Average Rating:

.

Swinging the Blues Dancing the Ska

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Jools Holland

November 07, 2005
After the trilogy of Friends albums Jools returned with an album where the style and tone of the music was more suited to the big band sound of his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. I was hoping he reverted to being the main singer but he shares the vocal duties with his regular female vocalists Sam Brown and Ruby Turner with a star turn by Beverly Turner and two with Solomon Burke including his greatest creation `Everybody Needs Somebody to Love'.

I think the album works best with the arrangement of the instrumental numbers and the songs which Jools sings but some of the guest vocalists are given sympathetic arrangements particularly Ruby Turners ambitious take on Dylan's `Blowin' in the Wind'.
Not a total return to form but still ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

The Specials

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Specials

March 25, 2002
This is my favourite of the 2 Specials albums. 'More Specials' is quirkier, but this is equally fun and more up-tempo. I love to leap around to this record at every oportunity, (much to the annoyance of my neighbours). I could wiffle on about all of the profound lyrics and such and Terry Hall's deadpan style, but once you buy this record then you will find out for yourself. Suffice to say that this record is well worth getting for your collection. If you like that 2 tone sound, then it really doesn't get any better than this. And at this price it is a steal!!!!

Average Rating:

.

The Specials Singles: the Best of the Specials

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: The Specials

August 27, 1991
The Specials Singles is just that containing at least the a-sides of the 45's of one the greatest bands of all time. Opening with one of the strongest debut single of all time `Gangsters' it moves through double `a' side `Rudi, a Message to You' and `Nite Klub' to the first side of there live EP `Too Much Too Young' and the Skatalite inspired `Guns of Navarone'.

Stand alone single `Rat Race' is next before we move into less comfortable territory with double `a' `Stereotype' b/w `International Jet Set' and then `Do Nothing'. The magnificent `Ghost Town' is next together with both of its equally good b-sides `Why?' and `Friday Night, Saturday Morning'.

The quality drops as Terry Hall, Neville Staples and Lynval Golding leave to ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Best of Ska

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Various Artists

October 22, 2001
This is a top ska collection, it contains plenty of classics including a few from the godfathers of SKA music, The Specials. Defenite stand out tracks are Rat Race, Rudy, a message to you and Ghosttown.
Its cheap and you get over 50 tracks to chose from, there has to be some you like in that lot!

Average Rating:

.

20 Massive Hits

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Toots and the Maytals

March 13, 2000
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic. ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

The Best Of

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: The Specials

March 31, 2008
Comprising an excellent greatest hits collection with a dvd of live performances and promo videos, this compilation is essential. Unless you're a big fan or completist this package contains everything you could want from The Specials' enduring legacy. Much of their music still sounds vital and contemporary. Along with The Beat's recent 2 cd compilation, You Just Can't Beat It (and maybe The Selecter's greatest hits), you have a capsule history of the late 70s/early 80s ska revival. Recommended.

Average Rating:

.

Walking In The Sunshine - The Best Of Bad Manners

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Bad Manners

May 26, 2008
This makes a great addition to a CD collection, both for die hard fans and nostalgic casual listeners. Surprisingly witty and well though out lyrics.

Average Rating:

.

Trojan Ska Box Set

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Various Artists

July 04, 1996
3 CDs of absolute classic ska. With the sheer volume of tracks this set provides, its a bargain. This is the real deal.A good cross section of Jamaican ska, with some tracks better known than others (perhaps) but don't let that put you off. If you have only heard the tracks that have also appeared on other ska compilations & you liked them, then the rest of this collection is a must.
This is a really expansive collection of quality ska music & Trojan have done a great job in selecting the tracks for this set.If you enjoy this , then the Rude Boy box set is also worth a punt.

Average Rating:

.

Pressure Drop: The Definitive Collection

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Toots & The Maytals

February 26, 2008
3 CDs of absolute classic ska. With the sheer volume of tracks this set provides, its a bargain. This is the real deal.A good cross section of Jamaican ska, with some tracks better known than others (perhaps) but don't let that put you off. If you have only heard the tracks that have also appeared on other ska compilations & you liked them, then the rest of this collection is a must.
This is a really expansive collection of quality ska music & Trojan have done a great job in selecting the tracks for this set.If you enjoy this , then the Rude Boy box set is also worth a punt.

Average Rating:

.

And Out Come the Wolves

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Ska
by: Rancid

May 09, 1996
I swear you will not find a better summery album anywhere. Put this mix of punk and ska on and you can feel the sun shining even in the middle of winter.
Please don't be put off by the fact that the band are called Rancid, even if you are not into 'punk' this album is amazing musically (especially the bass playing).
This album has to be one of the best i've ever heard, so do yourself a favour and buy it.