Amazon.com

Smashmouth have their gig down. They're a ska-metal combo and they look it, breathe it, and sound it--from the requisite short hair to the thumping bass to the mostly silly lyrics. They've got something more, though--namely a pop sensibility that really clicks, if only here and there. The brilliant single "Walking on the Sun," with its arch wordplay, great production and undeniable hooks, will probably land them on the ever-growing pile of 1990's one-hit wonders, but there's some other good stuff to investigate on Fush Yu Mang; chiefly the insightful props of "The Fonz" and the angry "Nervous in the Alley." You can forget the lame closing cover of War's "Why Can't We Be FriENDs" though. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (27)

The Greatest CD in the world
Every song on this cd is good! I think that Flo, Beer Goggles, and Nervous in the Alley are as good as Walking on the Sun! Smash mouth should have given the radio stations the whole cd instead of the Walkin on the Sun promo! Three best things in the world in one:

Best Artist: Smash mouth!

Best Album: Fush Yu Mang!

Best Song: Walking on the Sun!

A good solid CD
Of all the songs on this album I probably like Walkin on the Sun the least, which says a lot about the album. Well, I don't like the "Friends" song much either. I know this album is not for everyone and it doesn't fit in well anywhere but its the best of Smash Mouth. (I don't like "All Star" much or their new lounge style.)

Fush Yu Mang
Fush Yu Mang is a very great Cd with Smash Mouth's oldest songs that were on the radio when i was 2! Fush Yu Mang actually means the F word and "You man". I thought it was a Chinese codeword sentence or something since you can barely read it on the cover in the unusual writing it's printed in. This Cd shows when Smash Mouth was getting started and cussed in their songs.
There is a PARENTAL ADVISORY EXPLICIT CONTENT tag on the cover.

1. Flo. A pretty good beginning and pretty much one of my favorites on the Cd. ****

2. Beer Goggles. I like the Wooh-oh chorus at the beginning and the fact that it's only 2 minutes long! Pretty short song for a heavy-rock band. ****

3. Walking On The Sun. One of my favorite Smash Mouth oldies of the 90's. When it gets to the chorus singing "So don't delay, act now, supplies are running out" it's kinda hard to understand what everyone's saying. *****

4. Let's Rock. Extreme heavy metal beginning and the "Let's Rock" chorus metal is awesome. I like the middle part of the song where we hers guitars doing 50 and drums blaring. *****

5. Heave-Ho. Another one of my favorites. The drum and guitar rock is great along with the "I got a whiny neighbor" chorus and silly voices. *****

6. The Fonz. The "Houston here we go" static background vocal is a cool beginning then major drum and guitar blaring and rock. The "You're The Fonz" background vocals adds to the fun of the song. *****

7. Pet Names. The "X, Your X, Your X, chorus is my favorite part of the song and the ending with the lead singer asking pet names always getting "No X". Finally, after Pumpkinface he gets "X"

8. Padrino. One of my least favorites. **

9. Nervous In The Alley. Another least favorite song. **

10. Disconnect The Dots. Yet another least favorite. **

11. Push. Love it! Crazy guitar blaring music and awesome ending! *****

12. Why Can't We Be Friends?. Don't like it especially the incredibly long chorus repeating the song's name until it reachs 4:46. **

fush yu mang
Let's rock is a great song and so is walkin' on the sun.I always wanted fush yu mang. So smash mouth's fush yu mang is a great cd.

austin
I love the song let's rock on that album you should buy smash mouth fush yu mang rock on smash mouth ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Their first album and BEST by far
Yes, swing hits made the Daddies huge. But those of us who were around them from the beginning know they evolved in the swing direction. "Ferociously Stoned" is an unbelievably great album!! It gives you all kinds of sounds and styles, with the funked up sound of the Daddies. It rips! And whoever has seen these songs done live will tell you, it's the best. Brain Surgeon, Dr.Bones, Master and Slave and more all kick ass. Their live shows are BADASS! Shuddupalreddy and buy Ferociously Stoned!!

Kewl beyond belief!!
Now I grew up listening to The Stray cats, Faster pussycat, ELO, The Dead Milkmen and Velvet Underground (among others); I love swing and Ska and this album rules!

"Dirty Mutha Fuzz" is funky and funny, "Teenage brain surgeon" is classic punk as well as "Master and slave" and "Answering machine". "Drunk daddy" shows the swing direction that the band was growing into. This is real good stuff, call it Swing or Ska or Punk...loud, brash riffs and colorful horns coupled with a lead singer with the voice mannerisms of Mike Patton. If you like music with complex tones and textures and are sick and tired of the commercial machine sound, you will REALLY like this album!

