reggae Chart. Mojo selected the record as the second greatest cover album of all time. Radiodread, which tackled Radiohead’s OK Computer, spent over 18 months on Billboard’s Top Reggae Chart and earned praise from Radiohead themselves.

Of the decision to infuse reggae into the Beatles classic, producer Michael Goldwasser says “We’ve focused on re-envisioning concept albums as reggae and it’s really important that the source material works as a whole and is not just a collection of songs. So, what better to take on next than the mother of all concept albums?”

Goldwasser is once more the musical mastermind behind this album, having arranged and produced the music, assembled the musicians and guest artists and played guitar throughout. Goldwasser is joined by Victor Rice (bass), Victor “Ticklah” Axelrod (keyboards) and Patrick Dougher & Eddie Ocampo (drums, percussion). Members of the touring version of the Easy Star All-Stars also contribute, including Ras I Ray, Jenny Hill, Buford O’Sullivan, Ivan Katz, Kirsty Rock, Tamar-kali, Junior Jazz and Menny More. In addition to producing six albums for Easy Star, Goldwasser has produced albums for Corey Harris, Hatikva 6 and others, and has had compositions featured in the motion pictures Failure To Launch and Woody Allen’s Cassandra’s Dream.

For over a decade, Easy Star Records has been a trendsetting independent reggae label. Dub Side of the Moon and Radiodread form the backbone of a catalogue that includes progressive albums from John Brown’s Body and Easy Star All-Stars keyboardist Ticklah, reissues of classic material from Sugar Minott and Linval Thompson and new recordings from reggae legends The Meditations and Sister Carol.

http://www.easystar.com/bulletins/show/41

Roots Rock Rebel - January 14th Podcast

2009-01-15T17:21:00.001-08:00

Listen to Roots Rock Rebel 1/14/09

Roots Rock Rebel
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Hello from Montreal,
The city where your snot freezes in your
nose when it's -30 degrees. Good
times!

We really run the full spectrum of
Rebellion music in this podcast of our
show, going from a soul revolt, to some
punk, even a bit of gypsy jazz,
and of course, plenty of great new ska!

Stay tuned in upcoming weeks for an
interview with Rude City Riot,
coverage of the new Stepper album, and more!

Stay rude, stay rebel,
Free Palestine, and free the world,
RRR crew

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To podcast or download the show, visit here.

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Playlist - January 14th, 2009

The Ethiopians - Free man
Delroy Wilson - Conquer me
Lee Perry - Give me justice
Laurel Aitken - Mad about you
The Adjusters - Gun
The Sweet Inspirations - Sweet inspiration
Bob and Wisdom - I believe in music
Redskins - It can be done
The Brentford Sound - Light on
Deal's Gone Bad - Messin' around
King Konqueror - Chicken wing
Take the Boys - Higher and higher
Stepper - Running from home
Rude City Riot - Shots and pills
Rudeboy - Really truly
Dave Hillyard and the Rocksteady 7 - Swing No. 7
The Cabrians - Bang bang shoot
Amy Winehouse - Hey little rich girl
Tri-State Conspiracy - Mr. Huntingworth
Streetlight Manifesto - Would you be impressed
Flogging Molly - Seven deadly sins
The Slackers - International war criminal
Bigger Thomas - Panic!
Scrapy - Saturday night drink activist
Babylove and the Van Dangos - Rude boy
Jim Murple Memorial - A little problem
Lady Ann - Doctor doctor
Tim Armstrong - Inner city violence


Host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Bombtown Prize Package Contest

2009-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

We've teamed up with Stubborn Records this month to bring you another killer contest!
You have a chance to win one of three Bombtown Prize Packages from www.stubbornrecords.com including a signed copy of Bombtown's new album ?!INTERROBANG?!

1st Prize

Bombtown CD autographed by Tommi Infamous
Bombtown T-Shirt
Stubborn Records T-Shirt
Bombtown Pin
Stubborn Records Pin
Version City Pin
Tommi Infamous Sticker
Version City Sticker

2nd Prize

Bombtown CD autographed by Tommi Infamous
Bombtown T-Shirt
Bombtown Pin
Version City Pin
Tommi Infamous Sticker
Version City Sticker

3rd Prize

Bombtown CD autographed by Tommi Infamous
Bombtown Pin
Tommi Infamous Sticker

Winners can choose T-shirt size subject to availability. CDs will be signed by Tommi personally including the winner's name.

How do I get in on this insanity you ask?
Simply enter your name and email address here. You will receive one entry into our Bombtown Prize Package Contest and automatically be signed up to the Stubborn and Musical Occupation mailing lists. Winners will be chosen from a random drawing. Winners will be announced February 15th.

Brought to you by:
www.stubbornrecords.com
www.dancingmood.net
Pressure Drop Soundcast
www.musicaloccupation.com

Vinyl Meltdown w/Joey Altruda #16

2009-01-12T21:23:00.000-08:00

Listen/Download: jazznoir.mp3

Time: 1:29:54

She Done Him Wrong: Jazz Impressions Of Film Noir

Joey Altruda hosts a special edition of Vinyl Meltdown, highlighting Jazz & Big Band music from the Film Noir era. A MUST FOR ALL CINEPHILES & JAZZHEADS.

Harlem Nocturne: Earl Bostic

Artistry Jumps: Stan Kenton

23Nx82W: Stan Kenton

Amazona: Stan Kenton

Samana: Stan Kenton

Street Scene: Stan Kenton

Mingus Fingers: Lionel Hampton

Midnight Sun: Lionel Hampton

East Of Suez: Charlie Ventura

Lonely Woman: Charlie Ventura

Euphoria: Charlie Ventura

Touch Of Evil: Henry Mancini

Background For Murder: Henry Mancini

Fiesta Time: Machito

Tropicana: James Moody

Tropicana: Gill Fuller Orchestra

Theme From The Man With The Golden Arm: Elmer Bernstein

Angel Eyes: Nat King Cole

Shulie-a-Bop: Sarah Vaughn

Sax Cantabile: Xavier Cugat

Jungle Fantasy: Esy Morales

Melancholy Serenade: Jackie Gleason Orchestra

Repetition: Neil Hefti Orchestra with Charlie Parker

The Bird: Charlie Parker

The Orobians "Come and Party With…(Anniversary Album)"

2009-01-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

Redstar Records 2008

This 20 track compilation compiles 10 years of history for a band that dedicated themselves in capturing the sound of the 60's Jamaica. The Orobians come from Northern Italy but they capture the spirit and sound of a different place. Mixing in various styles with Jamaican ska such as jazz, rocksteady, mambo, etc. The Orobians have quite a story to tell and one that is documented quite well in the liner notes. Think of the album as a soundtrack of the band while you read about the various recordings and incarnations of the group. As most ska bands have a sorted history of people coming and going this group is no different. However many bands do not last for 10 years so there is much to celebrate about this anniversary.

I had a hard time writing this review because the amount of music is so vast on here. The CD booklet does a great job in telling their story from the band's own mouth. The music and the story revealed in the liner notes go hand in hand. The music and words both stand on their own but together is where they work well with one another. In todays music world many independent labels do not have the luxury to even include liner notes often you are lucky to get who played on the album and where it was recorded. One has to applaud The Orobians and Redstar records for putting this package together and making it bilingual as well .

