Ajiaco (The Remix Album) - Ska Cubano

Advantages: Top of the range Skacore
Disadvantages: Hard to join in with

...Made up from members of Catch 22 and One Cool Guy, this album really does show the experince and talent of all the musicians. This album is very different to most ska revival albums, in that, despite its bouncy feel throughout, it is lyrically far darker than any other mainstream ska band. The closest relateable band would be Howards Alias. Throughout this album you can pick up easily on their influences, as, while reminiscent of the 80's ska scene, it is far more obviously linked with Spanish flamenco stylings. This is especially apparent in the first track 'Everything Went Numb'. The song Point/Counterpoint almost sounds like a remix of the Catch 22 classic Keasbey Nights, in lyrical content and style. The main difference between Streetlight Manifesto and many other Skacore bands, is their apparent mastery of timing, which they use all... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great album, both in quality and
Disadvantages: If you are looking for a great Ska album, there are no disadvantages.

...No Apologies - Skunks This is an album that is in constant rotation in my frequently listened to CD. I came across it on accident, one of the best accidents I have ever made. The last song is a remix of the first, only making you want to listen to the whole thing again. Between the begining and end, The Skunks attack your ear drums and toe tapping nerves with a constant barrage of upbeat NYC style ska (of the Toasters) mixed with the west coast style ska (of Hepcat). The albu takes you from the summer of 1969, when ska was taking off in the 1st wave jamaican ska through the 2Tone of the 70's and 80's, into the 90's 3rd wave and back home to jamaica with a little NYC flare. The Skunks have very little transcribbed recognition, but to those who know Ska and know the best of the best, The Skunks are a must have.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: a must have collection
Disadvantages: for clash nutters only I think

...this is a collection of their B-sides and it suprised me because most of the songs are good enough to feature on their albums. The songs at the start really rock 1977 in particular, then towards the middle they change pace prefering to mix dub versions of the singles but I found these very good aswell especially Robber Dub, a dub version of bank robber and Mustapha Dance is a very funky re-mix of Rock the Casbah. This album is very much for a hardcore clash fan who has got all the proper albums and is gagging for more since they split up. The story of the clash isnt enough but on Super Black market every track was new to my ears as the album goes on your can definatley hear the change in style from punk to ska.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful