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Truth & Soul is the most focused, most frenetic, and most political album in Fishbone's small but important catalog of ska/metal/funk/punk. They still party on this record (note "Bonin' in the Boneyard") but they also offer some serious doses of reality, and some fierce insight about growing up black in America.Much of the material (including "Slow Bus Movin'," "Ghetto Soundwave," and the potent, hopeful "One Day") was recorded on the 1988 birthdates of Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln. Madcap vocalist Angelo Moore is in good form on Truth, but guitarist Kendall Jones often threatens to steal the show, particularly on the amped-up cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead." --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (23)

One of my ultimate "desert island discs"
I purchased "Truth and Soul" in 1988, after being a Fishbone fan for about a year (thanks to the previous "In Your Face"). While they've made some other great albums, this one is definitely the best in their catalog. The songs are consistently well-crafted, and even though they dip into cliches now and then (such as on "Change," the album's only weak cut), they make up for it with stunning musicianship and great socio-political commentary. Whether it's ska ("Ma and Pa"), funk ("One Day"), thrash ("Subliminal Fascism"), old-school funk covers (their jaw-dropping cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead"), Fishbone has all the musical styles covered, and does them all very well indeed. Unfortunately, they never made another album as good as this one, and the fact that their original lineup has dwindled down to just a few core members does not bode well for their future, IMHO. Get this disc to find out what Fishbone was like at the top of their form. Also recommended: "In Your Face" and "The Reality of my Surroundings."

The Bone throws down the gauntlet
This is one of my all-time favorite albums and the first Fishbone Album I ever bought back in 1988, mainly because of the video Freddie's Dead which I saw on BET (when it still showed videos that mattered ) on Donnie Simpson's show back in the day I bought the album a few days later and could believe what i had heard ska, punk,rock, funk, soul reggae-funk trash this album is about 45 minutes long and every song on this album is a winner.

1. freddies dead- a heavy funk/rock number on the mayfield classic 10/10
2. Ma and -classic ska song about divorce 9/10
3.Question of life horn- driven funk 8/10
4. Pouring Rain - A beautful Reaggae/rock number 10/10
5.Deep Inside - staright up Punk number one of my favorite fishbone songs 10/10
6. Mighty Long Way a classic rock number 8/10
7. Bonin in the Boneyard - what can you say straight up fishbone funk about 10/10
8. One Day the -only weak song on a classic album 7/10
9. sublimmal Facsim - another punk-like song that works well 9/10
10.Slow Bus moving (howard beach) -a cowpunk song about busing, Howard Beach and Race 10/10
11.Ghetto Soundwave- a funk-rock ditty about inner city living conditons that is great without being preachy 9/10
12. Change- probaly the best song the Bone ever wrote they are not known for their ballads but this is one song of hope after being taken to every emotion from desire, anger, cyncism there's hope in this beautful acosutic number. 10/10

I don't know why this album was not a hit it has influneced so many musicans and unlike bands and singers today who can't sing or play their instruments these brothers from south central can phunk it up and rock and roll ya get this album now!!!!!

Okay, not Fishbone's best
It is definately not my favorite fishbone cd. It reflects on its time of the 80's which is fine, but some songs has a 'cheesy' feel to them...hence the 80's. The self titled album, and in your face is much better than this. But it still is fishbone...AND fishbone has always been "red hot"!!!!!!

Truth And Soul..
This was my first full-length LP purchase by these gents about 15 years ago and while my personal favorite from their vast catalog remains "The Reality Of My Surroundings" from '91, this near-perfect record is a very close second place. "Slow Bus Movin'", "Ghetto Soundwave", "Pouring Rain" and "Sublimal Facism" are my favorites because they demonstrate how broad and wide ranging this band's talents are. This is probably the most commercial the guys have ever sounded and remains a fan favorite. Personally, I like it when they overreach just a little and wind up with something entirely new, which they manage to do everytime. Fishbone was way ahead of their time and are worth digging deep into for some serious music, fun and thought provoking lyrics. While their sonic assault may frighten some newbies, after a while you'll be won over and not only want Fishbone, you'll NEED Fishbone.

Their best album from this period.
The ska influence that appeared on previous albums is largely absent. The punk (if you really want to call it that) is used sparingly ("Deep Inside", "Subliminal Fascism"), as a breather to the mostly serious theme of the album. Fishbone is known for dipping its toes into a wide variety of musical influences, but by focusing on metal-tinged funk, splashed with a horn section, this album allows them to strech out in only a couple of genres and create an album that's enjoyable from start to finish. There isn't a bad cut on the album.

In addition to focusing their music, the band seems to have taken especially good care to present an appealing theme for the album. Beginning with a lament from the past (a cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead"), the message of the album kicks in with a sincere effort to try to figure a way out of the social quandry ("Ma and Pa", "Questions of Life", "Pouring Rain"). From there, the album takes the listener through a range of emotions on a sudden pace that one might find in a stage show -- manic energy ("Deep Inside"), exuberance ("Mighty Long Way", "Bonin' in the Boneyard"), self-deprecation ("One Day"), and later on ending with two sincere songs that would have looked out of place in their previous albums ("Ghetto Soundwave", "Change").

The last song on the album, "Change", is an acoustic ballad that does a good job of bookending the album. If the first song is a eulogy, then the last song is the sermon that follows the eulogy, giving hope for the ones still living. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Absolutely Stunning
The fabulous Planet Smashers come back to us with yet another cd. Does it fall short of the finish line? Does it fail even before its started? Absolutely Not!

Pop in the cd and you immediately get the album's title track playing at you "Life of the Party". What a starting song it is! Ear catching horn lines, head shattering driving guitar there is nothing that can stop this amazing track. Moving onto later tracks the cd does not disappoint.

There's some brilliantly conceived enjoyable tracks such as "Surfin in Tofino" and "Super Orgy Porno Party" that you just can't help but move an appendage to, whether it be your arm, foot, or elsewhere.

The Planet Smashers have - I'm happy to say - not strayed from their style as many bands do with later albums. They've kept the same old formula and it delivers a heart stoppingly good array of songs. The same sort of lyrics, the same sort of singing, the same sort of music but does that really matter? Its fantastic, thats all that matters, you'd be an idiot not to buy this.

Planet Smashers ROCK! One of the best live ska bands ever!
I saw these guys play live at Warped Tour and they rocked! They may have been stuck on the Volcom stage, but they should have been on a main stage. This CD rocks...Planet Smashers RULE!

best candian ska?
Ska....ahhhh yes good moving ska without all the riff-raff that comes with punk-ska. The lyrics are great and the instrumentation is even better, what can i say? Great ska....five stars...my favorite band. All the albums are great, buy em all.