It is difficult to review an album with 20 tracks. One has to say the band's ability to cover Jamaican music is impeccable and their covers of Skatalites sound authentic. "Christine Keeler" is one of my favorite Skatalites songs of all time. Also their cover of "Old Rocking Chair" by Jackie Opel is quite amazing. "Money Can't Buy Life" is another great tune. The album is split with instrumentals and vocal numbers. The ska/reggae feel almost gets lost on the opening tune which is a Strauss composition but Dizzy Gillespie's Bebop is given a proper treatment on "Bop Train." The singing on the album varies from male to female as does from English to Italian. The most powerful singer on the album for me is Decaro who the liner notes reference as just some ordinary guy that decides in his mid-30's he wants to sing in a ska band. And he does and fronts a band that had before just been instrumental, which I am sure was quite a transition.

Also one has to mention of "Love theme from 'Godfather" is really powerful it starts out with just a trumpet and then morphs into a masterpiece. The groups arrangements are often very jazzy and vocals even if present often take a back seat to the horns. The band is very horn driven but there is very highly crafted guitar work and keyboard throughout this collection. The rhythm is very authentic and the drummer and bass set the rhythm on all the songs. The drummer's constant one drop with the stand up bass gives it a Skatalites-esque appeal.

This is a very highly crafted collection of songs from a very skillful group. I did get lost a little in how massive the album is and how many different periods it covers. The album is arranged in a way the songs all mix together rather then being in a chronological order. I would have preferred a chronological order to hear how the band came to be in its various parts. But I would recommend this album for fans of traditional ska and also fans of New York Ska Jazz Ensemble this would be right up your alley.

For more info about buying this album go here...
www.theorobians.it
www.redstar73.com

New Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Album in Feb!

2009-01-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra will be releasing a new album!

Skapara's Paradise Blue will be released (in Japan) on February 4! Featuring 12 tracks, this will be TSPO's first album without former front man Tatsuyuki Hiyamuta...

Liverpool FC fans (and other football fans) should recognize track 10...a cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Tracklisting taken from their website:

『PARADISE BLUE』
1.Routine Melodies ルーティーン・メロディーズ
(music & Lyrics:Atsushi Yanaka)

2.Paradise Blue　パラダイス・ブルー
(music:Tsuyoshi kawakami & Masahiko Kitahara)

3.疾風の剣 -Lightning Sword-
(music:Yuichi Oki)

4.Heaven's Door ヘヴンズ・ドア
(music:Tsuyoshi Kawakami)

5.WITCHING HOUR -真夜中の奇跡-
(music:Tsuyoshi Kawakami)

6.そばにいて黙るとき -Silent By Your Side-
(music:Yuichi Oki/ Lyrics:Atsushi Yanaka)

7.Like Jazz On Fire -灼熱のジャズの如く-
(music:Masahiko Kitahara)

8.さよならワルツ -Farewell Waltz-
(music:Takashi Kato)

9.Already Steady -すでにステディ-
(music:GAMO)

10.You'll Never Walk Alone　ユール・ネバー・ウォーク・アローン
(music:Richard Rodgers/Lyrics:Oscar Hammerstein)

11.カルナバル -CARNAVAL-
(music:Masahiko Kitahara)

12.Sugar Fountain -楽園の泉にて-
(music:NARGO)

To learn more about the album, as well as hear a short sample, check out the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra website!

You can also read my review of their last album, Perfect Future right here.

First Roots Rock Rebel podcast of 2009!

2009-01-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Roots Rock Rebel
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Hi folks,
We are back with our first podcast of 2009. Happy new year! Download this
week's podcast, packed full with oldies and new-ies from Tri-State
Conspiracy, Rude City Riot (a great new band from Vancouver!), Cartoon
Violence, and more.

Stay rude, stay rebel,
Free Palestine, and free the world,
RRR crew

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-->To podcast or download the show, visit:
http://secure.ckut.ca/cgi-bin/ckut-grid.pl?action=showaudio&show=wednesday,22:00"
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Playlist - January 7th, 2009

Brixton Cats - Palestine
Propagandhi - Fixed frequencies
Static Thought - Any more
Kultur Shock - Tango la victoire
Sub City Dwellers - Give up the gun tonight
Rude City Riot - Victoria
Tri-State Conspiracy - 1075
Creepshow - Run for your life
The Planet Smashers - Pee in the elevator
Spinecracker - Don't say a word
The Arsenals - Beer song
Bomb Town - Chop shop
Cartoon Violence - Vauxhall Nova
Smokin' Fuzz - All my loving
Westbound Train - Please forgive me
Stepper - Restless
Rancid - Things to come
The Slackers - Dreidel
The Skatalites - Lawless street (DJ version)
Soul Brothers - Ska bostella
Lee Perry - Cook book
Millie Small - My boy lollipop
Jackie Mittoo - Evening time
Eric Donaldson - Cherry baby
Derrick Morgan with Lyn Taitt and the Jets - Bad luck on me
Phyllis Dillon - Don't stay away
Tommy McCook and the Supersonics - Testify (version)
Max Romeo - Chase the devil
Sister Nancy - Bam bam
Butch Cassidy Sound System - Rockers Galore
The Pioneers - Sweet Inspiration (Justin Robertson mix)
Hopeton Lewis - Express yourself
Susan Cadogan - Congradulations


-- 
host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

The Skints- The Skints

2009-01-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

2008 Do The Dog Music

If you're a traditional ska fan like myself, when you hear someone describe themselves as ska punk you may force a smile and say "that's nice." However our prejudices can often be wrong and such is the case with The Skints. They are a four piece band from London signed to Do The Dog Music.

Their 6 song self titled EP does a good job of seamlessly blending some dready reggae with punky ska. The opening song "Murderer" begins with a catchy melodica line and both male and female vocals. The second track "N55" is a good track when frustrated with the world and wanting to go for a good run. It is an uptempo track and you can definitely hear the Operation Ivy and Augustus Pablo influences meld together.

"Sociopath" is a bass heavy dread reggae track that takes on the issue of hate, probably the best track on the album. "Jungle Plane Wreck" is a funky ska/punk track that again would be good to run to or clean. It also features a nice break down calling a stop to violence. The last two tracks are a mix of ska/punk and reggae. "Misunderstood" definitely reminds me of a high school song and I could see it in a 90's teen movie. "Little Flag" makes me laugh mocking myspace users who are haters. It has a nice sax line played under lead male vocals with female background.

As somebody who doesn't typically dig ska/punk, I have to say The Skints do a nice job of blending two tone with Jamaican influences. If you're a purist you won't dig it, if you want something that reminds you of your early fascination with ska while mixing in some reggae undertones, then dig it!

www.myspace.com/theskintsuk

Video of the Month (or whenever I feel like it!) - The Aggrolites meet Strange Manor

2009-01-08T18:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a video that surfaced in 2006...when the Aggrolites were in the Bay Area...a jam session with the occupants of the Strange Manors, which includes members of the Soul Captives and Phenomenauts...

Playing "Remember That Sunday" by Alton and Hortense Ellis

Big Shot Fanzine #5 Out Now

2009-01-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of Big Shot Fanzine is out now! Featuring some fantastic articles and interviews including one with the Liquidator Music boss who is celebrating 10 years of Liquidator Music.
I had the privilege of writing an article about the current California scene for this issue as well!
Big Shot is one of the slickest zines out there, check it out!

www.bigshotzine.net
www.myspace.com/bigshotzine

-Gabe

New At Stubborn Records Dot Com

2009-01-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Happy New Year, good friends, from www.stubbornrecords.com

Thanks so much for all of your support in 2008! We wish you all health and prosperity in 2009!

