but he invented ska!

And with it, skaids.

My great grandfather invented ska back in the day.

I've got no idea who I was talking to when I made that remark 'its reggae not ska'...blame the demon drink!

Also I've got a trapped nerve apparantly, so chalk it up to that.

I think their self-titled album is their best release, but I prefer VI to Reggae Hit L.A. which lacked the strong lyrics of their first 2 albums. The fact is the album does in a way sound like a 75 min song but I like the way you can put it on in the background and it makes an atmosphere, it's not demanding, it's got a nice groove for groovy days. It's the best Hellcat release their year at least, Left Alone's album was a bit meh and Rancid, well, it wasn't their best album but this is nice. It's not the album I'd recommend but it represents their sound quite nicely.

Andy DTA wrote:... listen to the first 5 seconds of each. Okay its hardly the longest comparison, but they all start with a drum hit, then a... run of drum hits... (yes I don't know the technical terms!!!) then into the music. A small point I know, but a valid one I feel!

You don't listen to much first wave ska or reggae do you?
I understand if it's a bit repetitive and similar, it does seem that way, but it's music based heavily on (sometimes hypnotic) rhythm. It's music to dance to, giving you a constant rhythm and beat to do so.

Learn to play bass, if you haven't already. You will appreciate it FAR more.

But then again, each to their own and thanks for taking the time to review this album

(I just got my hands on Native Instruments B4 software, an emulation of the Hammond B3 Organ, sweet sweet sounds...)

Oh, about the whole Reggae Ska thing, I heard that kids back in the day used to speed up Reggae vinyl because they preferred the faster beat. Then again I always thought Ska came before Reggae, or so I've read. Indeed, very fine line.

Their first album reminds me very much of Toots and the Maytals. Strange hearing a white man singing with such soul and presence. Will deffo have to check out IV.

Szorn wrote:
I understand if it's a bit repetitive and similar, it does seem that way, but it's music based heavily on (sometimes hypnotic) rhythm. It's music to dance to, giving you a constant rhythm and beat to do so.

(I just got my hands on Native Instruments B4 software, an emulation of the Hammond B3 Organ, sweet sweet sounds...)

Indeed. Music to dance to, work to, drink to...on the one hand it can be a kind of trance inducing music, and on the other the most soulful background music in the world. The emotional state induced when listening to these old school sounds can be very different to more 'modern' sounding bands.

Hammond Organ type sounds are doubtless the best sounds in reggae in this wee mans opinion.