Reviews (53)

A must buy
The Hippos are one of my favorite bands ever and this cd is a testament why. The Hippos are a very versatile band and although the ska on this cd is awesome I think it's the amazing synth and keyboard parts combined with Ariel's incredible lyrics that really make this cd. Definitely one of the better cd's in my collection though. The Hippos broke up last year which is very depressing but before they broke up they released a final self titled album which is also amazing. This cd has no ska on it whatsoever. In fact only one of the songs even has horns at all. But it has amazing vocals and awesome keyboards...I say go buy both of them.

HIPPOS TAKE IT ALL!
This is one of my favorite CD's in my collection, I Love the way the Hippos compose themselves! I have seen them live and they do sound much better live, but that is just the way that the band is, I feel that this CD is an excelent and accurate example of the Hippos at there best! they are most definatley contenders with Reel Big Fish! The Hippos are becoming more and more popular around the United States! They are going to be the next big band out there, and they will well deserve it with there hard work and excelent talent, they take SKA to the next level, with the addition of the synthosized material!

Also on a final noat, the coversong "Always something there to remind me," was the best remake I have ever heard, I normally dont like the remade songs, but they did an excelent job at it! these guys are good at what they do!

And No one can say they listen to SKA with out owning this album!

Other great band, unheard by millions.
God, The Hippos are amazing and Heads are gonna roll is one of my favorite cd's, right up there with The clash's London Calling and Rancid's Life won't wait. It's a shame they broke up. a lot o' talent. Great cd and great band if you find this cd anywhere I defintely would pick it up. Hail the Hippos!!

Really Good Ska!
I got this CD way after it came out (Sept. 2002) because one of my friends said I would love this if I was into RBF, Mustard Plug, LTJ, etc. He was right, this CD is really amazing. I like the way they sorta stray from the typical ska-punk sound by adding synthesizers. I guess some will say it sucks to throw that in with ska, but the Hippo's do it with skill. I have to say most of the tracks on here are exceptional, catchy, fast paced, fun ska. Lost It is quick and excellent with great opening horns, and a great choice for a beginning song. Something sounds a lot like Lost It, again with standout horns. Their cover of Always Something There to Remind Me is another standout, with hard guitars and vocals, and it's almost as good as Naked Eyes' version. Pollution and Wasting My Life use the synthesizer effect more than some of the other songs, but it fits right in, especially with Wasting My Life which starts out mellow (and electronic) and moves into a ska-punk song. Take a look at Sand, also, and Far Behind. Great CD and great ska here, very solid vocals and horns. Sometime I'll have to actually get the Hippo's first album. It's a bummer that they broke up, but I guess there's supposed to be a new CD sometime...but when?

Incredible cd!
This cd is truly incredible. I first discovered The Hippos when they opened for The Aquabats back in 1999. I went out a couple months later and bought this cd. It's truly incredible. The Hippos manage to progress their music and still hold to their ska roots. Although The Hippos have recently broken up they do still have one last cd coming out this year which I suspect might surpass even this one... ... Read more

Reviews (279)

Paradise..
The new awaited Mest album was a wonderful and all around kick ass CD in my opinion. The album starts off with an amazing intro "Until I met you" the broken hearted persons theme song. "Rooftops" is the anthem to this album, it's the "Cadilac" of it, with catchy lyrics and great music it will probably be the crowd favorite. "Jaded (these years)" featuring Benji Madden is an awesome song, Mest shows thier bond with Good Charlotte guitarist and the vocals sounded perfect. Those are only the first 3 songs to a wonderful album ranging from leaving "chance of a lifetime" to where we all started "Paradise (122nd and Highland)" to what love can do when gone bad "2000 miles". Mest's new album will not disappoint old fans, it's the same type of music and will keep everyone listening all night..

Great CD
I think that this is probably one of the most over-rated yet under-rated CD out right now. There's so much hype around it, yet it gets horrible reviews by some critics. Personally, as a fan of this sort of genre, I love it. It took me a few listens before I fully embraced this CD and now I can't seem to part with it. Some songs sound a bit over produced, but overall it stays true to the stamped "Mest sound". There's also orchestra instruments on a couple songs, which at first I thought sounded a little too Armageddon-ish, but now it seems to suit the songs perfectly. Overall, my favorites on the album were the songs that are a little darker (all of Jeremiah's songs: Night Alone, Shell of Myself, Your Promise, and Return to Self Loathing). Walking on Broken Glass is another favorite of mine along with the faster 2000 Miles and Burning Bridges. I think that Mest really wanted to prove something with this record, and they succeeded. There is also a bonus song as well as a bonus video when you put it in your computer. This CD is definitely worth buying.

All past times were better?
Hope not, but unfortunately this is what happen to Mest last album, it lacks of spontaneity, all the songs seems to go to the same place, and the lyrics hadn't change since wasting time album, which I'd say is their best.
When I heard Wasting Time, i thought this band has much to offer in the future, I really love this album, the second one has their moments but again, they began to become repetitive, but with this I don't know what they're thinking but sounds like the same boring albums that any kid put out there.

Looking for Bass Player
hi howya doin were lookin for an ok bass player among the ages of 9-13 and in the area of trevose, philly, or langhorne pa. if ur interested email sammer421@comcast.net or instant message me at lambofgodfreak21.... or sammer421..... or mestupgcphreek21...or shotgun9545...OR wierdo101
thanx cya o yea the cd is great by it lol :):):)

Mest is Not A self-Descriptive Name
No...u kno what Mest means and thw band is the opposite! This are the songs:
Until I Met You 4/5
Rooftops 5/5
Jaded 5/5
Night Alone 3/5
Burning Bridges 4.5/5
Walkin On Broken Glass 5/5
Your Promise 5/5
2000 Miles 5/5
Lost, broken, Confused 5/5
Chance Of A Lifetime 5/5
Return To SL 3/5
Paradise 10/5
25 To Life 4/5 ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Smooth ska for anyone
This 'Tones album has more horn driven songs than any of their other CD in my opinion, and it makes it all that cooler. If you liked Let's Face It this should be your next 'Tones CD, followed by Don't Know How to Party. Dr. D, I'll Drink to That, and He's Back are the coolest ones on the CD so don't miss out.

Before the generic suits. . .
If you love "Let's Face It," but can't help feeling that the 'Tones have sold out just a little . . . if you think the generic suited rudy look just isn't as cool as the good 'ol "Bad in Plaid," . . . if you think that the new CD has a bit too much polish on the vocals and not enough driven growl . . . this is the CD for you. But then again, if you miss the good old Boss Tones, then you probably have this album already. If you are new to these ska-core bad boys, you don't know what you're missingt - "Let's Face It" is catchy, but this is where it's at.

If u don't know who the bosstones are kill yourself now!
I started listening to the bosstones when Let's Face It came out and even though it's an amazing album More Noise and Other Disturbances is the kind of album that you will play again and again and again.Every bosstones full length has it's own sound and this is no exception as all the tracks are catchy but also make you think at the same time.If you've only heard some of their more recent stuff you'll be glad you picked this up. It is a little short but who wants an album thats over an hour long and sucks?There's no bad tracks on this album so get it now!

