DThrog Ska Review

Reel Big Fish Random Video "The Set Up"

2012-01-26T18:48:00.002-06:00

See a random video from the USA Network program "The Happy Hour" with the Zappas and Reel Big Fish playing "The Set Up".

Let's Go Bowling Video "Spy Market"

2012-01-24T20:07:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the sporadic posting. Regardless, here's a video from the underrated ska band Let's Go Bowling.

Easy Big Fella "The Road Alone"

2012-01-05T20:36:00.001-06:00

This is one of my favorite ska songs. This link is nice because it also has the lyrics. Enjoy!

Megalith Records $6 CDs

2011-12-18T18:51:00.003-06:00

Megalith Records has all of their CDs $6 until end of the year including the new release from Minnesota ska band the Dropstepper's "Get Up In It!".

Toasters "Christmas-Ska" Album Review

2011-12-14T21:36:00.003-06:00

The Toasters recorded “Christmas-Ska” between “Hard Band For Dead” and DLTBGYD. It is my favorite ska Christmas album ever recorded and really finds the band at the peak of their instrumental abilities.

“Little Drummer Boy” kicks the album off very nicely. There is an outstanding saxophone solo beginning at the 1:16 mark. “Sleigh Ride” features the smooth vocals of Jack Ruby Jr leading a catchy ska beat. “Winter Wonderland” definitely has a different point of view with Louis Armstrong inspired vocals. It’s not as good as some of the other material, but is unique. “War Is Over” is another very well done song similar to “Sleigh Ride” in its mood and makeup.

“Happy Christmas” is the first Toaster’s original so far and is done in typical Toasters style with a jazzy vibe. I like the organ work at 1:09. “Rudy Christmas A Jail” is a Toasters’ original and one of my favorite songs of all time. It is easily my favorite on the album. It mixes a tremendously catchy melody with great lyrics and great instrumentation.

“We Three Kings” is a well done instrumental similar to “Little Drummer Boy”. “Christmas Time Again” is the 3rd and final Toasters’ original on the album. The toasting rich “God Rock You Steady Gentlemen”, a traditional version of “Feliz Navidad”, and the excellent “Blue Christmas” bring the album to a close.

I love the album and highly recommend it. You can get it from cdbaby.

Classy San Diego

2011-12-10T11:05:00.003-06:00

Third wave inspired ska Oklahoma City ska band Classy San Diego released "Fighting the Good Fight" in November 2010 and they currently have it on band camp available for a name your price download.

I'd recommend checking them out and see what you think. They feature female vocals behind a typical ska setup of guitar, bass, drums, and trombone. They also must be big fans of the movie Anchorman.

Super Mario Brothers Ska

2011-12-04T21:19:00.003-06:00

Courtesy of NYC band Hey Stranger! Their new album "Waited Out The Day" is available on bandcamp right now for only a $1. I highly recommend it.

Strange Manor Christmas Ska

2011-11-29T20:45:00.002-06:00

Looking for Christmas ska music? Strange Manor has been making Christmas ska music for 5 years now from 2006 - 2010. I'm not sure if they are making a 2011 album or not, but check it out what they've already done here.

Blog Updates

2011-11-27T19:29:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry for the lack of blog updates.

You are probably wondering what the hell is going on and why I've only posted 2 legitimate posts since September 8th. Well... it's been a tough year. I'm not going to get into it, but I've been having some things go on. It has made me busy and I haven't been in the greatest moods.

Ska is inherently happy music. If I'm not feeling that way I'm not going to listen to it much less blog about it.

You also probably wonder about the future of the blog. There should be no worries there. I intend to continue the blog and begin posting more frequently.

