Cruel Britannia - Selecter (The)

Advantages: Some slickly produced Hip Hop music, Gym Class Heroes never fail to impress.
Disadvantages: Some of the music may be a little too commercial in sound for some.

...Hip Hop band Gym Class Heroes formed in New York back in 1997. In December 2001 they independently released their first album '...For The Kids', it was not until 2005 however that they would release their second; 'The Papercut Chronicles' through Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance. 'As Cruel As School Children' is their third studio album to date and was released in 2006, again through Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance. The album contains fifteen tracks and the track titles are set out like a school day. Starting with '1st Period' and ending with 'Detention', this is one day of school that I certainly shan't be forgetting in a hurry. If you're familiar with the work of Gym Class Heroes then you'll know that they have a tendency to borrow heavily from other artists. 'Clothes Off' for example takes its original hook from Jermaine Stewart's hit... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A brilliant collection of one of the greatest ever ska bands
Disadvantages: your own faveourites might be missing.

...The Selecter are one of the best, and yet understated Ska Bands of the late 70's and 80's. They have a unique sound that is quite different from other ska music that was around at the same time such as one of the most famous ska bands 'The Specials'. The Selecter combine the off-beat sound of two-tone ska with the unique and brilliant voice of Pauline Black to create a great outcome. If you have not heard of the sound of Ska it might be described as English Reggae, originating in coventry. Another famous Ska band are Madness. Up beat, happy and 'dancable'. The band have been inspirational to many famous modern artists such as Gwen Steffani, and were invited to tour with No Doubt as support. Basment Jaxx have also covered the famous hit 'On My Radio' as an album track. This album is a 'best of' collection and comrises of all... Read review

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Advantages: A fun alternative and eclectic sounding album
Disadvantages: None

...start to finish. Even the tracklistings are set out like a school day which is interesting.... The track listing for the as cruel as school children is as follows 1st Period: The Queen and I 2nd Period: Shoot Down the Stars 3rd Period: New Friend Request 4th Period: Clothes Off! Lunch: Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 1 - Gym Class Heroes, 6th Period: Viva La White Girl 7th Period: 7 Weeks - William Beckett, Gym Class Heroes 8th Period: It's OK, But Just This Once! Study Hall: Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 2 10th Period: Biters Block - Gym Class Heroes, Speech Yearbook Club: Boys in Bands Interlude 12th Period: Scandalous Scholastics - Gym Class Heroes, Kids of Crush High 13th Period: On My Own Time (Write On!) Detention: Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 3... Read review

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