Perfection
This album is the most perfect Bosstones album, though I liked "Devil's night out" (and need to buy a new copy), it was quite rough. This one, just great. Picture it's fall 1994. You are a loser working in a factory, sitting in your sweet 1993 Candy Apple Red Nissan Sentra, and you make every person that walks by your car hear "Doctor D", and you play that album for every person you take to the fast food joint on break. Resitance is futile!! Ska is better than alt-rock on the radio. You must comply!!! Love the Ska!!Love me!!! Also, if you want to turn somebody onto ska, please play "I'll drink to that" after, well, they have a drink. Frat-boy fun!!

"357 Magnum, 9mm handgun, AK47, and an uzi sub-machine gun"
It is uncharacteristic of me to write a review on an album like this, but I have to, because it's good! This was one of the first and only ska albums I ever had, along with Skankin' Pickle and a handfull of others. "More Noise..." is fantastic. I ended up buying their next couple albums, only to be very dissapointed. This album stands alone, in my mind, as the only good Bosstones album. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Very cheap, one of the best Punk-O-Ramas
Punk-o-Rama 3 is a brilliant album. It's a single cd compilation. It has some of the best names in punk on this album, like Pennywise and Rancid. It has 27 songs on it, so you are bound to like a few songs on it, but this isn't a problem actually as 99% of the songs are good, but it does have some really bad ones too. The album is like a taster for all the bands contained on the cd as it is only $4 .99, which I don't think, is bad at all. This album is a good way to see which bands you will like.
This also contains one song that you can't buy anywhere else, for example NOFX's "We threw Gasoline on the fire and now we have stumps for arms and no eyebrows" which is a really good song .

Brilliant Punk Compilation!
This is a well made compilation. Some of the highlights are Nofx-We threw gasoline on the fire and now we have stumps for arms and no eyebrows" and Bad Religon-You. This is a crowning jewel for the ever-growing punk o rama series. It adds a dash of ska with Voodoo Glow Skulls and 1 against 1. With such classic punk bands as Nofx, Pennywise, Ten Foot Pole and Rancid you cannot Fail in buying this CD! A must have for all punk rockers.

One of the better Punkoramas
The punkorama CDs are all worth your money simply because they cost under 5 dollars, if memory serves. (Except for #1, which is full price for some ungodly reason, and #2 which is only a few dollars more, and is worth the money as I think it is the best of all.)
That said, this is one of the better Punkorama comps. NoFX shines in the first track with one of my alltime favorite song-titles (which, I have to say, is not done justice by the song at all): We Put Gasoline on the Fire and Now We Have Stumps For Arms and No Eyebrows. World's on Heroin is a good track. As are Alright, Lozin' Must, and even Everybody's Girl (and I am NOT a Dwarves fan.) As always happens to compilation CD's, this has fallen to the depths of my CD shelves somewhere, but not before introducing me to a few bands I wouldn't have heard of otherwise, which I think is the real reason record companies release these CD's [at the price]: they hope you'll go out and buy full-priced CD's by the same bands and they'll make the money back in spades. (Either that or they don't bother paying royalties to the bands, which I can't back up with any evidence, but is probably also the case.)

Punk at it's best
One of the best cd's ever!!! this is one of my favorite cd's it has songs by all my favorite bands: Pennywise, Bad Religion, and of course, NOFX! If you like punk and want some right now, go out and buy this cd.

hm ....
I don't know if it's just me, but this punk compilations get rather tiresome, after a while. This was my fourth Punk-O-Rama, and all I can say is I don't enjoy it as much as I did my first two. It is though, still a great CD, in that there are a lot of great bands, a lot of great songs, and a lot of tracks. And, on top of that, this CD or number five are probably overall the most punk Punk-O-Rama's. Still though, I've gotten a bit tired of Punk-O-Rama. If you feel the same as I do, check out some of the Hopelessly Devoted to You series -- a very different punk compilation. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

only for the die hards
This album is great, but only if you're a die hard five iron fan. We're talking about 34 tracks of rough, unedited love. The first track, "Kamikaze," is the best as far as serious songs are concerned. At least a dozen of the tracks are only like 10 seconds long, like things that would be similar to "Kitty Doggy". Other tracks included old demos of songs from previous albums. These are rough tracks but that's why I'm telling you should be a die hard fan before you have a listen. One of the awesomest tracks is "Ugly Day" except Dennis does it with alternative lyrics! Total, there's about six songs you've probably never heard, but don't expect much....that's why they're b-sides, people. Don't get me wrong, you'll love this if you've been listening to these guys all through the years. Otherwise, pick up some of their older stuff first. I'd suggest "Quantity is Job 1" or for a good sampling of five iron at their finest go for the live album, "Proof that the Youth are Revolting."

My review of 'THE END IS NEAR'
Well, since i have some spare time on my hands I will write a review of 'the end is near'. For anyone who doesn't know, this is FIF's 8th and final cd. I'm sure people that do not have it yet want a good honest opinion and review of it...so here it is.....Being a hardcore fan of the old FIF sound I was hoping FIF would go back to their roots of ska/punk or find the happy medium between their old and new sound. I popped the cd in my player and was only able to say one thing. WOW!!! Being their last album FIF truly tried to shoot for their best sounding one. It is just that my friends. This is the best FIF album in my opinion. It combines the old sounds and new sounds of five iron perfectly. Songs like 'at least i'm not like all those other old guys', 'so far, so bad', 'wizard needs food, badly' are very old school sounding as of something off of 'our newest album ever'. Songs like 'cannonball', and 'farewell to arms' showcase the fun and serious side of FIF at the same time with fun horn sections and guitar riffs along with serious lyrics. On this album five iron does 2 heavier sounding songs. One is pulled off perfectly and the other is only decent. 'American kryptonite' is an awesome skacore song. It's way better than 'the day we killed' from FIF2:EB. The guitars are really good, the horn section is super awesome and funky, and the bridge is by far the best part. You'll hear what I mean when you get it. 'Anchors away' is the mediocre song and really the only one I didn't love on the album. There's no hardcore screaming and there are horns. You can even skank to the beat but it just doesn't sound like FIF. It's too dark sounding. On songs like 'new years eve', 'it was beautiful', and 'something like laughter' five iron pulls of the ska/rock style of electric boogaloo except it's much better and has lots of horns. More ska-like. The horns just rule on this album. 'See the flames begin to crawl' is one of my favorite tracks. It has a rasta/ska sound going for it. It's very, very awesome. I hope they play it when I see them live mainly because there is an extra awesome horn part towards the end. The last 2 songs are five irons way of ending things. As to not ruin them for you, I will only give you their names. 'That's how the story ends' and 'on distant shores'. As far as describing the genre of music played on 'the end is near' you really can't. To just call it 'rock with horns' is too blase I guess you can say. It's too dynamic to call it that. On the other side of things it's too general to just call it 'ska'. Those 2 styles are combined perfectly to create only what I can call 'ska-core'. Note that is only my opinion. Please don't bash me because you don't agree. I think hardcore old school fif fans will love this album I think as well as the fans of electric boogaloo. This album has the musical maturity of electric boogloo but it's much more light-hearted and goofy like FIF's older cds. All I can suggest is to go order 'the end is near' online at themobilemessage.org or go to a live show and buy it. I wouldn't download it to respect the bands wishes. And you're really missing out because the artwork is absolutely awesome.