I appreciate your patronage visting my blog and for US readers I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Best Regards
Dave "DThrog Ska"

Dan P and the Bricks Pre-Orders

2011-10-23T16:52:00.003-05:00

Per the Asian Man weekly e-mail:

"DAN P and the BRICKS delivers 12 tracks of pure SKA. No PUNK/SKA, just straight up dance til' your feet hurt SKA. 10 piece band with a 5 piece horn section, organ, and huge harmonies. The vinyl is on assorted colors and of course good ol' CD. ENJOY... PRE-ORDERS ... will ship on NOVEMBER 21st or sooner if the vinyl comes in before the expected date. :) "

It's Been A While

2011-10-15T09:08:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted, but I'm glad to be back.

I wanted to pass along my favorite Hepcat tune "Clarence Thomas".

Blog Status

2011-09-25T20:19:00.002-05:00

I haven't made any blog posts in 17 days and thought I owed the blog readers an update.

I've been going through some personal issues lately and haven't felt the urge to listen to ska, much less write about it.

I expect to be back writing soon (within a few weeks). I appreciate the time you spend reading my posts and wanted to thank you for visting.

Best Regards
Dave "DThrog Ska"

Monkey European Tour

2011-09-08T20:08:00.003-05:00

Monkey is on tour in Europe! Per Asian Man Records, the tour dates are as follows:

Sep 10 OLD BELL - Derbyshire, UK
Sep 11 IVYLINE FESTIVAL - Plymouth, UK
Sep 12 TALBOT PUB - Bornemouth, UK
Sep 13 THE HOBGOBLIN - Brighton, UK
Sep 14 AMMEHEOLA - Bree, Belgium
Sep 15 HELP!!!!-N GERMANY, LUXEMBOURG, FRNANCE
Sep 16 LE TIPI - Liege, Belgium
Sep 17 DE PIEK - Vlissingen, NL
Sep 18 WALLONIE - Namur, Belgium
Sep 19 KASSABLANCA - Jena, Germany
Sep 20 CROSS CLUB - Praha, CZ
Sep 21 IMBIR - Krakow, Poland
Sep 22 COLOSSEUM - Kosice, Slovakia
Sep 23 LOOP - Vienna, Austria
Sep 24 SUBLIME - Afflenz, Austria
Sep 25 GROMKA - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Sep 26 HELP!!!!-N. ITALY
Sep 27 BARATHYM - Toulon, France
Sep 28 GASWERK - Winthur, Switzerland
Sep 29 MALOE MELO - Amsterdam, Holland
Sep 30 THE TIMEPIECE - Exeter, UK

Green Room Rockers Acoustic Live!

2011-09-01T20:17:00.001-05:00

Check out these 6 tracks live from Green Room Rockers on 8/29/11!

Pacers Cover Desmond Dekker

2011-08-28T18:36:00.002-05:00

Milwaukee's The Pacers no longer exist, but were an outstanding ska band back in the day. Here is their effort covering Desmond Dekker's "Unity". Then check out Desmond's original!

Across The Aisle "In Ska We Trust" EP Review

2011-08-14T20:32:00.003-05:00

2010’s “In Ska We Trust” is Across The Aisle’s 3rd EP. I previously reviewed “Change Nothing” at the link. I really liked “Change Nothing” and this EP matches or betters it.

“Leave You” kicks the EP off. This song has a very unique opening with the hi hat and horns before the rest of the band joins in. There's a lot of pep and the hooks pull you in. This is one of the better pop oriented songs I’ve heard in quite a while.

“Get Up And Go” is another song with a really unique intro. There’s an interesting drum line before a two tone-esque guitar part and hand clapping before launching into a catchy horn melody that is reminiscent of Reel Big Fish. There is more prominent use of backing vocals than I’ve heard previously from ATA.

“Fears Aside” is a good song, but is much more punk oriented and definitely toes the line of what is ska. The traditional “and” beat guitar is absent in favor of power chords. I’m not familiar with how ATA sets up their live sets, but this song would seem to be an excellent closer.

The instrumental variety continues with “Astronot”! The guitar arpeggios in the intro remind me of the Animals or Fastball. The horns’ held notes add drama to the mix before the verse. The verse vocal melodies are great and I really like the horn melodies throughout. This is a top notch song.

