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

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

K-Mob "Show De Hipnosis"

K-Mob is a German band that plays smooth soulful reggae/ska. The music is infectious and the album keeps your foot stomping from start to end. Grover Records almost never puts out a bad album and this keeps with the tradition of amazing releases from this great label. "Cheap Tricks" opens up the album with an organ driven reggae tune that has the whole Slackers styled melody in it. European ska and reggae takes and borrows the best parts of the US ska/reggae scene but also uses other influences. "Sweet Love Sensation" is a grooving rocksteady number with the sweet vocals of Naima. Her vocals impart a real tenderness the same way the great Jamaican female singers like Phylis Dillon and Marcia Griffiths sang with. In an interview with Gabe she described the meaning behind the song as how you should enjoy the person your with in that time and place. And its ok if maybe you break up later, but at least you had someone to love.

The songwriting of the group is at times very personal and poignant. "Vally of Rain" is a personal reflection of a moment passed in time. Sometimes playing ska/reggae/soul songwriting becomes secondary to the music. Often times bands do not write like they are telling a story. K-Mob's songs are very well crafted and each song reflects a specific time/place/story. "Disco" opens up rather differently from the other songs it has the disco beat but then drives into a pulsating reggae groove. The way the song evolves is interesting. K-Mob finds some great grooves for example "Work Song" opens up with funky organ that just drives the song in and out. It just makes you want to get down and stomp your feet. Examining the power of ska/reggae the great bands are the ones that make you move and K-Mob knows the right recipe to make this happen.

K-Mob opens up "Better Than Them" with a little jazzy organ intro and then cuts right into another groove. The male vocals of Moritz spout the lyrics in a comforting conversational tone. Sometimes it doesn't even seem like he is even singing because the words just spill out of his mouth. "Jah Love Turn Neck" is a quick upbeat quirky short instrumental driven by their amazingly tight rhythm section. "Horrorkabinett" opens up with an intro that could be from B horror movie. One of my favorite songs on the album is "On the Green" driven by Moritz's vocals with some great hand percussion. The song itself is about the simple pleasures taken in not being tied down. "While Hanging Out" is a soulful tune that opens up with a Motown-ish beat. Most interesting to note the album ends on "Das Herz Von St. Pauli." The song begins as a traditional German song then morphs into a reggae tune. K-Mob's "Show De. Hipnosis" delivers on all fronts a fun album that can be listened and enjoyed by all fans of ska/reggae music.

In the States you can get this album from Chuck Wren at Jump Up Records.
http://www.jumpuprecords.com

In Europe buy it from Grover Records.
http://www.grover.de

The New Kids On the Block Bring Soulful Reggae To Keep You Movin'

Green Room Rockers “Hoosier Homegrown”
2007 (downtown records)

What happens when Otis Redding meets The Upsetters uptown in Indiana? The Green Room Rockers happen. One of the newest bands to play a very soulful style of reggae such as Deals Gone Bad, the Aggrolites, and Westbound Train. I actually heard about this group last time Deals Gone Bad played Balitmore, because they had mentioned taking these guys under their wing. And the from the quality of this album the Green Room Rockers have made quite a statement with this their debut album.

“Endure’ opens up the albums with a straight Motown drum beat with Mike telling everyone who they are which transitions into the actual song. “Endure” also has a sweet hornline thanks to El Ron (sax) and Chris aka Rusty (trombone). “Cold Hearted Woman” has some wicked organ and cowbell action. Rudy G’s organ playing emulates the greats like Mittoo, Billy Preston, Glen Adams, etc. “Venus Man Trap” opens with a killer sax and has a sort of sing songy/sing alongy type of vibe throughout. I think this song would be perfect with some hand clapping as well. Its really catchy song as are most of the ones on the album and most of the songs take up those universal topics such as women, drinking/partying, and surviving day to day. My favorite track on this album (and the one I used on one of my podcasts) is “Northbound Train.” Jamaica is filled with songs about trains and there is a certain fantasy element about taking a train and seeing where it goes.

The Green Room Rockers bust out more heavy soul sounds and foot stomping reggae on the title track “Hoosier Homegrown” in the vein of the Hippy Boys and the Mohawks. “Humor Me” brings a more reggae sounding tune to the forefront this song and this album at times reminds me of a time when there were a lot of quality recordings coming from Moon Records during the mid to late 90’s. “Divided” is an acoustic tune and I think it shows a good choice for a young band to try to mix it up so much on their album. The rhythm section of the GRR is rough and tough and this is exemplified on the latter part of the album during “Fight For Your Love.” “Everyday” is a fast pace ska tune that will keep you out on the dancefloor for a long, long time. “Untitled” is a cool grooving latin flavored instrumental with heavy percussion. The album ends with “Pieces” a happy-go-lucky soul-ska tune. GRR is a new band to keep your eyes on and your ears out. Check this album out and also if they are coming to a town near you go see them!!!

