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| JUMP UP @ JUMP UP Roy Ellis aka Mr. Symarip, original lead singer of the great early reggae band which recorded under the names: The Pyramids, Symarip, The Bees and others, is releasing an album this summer. The album is entitled, "Skinheads Dem A Come". The American release will be on Jump Up Records. Also, Mr. Symarip has a website with info on his upcoming release and a lot more. Take a look. It's great. www.symarip.com Lord Mike's Dirty Calypsonians are a fairly new band (playing strictly calypso) formed by ex-Deals Gone Bad vocalist, Mike Park. They just finished up their debut album soon to be released on Jump Up Records. I'm excited for this one. The band added two new studio tracks(Rub my, and Drunk and Disorderly) to their my space. DIRTY CALYPSONIANS MYSPACE Jump Up will also be releasing new albums by Deals Gone Bad, The Drastics(2 CD set), Firebug, Stingers ATX, The Israelites, Skapone, and Dr. Ring Ding(The Best of). http://www.jumpuprecords.com/ |
HELLCAT SHOWS SOME SKA LOVE
- The Aggrolites newest and first release for HellCat Records is self titled and due for release May 9. 19 Tracks of Dirty Reggae ready to hit you
hard. There is a great write up on the Epitaph site @ http://www.epitaph.com.- The Slackers latest release, "Peculiar", was released February 21. The music, and song writing on, "Peculiar", reminds me of a cross between, "The Question", and Vic's solo material. It's an excellent release. Stand out tracks are "Peculiar", "What Went Wrong", "Sauron", "In Walked Capo", "Crazy", "86 The Mayo", "Keep It Simple", and last but not least the acoustic track, "I'd Rather Die Happy". The Slackers website has undergone a update and they have posted their video for, "Keep It Simple". theslackers.com -Westbound Train Signs With Hellcat! It has been confirmed by Epitaph that Westbound Train has been added to Hellcat Record's roster. The band recorded their third album, "Transitions", in California last month with Brian Wallace from See Spot/Mobtown/Penny Reel Junction at Rockwell Sounds Studios. In similar news, Westbound Train's, "Five To Two", is being reissued by Stomp Records(Canada) and Ska in the World(Japan). |
| VERSION CITY HAS A POSSE King Django, Stubborn Records and Version City (www.stubbornrecords.com) have been in overdrive for the past year. The online store has been adding a ton of things and it seem as if the vaults have finally opened up, letting loose a bunch of projects that have bene collecting dust. That doesn't mean they are of lesser quality then what we have come to expect from the Eastcoast massive. - Crazy Baldhead "Has A Possee" CD out now! Agent Jay has carved a deep niche for himself as the guitarist for Agent 99, Stubborn All-Stars and now the Slackers. Recorded in stolen moments between 1997 and 2004, Has a Posse finally offers a lush and stunning dubwise journey through the mind of this NYC Ska Mobster, featuring an all-star line-up inluding Victor Rice, Victor Ruggiero, King Django, Rocker T, Eddie Ocampo and Buford O'Sullivan. 16 tracks of dub reggae that should not be missed. -NY 7-piece rock-reggae-ska-jazz band Reegal Beegal came in to track 5 tunes in a live setup. -Original Upsetters organist Glen Adams was in working on classic-style reggae and ska instrumentals and vocals over Version City Rockers and Stubborn All-Stars riddims. -King Django (http://www.myspace.com/kingdjango) is nearly finished charting horns for the second "Roots and Culture" album. This record, slated for the summer of 2006, continues where the first one left off, presenting a tighter, deeper melding of Yiddish and Jamaican musics. -King Django and Victor Ruggiero of the Slackers have been working on mixes for Italian punk-ska-reggae band Skavesa, who tracked their album at Version City in the summer of 2005. -Mastering at Version City this week: a 16-track CD of little-known klezmer tunes from the repetoire of 71-year-old Moldavian Yiddish clarinetist German Goldenshteyn, recorded at KlezKamp 2005 on Version City Mobile and mixed at Version City. -An instrumental jazz, funk and blues session went down with Matisyahu drummer Jonah David, King Django guitarist Justin Rothberg and several other gifted players. -Punk band Sic & Mad featuring Slackers Vic Ruggiero, Marcus Geard and Ara Babajian and lead and fronted by "Happy," an American expatriate and resident of Japan, recorded a new full length for release later this year. -Several King Django dub and riddim mixes from the 2005 "Roots Tonic" release went out to an undisclosed foreign location for possible 7" release... More news on this as it develops. -A stack of riddims have been sent out to several vocalists in preparation for the next Version City Rockers release. Already in the can for this one: Carlton Livingston, Johnny Osbourne, Glen Adams, Germany's Dr. Ring Ding, former Skoidat Justin Dillavou and Japan's Papa B. |
| BRENT DOWE OF THE MELODIOANS Brent Dowe (the Melodians's Vocalist) R.I.P. from the Gleaner Brent Dowe dies Published: Monday | January 30, 2006 Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer BRENT DOWE, lead singer of one of the harmony trio The Melodians, which also includes Tony Brevette and Trevor McNaughton, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack shortly before daybreak yesterday. Reports are that Dowe, who appeared to be in good health, fell ill at his Hughenden, St. Andrew, home yesterday. One of the most memorable of many hits which he sang lead on was Rivers of Babylon, the adaptation of a Psalm which was included on the soundtrack of the 1972 film Harder They Come. Dowe also sang lead on the songs Little Nut Tree, Swing And Dine and You Have Caught Me. Among his more recent performances in Jamaica was at last July's Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, St. James. |
| SKA STUFF The Harmonics will be heading back into the studio early this year to record songs for an upcoming release from Spitshine Records. Pressure Cooker celebrates the release of the new full-length cd Future's History on Saturday April 1, 2006 at Harper's Ferry in Boston, Massachusetts. This will be an unforgettable night of Boston's best live roots music with special guests Babaloo Tickets for the show are only $5! The Big Sound have finished recording their new album. Look for a release date in the near future. |
| PENNY REEL JUNCTION GOES REEL Atascadero is a lonely outpost on the highway between Los Angeles and San Fransisco, where the sounds of Ska mix with the wine soaked coastal breezes. Some say it would be an unlikely place for this fragile transplant to flourish. The Penny Reel Junction is out to prove them wrong. In 1998, Ex Mobtown and Sublime saxophonist Brian Wallace set up camp on the Central Coast and started a Ska music education course at the local high school. At their second live performance, their sound caught the ear of filmmaker Alan Berger who asked if the songs they played that night at the Bluebeat Lounge could be used in his film. The film “Halfway Decent” stars Ernie Hudson, includes the music and will be released later this year. It premiered at the Austin City Film Fest in October: FILM FEST SITE This is the trailer for Halfway Decent, directed by Alan Berger, starring Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters!), soundtrack by the Penny Reel Junction (Atascadero ska/reggae outfit). Brian Wallace tears it up on bari! http://www.mcguckinpr.com/mcguckin/hdtrailer.htm Penny Reel Junction has also contributed a track to "A Sweet Serenade: 13 Tracks of Soulful Acoustic Reggae" out on our very own, Lawless Street Records. It is a beautiful song too. Check out the website www.lawless-street.com/asweetserenade for more info on Penny Reel Junction and the other bands on the comp. |
| LAUREL AITKEN REMEMBERED Check out the newest Beat for a tribute column on the passing of Laurel Aitken wriitten by Grant Thayer from Boston Ska .com Cover: Summer Festivals 2005, Luciano Volume 24, No. 5 www.getthebeat.com |
| EDINA GETS DOWN JA STYLE Get Up Edina is going into its third year of bringing articles, fashion, record reviews, DIY projects and even merchandise to even the most discerning Reggae fan. Get Up Edina started out as a small community that was aimed towards women who like Jamaican music and the culture that surrounds it, but quickly caught on with men and women alike. Within the next year, the site hopes to go under some serious changes, hoping to bring its followers a fresh line screenprinted shirts (for both male and female), limited edition buttons (first set is out now! They're almost gone!), stickers, and eventually, a 60's inspired clothing line - all at reasonable prices. This online zine/store has never been stronger! Go say hi to the wonderful JOANNA and visit www.GetUpEdina.com TODAY! |
| GO JIMMY GO TURNING JAPANESE Disc Union and Ska In The World Records are teaming up to release GJG's first two albums, Soul Arrival and Slow Time, out to the Japanese Market. The release will be a compilation of all the hits from those albums to be titled Island Sounds. Release date is November '05. A Japan tour looks to follow in early 2006. More details to come... WWW.GOJIMMYGO.COM |
| VERSION CITY GALORE Django and the stubborn stable have been very busy the last few months. This is alwasys great news as I think that the wuality control and output of this label are mostly boss. That being said here are the 2 newest releases that should be on your mind: Version City Rockers "Darker Roots" on LP & CD! Wicked, wicked slab of roots reggae, produced by King Django and featuring veteran Jamaican vocalists Sugar Minott, Sister Nancy, Ranking Joe, Yabby You and others, with crucial, nasty riddims supplied by members of Stubborn All-Stars (Victor Rice, Agent Jay, King Django, Vic Ruggiero), The Scofflaws, Skavoovie and the Epitones, Inspector 7 and Skatalite Cedric Brooks! Track Listing: 1. Let's Live Love - Glen Brown 2. Nah Bodda Wid It - Sugar Minott 3. Sing and Pray to Jah - Ronnie Davis 4. Jah Have The Handle - Sister Nancy 5. Africa - Ranking Joe 6. It's Up to You - Cedric Brooks 7. Give Jah All the Praise - Little John 8. Rough in Babylon - Yabby You and the Prophets 9. Why Dem A Galong So - Congo Ashanti Roy King Django - Roots Tonic 12 scorching tracks from the legendary singer/songwriter of Stubborn All-Stars & Skinnerbox. Covering a wide range of styles including dark, sultry lovers rock, militant rockers, crisp rub-a-dub deejay, psychedelic dub and even niyabinghi, King Django delivers his finest roots reggae masterpiece to date. With riddims performed by Version City Rockers and guest appearances from Rocker T and Dr. Ring Ding, Roots Tonic soothes and invigorates! |