Simon

OH MAN
Gosh..this cd rules. great ska..very relaxing.

the best song is whinning .. life of the party is pretty good as well..no bad song at all...i heard one song off their other cd [my decision] and i cant get over how great that is..i cant wati to get that cd. i listen more along the lines of less than jake and sublime..which this band is pretty far from in sound..but it is so relaxing to listen too...its great.

KICK BUTT KARATE CHUCK!!!
Totally awsome and worth every penny. Planet Smashers may be unknown but their use of Saxophone and Bass and Trumpets really Kick Butt. Their songs are awsome especially the ones without words. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

My favorite Urge CD
I have all seven of the Urge's CD's and this one is my favorite, sure the album Receiving the Gift of Flavor is good, but this one is still better. My favorite track is Going Down, but I enjoy listening to all the tracks. Once I listened to this CD three times in a row while playing some game (I don't remember which one), and I wasn't tired of listening to it. The tracks on this album are varied in style. Thus MASTER OF STYLES. I have been a hardcore Urge fan for at least three years. The other album's that you can buy off of Amazon are also really good. The other four Urge albums are small, underground albums they made while gaining popularity in St. Louis. If you live in St. Louis you probably can find copies if you look, but if you live out of town you are probably screwed. Bottom line, buy this CD, you will not regret it.

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT
My absolute favorite bands are 311 and Rage Against the Machine. Then I saw the video for "Jump Right In" and not only did I absolutely love the song but Nick Hexum from 311 was in the video. The Urge is a kick *** band, and just the Master of Style's CD but all of their CD's. You should check them out if you like this one. This is the music of the future.

Gotta love the funk-vibe-ska
I saw these guys at a outdoor festival in 1995 at Ak-sar-ben. They r-o-c-k-e-d. They were the third best band there, which is fine, since 311 and Violent Femmes were 2 and 1. The spectacle of seeing this band take a dance break made me fall in love with them right away. When you've got six guys, some of them still holding horns, dancing around the rhythm section, you've got something. I have always like "Jump Right In", and the deeper tracks are rockers too.

Awesome CD
Master of Styles is an awesome cd to rock out to-its really upbeat and gets you going. Very similar to 311.

MO-funk.
Don't know if these guys are together anymore, but they left behind a few decent albums, especially this one. "Master of Styles" is just what it says it is. Parts funk, punk, ska, and a general party vibe. They do remind me of "Fishbone", "311", and others of the kind. Just not as good. The single "Jump right in" is really good though, and probably the best track. I also like "Closer", and "Gene Machine" is an old "Bad Brains" song. If only "The Urge" were as good as their influences. I did see a show of theirs in Missouri once, and afterwards my roommate slept with the singer. I guess she just had the urge. ... Read more

Album Description

Budget-priced 1996 compilation on EMI featuring all of theoutstanding ska band's best for 2 Tone. 16 tracks,including 'Too Much Too Young' (Extended Mix), 'MonkeyMan', 'Enjoy Yourself', 'Man At C&A', 'Little Bitch', 'RatRace', 'Do The Dog', 'Blank Expression', 'A Message To YouRudy', & '(Dawning Of A) New Era'. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is the one to get!
There's plenty of Specials CDs out there, but if you just want one to add to your collection, this is it. The music is great fun, and it never fails to get people dancing. The recording sounds a bit thin on some of the tracks, but it's not bad. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great Ska-core
Best Bosstones album ever.Dicky's gravely,ripping vocals adds to the great combination of punk and ska.Best album out there.Devil's Night Out and Haji are two of the best songs on this cd,although this cd can be listened the whole way through with out skipping any tracks.

old MMB
i first got into MMB with their album LETS FACE IT, and didnt like the next cd i bought by them, QUESTION THE ANSWERS...about a year later, i gave ANSWERS a second listen, and i now love the album...i bought four more bosstones albums, and love them all, as MMB is my favorite band..still, i have found it impossible to find their old stuff, and when i saw this, i had to have it!

this album rocks! you can listen to it straight through, love every song, and just have a great time listening to it...youll sing along, youll rock, youll skank along with the album..buy this album!

if i could give six i would!
this is the bosstones greatest cd ever! it was the first one i ever heard and to this day remains the best...i enjoy their other stuff and own almost every album but this remains my personal fav...not just by them but my favorite ska album!
highly reccomend this to anyone!

Devil rocks
This album is great. Bosstones really know how to play good music. most of the songs are really good, do somethin crazy is the best! I also really like the beginning of 'Hope I Never Lose My Wallet'

get this one, you'll love it

amazing
I hunted for this album for a long time and i was pleased when my efforts were rewarded with an excellent album. Having only heard the live version of the song Devil's night out, i didn't know what to expect of the studio track, because the live one made very little sense. It blew me away. Other excellent tracks are patricia and the cave. Those two tracks are perfectly ordered. The mellow, sad tones of patricia turn into the uplifting beat of the cave.
It's a shame that this band has cycled so many good members. The ones that remain, the Pay attention brethren, are not bad, but are still the weakest ensemble of players the band has seen. i am still waiting for my aunt to invite me to one of their concerts in NY, so i can judge for myself. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A wonderful surprise
This is a great ska band. Ideal summer party music. I have listened to a lot of ska and reggae and this is my favorite ska record in years. Every track on this record is strong. Love the tune Open Season is Closed. If you like ska/reggae you will not be disappointed in this cd.

when your ready for someting better....
kids, odds are you have some musical class, come on guys the OC punk ska deal is cool and all, but when your feet are ready to bounce instead of run into someone in the pit...check this CD out its a traditional ska album, the kind of ska thats tough to hear on the radio cause its slow and associates itself with jazz and reagae instead of skas associate punk, and like the titile says, "its right on time"... so when your tastes buds are looking for a change check it out, odds are you'll like it...max

Brilliant
Having had the pleasure of seeing the band live in Amsterdam I can honestly say they are the best ska band in the world and deserve worldwide recognition.

Uplifting & Fun
Great music to listen to any time and anywhere!!!

Perfect garden party cd.
Read a review of this disc,and took a chance,since I do
not relly go for reggae(ska).When I first listened to this,
I visualized arriving in Jamaica at my hotel,and a band would be playing,but not relly noticing.Sure enough these guys would start digging their way into my head aaaaaaand party time. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

This is one of my favorites
I like this CD! In fact i love this CD! All the ska on here is great. And it would be great if it was only ska. But the Mad Caddies dabble in both punk and swing on this CD, making it all that much better. This cd was one probably the best 11 bucks i ever spent. Don't bother looking for this used, you probably wont find it, and its worth the money new anyway. I would heartly recomend this cd to anybody!