One of the best albums ever.
I don't know how many hundreds of times I have listened to the album and it still holds up as one of my favorites. The first time I heard any of their songs was a live performance at Speedy O' Tubs in Bellingham, Washington (probably 1990 or 1991). This is an incredible band and as great as this album is the Daddies are even better live. One thing though, this is not a pure Swing style album, it is more a cross between swing, punk and rock, add to that some incredible lyrics from Steve Perry and you end up with "Ferociously Stoned." If you are a fan of pure Swing you will probably be disappointed by parts of the album but if you are a fan of really good music that combines various styles and doesn't follow some boring formula then this is for you. While some are at times offended by some of the lyrics I find them to be very honest and often humorous, you really come away understanding just how disturbed Steve Perry's childhood must have been after listening to "Drunk Daddy". Russ Meyer fans will especially enjoy "Flovilla Thatch vs. the Virile Garbage Man." This CD deserves a place in any true music lover's collection.

if I could have only on cd......
This would be it.... I bought my original copy at one of their shows in bellingham,Wa.... All I can say is... if you don't own it yet... spend the money...

Greatest Album Ever
How can anyone knock this album. it is only the greatest album recorded by any artist. i mean the funky groves of Diabolic Tastemaker and Dirty Mutha Fuzz (my personal favourite) plus the swing tunes of Drunk Daddy and Master and Slave make this THE best CD. of course some people are adverse to the lyrics in the songs, but i say you guys are just soft. the lyrics rule, and the songs are even better. so all you CPD haters, get lost and all you CPD lover embrace this CD as their personal best achievement. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who doesn't love a party? And one thrown by Beantown's ska-bitten sons the Mighty Mighty Bosstones can't be that bad, right? Named for the nightclub that hosts the Bosstones' annual gift to their home crowd, Live finds the frat-boy faves doing exactly what they do best. Frontman Dickie Barrett grunts, bellows, and stomps his way through the walloping, horn-punched skank, his mates swinging merrily along behind him. And if there were ever any doubt, Live makes abundantly clear that Barrett's sure no singer. But the roaring, high-fivin' crowd doesn't seem to mind. After all, you don't go to a Bosstones show expecting to find Pavarotti at the mic. So, as a representative sample of the Mighty live experience, this album is what it is. But if dimension, fidelity, and artistry are more your bag, Live pretty much bites. --Sue VanHecke ... Read more

Reviews (42)

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

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

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

I HAVE GOT TO SEE THESE GUYS IN CONCERT!
One of the greatest ska bands out there, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones would be awesome to see in concert. The guy's got an amazing voice and the lyrics are great. And contrary to many punk rock and ska bands, these guys can seriously play! The musicianship of The Bosstones is amazing.

A little bit to my disapointment, a ton of these songs were on "Let's Face It." Too many infact. But the CD is still worth it even if you have a couple of their CD's. On the recording the crowd isn't too loud and you can here the band fine.

But when they're not playing, and just talking to the audiance, the crowd is great. The concert was in Boston, and the guys there loved them. Before they played one song they asked the crowd if they wanted it the new way or the old way. First he says "new way" and everyone screams. When he says "shh" everyone is really quiet. It's great, they listen to him like crazy.

I have to see these guys in concert. An amazing CD from one of the most amazing ska bands out there, if not the most amazing. I was hightly impressed with CD.

Enjoy ska.

Good Times
Yes, its true, live recordings have pretty bad recording quality. Yeah, its also true the lead singer cant sing. On the other hand, it's true that you cant help but love this cd no matter what its faults. Its pretty hard not to listen to this cd and not tap your toe, let alone stand up and dance. I cant explain WHY this cd is great, just know that it IS. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great little number, but don't pay too much for it
Simply put, if you like other Bosstones stuff, you'll definitely like this album. Someday I suppose is a fun tune to start it off, and Think Again, Lights Out, and Police Beat, none of them very long, are harder rockin' songs.

Simmer Down, a cover of a Bob Marley tune, is more relaxed as its title implies. It's a nice change of pace for the usually very-intense Bosstones.

The last two songs, Drugs and Kittens and I'll Drink to That, were recorded live at a concert in Boston, on December 2, 1992. It has some banter with the crowd at the beginning and end, and if you wait a long time (almost 25 minutes) after it ends, a hidden track will start playing. The hidden track is a moderately-paced song about getting older - I see why it's bonus, since it doesn't really fit in with the other songs on this EP.

Overall, a great little EP - don't pay too much for it, and you will definitely not be disappointed.

wow
short and sweet, that's the problem. this could have been their best if there were more than an ep here.

Some good ska core from the BossToneS
A good example of ska core. This EP shows the excellent range of the Bosstones with songs like "Someday I Suppose" and "Think Again," an excellent cover. One of my favorite songs on the EP; the Bosstones add a nice horn section into this hard-core song. The live songs at the end are an excellent addition. Watch out for the hidden song "HowWhyWuz,WhoWhyAm." It's a different sound than LFI, but any Bosstones fan should really like this excellent EP. The other covers are "Police Beat, Simmer Down" and "Lights Out"

PS. "Drugs and Kittens" is another version of "Drunks and Children"

ska core? more like CORE
I don't know if they have sold out or if they're just having a lot of fun. This album doesn't compare to the hardest songs on Don't Know How to Party. If your looking for the up-beat sound found on other Bosstones recordings look somwhere else.