“Beer Song” brings the album to a close with a hand from Coolie Ranx!

This is a wonderful EP and certainly worthy of picking up from CDBaby in either physical or MP3 formats for $4.99. Ska bands seem to be falling left and right this year so it’s great that bands like Across The Aisle keep playing.

New Void Union Album

2011-08-11T19:00:00.003-05:00

The Void Union is releasing a new album called "Higher Guns". Check it out at their Bandcamp site. Hap tip to Courtney at MNSKA for posting this first.

Green Room Rockers Amy Winehouse Cover

2011-08-01T18:34:00.002-05:00

Check out the Green Room Rockers covering Amy Winehouse's "Love Is a Losing Game".

The Talks "Summer Singles" Review

2011-07-31T07:17:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the lack of updates. There's been a lot of things going on and I've been doing a lot of other things in general, but I do appreciate you checking out the site.

"Summer Singles" is the Talks' follow up to their previous album release "Live Now, Pay Later".

"Can Stand The Rain" is a metaphor about how so many people are enduring struggles. The UK ska scene in general has a much more traditional, and less punk, approach to ska than the US bands and the Talks sound is no exception. The song is extremely well done. The horn melodies are interesting and add a lot to the mix behind a traditional ska rhythm section. The vocals are good and the lyrics have a definite message. The hip hop section beginning at 2:14 sounds out of the place and that's the only complaint at all I have about the song.

"Why Did you Bring It Up" is another good song if not quite as catchy as "Can Stand The Rain". Instrumentally it has a similar to approach and has a nice melody.

Overall this single is highly recommended. Check the Talks out Facebook page.

Across The Aisle Videos

2011-07-17T20:09:00.002-05:00

Check out a couple videos I came across from the excellent NYC ska band Across The Aisle.

First, "Elephant".

Second, "Astronot" off their new EP "In Ska We Trust".

Apologies that posts have been so infrequent lately. Best regards to everyone!

Bass Covers

2011-07-08T21:54:00.002-05:00

Check out a couple bass covers I came across today.

First, the often covered and very good "Bombshell" originally by Operation Ivy and well renowned bassist Matt Freeman.

Second, a rare bass cover of the Scofflaws "Ska La Carte".

The Talks "Summer Singles"

2011-06-30T19:57:00.004-05:00

UK ska band The Talks have a new single out called "Summer Singles" featuring songs "Can Stand the Rain" and "Why Bring It Up". Both songs have a bright 2-tone instrumental feel over melancholy lyrics. You can check them out at the link. I'd recommend them fairly highly and will likely post a review in the future.

Reel Big Fish Acousic Live

2011-06-22T20:52:00.002-05:00

Check out a couple Reel Big Fish videos of them playing acoustic live.

First, a teaser of "Enter Sandman" then "The Setup". "Enter Sandman" starts at 1:10.

Second, "Beer".

Gunday Monday "Awakening of a Superhero"

2011-06-18T07:06:00.004-05:00

Friends of the blog and ska punk Michigan band Gunday Monday have released a very interested concept album that chronicles the adventures of "Bruceman" named "Awakening of a Superhero".

They have it up at Bandcamp if you'd like to check it out at the link. It is one of the most unique concept albums I've ever seen. They are very creative and tell the superhero story behind a wall of ska punk.

My favorite concept album is Local H's "12 Angry Months". It's not ska, but it is very good.

Asian Man Records 15th Anniversary Shows

2011-06-09T18:55:00.003-05:00

The Asian Man Records 15th anniversary shows are being held June 15 - 19.

The schedule is as follows direct from their facebook site.