| CLAY ACTS UP ADJUSTERS STYLE Clay, winner of the Bay Area Scooter Film Festival, is a genuinely funny comedy set to the upbeat swinging sounds of sax man David Hillyard (The Slackers, Dave Hillyard & the Rocksteady 7) and includes a never before released demo track from Hepcat. This video short is now available on DVD with a video from Mod Soul Skasters The Adjusters. The Adjusters perform their original soul-flavored "Our Town." This music video was shot on location in Chicago and features the historic Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park. Look for Jimmy himself in the final scene of the video. He's the guy sitting at the bar enjoying the finer pleasures of life: a cigar and a good beer. "Our Town" is from The Adjusters' first album The Politics of Style. VISIT www.mobleystreet.com for more info. 
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THE DEAD 60S TRANSMISSION (I love this band) Find out everything you need to know about The Dead 60s , including their track by track run down on their debut album, who influenced them and that dub album, their live show and their American experience by launching the Dead 60s Transmission Podcast Player. This will be updated weekly so keep checking back. Check out the Dub in the Pub Events. http://www.thedead60s.com |
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ALLEGED GUNMAN AT IT AGAIN! The Soul Punk Reggae blasters have reconvened once again for more dates with a renewed vigor! They mix the sensiblities of the 60's with the anger of 70's punk and beat of reggae. They are ready to make you take notice and listen. Check them out live soon. SOUND AMPLIFIED: http://www.myspace.com/allegedgunmen |
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THE IMMEDIATES ARE READY FOR TROUBLE Jam Punk Modsters, the Immediates have finally gotten around to getting a website together, There isn't much there but just you wait. They were recently featured in a commercial for Zen Sushi that has been getting on major local networks like MTV and Comedy Central. They are in the video and thier song is used for the commercial. They also just got back from playing some great shows with the Checkers and look for more scooter rally action soon. GOTO http://www.theimmediates.com |
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ALLENTONS BACK FROM THE DEAD! Once again the trad ska masters are at it again. Don't call it a comeback, they've been here for years. After taking a hiatus for some time The Allentons have been working extremely hard on live shows and new material. This summer alone they have gone to 2 major festivals, Canada'a premier event, Victoria Ska Fest and the 2 year old Grand Junction event, High Desert Ska Fest. Both huge events that show ska is alive and well. Look for them to Back legendary Jamaican Artist, Meastro of the Trombone and 2 Tone's true gentleman, RICO in Sept. Check www.theallentons.com |
| 4/18 - Los Hooligans will be releasing their follow up to 1997's, "Traditions", in just a few weeks. "Mafioso Ska" will be released on Jump Up and Shantytown Records. |
| 3/29 - Famous Jamaican singer, Justin Hinds passes away from lung cancer at age 62. This is an incredible blow to the countless people who have loved and respected Hinds' wonderfully unique voice and solid musicianship. |
| 3/6 - Primo Sonic Rhythms Vol.2 will be released May 20th. Featuring tracks by The Aggrolites, The Vessels, Debonaires, Go Jimmy Go, Irie Beats, Chris Murray, Monkey, Skeletones, and more. |
| 3/5 - Monkey's third album, "Cruel Tutelage", will be out on Asian Man Records June 21. |
1/22The Bluebeat Lounge Goes O.C. DVD is now available from Sluggo Productions for $12. Featuring 1 hour and 25 minutes of unreleased tracks and old favorites from:La Banda Skalavera, Chris Murray Combo, GO GO 13 & Go Jimmy Go http://www.sluggoproductions.com |
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1/12 Pama International welcomes a new full-time member, The Special's guitarist Lynval Golding. The group also features Lee Thompson from Madness. Look for their American release on Asian Man Records in May. |
 1/3 - At the end of the month Grover Records will be releasing
"Livicated". This will be a live album of recordings from Dr.