Bravo Mad Caddies!
What a great CD! This release is the best ska Cd I have ever heard! Quality Soft Core was a great release as well, but the Mad Caddies have set themselves aside from all the other trendy ska bands with this release! The horn riffs are the most addicitng lines of music I have ever heard, along with the lyrics and guitar the Mad Caddies have become one of the first "poppy ska" groups around! Theses guys have got it right. Now everyone else has to catch up!

And introducing, da explora
Okay dude you gotta hear this. I went over to Mic's house yesterday and I hear some music that was... I dunno crazy maybe in a way wack. Then he takes the cd and he puts in Mad Caddies and say to me "friend you will enjoy this." Then I did enjoy it after he pressed play. Anyways I'm talking in circles but this is what happened, it was amazing. I said "I don't really like Ska all that much but this is pretty good." He said "good." And I found it good.
-Dr. Charles "biggie" Stevensen

i study music as a career i know what i'm talking about
this album is bad-ass, I am studying for a degree in music, so I know all the qualities that are needed to make a good peice of music. This album is 100% satisfaction guarenteed. the transitions are so tight, you'll never see them coming. The chord structure relays the exact emotion the song is meant to portray. If anyone has any doubts about the mad caddies this album will change your mind. It is one of the few cd's that I can leave in the stereo for a month straight, and listen to it over and over again. Everytime I hear it, I find something else about the soing that makes it better. I never liked ska before, this album changed my mind.

this cd is freakin awesome
seriously. im already addicted to this cd and i just bought it yesterday. ska fans will love it, as well as punk fans.. they bring it together very nicely. my favorite songs are the gentleman and road rash. and to top it off, these guys are amazing live. yeaaah!! buy it. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Tricks are for kids...
Don't listen to a childs review,great songs,new sound.If you like Jake,you'll love this cd.If you love Grease,you'll at least like this cd.Cant lose...

Like LTJ? Like Grease? Then you'll love this!
'Greased' is Less Than Jake's version of the hit movie of the 80's, 'Grease'. It includes 8 great songs covered by Less Than Jake. It's a pity that the CD is only 15 minutes long, but it's still another masterpiece by Less Than Jake.

1. Summer Nights
2. You're the Only One That I Want
3. Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee
4. Greased Lightning
5. Hopelessly Devoted to You
6. Blue Moon
7. Beauty School Dropout
8. We Go Together

big disapointment
With so many Ska bands so famous for their covers, I had the best hopes for this CD but it falls short. It sounds like a hastily thrown together garage band version of these songs rather than often hilarious versions we've come to love from bands like Reel Big Fish.

Save your money on this, less than EP sized, "album".

Good idea, bad attempt
The idea was great, and I think this album would've rocked if they had just put more effort into the songs. They all seem pretty half-assed, and thus, don't sound very good at all. Only get this if you're a big Less Than Jake fan and want all of their albums.

Good idea, just done too fast.
"Wow! Less Than Jake covering Grease! Awesome!"
Or so I thought. This is the most hastily arranged and recorded release I've ever heard in my life. The singing is off key, the guitars are sloppy, the band sounds unrehearsed . . . and there's only one song with horns. When LTJ ever starts to lack in any area, the horns always make it up for them. Not here. If they put any time into these songs at all, it could have been one of their best releases ever. But instead you get a short album that costs way too much full of complete hackneyed [stuff]. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

6stars no 7,8, the greatest
ill keep this short . the slackers are one of those bands whose music defies its genre. its ska but to say just that does a diservice. Fans of superb musicianship and melody will love this cd. track 4 brings me to tears.

timeless, classic ska
even though the slackers were around (before, during, and after) the horrid 3rd wave ska revolution, they are nothing like the skankin' pickle and save ferris mess of the mid 90's... they are one of the best bands i have ever heard. they are brilliant, and truly what ska was intended to evolve into. victor ruggerio has THE sexiest voice i have ever heard in my entire life. "married girl" is one of my all time favorite songs; it is a provocative, swooning ballad with amazing imagery and equally sexy music. "solider" is another one of my favorites; again the slackers demonstrate the ability to make a dark subject incredibly sexy. to sum it all up, this is a quote from my book in progress: "I had a past experience with The Slackers, the one and only ska band that I like, and one of my all time favorite local bands. (One of my favorite East Coast north of New Jersey bands to be exact - I'm a bit of a music fiend.)"

Simply Delicious
The Slackers are amazing musicians, and this album is probably my favorite of theirs on a collective level. If you are new to the Slackers, or ska in general, this album is a fantastic introduction. "Cooking For Tommy" starts the album off with a danceable, instrumental track. "Married Girl" is a classic and catchy Slackers song, and sexy "Soldier" follows it up. "Rude and Reckless" is incredible, while "Come Back Baby" is a favorite love song of mine - acoustic, and just beautiful. Every song in between is great, as well. Again, these guys are just AMAZING. I recommend all of their material, expecially this album.

Get this one
This is definately my favorite Slackers album. I have all of their music, seriously every album on both CD and vinyl, and I have to say without a doubt that Redlight is the best. If you are new to the Slackers, get this one. If you already have The Question or Better Late Than Never or any other one, GET THIS ONE TOO! The Slackers are one of the top five best bands ever!!!!!!

This CD is great!
I ordered this CD because Amazon.com recommended it and I have to thank them. I have a small collection of old school reggae, which includes ska. The CD is great listening and dancing too. It is keeping me awake as I begin anew with the school year. Thank you [Amazon.com]! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

the last of the best
I picked this album up in early '98 towards the end of the third wave of ska run. This album along with Hard Band For Dead symbolize all that waa great about ska in the late 90's. Great tunes. I recommend that you pick up this CD and take a close listen to "Today's a good day". The best song on the album.

Ska Gods and proving it!
OK, linked here from broadcast.com, listening to DLTBGYD right now (at work), I've had this album since it was released and just wanted to drop a few words here saying that all toasters music is great. If you don't have this album, get it, kid! I also recommend the earlier pietasters stuff, plus anything by the bosstones. E-Me for more........

A Decent Ska Disc...
The Toasters seem to stumble on this release. Although they churn out a few catchy beats, the result is an album full of too much filler. Quite a shame.

Ouch
Ska sounds like a dying turkey that got run over by a truck hauling tomatoes.