Things are very busy over here with a few new releases coming VERY soon!

King Django's "Avenue A" 45rpm 10" vinyl EP is out for printing and pressing RIGHT NOW!
They should be in our office in one to two weeks. If you order now, before they arrive here, you will save $3! Move fast!

Also check out these excellent yummies we've got for you and don't forget we've got over 900 items in stock!

Version City Puppeteer T-Shirt All sizes in stock!	The Impalers Blood, Rum & Reggae CD	The Aggrolites - Dirty Reggae CD Back in stock!	Bang Matu & Orquesta Kingston Magia Negra LP In Stock RARE! OUT OF PRINT!
Yellowman & Fathead Live at Aces "Feeding in the Dancehall" CD Back in stock!	Judge Dread Judge Dread CD	Version City Rockers Darker Roots LP Back in stock!	Rocker T Hold On Strong CD Back in stock!

Happy New Year from www.stubbornrecords.com

Always your source for ska, rocksteady, skinhead reggae, roots, dub and more!

LOVE,
Stubborn Crew

Mr. Symarip - Shine, Shine, Shine

2009-01-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

2008 Liquidator Music

Roy Ellis aka Mr. Symarip is back from the moon!
One of the coolest songs that came out last year I found on this single put out by Liquidator Music.
"Shine, Shine, Shine" heats up the classic "When The Saint's Come Marching In" horn arrangement and melts it down to some tasty reggae deliciousness. Roy Ellis sings: "Oh when those skins come marching in" making for one nice catchy tune followed by an even nicer version called "Shine Trombone".

But this is not the coolest song I'm talking about. The tune I love is "Come On And Dance With Me". Not to be confused with Hepcat's "Dance Wid Me", the music sounds like it could be a Hepcat tune with a smooth rocksteady feel that will have you movin' in no time. Roy Ellis is in top form!

Buy it at: www.liquidatormusic.com

More info on Mr. Symarip: www.symarip.com

Chris Murray Coming To The Bay Area

2009-01-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

www.myspace.com/streetvendorsska
www.myspace.com/atapaz1
www.myspace.com/chrismurray

Kingston Rudieska - Skafiction

2009-01-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

Pastel Music - 2008

It seems to me that Korea’s ska scene is growing at a phenomenal rate. In the past couple of years, bands such as The Slackers, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Chris Murray Combo, and Ska Flames have all played in South Korea in one way or another and home grown bands are starting to pop up all over the place.

Enter Kingston Rudieska, S. Korea’s first authentic ska band. Even though they’ve been around since 2004, Skafiction is their first full-length album release and is a great album for new comers and fans alike.

I’ve been following this band since they’ve formed and some of these tracks on this album are new recordings of tracks they’ve recorded before. It’s amazing to see the progress that they’ve made over the past 4 years in terms of musicianship. The first track, their title track, shows you what you can expect from the rest of the album: good solid ska played by musicians with an appreciation for authentic ska music.

My favorite song of the album? “Shooting Star” featuring the Yozoh (Korean pop-folk star) on vocals, without a doubt. Despite not understanding a lick of Korean, everything just seems to come together perfectly on this song, Yozoh’s voice, the rhythm section, the horns, the solo…it’s a very beautiful song.

Final word: I’ll admit that what’s on this album isn’t revolutionary, by any means, as far as ska goes. However, good production values, a tight rhythm section, and even tighter horns make this a superb debut album. Having followed these guys from the beginning, it is exciting to see how far they’ve come, and I look forward to hearing more material from these guys in the future.

You can buy their album for a very affordable price at www.yesasia.com

Kingston Rudieska Website

Kingston Rudieska myspace

See Spot - The Robbery...available on CDBaby!

2009-01-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles' ska/rocksteady/latin super group, See Spot released their third full length album, "The Robbery" in 2008. Unfortunately, it was a little difficult to track down this album unless you were lucky enough to see them in action.

Fortunately, everybody can now buy their album on CDBaby!

Taken from the CDBaby description of the album:

"With their 3rd full-length album, "The Robbery", out now, 2009 promises to be a breakthrough year for the music of See Spot!! "The Robbery" has it all! From the sweet, soulful rocksteady "Everlasting" to the latin-tinged ska party of "Hot Sauce" to the old-school upbeat trad ska sounds of the title track "Robbery", See Spot will have you singing from the first memorable track to the last."

So what are you waiting for? Go buy the album!!

http://cdbaby.com/cd/seespot

See Spot's Myspace

Hit & Run Giveaway Week 3

2008-12-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

Here's your last chance to win a signed copy of the new album "Hit & Run" from the One Night Band!

This weeks trivia question:
Can you name two former members of One Night Band?

Email your answers to info@musicaloccupation.com with "Hit & Run" in the subject line. You will receive one entry into our Hit & Run Giveaway Contest and automatically be signed up to receive our newsletter. The winner will be announced next week.

We will be giving away one signed CD each week for the next two weeks.
We will post a new trivia question each week. One winner will be chosen each week at random from all entries for that week.

Brought to you by:
Stomp Records
Dancing Mood Forum
Pressure Drop Soundcast
Music Is Our Occupation

To hear music from the new album "Hit & Run" visit www.myspace.com/theonenightband

New Hellcat Releases Coming In 2009

2008-12-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

2009 is already shaping up to be a good year!
Hellcat Records announced that some new releases slated for the new year include albums from Rancid, The Aggrolites, The Slackers, and Westbound Train.

Look out for these bands on tour in 2009 as well.
One can only hope for a tour including all 4 bands, just imagine that.

Check www.hell-cat.com/news

Guns Of Navarone Q&A

2008-12-27T02:42:00.000-08:00

Did you know Boston, MA has ska musicians?
That's right! And very talented ones at that. Who are they? We had the pleasure of talking to Bob Beaumont, vocalist for Boston's very own Guns Of Navarone.
He was nice enough to tell us about the ska scene where they're from and about his band.

Please tell us about the band and the music you play.

Guns of Navarone is a band that plays classic ska and reggae music. I hesitate to call ourselves a cover band because I usually consider a cover band to be one that plays popular music. Although we play songs written and recorded by other artists the songs we play are largely unknown to the audiences we play for.

More specifically we play old songs from the Skatalites, Laurel Aitken, Justin Hinds and the Dominoes, Derrick Morgan, Desmond Dekker. We also play some current music in traditional style by bands such as Dave Hillyard, the Slackers and the Aggrolites. We play songs in the traditional ska style and the reggae we play is more and more going the direction of 1968-69 reggae.

The reggae style we are playing more of is a pre-Rastafarian influenced more up-tempo style. After the ska music of the mid 1960’s there was of course the slower rock steady but there was also this early reggae which we find much more energetic and highly danceable. This is the style which Trojan Records imported from Jamaica to England at the end of the 1960’s.

We have been artistically satisfied with playing songs which have been written and recorded by others. Quite frankly if a song has maintained its relevance and interest for 40 years, then it is food enough for us. I don’t understand why a band that plays “originals” would be perceived as more relevant and more interesting. I hear “original” songs every day that I find uninventive and boring. As in the tradition of Jazz, Blues, and Folk playing songs handed down generation to generation and country to country, I see ska and reggae to be no different.