Pretty Good..
The highlights of this cd are the first couple tracks, that dog food song, and the five iron frenzy streetpunk style song. lol.. That is such an awsome song.. Anyways, if you are just getting into FIF then pick a different album. This is only a good cd for devoted fans of FIF.

In the Taste of the Listener
I've had no prior experience with FIF, but I still like this album. The first dozen or so songs are mediocre, aside from Mind for Treason, which is a fun Conservative rant, and Kamikaze and Rhubard Pie, which were annoying at first but now are two of my favorites. The short "jokes" are all enjoyable interludes in my playlist. There are other good songs after Mind for Treason, including Screams in the Night and Dog Food. If you revel in oddballfullness, you should enjoy this CD.

FIF, what can ya say?
Well, this CD is filled with FIF's best and worst. The first songs are very good, and if fact the songs that got me HOOKED of Five Iron (eg. Kamikaze) some of them are really quite funny, (like Dog Food, Mayonnaise Taco Monday and MANY others) and some of them you just kinda scratch your head at (like this version of Fist Full of Sand, which is live, they sang it before it was compleatly fineshed, and if you didn't know that it was Fist Full of Sand, you really wouldn't think it was. and also Thea and the Singing Telagram, which I am still trying to figure out) This CD is mostly just for laughs, cuz thats all your going to be doing, cuz thats all I was doing. I greatly like this CD, because when I first heard it, I wasn't looking for poetic leyrics, I was looking for some funny songs to keep me entertained, and I at least wanted to have heard Five Iron before I went to the concert. Well, back from the concert and I'm trying to get my hands on the 6th CD of their's in my collection. I LOVE them. If you have never heard FIF before, I sugest that you don't buy this album, but if you've been a FIF fan for years, you will want to add this to your collection. Thank you to anyone who reads this! I hope the (now) former members of FIF have a great life! ... Read more

Reviews (54)

5 Stars for effort, creativity, and plain great music!
The Beacon Street Collection was made after No-Doubt's self-titled album and before their breakthrough "Tragic Kingdom." You can see the transition between the two albums in this CD. The first track, "Open The Gate," is a good opener, but the song doesn't isn't anything special to me(7.5/10). "Blue In the Face" is a very unusual song. You need to appreciate the unique beauty though (9/10). Total Hate '95 has some awesome parts, and some parts you need to listen over and over to get. But Bradley from Sublime contributes, and that can never go wrong. You've got to admit, it is catchy too (9/10). Stricken is the climax. With a little bit of ska, jazz, Gwen Stefani's vocals, a slow sweet melody, and some love this song comes out just right. Gwen's vocals are at best here. My favorite on the CD (10/10). Greener Pastures is a great song anyone can relate too. It hasn't really got to me yet though (7/10). By the Way is another favorite of mine about a faraway love (I think)(9.5/10). Snakes is an okay song, but not one of the highlights (6/10). That's Just Me is a very unique song which literally goes all over the place musically. The only song I initially skipped while listening to the CD, but if you're patient, the song will not disappoint (8/10). Squeal is a plain awesome song which is also one of my favorites on the album (9/10). Doghouse was not initially one of my favorites. If you can appreciate the wonderful lyrics though, you will love it (7/10). Overall, this album deserves five stars for wonderful craftsmanship, tremendous effort, and "Stricken."

Fun CD to listen and dance to...
The very first No Doubt CD I bought was Rock Steady, followed by The Singles, No Doubt, Tragic Kingdom, and now this. I'm going to soon buy Return of Saturn. Now, on to the review of the songs, okay? =)

Open the Gate - 9/10 - Great guitar and keyboard intro. Listening to this song, I could imagine the group playing a driveway somewhere in Aneheim, CA, while the whole neighborhood is standing around and dancing.

Blue in the Face - 10/10 - Wonderful music. Great lyrics.

Total Hate '95 - 10/10 - Great song to dance to.

Stricken - 9/10 - It starts out in an almost 20's style big band. Then it picks up.

Greener Pastures - 10/10 - I love the way this song begins. It's a great breaking up song. Ha! Joking. =P

By the Way - 9/10

Snakes - 10/10 - Great metal-sounding music.

That's Just Me - 8/10 - It started to sound like supermarket muzac, but it picks up and works out.

Squeal - 10/10 - My personal favorite on the album. Great song to sing with. I would love to hear a group cover this song. That would rock!

Doghouse - 10/10 - A great way to end a great album. The music, on the keyboard, sounds like Danny Elfman composed it. But still a great song.

Now, you might be thinking, "Oh, he's a No Doubt fan, so of course he won't give any of their songs low ratings." That's not true. I would give any of these songs low ratings, but they're just too good. So, if you have a spare $12.99(or however much this CD's priced near you)+tax, then spend it on this CD.

Wicked!
The Beacon Street Collection is one of the best ska albums I've ever heard. Although, I strongly recommend you only buy it if you like ska. If you don't like ska, you'll probably hate it. I thought it was great! 'Open The Gate' is currently one of my favourite songs, and for me is the best on the album. 'Blue In The Face' is amazing, gets you singing as soon as you know the words! 'Total Hate 95' is a fab head-banger tune, you hear this and you just want to lob pillows across the room! (not because it's bad, because it puts you in the sort of mood).

All the rest of it is great, but stick-out tracks are 'Open The Gate', 'Blue In The Face', 'Total Hate 95', 'Greener Pastures' and 'Snakes'.

No doubt about it, this is No doubt
I bought this cd recently becoming their biggst fan after buying the singles one. (It was awesomE!)aNYWAY, I heard that this was totally different, at the time all the reviews said ska music, i didnt no what it meant but they were right, ska music is like punk with insturments such as the trombone and saxophone, etc.Well, anyway, this was a great album, maybe because eric stefani was still in it. I dont no but I liked Open the gate up,and blue in the face. If you like No ndoubt already and are undecided, get this, its a different no doubt. If you like ska music and never heard no doubt definetly get this! It is so good but not as good as other albums such as their singles one!!

Tour de force of potential
A rerelease of their 1995 independent release (at first, under Sea Creature Records, but newly released under Interscope), "Beacon Street Collection" showcases not only No Doubt's humble beginnings, but the convergence of their eclectic musical tastes on one CD. Here, reggae, ska, new wave, and Blondie-esque punk collide and create vibrant sparks.

Although "Beacon Street Collection" lacks the spit-and-polish of the professionally produced "Tragic Kingdom" and their following albums, the band's melodic talents and lyrical smarts are still present and accounted for. The presence of former band member Eric Stefani's piano only adds more of a poetic resonance to songs like "By The Way" and the jazz-tinged "Blue In The Face." Gwen's vocals are substantially more rocky and unevem, although that's not necessarily a bad thing: it adds a certain sense of unpredictability as she occassionally goes off on trills and other tricks that were lost as the band emerged into the mainstream. The Gwen we know today, however, is in perfect form on songs such as the echoic, beautiful "Stricken" and the dark "Greener Pastures," whose broody sound resurfaced on the phenomenally melancholy "Return of Saturn." The in-your-face affectations of No Doubt make appearances on the hair-raising "Snakes" and the classic opener, "Open The Gate."