For more info about the band/album go here...
http://www.myspace.com/greenroomrockers

Review: The Pepper Pots "Shake It!"

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". Personally, I prefer the latter, but "One Unity" is a fine track.
My favorite track is the single, "Lucky Girl". If this track doesn't start your hips swaying and your head bobbing, you just might be dead!

In keeping with the 60's theme, "Shake It!" was recorded in analogue with instruments of the era. But don't think that this hinders the sound quality. Many of the songs were recorded with a 20-piece backing band. I spoke briefly with one band member about the new album who said:

"I hope all the people like the new cd, and remember the 3 collaborations of the cd (the jamaican superstars THE PIONEERS, the number one german singer DR RING DING and the best instrumental band of France ASPO)....and i hope you can return to the sixties" - Joan

"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.
"Shake It!" is available through their website:
http://www.thepepperpots.com/home.php

Also a special version with 2 Bonus Tracks is available through the Japanese label, Ska In The World:
http://www.skaintheworld.com/

And In the US, it will be available through Jump Up Records!
http://www.jumpuprecords.com/

For more info and song samples, check out The Pepper Pots on My Space.com!
http://www.myspace.com/thepepperpots

-Andrew

Banana!

That's a clip of the Aggrolites performing the classic song, "Banana" (with modified lyrics of course) for the television show, "Yo Gabba Gabba!" If you folks haven't been watching this show, then you have NO SOUL! Just kidding. But seriously, watch it.

I kinda wish that the Aggrolites would play this song more often live! I still remember hearing it for the first time in a small ass venue on a cold December night in 2003...it was my first time seeing the Aggrolites, and it was the moment that made me fall in love with this band!

Take It To The Street!

Bedouin Soundclash "Street Gosepls" (side one dummy)

I regard the Clash as one of most brilliant bands of all time. What
the Clash did throughout their career was push the musical envelope.
They played reggae, funk, soul at a time when many would not expect
this type of musicianship from a group of punk rockers. The Clash may or
may not have been the first fans of punk rock and reggae. But there
is no doubt they were the first group to master a blend of punk rock and
reggae. Bedouin Soundclash might be the closest our generation ever
gets to The Clash. This Canadian band's latest album "Street Gospels"
is an intense delicate masterpiece of reggae, punk, folk, soul. You
almost cannot describe their sound without throwing out a long list of
names. Their sound is sort of like the Upsetters jamming with Bob
Dylan, The Clash partying with Otis Redding, and all the music being
dubbed out by King Tubby. The packaging on the album sort of relays
their long list of influences with cutouts of albums such as the
Paragons, Explosive Rocksteady, Horace Andy, Lee Perry, the
Skatalites, and various images from Japan, Africa, and other
geographical regions. The band captures this international sound and
results in this sort of post modern sound clash.

The album opens with the sonic charged "Until We Burn the Sun" that
sounds like a post modern apocalyptic reggae anthem. Jay Malinowski
on lead guitar and vocals on every song blares these songs of roots,
revolution, and relationships. "Walls Fall Down" is a slower
rocksteady like groove with steady acoustic upbeat guitar. Jay
instead of blaring reveals a tender vulnerability. To give the band
more credibility is Vernon Buckley (from the Maytones) and he intros
the pogues-sounding "St. Andrews." Bedouin Soundclash has this
ability to extend across genres – I cannot think of any band that
writes songs that have better hooks. "Bells of 59" and "12:59
Lullaby" are these subtle sounding songs that pack a punch with simple
melodies, steady grooves, and pure honest songwriting. The song
"Hush" is just sung a capella but it does not even stand out as weird
or out of place. It fits in like another individual puzzle piece.

On "Higher Ground" Vernon Buckley is given a full track to sing a
roots gospel sounding number. The band has developed a more soulful
sound that works well in the reggae influence present in most of their
songs. "Nico On the Night Train" sort of explains the bands
influences from the Velvet Underground rooted to the Train theme in
reggae music. The music on this track is a sort of mashing of a Latin
beat dubbed out vocals and distorted guitar. "Gunships" is a sort of
Clash sounding dub track that could have easily been found on "London
Calling" or "Sandinista!" The album closes with two dub-rock numbers
"Midnight Rocker" and "Hearts In the Night" that may not have the
intensity of some of the earlier tracks.