I love it!
No commen ... Read more

Reviews (7)

All DHC cd's should have a trillion plus stars next to them!
If your just getting started in the ska scene and are wondering whose good and who isn't or your afraid you'll buy a cd and be let down..trust me on this one...DHC is the best! You will NOT be let down in anyway!! with songs like "Babushska" and "blind leading the blind" you just want to stop your car ( or just stop whatever your doing) and skank! The harmonic voices of Elyse and Karina are amazing!! DHC is truly "Better than anything" :o) Do the smart thing and just buy ALL of their cd's! ( I did and I love each and everyone! I would advise you to see them live..they rock! And if you can't see them live buy the Live album!!)

Horns
For people who like ska music, or great harmonies, or FANTASTIC horn sections, this is the best CD around! The first time i heard this CD i was in my friend's car, and we listened to the whole thing through. The moment I got out of the car, I had to hear it again!

This is the DHC I was looking for . . .
I saw them perform once at a free concert at UC Berkeley (ca. 1994) and they always stood out as being awesome, but I never bought their CDs until recently I got Honey I'm Homely from a thrift store for about 50 cents. It was good, but I was hungry for more so I bought THIS cd and I feel like I struck gold. The overall sound has so much more energy than Homely does and the vocals sound more spontaneous and less formulaic -- same with the guitar and rhythm section. One more thing, The Old Record features a standard SKA horn section which I think is a VERY good thing. I sorely missed that on Homely.

Great First Record, Still My Favorite DHC Album
I was first introduced to DHC many years ago with the vinyl version of this record. Just picked up the CD and it still rules. It's still my favorite DHC record -- probably because it was produced by Lint (aka Tim Armstrong, of Operation Ivy and later Rancid) who knows how to keep things shaking. Definitely check them out live if you can.....

Third Wave Ska at its best
This compilation of the Dance Hall Crashers early work is a great sample of the state of the ska revival of the early nineties. All of the songs are listenable, and some truly standout. My favorites are Keep on Running and My Problem. If you can keep from moving on those two tracks you must be dead. A lot of the material deals with relationships, mostly bad ones, but the upbeat music and dueling vocals will make you forget that this could be just another pop record. The group and their pop/ska/punk sound are definitely different than any other and you will either love or hate this album. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

THATS LIFE IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA
A great ska classic from beggining to end. I love this cd all the way and it was the fourth O.C. Supertones i heard. I highly reccomend this album to anyone who loves The Supertones, ska, or The Insyderz. I highly reccomend this album. I highly reccomend this album.

Turn Off the Radio
I am only a teenager and I have been looking to be a better Christian. Jesus is the only way. My buddy Andrew introduced me to the Supertones a while back. Then, he bought me a CD. It is so awesome-and i never get tired of it, either. I don't think i ever could. It is time to stop listening to the pop music out there...like songs that have a bad influence on you. i used to listen to the rap station 24/7, but since i slowly cut back, I don't listen but a couple minutes a day. i encourage EVERYONE to get this-it may sound silly, but it really is so much better for the evolution of your relationship with God, and It's PERFECT ska creole is unbeatable!!!!!!!!!I LOVE SKA!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE THE TONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hehe

This is quality music in every way
I really love the Supertones, and I'd have to say that this is their best CD. The lyrics are amazing; they put out a great message. The best part's gotta be the horns though. They are really clean and do a great job. Dan Spencer is awesome!!! My favorite song on here is "He Will Always Be There", but "Adonai" and "Heaven" are close behind. This band is definitely one to get interested in if you already haven't.

Great, possibly the Best!
This is were it all started for the O.C. Supertones. The firt CD released under toothandnail, before they went to BEC. It is a ska CD, but a very good SKA CD. This is a must buy for ska fans!

Amazing album!!
WARNING: I am not a huge fan of ska, but the fantastic lyrics on this CD eventually won me over. When I first heard I was kind of turned off but eventually the lyrics were so powerful that I couldn't bare to not listen and sing along. Words like "I try to be like God, but when I try I fail, and everytime I fail I know I rail a nail straight into the cross of Jesus, straight into the wrist of Jesus" The depth at which this band knows the LORD is awesome and truly challenging and uplifting. You will truly be blessed by this album. The Lord really used it in my life. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Great album, although a major change in style.
I got this CD a while ago, and listened to it almost constantly this summer. I'm guessing they just felt like messing around with some new styles, and although it gained them a new group of fans... They lost some of their old fans. Who cares, they're making the music they want to make, let them do it. I couldn't help but notice such ignorant comments as "The 'new' sound of the pietasters is awful, if you like this album you obviously dont know anything about true 3rd wave ska." Now, I can understand someone not liking the new sound, but to say that if someone likes this album they know nothing about 3rd wave ska... First of all, that implies that anyone who knows anything about 3rd wave ska, listens to nothing but 3rd wave ska. Completely ignoring the possibility that perhaps someone who's very into 3rd wave ska, also listens to some the other genre's of music that were combined to produce this album. Now, I'm not saying that I'm any ska genius, but I know what I like... I like the Pietasters, I like this album, and I like just about any other decent type of music. If you're looking for something... new, I guess... Then give this album a listen. If you're a fan of the "other" Pietasters sound, you might also wanna give it a shot, unless you hate anything that isn't the "other" sound. I also understand, that there will be people who are open minded about music, but just don't find this album to be very pleasing... Which is fine...

what happened
needless to say the pietasters are up there with hepcat, lets go bowling, and the scoflaws with the pinical of third wave ska. which is itself riddled with some really bad punk with an identity crisis (Orange county scene) but enough of that back to the point of this review... the pietasters live cds and the ground breaking Oolooolooo (or whatever its called) rock seriously they kick ass and show a lot of talent and style, but what the hell happened. i walk into my local cd store, ragin' records and was stoked out of my ska loving gord when i saw a new pietasters album!! i poped it in and hearded the voice of the marboro man, he sounded aweful and what seemed to be a cool ska-soul blend was slaughtered. the cd grew on me--a little but i miss "girl take it easy", "pleausre bribe", and "can i change my mind" so do yourself a favor, save your money and your faith in the pietasters musical talent and pick up stapped live... you'll enjoy it much more

Great Band - Bad Album
The Pietasters are one of my favorite ska bands, but this is just not the Pietasters I know and love. Steve's once soulful voice suddenly sounds like a 60 year old man who's smoked too many cigarettes. Plus, half the songs on the CD have previously been released and were redone on Willis, only worse! Luckily, this album was just one bad apple and all the other Pietasters releases are great! Check out Strapped Live or Oolooloo to see them at their best.

Solid Release From an Innovative Band
The Pietasters are a vastly underrated Ska band. They are the most original and innovative ska around. Every song sounds completely different. Out All Night is a wonderful slower ska song. Fat Sack is a great ska-core song mixing hardcore with well-placed horns and even reggae. Crazy Monkey Women is the most interesting ska song ever made. Just listen to it and you will know what I mean. There is a lot of covers on this cd, the best one being Quicksand. Anyway, give this cd a try if you are a pietasters fan, a ska-core fan, or just looking for something different.

mmmmmmm.........pietasters
I can't recommend this album more. It combines great ska with awesome soul and old school rock to create a deadly combination that will rock your senses. I loved "Oolooloo" as well. This isn't neccesarily a better album than "Oolooloo" (you should definately own both) but it stands out in my mind more. I listen to both equally. See them live if you can. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

You can listen to this 24/7 and not get tired of it
Well, FIF has struck gold. Their last album "All The Hype That Money Can Buy," was sad. A low point for the group. But they have returned to the good times with this CD. This one is by far the best yet and I'm not sure they can out do it. Hope they do.
Song/Rating/Thoughts:

1.Pre-Ex-Girlfriend(9)-Good way to start the CD. Probably the 4th or 5th best song on the record.
2.Far, Far Away(9)-The one that Pre-Ex-Girlfriend contends with for 4th best song on the album. Awesome lyrics, very good sound.
3.You Can't Handle This(10)-My personal favorite, and likely the best song on the CD. You can't get tired of the chorus.
4.Farsighted(9)-Good lyrics, good theme. The verses are awesome.
5.Spartan(9)-Interesting theme, but the lyrics are extremely good. The verses are great, the chorus is good, too.
6.The Day We Killed(9.5)-Most politically inspired song, almost Rage Against the Machine. Just no curse words, and not normal for Five Iron Frenzy like it is for RATM. I like this song probably because I like RATM. Plus the lyrics are very good, especially the verse.
7.Juggernaut(9)-I like this song, especially the chorus. It just reverberates in your head after listening to it ONCE.
8.Plan B(9)-The most upbeat song on the album. Probably the funniest, too.
9.Blue Mix(8.5)-I like the music on this song but the lyrics confuse me. Who is Blue Mix? The verses are good but the song leaves something to be desired: to tell us who Blue Mix is or what it is.

10.Vultures(9.5)-Either this or "The Day We Killed" is the 2nd best song on the CD. The verses are about the best on the album, plus they are sorta funny. Also somewhat political.
11.Car(9)-The music on this song is good. The lyrics are emotional and very heart-felt from what I can tell.
12.Eulogy(9)-The lyrics are great on this song, but I'm not sure why it was written. But it is still a great song.

Well, this CD is probably the most mature album that FIF has writtten. Not as many funny songs and there were on "Quanity is Job 1." Definetly their "best album ever."

Great ska/punk album
Definitely very different from Five Iron Frenzy's other cds, they have almost completely abandoned the traditional ska-style guitar riffing in favor of a much heavier sound, sometimes backing of the horns moreso than they have done in the past. It's still a good CD tho, and not as punk as I feared it would be...every track at least has some horns, even if they are mixed low. This is one of my favorite ska CDs and I think the best Five Iron cd, you should give it a try.

1. "Pre-ex Girlfriend" - I think this is one of the best on the album, heavy riffs with a nice upfront horn section and some silly lyrics

2. "Far Far Away" - A nice chorus even though the verse is a little boring, overall some good riffs and a nice trombone solo

3. "You Can't Handle This" - A nice mellow lead guitar riff, but unfortunately the horns are mixed so far down you have to strain your ears just to hear them...other than that a pretty good song tho, even if its more punk/rock than it is ska

4. "Farsighted" - Pretty good song with a nice chorus, not much more to say about it than that

5. "Spartan" - Definitely one of my favorite tracks on the CD, the verse has sortof a pop-punk feel and the chorus is great, I especially like the horns in this song

6. "The Day We Killed" - Despite the very Rage Against the Machine-ish vocals, this is also one of my favorites, a nice hybrid of hardcore and ska with great lyrics and a passionate chorus, too bad the horns weren't turned up a little more

7. "Juggernaut" - Great chorus with my favorite horn part on the CD, but the verse leaves something to be desired...it's still one of the best tracks, even if I dont know what the lyrics mean

8. "Plan B" - The only real ska-ish song on the whole CD, nice lyrics about giving up and plenty of horns to keep you interested, a good break from all the distortion

9. "Blue Mix" - Heavy song with some great riffs, one of the better tracks

10. "Vultures" - Doesn't really seem to stand out as much as the other tracks, some weird vocals on this one

11. "Car" - A great heavy riff and lyrics about Leonor's dead brother make this one of the better songs on the CD

12. "Eulogy" - A bit of a slow way to end the album but another good track

When you want to rock . . .
An Atlanta band called Loudflower released an album in 1997 entitled "Happy Now?" Their label, Gray Dot Records (Third Day), hoped to cash in on the ska-core craze by signing a band with a knack for writing emotive rock and roll backed by a horn section. No ska rhythms, no rockabilly, no new wave comparisons. Just straight-ahead rock in the Americana realm with some horns in the background, just enough to emphasize melody and structure. <br /> <br /> Five Iron Frenzy has never been one to follow a trend. If, as a serious musician, you didn't read any reviews and delayed in purcahsing "Electric Boogaloo" because you thought it might be as annoying as some of the tracks on "All the Hype that Money Can Buy", join the club. If you also feel stupid for having waited so long to buy it, your feelings of self-deprication are understandable. FIF pushed through with a blistering rock album that emotes without being overly emotive, ponders without being self-important, and satisfies the harder rock yearnings of its base of fans.<br /> <br /> I'm not going to give a blow-by-blow of each song. Suffice it to say that this is one of the stronger, tighter records of FIF's career, second only to their magnum opus "The End is Near". The band understands that for one to rock and still sound viable, one must rock steady if they are to rock at all. The dual-guitar techniques of playing alternate lead riffs opposite the other is still in place here, although the arrangements are somewhat more intricate. The horn arrangements threaten to knock the wind out of you, but don't become annoying or overpowering. Unfortunately, unlike Loudflower's knack for making the horn arrangements part of the structure of each song, FIF's horns seem to be more along the lines of countermelodies, filling space left by sustained vocals and spacious chord progressions. <br /> <br /> Since everything here is pretty much full volume, there's not really much room for the band to move around. It's all in your face, hypoglycemic, ADHD-injected music, and it may be best to take it in small bites rather than swallowing everything whole. Add to the that first four songs sound a little tiresome if you listen to them back to back, as vocalist Reese Roper's vocals are set within the same high range for a significant amount of time. While effective in the songs themselves, combining all of them together can grate on the unassuming ear. Probably the biggest reason why I'm rating this 4 stars instead of 5. <br /> <br /> Otherwise, a major kick-butt album. Buy it now before Christ returns and it's too late.