"Beacon Street Collection" is the foundation of No Doubt's future endeavours. All of their future sounds can be found on this CD -- it's a stellar, although not impeccably produced, album that merits repeated listens. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Smash Mouth make no apologies for keeping the party going on their fourth album. There they again turn out a lighthearted mix of surf music, reggae lite, and beach anthems, even going so far as to graft a snippet of the Beach Boy's "Good Vibrations" onto "Hot" just to make sure we don't miss the point that they are the preeminent summer band of their time. But they're at their best when they're anthropomorphizing their cars ("Hot") or singing the praises of driving in the fast lane, ("105") as they turn up the heat on the subversive-sounding Farfisa organ, conjuring up the greasy spirit of ? & the Mysterians. They're less appealing when they're reminiscing about the awkwardness of a school dance on "Seventh Grade Dance" or extolling mall culture. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Not Old Shcool SMASH MOUTH, But still Good
When I heard "SMASH MOUTH" was releasing a new album, I hoped it would sound more like there original material from 'Fush Yu Mang' and 'Astro Lounge'. Unfortunantly, Its not like thoose albums. Once again, "SMASH MOUTH" is going with more 'POP' music instead of there original "ROCK" Roots.
Heres my album Review on "GET THE PICTURE":
1. Hang On 4/5 * They should of started there album with a intro song like "Whos There" from 'Astro Lounge' This song is ok. More POP Music

2. Always Gets Her Way 3/5 * Once again, a pop song
3. You Are My Number One 3/5 * I personally did not like this song as there first single. The song is ok, but they should of introduced their new album with something more energetic.
4. Whole Lotta Love 3/5 * Ok Song
5. Space Man 5/5 * This song is perhaps the only song that revolves around 'Astro Lounge' It has sounds like from 'Astro Lounge's' "Who There", One of my favorites on this album.
6. Hot 4/5 * A Good, energetic song.
7. Looking for a Wall 5/5* This song has a pretty good pace to it, another great one.
8. Seventh Grade Dance 4/5: This song starts of slow and starts to pick up the pace until it reaches a better level.
9. 105 5/5 * This song is good for us Southern California Residents. It talks about how Traffic can get you down, and how you want to spread the word to thoose infront of you to move faster and go!
10. Fun 4/5 * Ok song
11. New Planet 5/5 * This is another one of my favorite songs. It gets better once steve starts singing the Lyrics that talk about and 'Eclipse' (I am not to familiar with the lyrics yet, it is my first day witht the album)
12. You Are My Number One [Radio Remix] 3/5 * Same as Number 3

All in all, "SMASH MOUTH" Is an awesome band, No doubt about it. Its just that some of us old school "SMASH MOUTH" fans which they can go back to there original roots from 'Fush Yu Mang' and 'Astro Lounge'.
Dont get me wrong, The album is good, and maybe new "SMASH MOUTH" fans may like there current "POP" type music instead of the old material.
POP OR ROCK, I will always be ready to purchase any new material from SMASH MOUTH!

Super great!
I first heard Smash Mouth when "Walkin' on the Sun" came out and was on the radio quite a bit; after that, I always enjoyed the songs the radio played. Then I was exposed to their third album and fell in love with the music and style. All summer long I anticipated this album, bought it the day it was released and haven't regretted it once. "You Are My Number One" is a great single, and since listening to the entire CD, the songs "Looking for a Wall" and "Seventh Grade Dance" have become my favorites. Song layout is important in an and I think this album does an amazing job of it. The music is catchy and the lyrics once again impress me. Despite the fact I'm left wanting more, this album is amazing and fun and can certainly cheer me up and make me want to dance and sing along whenever I listen to it. I'd most certainly recommend this album to any Smash Mouth fan who has enjoyed their past work. They've certainly done an excellent job.

They Got Better...Alot Better
I almost prefer this over "Fush Yu Mang", even though that one is still my favorite Smash Mouth Album, this one is also really good. If the guitars were tuned like they were in "Fush Yu Mang", it would sound just like that CD. For a couple of years there, I thought Smash Mouth was running out of gas or something, but they're back in buiseness now, and I can tell their next album (yes they will make another album!) will sound more like the classic "Fush Yu Mang". Here's my song rating (Songs marked with a * were released as a single):
1) Hang On* - 5/5
2) Always Gets Her Way - 5/5
3) You Are My umber One - 5/5
4) Whole Lotta Love - 5/5
5) Space Man - 2/5
6) Hot - 5/5
7) Looking For A Wall - 5/5
8) Seventh Grade Dance - 4/5
9) 105 - 5/5
10) Fun - 4/5
11) New Planet - 5/5
12) You Are My Number One (Radio Remix)* - 5/5

Different...but this time in a good way!
It's not like their best CD FYM but it's their second best! It's much slower but much faster than the previous ones.

Awesome!!!!!!!!!
When I first got this cd I didn't like it, but then I heard "looking for a wall". The rest of the songs kinda grew on me. I heard their smash hit "all star" which is from their second cd,I think. And I decided to "get the picture". ... Read more

Reviews (18)

this cd is awesomeness
this CD is unbelievably addictive. it may only have 6 songs on it, but all 6 of them are crammed with awesome music. agent m has such a beautiful voice, and it really shines on this album.. the songs are catchy, and they easily get stuck in your head, but its a good thing. my favorite songs are "no ones looking", "lemonade", and the title track. the ultimate escape is also a really good album. get em both. tsunami bomb is rockin.

I love Tsunami Bomb!!
This is such a great CD! Anyone who says female singers don't have the same intensity as men have something coming to them with this band. Although this album only has 6 songs, which is a downside, what you pay is well worth it. It contains energetic beats, as in No Good Very Bad Day, and hardcore punk influences in almost all of the songs. You need this.... I mean it... seriously go get it... NOW!

It really is the bomb
After listening to this Cd, I dont know how to describe it. Its just that good. Agent M has one of the best voices I have ever heard(male or female). Everything on this disc is great. The guitar, vocals, and over all feel of the Cd makes it one of my favorites. Although it is only a 6, I can easily listen to all of them over and over and never get tired of them. Any fan of female fronted bands or just plain great punk bands will enjoy Tsunami Bomb's "The Invasion From Within".

perfect
Tsunami Bomb has written possibly some of the best songs that real punk music has ever seen. From their earlier days, the songs put together on The Invasion From Within are all very catchy and original. It is impossible to choose favorites from this album because theyre all so freaking good. Buy this if you like anything from tsunami bomb and they will be your favorite band.

Very nice
Not only is it the beat but it is also the lyrics that makes this such a great cd and Tsunami Bomb such a great band. I mean come on where are you going to find something better that "count on nobody and no one will let you down"? and the opening on The Invasion From Within? its the best I've heard yet.Don't even think twice about having to buy this cd just buy it. It's worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

I'm hooked
The songs are tight but playful. The musicians are having their say while contributing to the group. One of the best music purchases I've made this year. Get it.