The band waited 3 years to craft this album and it is well worth the
wait. Their 2004 release "Sounding A Mosaic" has been a constant
rotation in my cd player and this album is no different. Both of
these past few albums have been produced by Bad Brain's Darryl
Jennifer and out of anyone he seems to have mastered the skill of
recording a band that covers so many different styles and genres.
The album is so powerful you will be amazed most of the music is
created just by three people. Eon Sinclair (on bass) and Pat
Pengelly (on drums) lay the perfect foundation for this punky-reggae
soul shakedown party.

"The Ramblers" won't leave you rambling just dancing

Deals Gone Bad "The Rambler" (Jump Up Records)



I anticipated the release of this album from the band for what seems like years. And the album lives up to every expectation I had going in. The band helped to establish Jump Up Records as a viable ska label as third wave ska floated from popularity to obscruity in the 90's. Thanks to bands like DGB Jump Up is still around and still putting out great albums that deserve to be heard. Deals Gone Bad always played a mix of Jamaican ska/reggae with elements of soul, rock, and jazz. Their live show is probably where the band has always shined with their scorching originals about Pirates with covers from bands such as Judge Dread, Derrick Morgan, and Ken Boothe. With singer Mike Park the band released 3 albums on Jump Up Records. Mike left the band a few years ago (now he plays in Lord Mike's Dirty Calypsonians - Check Them Out!) and was replaced by Todd Hembrook who belts out his vocals like Sam Cooke and Otis Reddng. This album is a non stop pleaser with the first tune "Messin' Around" Todd's vocals stand out as this agonizing soul that has loved and suffered. Mike Corcoran on drums transitions from a foot stomping soul beat to a smooth rocksteady rhythm. "Movin' On" begins with a Pet Sounds sort of organ intro supplied by Karl Gustafon. This song is very reminiscent of Todd's old soul reggae band Heavy Step.



What I like most about this album is the music covers all styles of Jamaican music with ska, reggae, rocksteady and has a healthy dose of other musical delights. "Cry For Me" has Todd channeling his inner Motown and even somewhat resembles the feel of a certain Van Morrison tune. "One More Day" is a love ballad of sorts, the horn players add the perfect melody that floats and grooves in the pockets. Deals Gone Bad prove they are at the top of their game with "Things Are Gonna Get Better", which demonstrates the bands' ability to jump from style to style. A more rootsy reggae sound is present in "Rough & Ready" which the band quickly grooves to. Aaron Hammes wrote the song "Good Old Days" that sort of harks back the past without being sentimental, just realistic. "City City" is a catchy ode to Chicago… "The second city, beats the first / Keep New York, forget LA, Chicago is my curse." "Take Time" and "The Cost" are two more reggae grooves number that keep the energy on the disc sky high. The album ends with a Western (fitting in theme with the album art) acoustic number that is just spooky sounding "I was Wrong." This will be on the top of the list for this year's best releases. And if you get a chance do not deny yourself an opportunity to see this group live on stage. Doing what they do best giving the fans all their blood, sweat, and tears and ripping from song to song. Lets hope they never stop.

I got a fever and the only cure is more aggro!

Aggrolites "Reggae Hit LA" (hellcat records)


What can you say about the Aggrolites? They have literally set themselves apart by being the most exciting modern reggae band since they released their first album "Dirty Reggae.” The band formed out of a group of studio musicians that already had roots in the west coast reggae scene (check out the Rhythm Doctors and Seespot). 4 years later the band seems destined to be the hardest working/touring reggae outfit in the world. 2 weeks ago Tim Armstrong's solo album was released with the Aggrolites backing Tim on every tune. And now the band's 3rd release "Reggae Hit LA" is their second album on Hellcat Records. Hellcat reached out to ska scene towards the end of the 90's by signing disenfranchised ska bands with higher goals including King Django, the Slackers, and the Pietasters. Hellcat took those bands to newer levels and the Aggrolites are possessed to reach the same and possibly larger audiences.

The band admitted to writing most of this album on the road through their various tours of the US/Europe. But this album is hardly meant to be taken lightly. This album marks the return of original Aggro drummer Korey Horn, who is without a doubt one of the tightest reggae drummers out there. The albums hits you with a surprise from the get-go. The first track "Work It" seems like a Toots/funky reggae number (that could even be on their last album) with a synthesized keyboard melody. "Faster Bullet" proves how much Jesse Wagner has grown as a singer/songwriter. Also a point to mention are the vocal harmonies done throughout this song that really fills in the gaps and make the sound more complete (this is an important and often ignored facet of recording a good album). The Aggrolites start things right with these tracks and "You Got 5" brings back the skinhead reggae, Upsetter style the band is known for.

"Reconcile" sees the band experimenting with 70's styled reggae effects (ie Michigan and Smiley "Rub A Dub Style") just like in the opening track. And I say these tunes took a few times to listen to but they fit right in and work thanks to the keyboard wizardry that is known as Roger Rivas. And as one of those dorky people with a big record collection that know way too much about music made decades before I was born. People in our scene appreciate when a band like the Aggrolites not only respects the music but actually knows their roots. The band's title track is a soul stomping organ groove with group vocals and Jesse channeling his inner Otis Redding, Wilson Picket, and James Brown. The band slows the tempo down on the ballad "Lets Pack Our Bags" but the band retains their signature sound even during different time signatures which is a rather difficult endeavor. On the instrumental tracks like "Left Red", "Rhythm & Light", "Hip To It", and "Baldhead Rooster" the Aggrolites demonstrate why people should appreciate bands that mixed reggae, soul, and funk. Bands like the Hippy Boys, the Upsetters, Symarip, and the Mohawks paved the way for this sound.

The catchiest and my favorite track is "Free Time" which shows off the tight rhythm section-- Korey on drums, J Bonner on Bass, and Jesse playing rhythm guitar are skilled players at the top of their game. Brian Dixon on lead guitar not only adds to the musical madness but his work behind the board has showed how the band has made a transition from lo fi Dirty Reggae to the new crisp sounds of the day. And when you see the band perform live these players are the rock solid reggae foundation that cannot be broken. The band's ode to gambling "Lucky Streak" is another tune that demonstrates the band's ability to find a groove and is simply a fun song in the same vain as "Pop the Trunk." To close out the album the band included their soccer sing-a-long "We Came To Score" that will hopefully be heard in arenas far and wide. As a reviewer its hard to critique a band as skilled as the Aggrolites. What can they do wrong? The first two albums a band makes often test the waters. They play off their influences and hopefully a band finds their sound. Well the Aggrolites found their sound and it’s the only sound I want to hear. This is quite possibly the best and most important album of 2007.

Review of Tim Armstrong's Solo Record

Tim Armstrong "A Poet's Life" (Hellcat Records)

Billed as Tim Armstrong's solo album but could more aptly be titled Tim Armstrong with the Aggrolites (since the band accompanies Tim on all the songs). This album goes beyond treading through the ska-tinged punk rock Rancid has made their reputation playing since the 90's. Some reviews I have read on "A Poet's Life" have said this is an ode to Tim's heroes -- Jamaican rocksteady singers like Desmond Decker and Alton Ellis. I would digress and think this is modern blistering party reggae.

Tim Armstrong does what he does best with his slurring life lessons mixed with street poetry like Jim Carroll (their vocal styling are also quite similar). The Aggrolites know their music and sort of follow Tim with the heavy reggae beat they are known for. There are a couple of songs here that bring back the gritty intensity of "Dirty Reggae" the Aggrolites' debut album. Tim throws some curveballs and includes a couple of love songs alongside his usual observations, which is not on par for most Rancid songs.

The opening numbers prove right away teaming up the Aggrolites with Tim Armstrong is the perfect combination. The catchiest song on the album "Into Action" is an intense melding of reggae and punk rock that harkens back to the days of two tone. Also the guest female vocals of Skye Sweetnam (a Canadian pop singer) and the guitar's surfy guitar melody are two components that remind me of the Selector.

"Translator" is a mellow love tune where Tim repeats "I only wanted what was best for you." Jesse Wagner adds some sweet vocal harmonies alongside Tim's tender chorus statement. This track has a menacing trombone combined with a hurried ukulele rhythm. "Take This City" shows you why without a doubt why the Aggrolites are on the top of their game churning out blazing reggae anthems that sound like the modern day version of Lee Perry's studio band the Upsetters. Tim Armstrong does what he does best on "Inner City Violence" but even in this mellow mood his lyrical melodies still shine through even when singing about political atrocities. "Oh No" is a track that has heavy percussion melodies strung throughout which sets the post apocalyptic mood.

My two favorite tracks on the album are the ones towards the end. "Lady Demeter" is another love song that avoids clichés and sticks to straight story telling pulling no punches. The harmonica melody strings throughout the song complimenting Tim's voice throughout the chorus. "Among the Dead" demonstrates the secret to why the Aggrolites are so good (reggae is all about rhythm). Also this song contains a personal history of Tim's past from Op Ivy to Rancid. The album ends with the dubby instrumental "Cold Blooded."

One of the highlights of the CD package is the inclusion of a booklet of lyrics and a DVD. The DVD has videos from all the songs on the album. . The majority of the videos are shot in Cali but there are a couple shot in varying locations such as Vegas and Japan. The videos are grainy low quality B&W shot in that Hellcat sorta way. But in some ways the videos each have some sort of story of their own they illustrate.

Overall this album has mostly positives. My only gripe is 10 songs almost seems like it's not enough. Reggae and punk have gone together since the 70's and this album is an example how two worlds can meet and create something new and exciting.