Two words: SELL OUTS!
I would have given this a no star rating, but the lowest it went was one star. Their pictures need to go up on the dartboard, right next to No Doubt. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

$1.09
I don't know. I'm a huge ska/punk fan. When I heard "My Town" about a year ago (I don't know how I had never heard of Buck-o-nine before), I went crazy. The band is incredible. The EP is pretty nifty. It has 4 songs that have the same general sound I think of when I think Buck-o-nine and then "Pass The Dutchie" which is some really, really awesome reggae ska. I love it. Sounds like something The Pilfers would do. If you like Buck-o-nine or ska in general pick this up. It's awesome:)

BUY THIS CD!
This CD is the best Buck-O-Nine CD available. It includes a great cover of "Pass The Dutchie" and a great remix of "28 Teeth". All of the songs are great and the CD can be played all the way through without getting sick of it, like their CD "Twenty Eight Teeth" is. BUY THIS CD! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bringing together the original cuts of classic tracks such as"Skylarking" and Dawn Penn's instantly recognizable "No, No, No,"Studio One Rockers showcases not only the talents of influentialartists that were to become synonymous with reggae but also the styles,sounds, and, above all, rhythms that were to dominate Kingston studiosinto the 1970s and beyond. There are a number of rock-steady classics(hence the name), with tracks like Hammond-Organ maestro Jackie Mittoo's "Hot Milk" and the legendary Marcia Griffiths's "Feel Like Jumping" highlighting the then-dramaticchange in style away from the faster beats of ska towards heavy,bass-led tracks with a much slower tempo. But Studio One Rockers isnot restricted to this. The semi-instrumental track "Phoenix City"pounds along at a breakneck pace with trumpets belting and, along with"Greedy G," shows the importance a faster beat, a funky take, or abig-band sound also had within the Studio One fold. There are tracks fromDJs like Lone Ranger withhis "Badder Dan Dem" vocal rhythms and dancehall sounds. Roots artistsinclude one of its biggest stars, Horace Andy, whose then uniquefalsetto was later emulated by many looking for a similar pop success.Then a preteen, reggae star Freddy McGregor also appears on "BobbyBabylon." Freddy, like many of the artists here, was to produce some ofhis best work under the watchful eye of Studio One's equally famousproducer--Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. In many ways a tribute to Coxsone'sproduction skills and rhythms that continue to be rediscovered andrecut, Studio One Rockers is essential listening for anyone witheven a passing interest in Jamaican music. --Caroline Butler ... Read more

Reviews (4)

a real find
MMMM. After I had thought that I had acquired all the good studio one stuff, I took a chance on this and was duly rewarded.

Some familiar stuff (to me, at least), such as Johnny Osbourne, the Skatalites, but it mixes in nicely.

For those who aren't familiar, the best way I can think of to describe Johnny Osbourne's sound is Marvin Gaye singing reggae. That same silky smooth voice and enormous range, backed by a soulful organ and floating tempo. This track is a good example of his sound and a true classic.

The Skatellites use a lot of horns and are largely instrumental. But classic. More of a choogling, ska-type beat (ie faster) than Osbourne. The Phoenix City song on this album has got to be my favorite Skatalites song - and that's really saying something, because they have made a lot of classic tracks.

Similar for Horace Andy - probably my new favorite Horace Andy song. This track does not have much of his trademark screeching and instead has him singing much more like an early Jimmy Cliff style (circa the harder they come).

Dawn Penn's track is smooth, sultry and a godsend. I played this at a bar and most of the patrons asked who it was. Almost recalls something by the Cowboy Junkies or Mazzy Star in terms of the vocal style. Just beautiful.

Other high points are the Freddie MacGregor & Lennie Hibbert tracks. All in all, the only track I'm not completely sold on is the crabwalking track by Prince Jazzbo, simply because its just rapping over the Horace Andy track and the cuts aren't all that crisp. But a lot of other people would probably like it.

The Cover Says It All
So, I'm in the record store a while back picking through the same ol' stuff. I was getting frustrated because I felt like all I ever do is look at the same thing over and over without new results. Since I practically live for music, you can imagine how frustrating it is to come to a dead end with music experiences. Especially knowing there is more out there than you've been exposed to so far.

On my honeymoon to the islands I became fairly familiar with reggae. Mind you, I'm not an expert by any means. Every cab driver there listened to reggae. I couldn't believe how nice the cabs were and how much money they put into their stereos. Anyway, they all listened to reggae. It was my first real exposure to the music, but it really gave me something to associate it with. Since that time I have been a huge fan.

This collection of artists is a great one. The first time I ever heard it, it took me back to the islands immediately. It was everything I was looking for. I needed it, too. I had hit a dead end with the music I was listening to. I had been begging for a new genre to experience. Reggae seemed perfect.

Needless to say, as I was in the store, a friend of mine recommended this album and proceeded to give me some of the history behind it. As I listened, I briefly perused the back cover to see how many songs and artists were on the compilation. Enough to keep me busy for a while. I have since searched for many of the artists on this album with great results. I really owe a lot to this album. I really owe a lot to reggae. It showed me a new side to music when I really needed it.

The album starts off with "Real Rock" by Soul Dimension. This song has one of the thickest reggae sounds I've heard. Immediately you know that this album is going to take a lot of stress away. Next is the wonderful song by Marcia Griffiths titled "Feeling Like Jumping." There is also an appearance by the great Horace Andy. I have been familiar with some of his dub work. "Truth and Rights" by Johnny Osborne is one of my favorites on the album. Probably my favorite. For a moment you might think it's The Fugees.