However, in recent times we have been considering writing “originals” because we have concerns that being considered a cover band may in fact be limiting our opportunities. To me it’s rather silly. I mean, is “Wet Dream” by Max Romeo an original when “Hold Your Jack” by Derrick Morgan was written and recorded first? So that brings up the question of what is an original. What is a version? What is a cover song? Who is the inventor of a recycled chord progression?

What is the music scene like where your from?

The music scene where we are from is somewhat complex. I, Bob Beaumont am from Worcester, MA which is about 1 hour drive to Boston, MA. The first incarnation of the Guns of Navarone was based largely in the Worcester area. Then 5 out of 8 people left the band. Then the 5 members who replaced them are all from the Boston area. So now, I consider us a Boston based band. The music scene in Boston is really big. There are lots of bands, lots of clubs, and lots of competition. We have found it relatively difficult to break into the Boston scene due to the high volume of competition. So what it means to us is we need to compete harder. We need to promote more, play better, be more entertaining, which lends itself to my philosophy as a band leader which is to “work hard always”.

The Boston Shows we have played have been met with great enthusiasm from the audiences. The bands we play with also have given us great support and encouragement. We are truly grateful for the opportunities we have been given.

However, to describe the scene honestly it must be said that as a band “off the street” it can be difficult to get gigs. We are now looking into Booking agents to help facilitate entry into some of the venues which as of yet have been unwilling to even return our calls or emails.

Worcester on the other hand has been very kind to us. All the clubs want us, and the people give us lots of love and appreciation. However, since I am a Worcester native, I have many contacts and music venue relations.

Although the 2^nd biggest city in all of New England, there is far less competition in Worcester than in Boston.

What made you want to play Ska music?

The reason I wanted to start a ska band probably goes back to some of the exposure I got to ska music through growing up with punk and hardcore. I spent about 15 years in and out of hardcore and punk bands. None of the bands I was in ever amounted to much. Some people I was in bands with went onto fairly successful bands such as BANE and ISIS. As a punk, I was exposed to the Slackers, Hepcat, the Skatalites, through the Give ‘Em the boot compilations on Hellcat Records. These bands with their traditional ska sound, was very appealing to me. From these bands and the ska and reggae covers songs performed by the Clash, I was entered to the work of Jamaican music which I still find to be seemingly endless in its expanse. One band leads me to the next and the next and so on.

Some of my other early ska and reggae exposure would be the Harder They Come soundtrack which of course includes Toots and the Maytal’s Pressure Drop which to me was an incredibly moving and exciting song. In my late teen years I was also a fan of Bob Marley and I had the Songs of Freedom box set. This box set was important to me because it was four cds which were chronological. I was then able to hear the early years of the Wailers and the Studio One ska songs. These ska songs were very appealing to me, much more than the later Rastafarian influenced Reggae.

These songs were reminiscent of the American Motown songs which I had grown up listening to and loved so much. But they had this exuberant rhythm which possessed an energy which appealed to my punk music sensibilities.

Although I was exposed to bands like the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, I never really liked that style of ska. I felt no connection to the rock-ska of the 1990’s and although I appreciated bands like Operation Ivy I never really liked punk-ska generally either. And of the Two Tone ska the only songs I seemed to like were the covers of traditional Ska such as Monkey Man by Toots and the Maytals, or Message to You Rudy by Dandy Livingstone. The Slackers for me seemed to be the perfect Ska band. They were traditional, they were non-religious, (i.e. Non Rasta), they were Northeast American guys like me who I could identify with and they were extremely talented but yet still fun. The Slackers through interviews and things I would hear them say at their shows turned me onto to the Skatalites, The Upsetters, Prince Buster, and Trojan Records. To me they are the most influential band in that they opened up a whole world of music. They also showed me that Jamaican music can be played by Americans without having to pretend to be something they are not.

Can you tell us about the band? The musicians seem to be pretty diverse. What kind of background to you all come from?

It’s true that the musicians in the Guns of Navarone are diverse. We have some which are either graduates or current students of Berklee School of Music. We have members which have deep jazz roots. We have songs with deep funk roots and deep roots in Zydeco and a variety of other influences.

We do have a member which allows me to do some name dropping. Our keyboard player Mike Hartford was the drummer for some accomplished Boston Ska bands such as Steady Earnest and Dion Knibb and the Aggravators. He was in these bands with Ken Stewart of the Skatalites and also Dion Knibb who is the son of Lloyd Knibb the legendary drummer of the Skatalites. He also has recorded with Doreen Schafer of the Skatalites. Another Boston Ska band Mike has played with is Beat Soup which also has Glen Pine of the Slackers as a past member, although they were not in the band at the same time. Mike is a true veteran of ska music and has seen the different waves of ska come and go. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our group to ride this 4^th wave of Ska with us.

More info: www.myspace.com/navaronereggae

Green Room Rockers Winter Tour

2008-12-25T15:36:00.000-08:00

More info at www.greenroomrockers.com

Buy their new acoustic EP! It's 7 tracks of raw, soulful reggae that was compiled during numerous acoustic sessions.

You can pick up your copy exclusively at any live show and at

www.GreenRoomRockers.com/merch.html

A Tribute To Dave Fuentes and Hepcat Pt.1

2008-12-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Listen or Download (right click+save as)

Pressure Drop has a very special episode this week.

We are paying tribute to Dave 'Bassie' Fuentes.

Some friends and family of Dave have taken the time to share some of their stories and memories about Dave. In part one of this series you'll hear from Jesse Wagner(Aggrolites), Greg Lee(Hepcat), Dave's wife Yohanna Fuentes, and Lino Trujillo(Hepcat), and a few fans who had some thoughts to share as well.

We asked them what kind of person he was, what was he like as a family man, and as a musician. In talking to them it became very clear that the story of Dave Fuentes is just as much the story of the band Hepcat.

This is their story

This is a tribute to Dave Fuentes and Hepcat.

To see the full track list visit Pressure Drop Soundcast

Hepcat At Slims in San Francisco

2008-12-23T23:18:00.001-08:00

Taken Dec 21st 2008
Photos by Miles Gehm
See more here

Hit & Run Contest Week 2 Winner

2008-12-23T00:53:00.000-08:00

The winner for our One Night Band Hit & Run Contest week 2 is...

John Iverson

Stay tuned for your last chance to win.

Hepcat Is Back!

2008-12-22T00:25:00.000-08:00

Yes sir, Hepcat brought back their unmistakable sound back Saturday night to a sold out crowd!
Our man on the street the Old HC Dude was there to capture all the action with his glorious camera clicking powers. Here's some sweet shots captured at the El Rey in Los Angeles December 20th.

Photos courtesy of www.oldhcdude.com

Roots Rock Rebel - 2008 in Review

2008-12-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

Roots Rock Rebel
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!


Listen to this week's show



Hello!
As 2008 comes to a close, such is our annual
tradition to run down our top5 ska/reggae cd's
of the year. So fresh off our airwaves, here they are!
Enjoy this week's podcast!

5. Chris Murray Combo - Why so Rude (Unstrictly Roots)

A wonderful collection of songs from the famed one-man ska band, but this
time with a backing band! The rhythm section of drums and bass really
brings  out the shining qualities of Chris' song writing, and it's nice to
see some Jamaican ska classics ("Running around") and King Apparatus
("Michael and Anne") songs reworked here. A must-have for Chris Murray
fans.

4. One Night Band - Hit and Run (Stomp Records)

Taken from my review of Hit and Run here.

"What we have seen around One Night Band is a rebirth of interest in early
reggae and roots-ska music in Montreal, and for many, that can only be a
good thing." A nice development in sound from this top-notch Montreal
band.

3. Crazy Baldhead - The Sound of '69 (Independently released)

Amazing new release from this NYC supergroup, featuring guest vocals from
King Django, Steve Jackson of the Pietasters, Todd Hembrook of Deal's Gone
Bad, Alex Desert of Hepcat, Bucket of the Toasters, and more! While the
idea of doing a cover album can be over-cliche, Crazy Baldhead pulls it
off so well with their favorite songs from the 1960's, done skinhead
reggae style!

2. The Slackers - Self Medication (Indication records)

It's no surprise that the Slackers have made it to our top 5 list for the
last 3 years. They are one of the finest and most hard-working bands in
the ska world, hands down! Last year, "Boss Harmony Sessions" was our #2
release, and the year before that, "Peculiar" topped our list as well.
"Self Medication" is just the latest offering in the career of a brilliant
band. From poetic political commentary, to Beatle-esque soul, to
bitter-sweet ska, you'll find it all here.

1. Mr T Bone and the Young Lions - Heroes (Rude Boy Corner)

Every now and then, you hear a record so tight, so catchy, and with so
much grove that it just makes you want to raise your fist in the air and
say "Ska lives, my friends. Ska fucking lives!" This record is beyond fun,
it's ecstatic, full of power and soul, and highly deserving of our #1
Ska/Reggae cd of 2008!

Some other honourable mentions and bands to watch out for in 2009:

Idlers - 10-piece Newfoundland ska/reggae crew, www.idlers.ca

New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble - be on the lookout for their new cd, Live in
Paris!

Take the Boys - Soulful power-trio from Montreal, www.taketheboys.com

stay rude, stay rebel, and enjoy this week's podcast!
RRR crew

:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=
To podcast or download the show, visit here.

:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=

Playlist - December 17th, 2008

Chris Murray Combo - I need water
One Night Band - Trigger
Crazy Baldhead - Communication breakdown
The Slackers - Don't forget the streets
Mr T Bone and the Young Lions - The president of the republic of bananas
New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble - Red eye
Idlers - Guns of Navarone
Take the Boys - Higher and higher
The Pepper Pots - I'm in love
Ruben and the Diatones - Crucified
The Caroloregians - Cotton road
Roy Ellis - Shine shine shine
Los Guanabana - Pisadas de simio
Dubmatix feat. Alton Ellis - Blessing of compassion
Auresia - Give a little time
The Planet Smashers - Vacances
Creepshow - Demon lover
Jeunesse Apatride - Hochelaga
Randy - Dynamite
Ron Hawkins and the Rusty Nails - Bite down hard
Root Diamoons - Rumble like a lion
Soweto - Roseita
Flight 404 - Double trouble
Dave Hillyard and the Rocksteady 7 - Greedy
Pama International - It ain't funny
The Steady Ups - Gun you down
The Specials - You're wondering now


--
host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Rebelation Q&A

2008-12-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

An interview with Tony Devenish

By Gabe P

Continuing our conversations with musicians on the Do The Dog Music Label we did a quick Q&A with vocalist/guitarist Tony Devenish of the band Rebelation. Another long running UK band, Rebelation have shared the stage with such bands as Bad Manners, The Selector, The Slackers, and Laurel Aitkin to name a few. This 10 peice group have 4 releases under their belt featuring dual male and female vocalists complimented by a powerful horn section. If you have not heard them you are certainly missing out.

Rebelation have been around for quite some time. How would you say the band has developed over the years?

Tony: Yeah, we've been around a while! We first started back in 1994, which is crazy to think that's 14 years ago! The band has grown in personnel over those years and the sound has developed naturally with that. We started off as a 4 piece and had a more of a punky-folk vibe with the reggae.

I'm the only one left from those days! But I think it's unusual for a band that has as many in as we do and has been playing as long as we have to have all it's original players. As the sound and personnel developed we've developed the sound into what it is today, which I'd say is pretty much trad ska, reggae and rocksteady. I don't consider Rebelation to be a retro band though, I'd like to think we bring something progressive to the genre too. And I think it's difficult for that not to happen as we're all culturally affected and the culture I've grown up in is different to one from 1960's Jamaica, obviously!!

What about the U.K. ska and reggae. What changes have you noticed over the years?

Tony: There have definitely been some changes over the years but it's funny how things go in cycles. When we started out the scene we were involved in was the festi scene.The bands that we go and see and play with would be bands like Back to the Planet, Scum of Toytown and Culture Shock/Citizen Fish and the like, we'd called it 'ska punk' back then. We'd also be big into the roots soundsystem scene in the UK with people Jah Shaka and Aba Shanti being the big ones.

The 2 Tone thing was definitely big then and has always had a hold on the UK scene. But then the US led ska punk invasion happened and most of the ska scene was made up of kids really digging that sound. I think that really killed the scene in the end due to overkill really. There were some good ska punk bands but most, if I'm honest, were pretty bad. It got to a point where kids thought that 'ska' was punk with horns. It used to really piss me off. After it died off a bit bands started getting more trad and there are some great trad bands around. It would appear that the scene has come full circle from when we first started out.

There are bands that are doing the old UK style of 'ska punk'. Bands like King Blues, Dirty Revolution and The Skints are kinda doing that sort of thing. There are some old die hards now around still who have been for years as part of the Do the Dog stable, like Smoke Like A Fish, Pama Int and The Splitters as well ourselves who are still doing it.

Any funny things that have happened to you guys?

Tony: There are many tour stories that I could tell ya but the I may need to protect the innocent! And some of them would probably have us banned from entering the USA and we would love to come and tour there sometime! But there have been customs issues crossing borders, fights, people forgetting passports, seeing the only ferry leaving as we draw up to the port, driving fast through Holland with no brakes on the van to get our ferry in heavy rain. In fact, timing and Rebelation don't really go very well together.

There was a time where we had a show in Amsterdam and we arrived at the port in the UK and just missed the only ferry that morning. So our only option was to drive another 3 hours to another port that had more regular ferries. We ended up having to drive through North France, Belgium and Holland to get to the show and we got there just as the support band was finishing. There seems to be a theme with Holland and stories but another time we'd driven through the night after a show to get the ferry back to the UK only to find that the ferries had been cancelled due to bad weather. So while most of the band slept in the van a couple of us went to the port cafe and as we were sitting there all these really hot girls started arriving. Now at the end of a tour, no sleep etc, this was quite a surreal experience, because these girls were seriously hot.

There must've been 50 or more of them. Apparently it was some model school from Holland on their way to London. So we rushed back to the van to tell them. None of them believed us, they thought it was some elaborate ploy to steal the beds in the van. To this day they still refuse to believe.

Another story that no doubt will be told many times was when we were on tour at the end of last year with The Slackers in the UK and Ireland. We had just done a show in Dublin and were on the road in a people carrier (thankfully The Slackers had our gear), on the way to Belfast straight after the show. We hit the motorway and lost control of the vehicle and it span around and rolled 2 times landing on the other side of the central reservation facing back towards Dublin. Amazingly we all survived with very little injury and the tour continued. Very sacry though. We're very thankful for still being here.