(( : Roots Fusion : ))
I bought this CD on impulse and was rewarded by a fantastic recording! Earnest Ranglin is one of those characters who's never really been in the limelight, despite the fact that he's been making music for about 50 years, and this release shows there's still plenty more to come. Ranglin was an influential figure in the beginnings and evolution of ska, has produced a steady output of solo LPs since the 1960s ("Wranglin" being a good example), as well as being in constant demand as a session musician for studios and sound systems in Jamaica. He has also played at festivals across the world and is probably most famous for arranging the global 60s smash 'My Boy Lollipop' for Millie Small.

"Below the Bassline" can be best described as a Jazz-Reggae crossover LP. Ranglin provides us with a fresh insight into some well-seasoned Reggae classics, as well as throwing in a few self-composed originals. Ranglin's guitar playing is inspired! The spotlight doesn't just shine on Ranglin - the other players are all incredible, in particular the bass and drums (Ira Coleman and Idris Muhammad respectively). The end result is some really authentic, stripped down acoustic versions of classic roots tracks. The highlights for me are the versions of Satta Massagana (by the Abyssinians), King Tubby Meets the Rockers (by Augustus Pablo), Black Disciples (by Burning Spear) and Congo Man (by the Congos). Being an acoustic recording adds a new dimension to compositions I've come to love over the years. Each track is excellently arranged, executed and produced, giving Ranglin a perfect platform on which to express his unique guitar prowess.

What more can I say? The music speaks for itself! Ranglin is a truly remarkable talent. He plays guitar with precise skill, conviction and real emotion. Whether you're a reggae fan or not I know you'll be enthralled by the tracks on this CD. All in all a great purchase which is well worth seeking out!

An Incredible Blend of Jazz and Reggae!
This is one of those discs where you put it on as a relaxation factor, insertable in a perhaps hectic day. The music is simple, though Ranglin is no novice (Mr. Bob Marley was taught by the man!), but it moves with a soothing pulse that calms the nerves yet speeds up the sinapses. Their is a certain degree of crossover involved, i.e. between the jazz and reggae fields, however Ranglin does it aptly, blending the two styles seemlessly, a task often botched in the "crossover" music field. Yet, somehow the recording doesn't even strike me as intentionally a cross, the music feels extremely natural flowing from a hidden source somewhere below the bassline...

Brilliant!!!
The man who taught Bob Marley how to play the guitar may finally get his just rewards. "BELOW THE BASSLINE" is a brilliant example of Jamaican Jazz in it's purest form. Ernest Ranglin has fast fingers for someone in his 60's. He has also mastered the technique of feathering the guitar strings with beathtaking precision. Add to this; an uncanny ability to comunicate such rich emotion through his music, and you have one sensational piece of music. This disc is testimony to his great love of Jazz, and his birth right Jamaica. Smooth, charming, and rhythmic. This is music you can either kick back and listen to, or get up and dance to. With "Below the Bassline", Ernest Ranglin has demolished any generation gap he may have had with the young or the old. This music is for everyone. Contagious to the last note. BRILLIANT!!!!

No one who has heard this hasn't liked it!
A bit of hyperbole, but that's been my experience. Certainly Reggae and Ska fans might be the first attracted to Below the Bassline but there is much here for Jazz fans and others as well. Ernest Ranglin is such a subtle virtuoso that you'll find yourself cruising along and then your jaw will drop at what he's playing. One of my all time favorites. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Despite popular perceptions, Jamaica's first internationalsuperstar was not Bob Marley but anidiosyncratic music arranger named Prince Buster.Buster's pre- and post-ska musical stylings were so left of center(sometimes his rhythmic structures focus on the after-beat rather thanthe downbeat) that he's largely thought to have created his own reggaesubgenre called blue beat (named after his label of the same name).Fabulous mixes some of Buster's well-known cuts with somenot-so-famous ones that fly all over the musical map as far as soundscapesgo. On the more obscure numbers like "Texas Hold-Up," the wicked hornsection wails away over a shuffled syncopated beat, while on thebass-heavy "Freezing up Orange Street," the organ and saxophone are mixed tospar off against one another. Down-tempo ballads like "Julie" keep thiscollection balanced, while Buster's more ubiquitous up-tempo rhythmtracks like "Al Capone" and "Judge Dread" expose listeners to his moreuncensored political positions regarding race and sex. While his hit"Ten Commandments" is included on this collection, the sexist manifestoit espouses would generate an even more heated set of responses fromwomen than it garnered back then (the third commandment asks for thewoman "to kiss and caress me, and honor and obey me, seven days a weekand twice on Sundays"). In the end, those who think that Shaggy was thecreative genius behind "Oh Carolina" (Buster actually produced theoriginal version for the Folkes Brothers) need to purchase thiscollection and get schooled on this ska legend. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Dissappointing sound
This disc is the first and the last one for my Prince Buster collection. The sound is terrible, I understand that this musician recorded its music more than 40 years, but there is no intention for remastering the original records. The music as well as the lyrics is not that good. I would rather recommend ska musicians like The Skatalites.

Not milk and water copies
I was having an early drink last week and there was a dj spinning some unusual stuff (for Australia) and suddenly I heard
"Al Capones guns don't argue" I was off my stool and swinging my hips and clicking my tongue chu chucca chu chucca, just as I did when I was 14 playing my Mums old copy of Al Capone b/w One step beyond (just as she had when she first bought it in 1964)
I remember the specials/Madness/Selector etc well and went to a couple of ska/2 tone concerts in 1980, but non of those bands come anywhere near the originals. These songs are timeless and have more rhythm than there milk and water copies from the late 70's early 80's. If you like ska, buy it.
It's a once off buy.

Calling all you MODS and SKINHEADS!
Without a doubt, PRINCE BUSTER is the almighty father of the SKA-BLUE BEAT style (NOTE: of course, LAUREL AITKEN is the godfather of SKA). These tunes are the original soundtrack for any REAL MOD or SKINHEAD and that fact cannot be denied. I have a copy of a PRINCE BUSTER live show in London from 1967 and it is absolutely awesome. If you can find this recording, please grab it. It will be worth every cent you spend on it. I also recommend the SEQUEL to this CD. The only thing that sucks about these CDs is the fact that they don't have Prince Buster's original recording of ONE STEP BEYOND. However, there is another listing for a CD that does include this recording. Check out all the PRINCE BUSTER listing on this website. Also, TROJAN RECORDS is releasing a double CD of SKA classics (original and neo-ska classics). Happy listening...............PRINCE BUSTER rules!

awesome collection from one of the lesser known greats
A wonderfully eclectic mix, but this CD really needs the song Rough Rider, probably Prince Buster's best song.

rude boyz don't cry
Time travel with the Prince of ska and rock steady, mon!

This recording is from about 1967. 'Earthquake on Orange Street' talks about Sonny Liston and Mohammed Ali. 'Take It Easy' talks about landing at Le Bourget (ending a long tradition going back to Lindbergh). But that's all history.

This is the beginning of modern ska. Here we meet the feared Judge Dread (also known as Judge Hundred Years). He's called that 'cause his sentences are always in blocks of 100 years. Judge Dread is not afraid of rude boys, and he wants to make an example of them.

Fortunately, by track twelve, Judge Dread is willing to consider probation, as long as the rude boys listen to some jazzy horn. "No more shootin'! no more lootin'!"