If you are into reggae or are looking for something that might get you into it, I would recommed this compilation. It has some of the greatest songs. Put this on after school or work on Friday afternoon and enjoy life. You could put it on anytime and get the same feeling. Friday afternoon just happens to be my favorite time of the week.

Skankable !
This is a collection of storming classic's cut for Clement " Coxsone " Dodd's legendary Studio One record label ( the most important label in Jamaica's history ) . The Ska , Rocksteady , organ driven instrumentals , Roots Reggae , and DJ-ing that are represented on this disc will have you skanking around your living room floor , such is the dancability of all the tracks .
Any record that contains seminal tracks like Marcia Griffiths - " Feel Like Jumping " , Johnny Osbourne's - " Truth And Rights " , Michigan and Smiley's - " Eye Of Danger " , Dawn Penn's classic - " No , No , No " , and Cedric Brooks majestic - " Ethiopia " , has to be a must buy cd . It also comes with a nice booklet that has an interview with the great man himself , Mr C.S. Dodd .
I'd also recommend the Dynamite series of reggae compilations released on the Soul Jazz label , as they are also essential .

Greatness is found only when your not looking for it!
I was at my local Vinyl shop(thats pretty much where I am at all times anyway)and I was done buying my wax just about to leave when out of nowhere i saw this green box set and it was calling my name saying "hey bouy com and took a look at dis" and well i picked it up and I saw the allstar line up and after listening to it....I was sold. Almost flawless in my opinion and it still has that old school sound and vibe that just hardly exists anymore. I definitely recommend this album, but I've looked around and this thing is no where to be found. Bottom line... If you can find it BUY IT!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A masterpiece
Ernest Ranglin at his best. His best collaboration also I find. This is a truly wonderful album, inventive and warm. Listen to "Anna", or "Ala Walee", those tunes will make you cry. Mind you the rest of the album is of the same quality : a Masterpiece !! Tunes are fantastic, open and imaginative, rythms roll beautifully, the music flows... Thanks to Ernest and the rest of the musicians for their wonderful work !

Sublime: a masterpiece
I don't know where to start on this...I have been a Baaba Maal fan for years, and recently turned on to Ernest with Below the Bassline. When I heard they were working together, I suspected the results would be exceptional, but this!!! Any true music lover should buy this CD, whether you are a teenage death-metal fanatic, or a 65 year old classical musician. The interplay of Ranglins' guitar with the lilting Kora throughout this collection is a musical achievement that boggles the mind. The Kora is (technically) a more "primitive" instrument than the guitar...Ranglin works around the limitations of the older technology deftly, never exposing them, only supporting and enhancing with a virtuoso's skill. The conversational interplay throughout these tracks is a testament to musicians who listen first, play second. To any teacher of music out there: give this to your students after studying it yourself, then go over it note by note...it's like a manual on how to make great music. The first time I listened to this, it sent shivers down my back and literally made me cry.

Awesome blend of modern be-bop jazz & West African roots
BUY THIS CD NOW... one of the best kept secrets on the music scene. Years ahead of his time, this will be an industry standard to compare others by when world music comes into it's own here in the U.S.

Rokhard Ernest
Ernest played WOMAD Auckland 28 February 1999, the last leg of the South Africa & Adelaide WOMAD circuit.

Prior to Baaba Maals show Ernest Ranglin did his instrumental set with a backbeat that was crisp and crystal clear. All the drops were in the right place on tracks like "Up on the downstroke" He laid it up so sweet & simple just like the master he is. Double bassman Byron White laid down some wicked wicked basslines that added a solid punch to a show that had everyone rapt. Baaba Maal called Ernest on for his show. It too was FANTASTIC.

Excellent, subtle, rhythmic - a class act.
I have only recently found out about Ernest Ranglin which is surprising as I am a Ska fan of long standing and he was the first artist signed to Island Records! As with other areas of music (Afro-Cuban All Stars) there has been a recent upsurge of interest in musicians from an earlier generation. So with Ranglin he is no spring chicken, however he is a very accomplished musician who you should hear. If you are nervous I suggest that you start with his "Below the Bassline" CD and then move onto this one. If you all ready know Ranglin then proceed with confidence -it is different but real nice, kind of reminiscent of the Ry Cooder/Ali Farka Toure CD (look it up check that out -superb stuff) but with that subtle Ska lilting undertone. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The best combination of ska and reggae
I love this CD, by far my favorite album. The Pilfers never leave my car, good driving music. And if you are feeling down listen to "Choose Life", and it will pick you up again. There are no bad songs on this CD---BUY IT!!! I think mostly everyone that buys this CD has seen them live. I had never heard of them until they opened for The Amazing Crowns----see them live, listen to this CD. Dance, feel happy.

Pilfers do it again (only this time people will hear it!)
Pilfers have done it again. They've made another record full of hardcore reggae and fast paced ska. This band deserves to start blowing up and with this new major lable CD I hope they do. If you ever get a chance to see them live do it.