Has it been hard to keep the band motivated and together over the years? How have you endured?

Tony: It is hard for some but if someone's had enough of the travelling, the hours in the back of a van in some off place then fair do's. It's really important to keep the vibes positive and when negativity's crept in then normally that person's been destructive and leaves. The core of this band's been together for almost a fair old time now and we're pretty solid and it's the vibes and understanding that we have of each other and what we're trying do and the absolute belief is what keeps it going. It's either belief or plain stupidity!! Ask my wife!

For more info and to sample some sounds check Rebelation on Myspace
To buy their music visit Do The Do Music

Joey Altruda's New Blog

2008-12-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Joey Altruda has been revered for his musical contributions and larger than life personality. Considered a renaissance man by many the world over, Altruda runs far and deep in his cultural knowledge, always thirsty for more. He is also an impresario, writer, and overall tastemaker in the world of retro culture. Now you can jump into the world of Joey via his brand spankin' new blog!
Visit Joey's Blog

In further Joey Altruda news, a new episode of Smigley is up! Joey provides music and voice for this smart and funny new series.

One Night Band Hit & Run Giveaway Week 2

2008-12-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

Last week's winner is REY out in France.
Congratulations! We will be sending your signed copy of Hit & Run out soon.

Here's another chance to win a signed copy of the new album "Hit & Run" from the One Night Band!

This weeks trivia question:
Where was Hit & Run recorded?

Email your answers to info@musicaloccupation.com with "Hit & Run" in the subject line. You will receive one entry into our Hit & Run Giveaway Contest and automatically be signed up to receive our newsletter. Winners will be announced at the end of each week.

We will be giving away one signed CD each week for the next two weeks.
We will post a new trivia question each week. One winner will be chosen each week at random from all entries for that week.

Brought to you by:
Stomp Records
Dancing Mood Forum
Pressure Drop Soundcast
Music Is Our Occupation

To hear music from the new album "Hit & Run" visit www.myspace.com/theonenightband

For clues to this week's trivia question listen to these interviews with Alex G of One Night Band:
Mobtown Ska Sounds Interview

Pressure Drop Soundcast Interview

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Perfect Future

2008-12-11T23:45:00.000-08:00

avex trax - 2008

While I’m horribly biased and believe Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (or Skapara for short) can do no wrong, I do believe that TSPO can make forgettable music, and their last album, Wild Peace, was definitely forgettable (despite a few stand out tracks). So a year and a half after the release of Wild Peace, how does Perfect Future stack up? In this reviewer’s opinion, I believe that this album is one of the stronger albums that TSPO has released in the last couple of years, especially since the release of their album, Answer.

The thing is, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra is not your average ska band. They are known for combining countless styles of music, from punk, to jazz, to surf, to world music, to swing, to even rap and electronica (rest assured, none of the tunes in this album contains rap or electronica if you’re a little wary of that), and through all that, they are still able to stay true to their roots, and can still create and play songs that would please the most traditional of ska fans.

Perfect Future starts things off right, with the title track being a blazingly fast jazzy ska tune which sounds like it came straight off the soundtrack of a Cowboy Beebop episode. Following that, we’re plunged into a vocal song, “女神の願い” (Goddess’ Prayer), sang by Skapara’s very own drummer, Kin-Ichi Motegi. While I don’t understand a thing that Motegi is saying, the song itself sounds very beautiful.

You’ll find a variety of musical influences here, from their Latin-themed, “Latin Scorcher,” to their Calypso flavored “A Song For Athletes” (probably made to support the Japanese athletes in this past summer’s Beijing Olympics). Fans of traditional ska will appreciate “Warrior Chant” or “Last Temptation.” And while Perfect Future doesn’t contain the “who’s who” of Japanese Pop music like Wild Peace did, it does have a track featuring the vocals of Fumio Ito, singer for the now broken up Japanese ska-punk band, Kemuri. The song, “Pride of Lions” should please fans of the ska-punk…to me it sort of sounds like one of the poppier Bosstones song (minus the vocals)!

My favorite songs? Definitely “Punch’n’Sway” and “964スピードスター” (964 Speedster). “Punch’n’Sway” is a fun, bouncy, organ driven, early reggae-esque song that will make you want to get up and just dance, while the hard hitting, surf-ska “964スピードスター” will pump you up.

There are some weak songs…I find myself skipping “Me & My Skyline” and “Transit Passenger” often. They’re just a little boring and don’t seem to fit the album well. However, these songs are very much in the minority for this album.

Final Word: With Perfect Future, you’re not going to be stuck listening to one type of “ska,” but rather, you’ll be listening to the multiple styles that each individual member brings to the band itself, creating a unique style of ska that Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra have coined: “Tokyo Ska.”

Finding TSPO albums can be a little tough (and pricey), but I usually buy my albums from either of these two sites: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/ and http://www.yesasia.com/

To learn more about Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, check out: www.tokyoska.net

Side note: This album happens to be Tatsuyuki Hiyamuta’s last (for now at least…) album with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. As noted in this article, Hiyamuta has left the band as of July this year to focus on recovering from an injury he suffered 12 years ago.

Rudeboy is back on Roots Rock Rebel!

2008-12-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

Listen to this week's show

Roots Rock Rebel
Wednesday, December 10th
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Ya ya!
Hello friends. Be sure to
check out this week's
Roots Rock Rebel podcast!
Our very specia guest on the
show was Scott Amey, lead singer
and guitarist of Rudeboy, a wonderful 2-tone styled ska formation from Ottawa.
They are launching a new album after a 10 year hiatus, so be sure to check
them out at:
myspace.com/rudeboycanada

Be sure to tune in next week on the show - as 2008 runs down, we'll count
down our top 5 ska/reggae cd's of the year. Don't miss it!

Until next week,
stay rude, and stay rebel
RRR crew

:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:
-->To podcast or download the show, visit:
Click Here
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Playlist - December 10th, 2008

Chris Murray – Janie Jones
The Massawippi Skank – PMA
Take the Boys – Burn marks
Duke Reid Group – Soul style
Alton Ellis – Trying to reach my goal
Alton Ellis – Can’t stand it
Desmond Dekker – Rude boy train
Raphael Green – Rasta train
Rudeboy – G’wan wit it
Rudeboy – Stand your ground
Rudeboy – Midnight in Moscow
The Afterbeat – Purple city
Los Furios – Together as one
Bombtown – Next finger
Blackbeard’s All Stars – Bridgeport dub
Sound Dimension Band – Run run version
The Slackers – Runaway dub
Westbound Train feat. King Django – Reflections
Benjammin – Rise up
Mile 21 – Problems of today
The Cabrians – Suburban rebels
Crazy Baldhead – Funky drummer
The Silvertones – Midnight hour
The Toasters – Midnight hour
Buck O Nine – Cook me into the bowl
Rogue Steady Orchestra – Vorstadtfassaden
Mighty Mighty Bosstones – To California
Alamedadosoulna – Una bala
Green Room Rockers - Endure


--
host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Interview with Smoke Like A Fish

2008-12-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Interview by Gabe

Do The Dog Music is the UK's longest running and leading label putting out ska and reggae music. They have a rich history of bands breaking new ground with their sound and influence. This interview with Smoke Like A Fish kicks off a series of interviews we are doing with bands on the Do The Dog Music label. We will be talking with these bands about the history of the UK music scene, where it's going and more.