Not the same as their earlier CDs... but rocks all the same!
If you're looking for ska, then don't look here. True, the horns and lyrics and amazing musical talent of FIF is still in this CD, but it is much, MUCH more rock based then ska. Only number 8, Plan B, sounds at all like their earlier songs. So, if you only want ska, go for an earlier FIF album, but if you want a little more of a "rock-with-horns" feel, then this album rules.

My favorite songs are numbers 2,3,5,9,12; and the only song (the only FIF song so far) that I don't like is number 11, Car.

2. Far, Far Away. This is based on an old song that Reese's mom used to sing to him. This song is seriously awesome. There are biblical references in it alot, and the lyrics are good, but what just blows me away about it is the blending of the music. My favorite part is the second verse where the rythym guitar really kicks in and there are some keyboards. "And Peter was a liar, a traitor just like me. And Judas was a hypocrit, and Paul a Pharisee. When truth can be so distant, and hope evades our reach, Peter swam across the water and found it on the beach."

3. You Can't Handle This. This is an empowerment song to anybody who has ever considered themself to be in anyway a nerd. Just listen to it and you will know what I mean. This is typical Reese Roper lyrics all the way. "And Leonard Nemoy can't stand up to this. And Captain James T. Kirk bows beneath my fist. And I am awesome. Awesome! I am the AWESOMEST!"

5. Spartan. The feelings evoked by this song are best summed up by a quote from my brother: "Man, if I was atheist, that song would make me Christian." Words don't do it justice. This is by far my favorite song on the album. "Jesus, save me, from myself tonight."

9. Blue Mix. This song is a knock on the recording industry, and how it has become all about money. It's a good song, much more on the harder, more rock type sound that pervades this album. The guitar parts are very coo, and there is an awesome bridge near the end of the song with a guitar/drum solo that I love. "Sure you say one thing but your actions tell the truth on you!"

12. Eulogy. There is some speculation as to what this song is about, but I personally think it is a tribute to all those who died at Pearl Harbor. It's a good song, kind of like a history lesson mixed with a prayer. A great way to end the CD. "If Jesus Christ is true, then I am mostly lies. If Jesus Christ is love, then I have failed to try. If Jesus Christ is life, then please just let me die. Let this die!"

All in all, a wonderful CD. All the songs are good, just be warned that this is a pretty new sound for FIF before you buy. But I like it just as much as the old FIF sound. Best of both worlds! And if you like this CD, definitely check out their 2-disc final album, The End is Here, available April 20, 2004.

Great Album, Possibly their best!
Ok, this cd is probably better then the others, but I still haven't decieded. I like it better because FIF is more core and less punk in this one. They keep the brass, which is good, but add more core guitar. The lyrics are the best if you are looking for "maturity" but I would say, for making the best piont their first album is better. This cd is also "darker" if you will, which for me any way is better.

But I would probably say, their last concert live album might turn out to be best. By the way, I was there. heh.

DJ Fantom. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

Though Push 'n' Shove emerged from the Hepcat hepsters in the summer of 2000, it sounds like a long-lost ska classic. They nail the old-school sound with dead-eye precision, but still, somehow, it never sounds derivative. The laid back, low-key groove of "Daydreamin'" and "Gimme Little Sign" are a refreshing reminder of ska's original power in days of frenetic ska poseurs. What a treat. --Tod Nelson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

5 stars should be understood- Hepcat is amazing
OK. So this probably ISN'T Hepcat's best. But so what? It's still amazing, and a fitting final chapter in this band's all-too-short career. The glaring weakness is, of course, the departure of Alex Desert, one of the best vocalists in ska today. However, he does appear as a "guest" lead on "Tek Dat" and "You and I", and for a verse or so on "Comin on Strong" and in the background on "Gimme Little Sign." This is not to say Greg and Deston aren't also very good; it's just the sound is incomplete. Raul Talavera (alto sax)'s departure is less noticeable, as the equally excellent Kincaid Smith and Efren Santana can carry the album horns-wise. To the songs:

1. Push n' Shove 4/5 Weakest song on the album.

2. Tek Dat 5/5 Lord Funny cover. Great, but can't understand a word of it.

3. Lude 1 2/5 Too-short dub track #1.

4. Prison of Love 5/5 Karina Denike of the DanceHall Crashers sings this one. Almost as good as the original, but very different.

5. The Ronnie 5/5 Solid instrumental. Some good guitar work.

6. Daydreamin' 5/5 Very doo-wop influenced.

7. Comin on Strong 6/5 My favorite. Sounds like a Temptations song. Everyone sings lead on this.

8. You and I 5/5 Beautiful slow reggae ballad. No horns, though.

9. Beautiful 5/5 Great fast jazz-samba. Rhythm section shines.

10. The Region 5/5 EXTREMELY catchy. Just try to not sing along.

11. Gimme Little Sign 4.5/5 Brenton Wood cover. Good, but not the best here.

12. Lude 2 2/5 Again, too short.

13. The Spins 4/5 Alright instrumental.

14. Live On 5/5 Fitting last song from the band. Very relaxing, positive lyrics.

This is the most available Hepcat album, but my suggestion is to get them in chronological order, to best represent the band's evolution.

Highly recommended.

Ska roots
Somebody had to do it. In the late '90s, while third-wave ska bred new faces and new categories -- ska-punk, ska-core and others -- Hepcat stayed the traditional way, remaining faithful to a kind of rootsy purity. This purity wasn't based on snottiness or exclusivisity -- everyone, by all means, is invited to Hepcat's party -- but based on a determination that some music is timeless.

Push N' Shove's 14 songs showcase a skilled refinement of Hepcat's formidable talents and appeal. As the band hones its blend of smooth Caribbean melodies and the bluebeat and rocksteady sounds pioneered by the Skatalites, Desmond Dekker and Bob Marley in Kingston, Hepcat confidently finds its own unmistakable traits, rediscovering pre-ska influences of 1950s' soul, R&B and jazz.

Spanning the genres of Jamaican-styled R&B, soul, rocksteady, and ska-Hepcat has skillfully spanned many musical styles to create an all-inclusive sound that pays homage to the roots, while reshaping and innovating ska music. "Hepcat is beautiful, dey should go all de way-it's right on time!"

This album is simply, the best. A must get!

A Simply Amazing Ska Album
This is the latest, and in my opinion the greatest release from Hepcat to date. The tracks flow flawlessley through, in a perfect arrangment. Each song is a wonderful thing in its own way, this album should not be missed by any person. Even is you are a true fan of ska, or just looking for something different, I assure you, this album will not be a disapointment.

Old school revived
Put this CD on and close your eyes and you'd think it was Jamaica circa 1965. Truth is these guys are contemporary rude boys who sing and play in the tradition of such ska old schoolers as Toots and the Maytals. There are no sweet voices to accentuate the backbeat, like Culture from back in the day, nothing but gravely voiced rootsy vocals coming from the pipes of Deston Berry for the most part. The exception is the sweet stylings on "Live On" that sounds like something that the Mighty Diamonds might have recorded. For the most part this sounds like vintage ska, with the exception being the obligatory dub thrown in and a curiously latin sounding number. The strength of this CD is the simplicity of lyrics, strong vocals all backed by a tight horn section that compliments the back beat to near perfection. The influence of do-wop is evident in a manner chacteristic of the R&B influences that energized and influenced early ska bands. These rude boys now their musical roots. The sound is true to the original rock steady influences, unlike the pop flavored endeavors of some recent bands. Can something that sounds old sound refreshing? The answer is a resounding yes, when the ordinary sounds like all the rest, the exception sounds extraordinary. These guys rock, well not rock, they rock steady. My personal favorite from this cool set is "Gimme Little Sign," with it's sound like it is straight from the shanty towns of Kingston. Other faves include, "Live On," guest vocalist's Karina Denike's version of "Prison of Love" and the soulfull "You and I." This is pure ska, to be appreciated by those that like their music as it was intended to be, without gimmicks or posing. This is pure soul for your listening pleasure, grab a Red Stripe or something refreshing and sit under the shade of a palm tree and you'll swear you're in Jamiaca, yeah mon! If you like true ska you'll love this 2000 incarnation.

I didn't now Ska/Rocksteady could be this good!
Oh my, this is by far the best ska/rocksteady album i have ever heard. The things i like about this cd are that the music stays true to its roots. It doesn't go down the road of ska-pop, like a lot of the ska bands of today. I also like that they got Karina Denike from Dance Hall Crashers to sing "Prison of Love".I think all the lyrics are written with meaning and power unlike a lot of music. I also think that the way the music is played is great. If you have the money and like ska i would definitly buy Hepcat's Push 'n Shove ... Read more

Reviews (42)

So Many Great Songs for So Little $!
If you're a fan of the Punk-O-Rama series, #5 is no different. If you like TRUE punk rock, and you're willing to part with 4 bucks, then you'll get 28 songs from 28 great punk bands like NOFX, Pennywise, Zeke and Guttermouth. The great thing about Punk-O-Rama is that several of the songs are ONLY available on this CD, which makes the price of the CD worth it in itself. This CD is well worth the investment...if you like TRUE punk rock...no Lit or Blink here.

The Best Punk-O-Rama Ever
i have all 7 punk-o-rama's, and this is definitely the best. as always, the CD has a great song by NOFX. the millencolin song was addictive. this band called vision made what was perhaps the best song on the album. guttermouth, recently signed from nitro, featured a great song from their new album. osker, who have unfortunately broken up after an interesting career that ended when they could no longer find a drummer, did an awesome song. H20 made one of the best songs, but they no longer feature a hardcore/punk sound. instead, somehow, they have been reduced to pop-punk tatters. madball, practically their brother band, followed H20 up well with a similar sound, but luckily they have not followed their counterparts down the drain. i dunno what refused were on when they wrote their song, but its actually pretty good when you're in the mood for some crazy mix (however, not punk at all). voodoo glow skulls made an interesting little number that is not punk at all either but its still good to listen to (a little corny though). pennywise's song was one of their best ever. the hives song was great (too bad they're not underground anymore - too popular). other good songs were by all, T(I)NC, rancid, dwarves, 98 mute, bouncing souls, satanic surfers, pulley, union 13, new bomb turks, and agnostic front. so as you can see, this cd was the closest to a perfect compilation you will ever find. but there is no such thing as a perfect mix, so you're just gonna have to settle with this cause there will never be anything better. POR5 inspired me to buy CDs by NOFX, guttermouth (i now have every single guttermouth album, including old 7-inches), osker, 98 mute, H20 (unfortunately i bought their new one, not knowing that they had undergone their drastic change. but i got a t-shirt free that says 'PUNK U', so oh well), dropkick murphys, pennywise, pulley, the hives, and agnostic front. now THAT is a good compilation. you must buy it.

sweet
This is by far the best punk o rama... best songs are pump up the valuum, poison, better be women, guilty by assoiciation and prob some other ones... good comp

The BEST Punk-O-Rama Cd Ive heard!
Ive heard 4, 5 , 6 and this one is the best one. Songs Like Pump Up The Valium , Slow Motion Riot , 1.80 down , Panic , Riot Riot Upstart , and Good Rats make this cd a classic. And for only 5 dollars you can own some of the best modern punk rock. I usually only listen to classic punk but this made me realize that modern punk rock is good too. Get this and you wont be dissapointed!

You've tried the rest, now try the best...
I have listened to all of the Punk-O-Ramas, One through Seven, and have been thoroughly impressed by most of them. However, this particular POR is the best. 28 tracks, and only one doesn't belong (Refused, but that's just becuase it's not remotely punk). That is a remarkable accomplishment for any compilation, and what makes this one better is that all the other songs just plain rock. All the songs, apart from the refused, are worth the six bucks I paid for this while looking for checkered shoelaces and whale hightops in Zumiez. The second best part of this CD is that I bought it new for the price I usually pay for used CD's at my favorite used music (vinyl through plastic) stores. The best part of this CD is that I was able to discover some new bands which really rock. I listen to this CD while taking math tests, riding my lovely city's public transportation system, talking with friends, doing homework, researching stuff for my college-prep classes, balancing chem equations or even sleeping. It's that good. I won't tell you which tracks are best, that duty is left up to the individual listener, but my favorites are spread all over, from NOFX to Millencolin to New Bomb Turks to Agnostic Front, with many in between...I genuinly love to listen to this CD. I definetly think this is better than the latest release, POR 7. Buy it if you have the money...It's worth it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great
Great new cuts or should I say old cuts of songs that were already great. I love hearing the different ways bob can sing a song. >peace. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Bay Area's Dance Hall Crashers were originally founded as a ska band and side project by Rancid members Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, but the group evolved through several permutations into a pop-punk band with no Rancid members. The Dance Hall Crashers' major-label debut, Lockjaw, is full of staccato guitar riffing and impatient complaints about authority, but it's all set to irresistibly catchy melodic hooks. As with Green Day, the contradiction between the unhappy lyrics and the deliriously happy music comes across as a remarkably healthy response to an unhealthy social environment. Here, that response is given a fresh twist by the chirpy, twin lead vocals by Elyse Rogers and Karina Denike and by the remaining traces of Caribbean rhythms. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Even Guys Can Like It! Don't Worry, It's OK!
Alright, I'm a 17(18 on the 26th)-year old guy and I love this CD. It's the only DHC I have, but I've heard other songs by them. I'm sure any guys out there who like DHC are afraid to admit it. Well, DHC is no different from other punk/ska bands. After all, it was Rancid who put them together. The only quality making them "girly" is their vocals. THAT'S IT! Cm'on! They have good songs here! My fav being a split between "Go" and "Pictures". Get this CD. You'll see what I mean.

GRRRRREAT!
WOW! Thats all i can say is WOW! This is the CD that got me into DHC and i think its their best one EVER!! This album is waaaay better that "The Old Record" and "HIH". All the songs are great! My fave would be "Pictures" and "Good For Nothing" GO BUY THIS CD NOW!!!! I find myself listening to this CD over and over.You guys better buy 2 cause the first one is gonna run out!

What a shocker...
I found this CD in a bunch of burned CDs a friend was throwing away. It was the first one I picked up, and I let her keep the rest. After I found out who exactly I was listening to I rushed to buy the real CD. The entire Lockjaw album is upbeat and catchy, and is one you can listen to over and over. The harmonies are fun, and the band builds a solid backbone behind the girly duo. Pay special attention to the song GO- it's my personal favorite, and a good starting point for anyone looking to love DHC.

no...
I won't get into a negative review like I'd do for the Backstreet Boys or *N'Sync, but still, DHC isn't what you'd call a good punk band (in my opinion). I admit, I like Buck-O-Nine. I like Green Day. And believe it or not, I LOVE Rancid! I've even started wearing a Tim Armstrong-like mowhawk! But as for the Dance Hall Crashers, no. The song "Sticky" has the strangest lyrics ("Take the knife out of my back/clean the blade and put it back"). even a Slayer fan like me finds that weird, probably because it's being sung by a chick. The 2 girls definetly aren't fun to look at either. They're both extremely pail with dark red lipstick. Real female punk is Joan Jett, The Donnas, Patti Smith, you know, singing about rock & roll and boys and pissing and stuff and not songs about other girls with mental problems. To me, DHC's style has nothing to do with real punk. Now, since I like punk, even ska punk, I hope DHC sells well, but I wouldn't bother buying one of their albums.

DHC's Lockjaw a MUST HAVE in my book...
Wrote this review because, quite simply this album is MONSTER POP, just insane giddiness, harmonies reminiscent of X with the lead singer in lower octaves, grass roots appeal.. just totally throws it out there, hilarious punk rock humor... They draw on soooo much great great music... they are really step wayy over the boundary of just a ska band... The lyrics, harmonies and solid band really took me by surprise... they can really tear it up. Songsss are anthems harmonized by cynical gurls who tell it the way it is, my favorite song keeps changing.... I have been listening to if for the better part of a year, and have never taken it out of rotation... This band really has it going on. Get the album. Tell your friendz... They totally deserve your support... Totally entertaining, CD is destined to be a classic. Songs are wayyy too good not to be... I listened to one other album by them, maybe Honey I am Homely... but this one is my fav so far... Holds it's very own place in my music collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Over the course of four CDs, this is the essential musical history of the loudest island in the world, with the emphasis on essential. It starts in the time before ska, and brings it all up to the dominance of dancehall in the '90s. Along the way there's ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dub; 95 great tracks, every single one a classic. About the only major artist not represented is Lee Perry, and his productions sneak in there. Steve Barrow's notes will carry you through the story. This is about as perfect as they come, in both form and content. Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The perfect way to start your collection
I was a little worried when I got this that it was going to be slanted more in the direction of Island records contributions to distributing reggae music. However, I'm pleased that this collection is very well rounded and covers everything from the time before ska to 1993 ragga.

Really, there isn't a bum track on anyone of the 4 cds. Almost every track was an importaint Jamacian 45 and listening to the set all the way through, you can hear the progression of Jamacian music from the Folkes Brother's more traditional "Oh Carolina" to Shaggy's ragga revival of it in the 90's.

This set was a huge eye opener to me and has exposed me to a lot of artists I knew little about. The only thing I can find wrong is there really isn't any dub represented. Also, why not one Peter Tosh tune? Other wise, you have an essential set which will help any newbie figure out what to check out next.

Small island, big music
If you like Reggae and you've just stumbled on this album or someone mentioned it to you, consider yourself lucky. You have arrived. This 4 CD box set can legitimately claim the title 'The Story of Jamaican Music'. It is THE definitive collection and no serious music collector should pass it up.

Marley, Tosh, Jimmy Cliff and Bunny Wailer may be the Reggae artistes that are best known but they only scratch the surface of Jamaican music. Reggae itself is only part of the story. Here is the whole story from Ska and Rock Steady in the 50's and 60's through the great era of Reggae singers and bands in the 70's to the emergence of DJ's and Dancehall in the 80's and early 90's. Perhaps the only thing missing may be some Dub poets like Linton Kwesi Johnson and Mutaburuka but let's not quibble, it's as close to complete as makes no difference.

Each and every of the twenty plus tracks on each CD was a hit in it's time, and yet many of them are impossible to get a hold of now. Even with time and money on hand you would not be able to put together a similar compilation. In addition the story is told in a colourful and heavily illustrated 65 page history that comes with the set. Lastly, Chris Blackwell (of Island Records fame) as Executive Producer, ensures that this is a high quality product.

An AMAZING BOX SET
I bought this CD set on a whim in 1993. It is one of the most amazing impulse purchases I have ever made!!! You hear the development of a nation's music. Great written info and pics accompany the 4 CDs - it adds color and background. But to fully appreciate the roots of ska and reggae, you just kick back and listen to the cds, from song one on cd one. Truly a journey.

Catch A Fire!
All I've got say about this album is: WOW!

Rock It Steady!

Brilliant ..it's got to be part of your collection
The best compilation ever. I have no words to describe it but brilliant and awesome. I thought THE FRONT LINE was great but this ...wow.....BUY BUY BUY ... Read more