Fine for the uninitiated, disappointing to the rest of us.
In the fall of 1999 it seemed as if the Pilfers were set to conquer the world. They had built a large underground fanbase in a very short time and were at the center of a large major label bidding war which Universal/Mojo Records eventually ended up winning. At 1999's CMJ fest it looked like Universal/Mojo was going to give this band one of the biggest pushes for a band ever and posters and flyers for "Chawalaleng" covered every inch of New York City.

So what went wrong? When the album was released in September of 1999 it was seen as a major disappointment to many of the bands fans when compared to the Pilfers first self produced/released album. That first Pilfers record (released in 1998) was raw and hard, full of amazing hooks and blistering horn solos. It truly captured the essence of a Pilfers live show with all of it's fire and intensity.

"Chawalaleng" by comparison sounds very overproduced with many of the original elements of the bands sound have been replaced with electronic beatbox noises. The Pilfers also made the grave mistake of re-recording three songs from the original Pilfers album ("Hypnotized", "Climbing" and "Saga" which sound HORRIBLE compared to the originals, all victims of this new polished over produced sound. Other songs from "Chawalaleng" are just plain cheesy through and through such as "Choose Life".

"Chawalaleng" isn't all bad however, and does has it's moments. "Mr Exploita" is reminicant of the Pilfers first record and the new version of Coolie's song "Legal Shot" (originally performed with the Toasters) is also very good. "Why" captures the full range of the Pilfers quite nicely. Not all of the experimentation is bad either. "Skungle" is perhaps one of the most suprising and intriging songs on this CD. But overall it never comes close of reaching the heights or "elevation" achieved on the Pilfers first CD.

If you've never heard the Pilfers before, you will probably enjoy this CD very much...However if you get a chance to listen to the Pilfers first record, you will see how this is pale in comparison.

Pilfers
The Pilfer are a great band. The first time I every heard them I went to one of there shows, and I feel in love with the way the music sounded and I have both of there albums. They are a mixed kind of music it's S.K.A, Punk, and Regga all mixed together, they have great songs.

They're awesome
I had never listened to ska/reggae before, then i went to their concert they are so great. This CD is awesome, try and get their first self entitled cd if you can. Go to one of their concerts these guys are going to make it big. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Neol Davies founded the Selecter with the aim of mating punk's manic energy with ska and reggae's steady-throbbing beats. Then he dressed Pauline Black in a suit and porkpie hat and pushed her front and center as lead vocalist. The Selecter were less nihilistic than the Sex Pistols and other punk crews, with a black-white configuration and female singer, and their political stance re the police, the government, and unemployment didn't have to be stated overtly in tunes like "Too Much Pressure," "On My Radio," and their 78 rpm version of Justin Hinds & the Dominos' "Carry Go Bring Come." It was implied. Together with the Specials and other groups, the Selecter fused black and white musical expression, kicking off the "two-tone" ska craze that captured the youth markets in Europe and America with a working-class antiestablishment stance that couldn't be bothered with more contemplative "message" music. In fact, ska's popularity has never died completely; it has merely gone underground now and again, only to force its way back to major record label recognition by virtue of its continually swelling fan pool. --Elena Oumano ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Selector CD
I saw the Selector in 1980, I was right at the stage in NY around 45th St (coulda touched Pauline Black!), I was 16 and new to the whole scene (who was'nt?). The Selector put on an awesome show! So I've been kinda thinking of this short lived group recently, having played to death The English Beat, The Specials, Madness, and others over the past 20 years. This CD for the price, I got mine new at Amazon.com, was a great buy!

Fantastic original Trad. Ska tunes!
Probably one of the best 2nd wave instigators. Selecter provideds a cool mix of trad. ska-reggae beats with modern vocals and reps. One thing about this c.d. is that the songs are unique to the rest of the 2-tone collection. Specials and English Beat close seconds, this c.d. provides novice ska listeners a taste of what makes oldies goodies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Featuring an even more eclectic range of artists, R.M. Vol. 2 is just as strong and sometimes even more interesting than its predecessor. The full gamut of reggae style, from rock steady to dancehall, is present once again to reinterpret the songs of Police, who themselves drew much inspiration from reggae. Pre-Police giants like Toots and the Maytals, Inner Circle, and Third World, contemporaries Aswad, Freddy McGregor, Bim Sherman, and newer stars like Louchie Lou, Rayvon, Shaggy, and Big Mountain all make stalwart contributions, reemphasizing how strong reggae's legacy of stars is now, and the 10 songs (including "Don't Stand So Close to Me," "So Lonely," and "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da") are testament once again to the writing skills of Sting and Co. --Derek Rath ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not nearly as good as the first one
While a couple of tracks shine (Demolition Man, Rehumanize Yourself) others never get going. Classics like Bring on the Night just plod along.

Unfortunately this album sounds like it was rushed out to take advantage of the success of the first (better produced) one.