Prince Buster anticipated rap. No wonder he took Brighton by storm in 1964! Learn your history, mon! This is the voice of Free Love, the voice of the Ten Commandments, the Blue Beat of Kingston.

Hard to find, so don't be a chump and miss out. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Here's a righteous romp through the free-spirited L.A. ska-punk pioneers' history. This two-CD set features a well-chosen best-of disc that pulls prime cuts such as "Party at Ground Zero" and "U.G.L.Y" (from Fishbone's mercurial 1985 debut), "Bonin' in the Boneyard" and "Freddie's Dead" (from 1988's Truth and Soul), "Everyday Sunshine" and "Sunless Saturday" (from 1991's The Reality of My Surroundings), and "Black Flowers" (from the 1993 swan song, Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe). Disc 2 features formative demo tracks from the group's early-'80s incarnation; it's amazing to hear their development from fun, awkward ska players to assured monster musicians, from scrappy horn band to metalloid mofos. Fishbone's influence--be it on the Red Hot Chili Peppers or the Mighty Mighty Bosstones--is massive; their success wasn't. This retrospective clarifies why, for once, you could believe the hype. --James Rotondi ... Read more

Reviews (7)

No better Fishbone in one set!!!!
Growing up in LA in the 80's my friends and I listened to Fishbone almost every time I went cruising. We saw them several times live. We couldn't help it.

This 2 CD set truly is a EXCELLENT intro or reminder of the fun and power, not only music but intellectually, of Fishbone. The first CD covers the standard 'best set' from their albums. I love not needing to carry several CD cases now to get my Fishbone fix.

The second CD is an excellent reminder collection for those fans who were actually there to collect this music, or for those fans who would like more Fishbone to play with!

This album does NOT portray Fishbone as the excellent live band they are. See them in concert for that!
This album does NOT cover ALL their great music. Collect all thier CD's, tapes, LP's and EP's for that.

This album IS an EXCELLENT and large collection of great music by a great band at an super price.

I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Also Consider THE CRAZY 8'S!
I'm a big fan of Fishbone, and I really like this album. However, I just realized that another favorite band, The CRAZY 8'S (now defunct) would be popular with Fishboners. If you like OINGO BOINGO and FISHBONE, you'll LOVE The Crazy 8's! (...especially "Big Live Nut Pack!")

Studio is Palid by Comparison
Fishbone is one band which does not do in the studio what it is capable of doing. If you ever get a chance to see them live, then you will know what I am talking about. Don't get me wrong, their albums are really jumpin', yet, the animalistic energy and musical-instrument-juggling-act which is their live performances should never be passed by.

This CD is off da hook
The other reviewers said it all! Great music from some funky brothas

the baddest altrenative band
this band can play any style and groove for days.this is the greatest late 80's and 90's band that many folks haven't heard of.the groups that get the love on mtv can't hang with FB.i've been digging this group for years.they put so much energy and heart into there work.groups like this used to be respected now it's ignored.that's sad.this group deserves to be heard out loud. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

bye-bye "pick it up" hello "punk!"
this is by far the best album that the sucicide machines have done. forget the happy little "pick it up" mode on their other cd's, this ones heavier than all their othe albums, and frankly i like it! they have 4 songs that are 53 sec. and under.some of them being 4-5 sec. long. but this album still rules! "hating hate" talks about the worlds problem with hatered, predjudice, and racism and how much it sux. "black and white world" talks about how people will judge another person by the color of their skin and how our society looks down upon those who are of a different race. all of the songs on this cd are battle hymns, hence the title "battle hymns" if your fed up with the way todays society treats you and everyone in it battle hymns would be and excellent cd to pick up to get you pumped up and pi$$ed off. check it out!

Another Masterpiece from the gods of ska/punk
On this album, the Suicide Machines went political, with very positive results in my humble opinion. Most of the songs have very positive, intellgient political lyrics, which is a big plus for any album. On some tracks the Machines keep the sytle that everyone loves from Destruction by Definition. But then they go into fast, hard, balls-out punk rawk. Great stuff, especially when they blend the two different styles. My favorite tracks have got to be Pins and Needles, Someone, Black and White World, and DDT. But they are all great, fun, energetic ska-core songs, signature Suicide Machines. Most ska-punk or ska-core lovers will enjoy this album, as will a lot of political hardcore punks.

Punk+Ska aren't always a good combonation
Don't get me wrong, I mean I like this cd and all. In fact, it's probably one of my favorite Suicide Machines cd. But, I just don't think "ska-punk" is a good combo. Maybe it's just my opinion...Burn it from a friend or borrow/steal it or something. It's not really worth the money.

An in-your-face, angry album, with a positive message.
This album is not for everyone. Each SM CD has been so different from the last, so, this one may not appeal to those who liked the self titled album (I didn't). However, this album exemplifies what punk rock SHOULD be, but isn't. While I may be alone in this, when I hear this CD, I am taken back 15 or so years. While, yes, this disk, has a very political message, it is one that is positive. The message is about unity and breaking down racial walls. Songs like "black and white world" or "hating hate" adequately send this message, and it's loud and clear to these ears.

Skacore! Jah!
I'm mostly a hardcore/metal fan, but this is one of the few punk/ska albums that I like. Its full of catchy rhythms and insightful lyrics. They'll have an upbeat ska rhythm one minute and completely change to a heavy, hardcore section with screaming and everything. 22 tracks, mostly around 1-2 minutes long (except for Punck and Jah) and all of them are a pleasure to listen to. My favorites are "Someone", "Confused" and "Black And White World". Buy this now. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Aquabats
this cd is awesome. its not ska as i was expecting. its third wave. but as far as third wave goes this is an awesomely awesome band. they are so cool. i saw them live in lawrence and they were absolutely crazy. i love their stuff and look forward to getting their other cd's.

serious awesomeness
This was the first Aquabats CD I bought. I stumbled upon them when looking for a new ska CD, and I am so glad I did. Their songs are so fun to listen to, and their live show is even better! Even if you're not sure about them, get this album and you won't be sorry!

@3%&ytf!!!!!!!!!!!
a must buy, especially for any ska fan, i like all their cd's. very soon youll be asking yourself "why do i like these weirdos so damn much?"

Behold The Kings Of Suburbia!
This cd is my first sampling of The Aquabats, a group I have heard so much about. I don't know what to say other than these cats have blown my mind, from their lyrics to their costumes to their over-the-top suburban presences. Singing about topics from school lunches to backyard pool parties, The Aquabats have taken the nerdiest aspects of suburbia, and magically transformed them into "Cool, Daddy, Cool!"

How does one classify the music of The Aquabats? They cover so many realms! In the opening sequence "Robot Theme Song," I immediately felt the aura of "The Moog Synthesizer" sound that people like like Gershon Kingsley and Stan Free made popular in the 1960s and 70s. The third track "Pool Party" begins with two "Hang Loose" type dudes talking on the phone, getting ecstatic over an evening pool party, raving about the "Food, Girls, MORE FOOD!," then shifting into a song with that perky 80s ska-beat. The song "Pizza Day" will bring back memories of the school lunch menus that all us suburban children memorized in elementary school (the lyrics also remind us of junior high, when the school lunch menu suddenly becomes uncool!). And then we have "I Fell Asleep On My Arm," which had me doubled over; it's an agonizing account of a student falling asleep on his arm, and waking up to find the limb went numb. The Aquabats play and sing this song in the same ultra-angst-ridden vein as a song like "Pray For Death!"