Ring-Ding and The Senior Allstars the long good-bye tour.
There will be 12 tracks in all.1/3 - Chicago's Deals Gone Bad are taking a few weeks off to
start a new record. This will be their fourth album, and their
first with Todd Hembrook on vocals.
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1/3 - The Harmonics from Boston have just put out their debut
ep(8 tracks) on Spitshine Records entitled "You're Wrong"
featuring past members from The Allstonians, The Kings of
Nuthin', The Double Deckers, The A-Team, and Green Island.
This ep is sure to please any rocksteady/reggae fan. Plus some
of the finest dub work by Matt of Spitshine. Definately worth
checking out. Order for just $5 from
http://www.theharmonics.com or from http://www.spitshine.org
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11/12 Chicago's, The Drastics will be releasing their debut album "Premonition" on Jump Up Records. The disc will feature the toast styles of King Django, Dr. Ring Ding, Craig Fujita (pressure cooker), as well as Rich, Corey, and Obi from Westbound Train and even some more surprises... |
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10/22 Italy's premire ska band, The Orobians, have released their follow up to "Jamaican Tunes", titled "Jamaica-Italia Connection". Including 15 ska scorchers, featuring a cover of Jackie Opel's "Old Rocking Chair". If you like The Skatalites, New York Ska Jazz Ensemble, Jazzbo, etc, then I recommend you give these guys a listen. You can hear a track from "Jamaica-Italia Connection" here www.theorobians.it |
10/16 - Intensified's brand new studio album "Doghouse Bass" is
available on CD/Vinyl. It's available from Germany's Grover
Records. This is one of our favorite bands at Lawless Street and we can't wait to get it!
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10/14 Viking's Remedy have released their follow up to "Rain Is Coming", titled "Welcome". Viking's Remedy are an amazing female fronted rocksteady/ska group from France, "Welcome" is available through Jump Up! Records Jump Up NEW Arrivals. |
 The Allentons website has been completely redesigned. Check out the new site @ www.theallentons.com There are a few shows coming up for the band in Hollywood so catch them if you can........
 The Irie Beats have more than a few shows coming up so hit their website @ www.reggaefever.com to see what the band has been upto.Get on the Mailing list for Irie Beats, The Band @ Irie Beats Yahoo Group. This is a moderator approved message group so you won't get any spam! |
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6/29/04 Blue Beat Records- The legendary label is back! June 2004 sees the historic re-launch of the most influential record label to emerge from the 1960's. Blue Beat Records released hundreds of singles and albums between 1960 and 1967, and Blue Beat became a generic term for all Jamaican blues/R & B/Ska/Rocksteady and reggae released in the UK. Now Blue Beat returns with a new signing- No. 1 Station- the band that's rocking the nation. The first two releases are: * Bush War c/w Laurel Boogie (45/BB 0401) * Mods VS Rockers c/w Saturday Night (45/BB 0402) Produced by the legendary Siggy Jackson, these tunes are live studio recordings in the style of the classic original Blue Beat sound, and are to be much sought after by collectors and novices alike, so get on your feet and rush to the street that sells the beat- this is the beginning of something neat. |
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