Formed in 1994 SLAF built up a strong following gigging around mid Wales. They are one of the longest running bands in the current UK ska scene, they have been through a lot, and seen a lot. We talked to vocalist/guitarist Tran, here is what he had to say...

What is SLAF up to at the moment?

We've played dates up until August and now we've stopped for a wee while till December. Hopefully using the time to rehearse up new material for the new album without the pressures of gigging. We've just recently (well 9 months ago now) released 4 new tracks on our myspace site, which we've called the ..My Space EP.. Myself and ND the keyboard player who has sadly just recently left, have been involved in producing 3 Minute Warning's new album ..Scooters Loose Change.. released shortly on Megalith. .

How did SLAF come together as a band?

Here in our hometown of Newtown we had been quite lucky (not so now) to have secured some pretty cool rehearsal space for bands. After a cock up between the social services and education departments on who owned the building, we got left to do our own thing with a fairly large building, an old canteen for the old Boys school in the 60's which was known as the Canteen.It became a hangout where most of us sort of stayed for many years. It was a big social scene, not just the bands that rehearsed there but with loads more people who all became part of the scene. Although 50% of all non-band people at first would end up trying to form a band.

SLAF came together from 2 of the bands that used to play there ..Thou Subversives ltd.. and ..Cucumber Fusion.. The Subversives played big guitar punk with elements of reggae and Ska, as did Cucumber Fusion. Although both bands sounded very different.

What is your approach to writing music? What are your influences?

I write most of our stuff, but everyone has their input and will bring their thing to the songs. A couple of others write or co write with myself to make up the rest. Those often being the best ones. I personally seem to write stuff not in any particular order. It could be a riff, a whole tune, lyric, a rhythm or an idea or sentiment for the overall thing. Then gradually stick all the bits together in no particular order, just as it comes. I suppose we all have our influences, and inspirations.

Although if any seem obvious it's not a conscious thing, it's just what we do. I suppose as a band that plays Ska we will always be compared to certain others, which in some cases will probably be the case. I know when we first started, from an arrangement perspective anyway, the way in which the keyboards and the 2 guitars work on the first Selector album ..Too much Pressure.. ended up being a loose blueprint. And seeing the effect of being a Ska band with horns when we first supported Bad Manners was another eye opener too. But not really in the way we wrote, looked or the sentiment that the band was all about.

The band started just as much a punk band, as it was a Ska band. Although after originally going from late 93 and then splitting up around 96, it was really strange to come back around 2000 trying to get gigs describing ourselves as a Skapunk band. Which by then was an all together different genre that wasn't us either. The whole Two-Tone tag that we get is probably the easiest way to get an initial explanation. Although wide of the mark on a lot of other points. But the Two-Tone thing at first was all faster paced Ska, a mash up of the Jamaican Ska beat, but in a punk style. And that's what we started off trying to achieve.

We wanted to use the most danceable beat of Ska, but also a more aggressive and sinister side, especially at the start. And of course most bands will aspire to have the monumental gigs fuelled by a turbo charged energy that the Specials generated live. Also loads of other stuff probably affected things, from the Clash, SLF to the Subhumans.

What is your view of the U.K Ska and reggae scene? What changes have you noticed over the years?

We seem to operate in a circle of bands that touch on all the different sides of what would be termed Ska in a general sense. Like a Ska scene within the Ska scene. It's almost like a little family thing, which is really good. There seems no backbiting or bullshit. Most gigs that we all do together, whoever gets the headline spot is the bum rap, as it means staying sober enough to play without letting your hair down to some of your fav bands. That's the other thing about it to, well for me personally anyway, but I know it's true for a lot of the others.

But most of the music we listen to at home and in the van are the bands we play with. Albums by 3 Min Warning, the Catch it Kebabs, Splitters, Too Hot, the Big, Rebelation, Newtown Kings, Skalinskis, Cracked Actors to name a few, some of the finest music ever made in my opinion. All with a different take on the Ska angle, but first and foremost just really good bands with great songs. We hold our own Kippertronix fest every year and it becomes a really good knees up for all of the bands and for all the familiar faces that we see up and down the country throughout the year.

On a larger scale, one of things I have noticed is that there is a big resurgence in the more traditional side of Ska. A lot of the UK bands that popped up following the American Ska punk explosion a few years back seem to have formed new bands in the more trad vein. And of course there is still the demand for the older bigger bands, like Bad Manners, the Beat. And again the originators like Prince Buster, Symarip, etc. all draw large crowds.

Festivals like ..Skasplash.. capture all these different forms of Ska..ness, showing a large overall following without any current mainstream success. Which is interesting since especially the more original forms of Ska are used on advertising, films and countless other stuff for mass consumption. It's funny but you can get an indie band that can be quite successful and maybe have a song that touches on Ska. And that will be seen as some big breakthrough to a Ska scene grateful for exposure. Yet the Ska bands will never be hip enough to ever have main stream success over here. But mainstream success is not needed, because there are always enough people to keep the whole thing going in all its different forms. And of course it makes it all more genuine.

What advice would you give to younger musicians today playing Jamaican influenced music?

Ha, ha advice. Well apart from don't have a brass section, because they're the ones that always leave. I reckon the most important thing is the groove of the band. That little something that means whatever you do it has that little bit of magic that makes people dance. Maybe more non Ska cynical muzos would say that it's just an off beat, but it's that little groove where the offbeat is not strictly all on the exact same time that creates the roll.

Tran, on behalf of those good people from Smoke Like A Fish

Visit: www.myspace.com/officialsmokelikeafish

One Night Band: Hit & Run Giveaway Contest

2008-12-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

Win a signed copy of the new album "Hit & Run" from the One Night Band!
We will be giving away one signed CD each week for the next three weeks.
We will post a new trivia question each week. One winner will be chosen each week at random from all entries for that week.

This weeks trivia question:

Can you name three bands the producer of Hit & Run has been in?

Email your answers to info@musicaloccupation.com with "Hit & Run" in the subject line. You will receive one entry into our Hit & Run Giveaway Contest and automatically be signed up to receive our newsletter. Winners will be announced at the end of each week.

Brought to you by:
Stomp Records
Dancing Mood Forum
Pressure Drop Soundcast
Music Is Our Occupation

To hear music from the new album "Hit & Run" visit www.myspace.com/theonenightband

An old Interview with The Coverups

2008-12-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

The Cover-Ups are Dead! Long Live the Coverups!
Another old Interview by Abram Jones AKA DJ Waag from www.ruderoots.com

The Cover-Ups were every Rude Boy's dream come true: 8 lovely ladies not afraid of making a stab at success in the Ska scene. Their run was short, but it was sweet! Cris, one of two lead singers in the band, was kind enough to grant her first interview ever right here on the pages of Rude Roots. Cris, along with Gina and Lauren from the Cover-Ups are embarking on a new Ska project, The Twi-Lites.

DJ Waag: How did you first get into Ska? Who are some of your favorites?

Cris: I liked the Two Tone music in the eighties but I didn't know it was called Ska. I kind of realized it was Ska in high school. I got into more of the scene when I was 18 or 19, I was working at this place, and a coworker was into the Ska scene and was going out with Greg Lee (way before hepcat). I just got into it that way.

Some of my favorites are Donkey show, the Two Tone bands, Skatalites, Phyllis Dillon, the Upsetters. Of course I love Hepcat, all their stuff. I've known Greg, Deston, and Alex since before their band, when they were doing the other band called Sharpsville Step (not all of them were in it). They used to play parties and we would dance in the backyard. Those were fun times, we were all young and partying and riding scooters and having fun.