The Aquabats are a great wake up call to middle class folks who grow up thinking they have become too cool for suburbia to even admit to being part of it. This cd is pure fun with absolutely no empty filler songs. Pick it up, you will be glad you did! ... Read more

Album Description

The PIETASTERS eclectic mix of ska,in your face lyrcis, and punk energy forged their reputation as one of the hottest bands of the nineties. Stints as the backing band for JAMES BROWN established the group as a pre-eminent live band as well.Now for the first time, the PIETASTERS extensive discography is asembled into, a complete collection of past hits, live tracks and previously unreleased bonus cuts.

Revisit the PIETASTERS journey towards seminal stardom with albums OOLOOLOO, STRAPPED LIVE and COMPLY.Experience the frenetic energy of thier live show with the most extensive body of new concert material to date.Discover heretofore unheard songs on a THREE DISC SET that will unhinge the most obsessive completist.

For fans of Punk, Ska,MADNESS, THE SPECIALS, BAD MANNERS, BOSSTONES, SKATALITES, 4 SKINS, THE BUSINESS, alcohol, parties, smoking, illicit sex and other types of degenerate behavior, 92-96 offers the perfect audio companion. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Essential Pietatsters, and A Bit More
I've been a Pietasters fan since I picked up their first CD at the recommendation of a friend of mine 11 years ago. I have everything they've released since (except for the 7" vinyl between Piestomp and Oolooloo - I feel shame). So the previously unreleased material on this collection was the reason it made its way into my shopping cart, and I was not disappointed with my purchase. (The inclusion of "Shiela" was a nice touch.) In my opinion. long time fans should definitely grab this, even if it is only for the unreleased stuff.

Newer fans are no exception, and as far as I'm concerned, should be even more encouraged to listen. The sound of the band has morphed quite a bit since that first album was originally released, and the later albums can sound like distant descendants when played back to back with these (except for Comply, which kinda bridges the gap). However, the fact that they still play a good chunk of these tunes live to tremendous crowd response is a testament to how good the material contained on these discs is.

If you like anything by the Pietasters, especially if you don't already own all of these albums, you should grab this set without hesitation.

A great way to hear the early years
These 3 discs have been in my heavy rotation since I got them more than 3 months ago. I've owned Willis, Mix Tape #9 and Turbo for awhile, but I was never able to get ahold of the older stuff. This takes care of that... and much much more! I listen to discs 1 and 2 the most, which mainly consist of Piestomp, and the incredible live 'Strapped'. Disc 2 is easily my favorite.

Pietasters songs are catchy, upbeat straight up ska. I had several songs stuck firmly in my head after just 2 listens. Check out Freak Show, Dollar Bill, Maggie Mae, and Girl Take it Easy. If you're not singing along, you must be dead.

If you're a ska fan, and don't own the first 4 Pietasters releases, you have to buy this now! Seriously. Stop reading and go buy this NOW!!!

Mmmmmm....Pie... (no leftovers here).
"The Pietasters 1992 - 1996" is not only a great cd, but an inexpensive way to jumpstart your Pietasters collection. This set has been re-mastered, and offers 4 (count 'em FOUR) hard-to-find Pietasters' cds on 3 discs.

Disc 1 is my personal favorite because their earliest material has a classic 2-Tone sound to it. This disc is comprised of material off of the impossible-to-find "Piestomp" and equally hard-to-find "oolooloo". "Without You", "Maggie Mae", and "Five Days Of The Week" are just some of the 23 songs on Disc 1 that showcase their early ska roots.

Disc 2 consists of the rest of "oolooloo" and all of "Strapped - Live!". "Strapped - Live!" has been widely praised as one of the best live ska recordings, not only for its superb sound quality, but for the tracks selected. The Pietasters put on an awesome live show, and this disc captures lead singer, Stephen Jackson's, enthusiasm for his music and love for his fans. In fact, on one track, "Drinking and Driving", fans are encouraged to get up on stage and sing along.

Disc 3 is a mixed-bag for me, and is the main reason why I gave this cd 4 stars instead of 5. This cd contains "Comply" as well as previously unreleased tracks. My problem with "Comply" is that is duplicated many tracks offered on "oolooloo". And so by including "Comply" on this collection, you're getting songs on Disc 3 that are already on Discs 1 and 2. But the unreleased material makes up for this one complaint.

Ususally when a band releases "Previously Unreleased Material", there's a good reason why those tracks made it to the cutting room floor. But the tracks The Pietasters have included are pretty good! "Portugese Sex Song" and a smoking cover of Cutlture Club's "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?" highlight this disc. Finally, Disc 3 closes with an often-requested, live- version of "Sheila" proving once again that The Pietasters listen to their fans and deliver. ... Read more

Reviews (100)

A good CD with a few exceptions but it's worth your money
"Hang-Ups" is a very good CD. They are are very diverse on this album starting out with "Superman" which sounds just like the Mighty Mighty Bossontes, then "My Head" which is harder with no horns, "If Only" is the best is one of the best songs on the CD and is a little on the softer side. Then Goldfinger picks up their ska influence on "This Lonely Place" and "20-Cent Goodbye." "Question" sounds just like Less Than Jake and is more of a ska-punk song. Then the CD kinda goes downhill for a while with dumb songs like "Carlita," "Too Late," and "I Need to Know," but "Authority" helps pull it out of that rut. On "S.M.P." Goldfinger sounds exactly like the Beastie Boys with a song that lasts like 30 seconds (I don't really like the Beastie Boys but this song is cool). "The Last Time" is also one of the best songs on the CD picking up the ska sounds. "Chris Cayton" is Goldfinger's best song ever and it also kinda sounds like Less Than Jake. There is also a hidden track called "It Isn't Just Me" and that sort of sounds like the softer Foo Fighters songs. So, this CD is very good with only 3 exceptions but the better songs more than make up for it so I highly recommend "Hang-Ups."

Best Goldfinger CD Ever (So far . . .)
Hang Ups represents the Ska side of Goldfinger. Stomping Ground (Their Third Album) represents their more punk rock stuff without horns. Their first CD (Self-Titled) is sort of a mix of both. I'm getting off subject . . . here's my review.

SUPERMAN 5/5: This is the song that got me in to Goldfinger. It's featured in the first Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game, that's where I first heard it. This is the best ska song ever. I mean it. Everything is great and it's super catchy. It is second only to Mable, Goldfinger's best song. MY HEAD 4/5: Another great song, but it doesn't have any horns, which isn't a problem. It's a really cool song. IF ONLY 5/5: This song rules. It's got awsome lyrics and it's really catchy. THIS LONELY PLACE 4.5/5: This is a really good song. The first Chorus is soft, but by the end the Chorus is gets loud and it's really cool. 20¢ GOODBYE 4.5/5: Another cool Ska song. The only problem is that it's barely 2 minutes long. If only it were a bit longer . . . QUESTION 4/5: This is a rock song, more like the ones on Stomping Ground, it's really cool. At the end he starts sounding like guy from the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. It's cool. DISORDER 4/5: Another non-ska song. It's got a catchy tune to it. CARLITA 5/5: This is an awsome ska song. I can't ever get the beginning (Well after today, I'll never see you, and you'll be left with your life) out of my head. TOO LATE 3.5/5: This is probably my least favorite songs on the CD. It doesn't seem as good a other songs on Hang Ups. I KNEED TO KNOW 4/5: The song is okay. It's just not that catchy. AUTHORITY 5/5: This isn't one of their ska songs. It's really cool. The chorus is super-catchy. S.M.P 4/5: This is a short screaming punk song. It's pretty funny. S.M.P. stands for "Skiers Must Perish" Don't ask. THE LAST TIME 5/5: This is another one of my favorites. It's a cool song that seems part ska, part punk. CHRIS CAYTON 5/5: This is a really catchy ska song. They swear a bit to much in it though. SECRET TRACKS: IT ISN'T JUST ME 5/5: This song is slow, but I really like it. CHICKEN MCNUGGETS 5/5: This song is so funny. The lyrics are "Chicken McNuggets are bad for you!, bad for you! Chicken McNuggets are bad for you!, bad for you! But they taste good!" It's hilarious.

Wooo! Yeah, that's all for my Hang Ups review. Yeah, Umm... Goldfinger Rules!

Just Awesome!
This is the album that made Goldfinger my all-time favorite band. This album has great lyrics, good music, and the best part is you can tell they are passionate about their music, not about the green in their pockets. If you like any Punk/Ska music, this album is for you. Even if you just got this album for Superman, I would have to say that Superman alone is worth the money, because next to maybe All My Best Friends Are Metal Heads by Less Than Jake, this is THE best Ska song ever. That's right, ever. If you still aren't looking for your Master Card, then here is the playlist
[1] Superman (7/5)- Kicks the CD off with a bang, awesome song. If you like Punk/Ska music, you cannot die until you hear this song. End of story.
[2] My Head- (4/5)- Another great song on the album. A little harder than Superman, but still great.
[3] If Only- (5/5)- Great Punk Ballad. Starts out slow and woeful, but kicks it up a notch in the middle, classic Goldfinger-style.
[4] This Lonely Place (4/5)- The intro is a little weird, but still good. Nice Ska ballad, easy listener.
[5] 20¢ Goodbye (3.5/5)- Decent Ska song, but there is just something about it that I just can't get into it. Great Brass (horns) section though.
[6] Question (5/5)- One of my personal favorites on the album, kind of reminds you of the later Stomping Ground or Open Your Eyes. Is a little profane though.
[7] Disorder (4/5)- Cool little guitar solo in the beginning, very good poppy kind of song.
[8] Calita (4/5)- This, my friends is what people define Ska. Pure ska. Great brass section, and killer Tenor Sax at the end.
[9] Too Late (5/5)- Another favorite on the album, but unlike tradition tells us, this song starts out hardcore and ends Ska. Still extremely great lyrics, good song.
[10] I Need To Know I Love the guitar/bass solo in the beginning! Jon Feldmann shows great vocalism in the throughout the song.
[11] Authority [4/5]- An above mediocre song that always seems to get stuck in my head.
[12] S.M.P (Skiers Must Parish) [4/5]- Quick song about snowboarders and their dislike of skiers. Actually kind of funny.
[13] The Last Time [3/5]- Probably the worst song on the album, but is still not that bad. Again another song that constantly gets stuck in my head.
[14] Chris Cayton [5/5]- Second only to Superman on the album, I have no clue why they didn't try to get some airplay on this song as it is chart topping quality.
[14 A] It Isn't Just Me [4/5]-Melody that shows John's softer side, pretty good song.
[14 B] Chicken McNuggets [4/5]- Quick blast of pure jamming. Not exactly lyrically great, but is still pretty funny. There are conversations with the band, and also at the very end, a concert announcement.

No Good. Get their others first.
The worst goldfinger album in my opinion. Maybe it's because i just don't like ska so much, but that doesn't change the fact that i dont even like the more punk songs on here. Superman is the only song here i would rate in goldfinger's 20 best songs. Any other goldfinger album is good, just steer away from this until you become a fan of the other ones first.

what can i day
Goldfinger is just a feel good band, they sound a lot like less than jake and reel big fish, but they are soo good, superman is a great song on the cd. go now and buy this gem ... Read more

Amazon.com

Across four discs and 87 songs, The Reggae Box tells the tale of Jamaica's modern social and political history through a well-rounded survey of the island nation's popular music. Disc 1 begins at the height of the independence movement in the 1960s, celebrated here with the exuberant, optimistic ska that blended the tropical sounds of mento and calypso with American R&B. Ska morphed into the smoother rock steady style, as artists began discovering the subtlety of the grooves while further exploring the sweetness of American soul. By disc 2, roots reggae and Rastafarianism moves to the fore. Delroy Wilson's 1971 hit "Better Must Come" displays the slowed-down, slinky rhythms and social messages that would define this period. By 1974, Augustus Pablo's dub enters the picture, an echo-laden psychedelic style. A new sound emerges on disc 3, lighter in both lyrical content and musical depth. Dancehall was geared to locals looking for fun, losing its political and social agenda, adding synthesized sounds, digital trickery, and a "singjay" vocal style that was half-spoken, half-sung. By disc 4, the deejays and sound systems of dancehall are firmly entrenched as reggae's most prominent forces, often reviving "old-school" tunes in a modern style. While some artists returned to social commentary and Rastafarianism, many others sang of the grim realities of sex and violence.

The democratic approach to this set--each disc focuses on a single decade from the '60s through the '90s--gives listeners a broad and inclusive look at the genre's development and the shifts of popular taste. On the other hand, this goal of breadth may come at the expense of quality in some cases, especially if you believe that the '60s and '70s were clearly reggae's heyday. Still, as a comprehensive overview of Jamaican popular music of the last 40 years, complete with detailed song notes, informative essays that put the music in historical context, and attractive artwork and packaging, The Reggae Box has few flaws. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Best Reggae Box yet!
An incredible follow-up to last year's equally delicious Funk Box. The fact that there is an entire disc of early ska/rocksteady was good enough for me to buy this. All 4 discs are perfect, non stop party music that everyone will enjoy. The packaging is stunning (you'll see what I mean the second you open it), the essays are very informative and well thought out and the track-by-track annotations tell the whole story. Everyone is on here (and although there is no solo Peter Tosh, he is in the Wailers who have 2 songs on Disc 2). So this is standing next to my Funk Box now (which you should pick up if you haven't already). Beautiful box. #1 X-mas present to all my friends and family this year. This box does indeed acquaint you with the "Routes of Jamaican Music." Buy this yesterday!! Rated A+ (5 STARS IN TOWER'S PULSE MAGAZINE THIS MONTH!). Jah Rastafari! This box has made the I-Man Irie! Peace-Jah Lion!

Great for new comers in reggae
Just one remark on this set.
Great to get an overview on Jamaican reggae but some big guys are
missing LKJ, Israel Vibration anf off course Lee "Scrtach" Perry.
So I would say: GOOD bur NOT ENOUGH