Ska News
Jump Up - October Releases and Those On The Horizon
The Chicago-based Jump Up Records has been cranking out ska for over 15 years now and continues to be a reliable, American source of great music.
This month sees the release of 2 limited-edition LPs. The first is the reissue of the legendary trombone-man Rico's Ghetto Rockers Dub that was originally released in 1977 on the Blue Note label. It includes the original hand-written text replicated on the labels of the record and is limited to only 300 copies. The other release is a tribute to the late Michael Jackson courtesy of The Drastics. MJ A Rocker is an effort that overlays the vocals of MJ in 6 songs on top of fresh reggae backing music. Though a bit rushed, it works surprisingly well. You can give the whole thing a listen via Podomatic.
In addition to the forthcoming Wareika Hill album (now available for pre-order), plenty more is in the works. Expect to see new albums from the Green Room Rockers, The Israelites, Monkey, and Dub Is A Weapon. LP issues will include Mr. T-Bone and Tommy Tornado. Finally, there is also a Chris Murray and Baby Love & The Van Dangos split 7-inch.
Wareika Hill's Debut CD - Coming Soon!
One of Philly's finest ska and reggae bands is finally on the way to releasing their debut CD. Wareika Hill's self-titled album is set to be released by Jump Up Records. We've been hearing these tunes at the shows for years, so we're definitely excited to finally be able to take them home.
The CD can be pre-ordered right now from Jump Up for only $10 (includes shipping).
Last Martyrs to Open for Streetlight Manifesto Tonight
With little time to spare, the Trocadero has finally gotten around to confirming that Last Martyrs of a Lost Cause will be opening for Streetlight . The show is tonight, Thursday, September 17th.
The final lineup consists of: Streetlight Manifesto, Outernational, Echo Movement, and Last Martyrs of a Lost Cause. Check the Shows page for all the info.
New Ruder Than You Album Now Streaming
The release of Ruder Than You's latest full-length album is only a week away (9/19). However, now you can get a jump on listening to Creation Sounds. It has been posted by the band in its entirety for all to preview. Head on over to their iLike page to give it a listen.
The new album will become more widely available come October when it makes its way onto the Web via iTunes and other outlets.
9/19 - Ruder Than You CD Release
Coming on Saturday, September 19th, Ruder Than You will be celebrating the release of its 4th full-length album entitled Creation Sounds. The action takes place on the main stage at the World Cafe Live where they will be joined by fellow Philadelphia locals Wareika Hill and the Philly Reggae Girls.
It's an all ages show with tickets on sale right now.
New Pama International Due In October
Pama International is one of the hottest ska/reggae/dub acts on the UK scene right now. It is a collective of ska vets including Lynval Golding (The Specials), Sean Flowerdew (The Loafers, Intensified), and Finny and always featuring a number of big name guests.
Outernational marks the group's 6th full-length release and is set to be released on October 19th. Its sound is described as the dub of King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry meets the soul of Stax. Co-producing the album is John Collins who you may know from his work on the Specials' "Ghost Town" single. Guests include Lenny Bignell (Lord Large), Gary Alesbrook (Kasabian), Fuzz Townshend (Bentley Rhythm Ace/PWEI), Mike Lesirge (Alice Russell), and Sir Horace Panter *The Specials).
You can give both sides of the first single from the album, "Happenstance", a listen on Pama International's MySpace.
Jump Up's Independence Day Sale
This Independence Day weekend only, Jump Up has instituted a storewide 20% discount on its eBay store.. This covers everything from label releases to rare vinyl to the many import releases from other labels. It really makes for some great prices, so don't miss out!
Additionally, Jump is also offering a collection of 30 CDs from its back catalog for $30. It's a great way to get caught up in quickly and inexpensively. There is also an offer for the vinyl fans among us for 6 of the label's most recent LPs for $40 which includes: Deal's Gone Bad, Lady Ann, The Toasters, The Drastics, Dub Is A Weapon, and a remix mashup of Deal's Gone Bad vs. The Drastics.
New Album from Big D Out July 7th
Big D and the Kids Table is releasing a new album to coincide with their stint on the Warped Tour. Fluent In Stroll is described as being "a mix of hopscotch, double dutch, soul, ska, and reggae". It is supposed to be closest to their sound on Shot By Lammi. The album drops on Tuesday, July 7th.
RTY Videos - New and Old
Ruder Than You has posted videos of their entire 20th anniversary show set from May 8, 2009 which are split up by song.
Additionally, they have posted 5 retro videos. These are from 1990, 1991, 1995, and 1997. Check out what they were like back in the day.
Deal on the 3 Latest Stubborn CDs
Stubborn Records has listed a deal which allows you to get its 3 most recent CD releases for the pre-sale rate provided that you buy them together. It comes out to $9 each. These include:
- Bomb Town - Interrobang
- Sic & Mad (Slackers side project) - Songs for the Revolution
- Hub City Stompers - Ska Ska Black Sheep
To take advantage of the offer, order direct from Stubborn here.