DJ: What do you think about Ska's future?

CU: I have no idea! I know that a lot of people, they don't want it to get mainstream, they want to keep it to themselves. I've never thought that way, cuz when I was first getting into Ska, talking to people, they would say "what do you like?" I would say Ska, they'd be like "What is that?" I've never thought we need to keep it to ourselves. I remember getting really made fun of for wearing docs and dresses and having half my hair shaved, stuff like that. It gives hope for other bands when one band makes it big, because then you think maybe I can go there too and have a fun life and not be stuck in a boring job. I'm not mad about No Doubt bringing Ska to the American mainstream, and I think with their new Reggae/Dancehell album they might introduce those styles to america. Most people didn't even know who they were when they were playing more Ska type stuff on the scene.

DJ: Tell me a bit about the Cover-Ups breakup.

CU: I think we just got to a point where everyone had different ideas about what style of jamaican music we wanted to do, and we didn't see eye to eye on what direction to go in.

DJ: It seems like some of the other all-girl Ska bands have had the same logistic difficulties you have had, like the pink cheetahs, etc.

CU: I think getting 8 people together to play is hard in every band, I'm not sure about the five peice bands, but with a larger amount of people, you have more schedules to work around, more ideas, more thoughts. It gets harder to make everybody happy at the same time. You have to have the right people with good schedules and all that. I don't know if it's just a girl thing, 'cause all the guy bands I know have a lot of similar problems. It's a matter of ratios. There are so many more guy bands that you just don't notice that they have the same problems.

DJ: What's it like being a woman in Ska music?

CU: Uh, fine! It's funny. I haven't had many negative experiences. Really haven't. Especially with the musicians, when our band started playing, we had so much support from the other musicians around. Brian Dixon was so helpful, and Irie Beats, the Inciters, Paul, Jesse, and Brian from Rhythm Doctors. Hepcat, of course, were really supportive of us too. We had a good response, and didn't have negativity from the club owners. There was a little from the audience, kind of going, "who are they", comparing us to the already-established guy bands. Maybe our ability wasn't up to a certain level, and we had to grow, but I think we were doing a good job.
Except for the girls who started playing piano when they were really little, when most girls were teenagers they were talking on the phone and shopping, doing stuff like that instead of learning how to play. When the boys were teenagers they were all at home locked in their rooms fiddling with their instruments.

DJ: Umm...that's one way to put it.

CU: Heeeeeeey!! That's not what I meant. But really, I don't know if it's that whole rock n' roll thing or what, but guys have that dedication from an early age to music. I think a lot of girls go to shows just to see cute guys and hit on them.

DJ: What your plans are for your new band?

CU: Trying to finish the lineup and practice to get good. To start playing out again and to record. I just want to have fun. I love it! It's another girl project, along the lines of Cover-Ups, but it's different. Our working title is the Twi-Lites! We've been trying to get this project together (Michelle (from Isaac Green and the Skalars), Lauren, and I), for a year, and it's finally starting to shape up. We're just gonna play in front of our friends for a while to try it out. Some of the girls have never been in bands before, and we're trying to introduce it to them gently.

DJ: What is your definition of skinhead reggae?

CU: Like I said last night, I know some people categorize it as a certain place and time, down to a specific year. But to me it's the rhythm. A certain way the keys and drums and guitar are played. My favorite Skinhead Reggae is the heavy organ, danceable instrumental stuff like the Upsetters. To me it's more rhythm than timeline when I think of Skinhead Reggae.

DJ: Do you have any words of encouragement to other women, girls out there trying to start a band?

CU: For girls who are trying to start: it's hard, it's frustrating. You have to stick to it and weather the hard times. You have to not take people's comments to heart too much. You have to just believe that what you are doing is worth it and fun, you have to persevere if you want to get anywhere. That can be an analogy to life, but especially in music there are always going to be people judging you but you have to get over it. You're gonna get judged not just on being a new band but for being girls. You have to ignore that as much as you can and keep going on your love for playing the music.

Video of the week/month/whenever I feel like it

2008-12-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hello MIOO readers, daoster here! It's been awhile since I've posted either on MIOO or my Pressure Drop Soundcast, but if you'll please excuse me as I've been extremely busy and have encountered technical difficulties with my PC.

But for now, I am back, and I'm going to start doing something regularly, or at least semi-regularly, and that is post a video of some of my favorite videos of the bands out there. And I make an oath to you that it won't all be Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.

However, the first one will be! Here is a video of TSPO back in 1991, playing Baby Elephant Walk and Sesame Street...makes me wish I was able to see them back in the late 80s/early 90s!

Roots Rock Rebel podcasts - Now on MIOO!

2008-12-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Listen: Pt 1
Listen Pt 2

Roots Rock Rebel
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Hello!
Aaron here from Roots Rock Rebel on CKUT
radio in Montreal. We're going to start posting
our podcasts and playlists on Music is our
Occupation! Every week we bring
you the finest that the ska and reggae worlds
have to offer, with great interviews too,
so be sure to download our podcasts (link and rss feed below),
or check us out at www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Alex Giguere of One Night Band was our special guest for an interview this
week. ONB is burning it up, and their new CD, "Hit and Run", is in heavy
rotation on Roots Rock Rebel. Alex chatted with us about the band's recent
romp through Europe. To see their crazy antics, and hear some tunes,
visit: myspace.com/theonenightband

The end of the year is fast approaching, and as per usual, we will run
down our top 5 Ska/Reggae albums of the year on the show. But we'd love to
hear from you! If any ska or reggae cd's really caught your ear and shook
your booty in 2008, drop us a line at rebel@ckut.ca or send us a myspace
message.

Be sure to tune in next week for a special preview of Rude Boy's new CD!
Rude Boy are a classic 2-tone ska band from Ottawa. They released one
album on Stomp records back ina day, and they are getting ready to put out
their next album, their first release in 10 years! Hear some of their new
stuff at: myspace.com/rudeboycanada

Until next week,
stay rude, and stay rebel
RRR crew

To podcast or download the show, Click Here

Playlist - December 3rd, 2008

Jeunesse Apatride - Jadis
The Clash - Clampdown
Corrigan Fest - Je marche
Street Dogs - Two angry kids
Men o' Steel - Many rivers to cross
3 Minute Warning - TV is on
Dirty Revolution - I love reggae
One Night Band - Wait a minute
One Night Band - Sammy
Crazy Baldhead feat. Bucket Hingley - Victoria
The Kinky Coo Coo's - Heard it through the grapevine
Red Soul Community - Red soul
Intensified - Hot lead shuffle
The Gramaphone Allstars - A night in Tunisia
The Slackers - Sing your song
Firebug - Estranho
Ed Rome - Non relationship rant
Freddie McGregor - Bobby Babylon
Slim Smith - Rougher yet
Toots and the Maytals - In the dark
Dave Barker - Funky funky reggae
Root Diamoons - From Jamaica
Moon Hop - Mambo es ska
Mungo's Hi-Fi - Divorce a l'italienne
Take the Boys - Higher and higher
The Cougars - I wish it would rain
Los Calaveras - Hooligan calypso remix
The Specials - Monkey man
The Claredonians - You can't be happy
Denis Alcapone - Power version
Laurel Aitken - Crazy feeling


--
host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel