Reviews
Ska Favorites of 2009 - Part 1
Another year has passed and with it has come plenty of new ska releases. While I certainly have not listened to all of the mounds of ska unleashed on the public in 2009, what I can do is share with you some of my favorites thus far. These are the sounds that have been on heavy rotation on my playlist and continue to keep me entertained into 2010. Hopefully I'll be able to turn you on to some new ska that you may have missed and maybe some of you can offer me recommendations as well.
Just click through to start reading the first part of my list of favorite ska releases of 2009.
Ska Favorites of 2008 (Part 2)
We are quickly approaching the halfway point of 2009. The passage of time allows us to reflect upon music in a deeper way. Sometimes our affections grow as we listen to and process music over an extended period. Other times, we may grow tired of music that once excited us.
In part 2 of this series of posts (click here for part 1), I present some more of my favorite ska releases of 2008 that have thus far withstood the test of time. Hopefully this may turn you on to some gems that you may have missed. You are encouraged to chime in with your thoughts and your own nominations.
Aggrolites IV – First Impressions
With the Aggrolites’ new album IV due out in less than 2 weeks and a Philly gig following it on June 20th (at least for the 21+ crowd), there are surely plenty of fans out there dying to groove to some new tunes. They tease us now with 2 full-length tracks available for download: The Sufferer and Tear That Falls. Both show a lot of promise, but how has the entire album stack up?
Ska Favorites of 2008 (Part 1)
We are quickly approaching the halfway point of 2009. The passage of time allows us to reflect upon music in a deeper way. Sometimes our affections grow as we listen to and process music over an extended period. Other times, we may grow tired of music that once excited us.
In this series of posts, I present some of my favorite ska releases of 2008 that have thus far withstood the test of time. Opinions may vary, so be sure to chime in with your thoughts and feel free to share your favorites. Hopefully this will help bring attention to releases that some may have missed.
Review: Channel One - Pose & Posture
Pose & Posture is the premiere album from the six-piece band Channel One and has been released by Megalith Records. The band hails from San Antonio, Texas and its influence can clearly be heard in their music. This is Texas ska: contemporary ska combined with country-style compositions and delivery. It is something a little different, yet also familiar. In short time the album rose to become one of my favorite releases so far this year with a secure position on my playlist. Click through for the full review...
Review: Roy Ellis - When Those Skins Come Marchin' In (7-inch)
Liquidator Music's (Spain) latest single comes from legendary skinhead reggae frontman Roy Ellis. His is the voice behind the classic Symarip tune "Skinhead Moonstomp". This time around he has a similarly geared tune.
Review: The One Night Band - Hit & Run
A review of The One Night Band's brand new album entitled Hit & Run is now available. The album is on Stomp Records and goes on sale today, October 7th.
Ruder Than You EP Previewed
On March 8th, Ruder Than You held a private party in celebration of the completion of the band's new EP. I got to hear the CD in its entirety and am ready to report back to the PhillySka community.
Click through for the full report...
Essential Ska Albums of 2007
This past year was a great one for the ska genre. We were treated to arguably the best year of ska releases in a number of years. Consequently, culling through all of them in order to pick out the best is no easy task. It is safe to say though that these selected albums are certainly worth exploring by fans and may be great entry points for those not so familiar with the genre.
Discussion is strongly encouraged. Please feel free to nominate any albums not included, to confirm some of your own favorites on the list, or to contest any items that appear.
Click through for the complete list...