Bob Marley Meets The Police
Anyone who is a fan of The Police should seriously check out this compilation. The reinterpreted songs have a fresh new sound, which is not necessarily better than the originals, but simply different. However, in my opinion, anything different is good. The rhythm and beats of these jamming grooves admittedly makes my head nod and my feet tap. I actually preferred the reggae versions of the songs "So Lonely", "King of Pain" and "Demolition Man" (this coming from a guy who's a huge fan of The Police). The song I enjoyed immensely was "Man in a Suitcase", covered by Big Mountain. The tempo is much slower than the original and the words not as slurred. I could describe each song in detail, but I suggest that you sample the CD for yourself and I would be happy to know what your opinions are. By the way, Volume 1 is not bad, but the songs on Volume 2 are probably superior. If you get both, the only thing you'll be missing is the Caribbean sun shining down on you and the white sand under your feet (pardon this corny expression, but it's what I envision when I listen to these songs)!

Bouncy Electronic 'reggae' does no justice to Police tunes.
I had high hopes that this would be a cool album, as I am a huge Police fan. However, I was quite dissappointed.

All of the tracks pretty much sound the same, with uninteresting electronic rhythms and uninspired vocals, completely the opposite of the original creations of The Police. This album is, in my opinion, a great disservice to the amazing catalog of music produced by The Police.

It's too bad that today's 'alternative' artists don't put together a proper Police tribute album, as they are the folks that have really been influenced by The Police. ... Read more

Album Description

Second single lifted from their Chronicles of Life and Death. The album version of the title track is b/w 'S.O.S.' (Live from Sessions at AOL), 'The World is Black' (Live from Sessions at AOL) and 'I Just Wanna Live' (Enhanced Video). Sony. 2005. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Not a great comeback.
This album was not a great follow up to their first album. It sounds classical rather than good ska, like their first cd. It isn't very catchy, but some of the songs are alright.

different but amazing
ok so its not catchy mad caddies style ska punk but if you listen and open up your mind you'll realise its a LOT better. Its so much more mature than their first album (which is also incredible) and has a more emo feel to it.

Great CD
This was one of the greatest CD's I ever bought. It is to Bad that the group is breaking up so you should buy the CD before its too late!

i know one groovy coconut and your no one groovy coconut
eegads whats goin on.... kids should not be allowed to make albums ska is ska and pop ska is best left for bands like one groovy coconut or the slackers to play, thats modern ska. thats modern pop music, this is am radio tiny sounding thin trash, the singer sounds like he's struggling thru puberty. i guess the rest of the reviews on this page wont help sales. better luck after you get some facial hair.

The best ever
Edna's Goldfish "Elements of Transition" is a great album. With fast and catchy songs like "Veronica Sawyer" and "Everyone I Know is From Lindhurst", Edna's goldfish is destined for success. They put together an enjoyable and awesome piece of work that automatically puts you in a good mood. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Excuse us for caring, but there are a few things shamefully wrong about this long overdue salute to the immortal Nutty Boys. For starters, any self-respecting Madness package should open with "One Step Beyond," not end with it. And a meager 12 tracks (43 minutes) from the hugely prolific ska/pop kings of the early '80s is a tad miserly. To justify the title, Geffen could have made stronger efforts to license gems like "Baggy Trousers," "Night Train to Cairo," and "Embarrassment" from Sire. The liner note ode by Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones is small compensation.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Excellent band, excellent music
Madness was one of those great bands that when you heard them you knew you were listening to a classic. This album could have used more of the older songs but it is an excellent selection nonetheless, so many gems. I had to put the CD on the minute it was delivered.

You Don't Need This
The best of Madness has a lot more than just this 12 songs. I don't have this CD but from the short song list I know there are better Madness CDs, for starter look for Madness Ultimate Collection, there are 19 songs in it, not complete yet, but better than this.
Note for casual listener, In Business Box Set contain interview/commentaries between each song, very annoying.
Five stars for the band, 3 for the lack in quantity.

For the casual fan.
If you are only familiar with Madness' few U.S. hits ("One Step Beyond" "Our House") this is probably the collection for you. The CD captures the basics of the sound this group put out and the influences they have had on many other bands, (Mighty Mighty Boaatones, No Doubt, Smashmouth) is evident even on this limited set. As you can read in the other reviews, this was a band that deserves a much more complete compilation. Hopefully, this CD will make you want more Madness. If not, this is a good addition for anyone who might want to broaden their musical taste to include one of the best ska bands ever.

Best of... from an American perspective!
Well, where to start when talking about my all-time favourite band? It has been said that Americans never totally understood Madness because they were 'too British'! Well, then why did No Doubt, The Bosstones, Smashmouth and all the rest rate them so highly? Seems to me someone somewhere is VERY wrong and judging by the success of said American bands, we know WHO! True, this particular compilation doesn't do the band TOTAL justice (look for the British compilation 'Divine Madness' for full enjoyment), but it has enough great tunes on it to convince the American public that Madness were indeed NOT a one-trick pony (Our House) but a very quirky AND intelligent pop band a` la` Kinks. Forget the British tag... just put it on, clear the floor and start dancing! This one will keep you up all night.

Ten Reasons to Buy This Album
1. Madness is pop fun with loud horns 2. "Wings of a Dove" (A Celebratory Song) is a wonderful Caribbean-sounding blast 3. "One Step Beyond" is a ska materpiece 4. "Micheal Caine" is a twisted delight 5. Madness completely trancends its '80s roots 6. That said, "Our House" is a dance classic 7. Unlike a lot of 80's stuff (like most Time-Life collections) this is disc is nicely remastered 8. If you have only heard "Our House," you're in for a treat - Madness is so much more than a one-hit wonder 9. It's goofy 10. It's fun ... Read more

Reviews (21)

An amazing collection of songs from an unlikely group.
I saw a band in Austin called Thattaboy sing a song called "So Much," and they said that it was written by a band called "The Impossibles." The unique ska rythms and sheer energy of the chorus caught me, and I started looking around for CD's by this band, "The Impossibles." Surprisingly, I couldn't find anything besides information, that they were an Austin punk band, now broken up, and that they had an anthology coming out. I anxiously awaited the release of this CD, and when I finally got my hands on it, I gave it a spin, and was amazed by every track on the CD. There's more energy and fun in a single one of these tracks than in entire albums by other punk/ska artists. Just listen to the screeching profession on Erin with an E and imagine this intensity coming from a group of High School guys. I don't think a 5 star rating should be thrown around as much as it is, but this album is definitely amazing, the Impossible's amazing ska anthems will surely live on, even though they've decided to go their own ways. Buy this CD, if you have any liking at all for ska or punk.

Great CD from an Austin band
The Impossibles are just a fun band to listen too. "Eightball" has got to be one of the best songs I've ever heard, and these guys totally rule in concert. I have a lot of respect for them because they sound as good live as they do on the CD.

Anthology is basically the combination of their first self titled CD with all the songs from their second CD, which was and EP called Back for the Attack, tacked on the end. Both of those ruled, but you'd have a hard time finding them anywhere, and it'd be cheaper and easier to buy this.

Pretty much, this is one of those good CD's that you can listen to all the way through and enjoy every song.

the best cd i've ever heard, hands down
I listen to a lot of punk/ska/emo/whatever you may call it. I listen to a wide variety of music from NOFX to The Roots to Bob Marley to Sublime, but this Impossibles album is hands down the greatest musical accomplishment i've ever had the pleasure to listen to. Not one song let me down, all songs have lyrics straight from the heart, energetic punk and ska beats and just a pure vibe to it. The Impossibles knew so well how to put music together and it is such a shame that they ever broke up. This will be the best money you will ever spend if you buy this cd. Truely a classic.

i love the impossibles
one of my greatest friends ever got me listening to the impossibles. i liked them so much, i went and ordered this cd. great move on my part. as of now, i own all of their stuff and although i love all of it, i must say that this one is still my favorite. the first time i listened to it for myself, i loved the ska-ness of it. there is also a lot of variety on the cd, mainly because of the compilation songs from both the EP and their self-titled cd. but every track is just awesome. there aren't any intermissions or fillers. every time i go back and listen to it, i find something new to like about it. since anthology is 20 songs long, at first i didn't always make it to the 2nd half of the cd while i was driving home from school, so i put my cd player on random and was amazed. in the beginning i seemed to like first few songs the best, then later the last ones were the ones that i listened to the most. now i can't pick just one and i can't seem to turn it on without listening to it the whole way through.

at this point, if you're still wondering if you should buy this, my answer would be just buy it anyway and experience their music for yourself.

Uncommonly crafted
It took weeks before i could remove this cd from my cd player. The disc simply got better with everytime i listened to it. When i took it over to friends houses, they would instantly join me in the instant-fan category. Lyrics that speak blatantly, emotion without getting whiney, and energy that is almost unsurpassed make it as addictive and comforting as a morning cup of coffee. With most bands that sing about girls you get a lot of, "how could this have happened to ME". The impossibles take a much more mature route with their wailings by saying, much more honestly, "how could i have done this to myself". Between the energetic work of the guitars, to the dueling vocals, an album like this comes along very rarely. To be ranked with the likes of the pixies, man or astroman, weezer, or pink floyd for having taken an existing genre and pushing it beyond itself to new levels. The impossibles have made something actually deserving of five stars. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

You don't need to love Duran Duran to love this cd...
I bought this c.d. for one reason: Reel Big Fish. They did a fantastic cover of Hungry Like the Wolf and I was dying to have it. However, Goldfinger, Buck-O-Nine and some other ska bands do really terrific jobs of recreating Duran Duran's original songs. The end of the album doesn't really appeal to me, as the last five or six songs are a bit boring... but I'm going to have to give the tribute album five stars for the simple reason that Reel Big Fish rocks and any fish fan should own this c.d.

Duran Duran heaven.. yeaey
i'm a sucker for tribute albums, and a hardcore Duranie, and I love punk and ska. So it was only natural for me to get this cd. All i have to say is... I love it! Aside from several tracks that were, well, not good (to say the least), this album kicked booty. Deftones, Homegrown, Goldfinger, Eve's Plum, Riverfenix, and Wise Crack all do an amazing job at covering my favorite Duran Duran songs. The biggest dissapointment were the songs by the bands i usually love - Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Mr. T Experience and Gob (who manage to squeeze a 6 minute song into a minute and a half... why???). And of course Wesley Willis Fiasco... Fiasco is probably the best word to describe how this band butchered a Duran classic.

Awesome CD...
Personally, i think the strongest song would have to be by the one unsigned band on the CD; Come Undone by WiseCrack, this song rawkZ!!!

awesome bands
I love the bands on this cd..not normally a big duran duran fan, but i love the bands that have done their covers. My personal favorite would have to be new religion, ... I love that song!!

One of my surprise favorites
I got this cd cause of the 'tones song that it contained. I have been a fan of any and all types of music and punk and ska are among the top of my favorites. Duran Duran i remember from growing up as does any child of the 80s. This assortment of bands breath new life into these songs in a good way. I love pretty much every song on this cd. ... Read more

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Comprehensive Collection with all Eight of their UK Chart Hits, Including the Huge Chart Topper "Pass the Dutchie", Evergreen Hits "Youth of Today", "Never Gonna Give You Up", the Duet with Donna Summer "Unconditional Love" and the Classic "Whatcha Talking About" which features Stevie Wonder. ... Read more

Album Description

With Less Than Jake on one of the summer's major tours, Projekt Revolution 2004, the pop/punk heroes have collected a disc of tracks recorded for 2003's Anthem - the highest-charting album in the band's career - but never released domestically. In fact, nearly all of the tracks on B Is For B Side have never been released anywhere. After selling more than 1 million records over the past decade and with live shows that continue to expand a hardcore global fan base, Less Than Jake earns an A for B Is For B Sides. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ehhh ok
"B for B-sides" just like "Anthem" is very mediocre Less Than Jake. Just like "Anthem" the horn section has all but disappeared. When horns are used they are very weak. Less Than Jake without the horn section is just any ordinary pop-punk band with nothing to set them apart from the pack. The horn section made them lively and jumpy and fun to listen to. Hey Vinnie, I know you are the brains behind LTJ, bring back the horn section and the great jumpy guitars! "Anthem" was just plain boring after a few listens and i assume this will be too. "Pez Core" "Losing Streak" "Hello Rockview" and even "Borders and Boundaries" are timeless. I can listen to those for years over and over. Bring back the horns and fun to Less Than Jake because otherwise you are just a mediocre pop-punk band. I love Less Than Jake, but I'm just being honest here. My fav LTJ song is "Scot Farcus Takes It In The Chin" now that is a fun song. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

essential
Essential original versions of some of the countlessly versioned riddims that made reggae great. A true masterpiece of Reggae. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

its punknska-rific :)
What more could you ever want from a punk-ska band? with a bit of reggae thrown in, this album knocks all others off the charts. The RX Bandits have quickly become one of my favorite bands, and this entire album reflects the work of an amazing band. Songs like All the Time and Analog Boy encorporate a bit of the 80's in them, especially in the intros - the lyrics are refreshing as well. Songs like In All Rwanda's Glory put down war and go back to their ska roots, while the outro tracks of Nothing Sacred and Infection are filled with energy. Every track on this CD is good, and I recommend getting this CD and listening to it all day, every day!

Best blend of ska and punk since the Suicide Machines!
I bought this album on a whim- I had money, and I couldn't find anything else I wanted. I had heard that the rx bandits had been touring with like goldfinger and homegrown, two only marginal bands, so I bought this with no expectations. But to say the least, they beat my expectations. These guys are kind of a ska/punk hybrid; a mix of Less Than Jake, Suicide Machines, Sublime, and New Found Glory. But it is not comparable to any of those bands, cause they sound boring and plain when compared to this awesome stuff! I love how the sublime-like skank guitars and drums suddenly transform into fast, attention-getting guitar riffs. And how they play around with the horns and different tempos with the guitars, and everything. These guys are definitely gonna go somewhere if they keep up the awesome trend of their debut, and this album. The best tracks are by far Get, VCG3, and Nothing Sacred. The lyrics are quite brilliant, which adds to the original sound. VCG3 tackles politics, Analog boy does our digital Society, and Nothing Sacred takes on environmental issue. But there are still some very personal, deeper songs. Having these guys on Drive-Thru is great, cause maybe it will spread the radical issues and stuff to the pop-punk audience. I hope thes guys get even more well known.

Talent is Defined By Cd's Like This One
Rx Bandits are a unique blend of many influences, most heavily ska. However I would not call RXB ska since they have various influences including raggae and latin. This cd is more heavily leaned toward ska than anything else. This is also the more poppy of the RXB cd's. It also displays the amount of talent and versatility, that only RXB has. Check out "Analog Boy" and "Infection."

It's okay...
This is a decent CD if you're looking from a has-been ska band turned straight up rock. I wouldn't say they've turned their back on legitimate ska, more graduated or evolved from it. I prefer their earlier releases. Still most def. a great band with amazing musicians and outstanding vocals

I do not recommend this CD for anyone who is looking for a good ska CD.

Just Amazing
Musicianship, excellent songwriting, hooks, socially conscious lyrics, power, fun, this album has it all. You hear something like this and wonder why we're not hearing this on the "Clear Channel" owned radio stations. ... Read more