JUNE 15th(SOLD OUT)
DOORS: 7:30 PM, SHOW: 8:30 PM
SLAPSTICK(from Chicago, IL, featuring all original members)
MU330(from St. Louis, MO featuring Crab Rangoon, S/T, ULTRA PANIC lineup)
THE CHINKEES(from San Jose, CA)
@SLIM'S-SAN FRANCISCO, CA

JUNE 16th(SOLD OUT)
DOORS: 7:30 PM, SHOW: 8:30 PM
ALKALINE TRIO(from Chicago, IL)
THE HOT TODDIES(from Oakland, CA)
KEPI GHOULIE(from Sacramneto, CA. playing with a full band)
THE ATOM AGE(from Oakland, CA)
@BOTTOM OF THE HILL-SAN FRANCISCO, CA

JUNE 16th(SOLD OUT)
DOORS: 8:00 PM, SHOW: 8:45 PM
SLOW GHERKIN(From Santa Cruz, CA featuring all original members)
BUCK-O-NINE(from San Diego, CA)
UNSTEADY(from San Diego, CA)
MONKEY(from San Jose, CA)
@THEE PARKSIDE-SAN FRANCISCO, CA (A small number of tickets will be sold at the door)

JUNE 17th(SOLD OUT)
DOORS: 7:30 PM, SHOW: 8:30 PM
ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD(from Phoenix, AZ)
SHINOBU(from San Jose, CA featuring all original members)
O PIONEERS!!!(from, Houston, TX) THE WILD(from Atlanta, GA)
PTERADON(from San Jose, CA)
@BOTTOM OF THE HILL-SAN FRANCISCO, CA

June 17th(tickets still available)
DOORS: 9:00 PM, SHOW: 9:30 PM
THE EMERGENCY ROOM(Dan Andriano from ALKALINE TRIO)
DAN POTTHAST(from St. Louis, MO)
RATASUCIA(from Chicago, IL featuring Dan Hanaway, Chris Carr from HONOR SYSTEM, the BROADWAYS, SLAPSTICK)
BAGHEERA(from ST. LOUIS, MO)
@THEE PARKSIDE-SAN FRANCISCO, CA A small number of tickets remain for this show. Please get in touch with me at mikepark@asianmanrecords.com for ticket info.

JUNE 18th(SOLD OUT)
DOORS: 7:00 PM, SHOW: 8:00 PM
SUNDOWNER(from Chicago, IL)
BRENDAN KELLY(from Chicago, IL)
MIKE HALE(from Gainesville, FL)
I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC(from San Jose, CA)
@THEE PARKSIDE-SAN FRANCISCO, CA (A small number of tickets will be sold at the door)

JUNE 18th(tickets still available)
DOORS: 7:30 PM, SHOW: 8:30 PM
THE QUEERS(from Portsmouth, NH)
CLASSICS OF LOVE(from Berkeley, CA featuring JESSE MICHAELS from OPERATION IVY)
THE APERS(from Rotterdam, NETHERLANDS) THE MAX LEVINE ENSEMBLE(from Washington, D.C.)
GNARBOOTS(from San Jose, CA)
@BOTTOM OF THE HILL-SAN FRANCISCO, CA TIX HERE:http://www.stubmatic.com/bottomofthehill/event/6510

JUNE 19th(SOLD OUT)
DOORS: 7:00 PM, SHOW: 8:00 PM
THE LAWRENCE ARMS(from Chicago, IL)
TOYS THAT KILL(from San Pedro, CA)
SHORT ROUND(from San Jose, CA featuring all original members)
SPRAYNARD(from West Chester, PA)
CHOTTO GHETTO(from Los Angeles, CA)
@BOTTOM OF THE HILL-SAN FRANCISCO, CA

JUNE 19th(SOLD OUT)
DOORS: 8:00 PM, SHOW: 8:45 PM
BOMB THE MUSIC INDUSTRY(Brooklyn, NY)
HARD GIRLS(from San Jose, CA)
LAURA STEVENSON AND THE CANS(Brooklyn, NY)
MIKEY ERG(from South Amboy, NJ)
MIKE PARK(from San Jose, CA)
@THEE PARKSIDE-SAN FRANCISCO, CA (A small number of tickets will be sold at the door)

Skappleton 2011

2011-06-04T09:19:00.001-05:00

Skappleton 2011 is tomorrow!

Bob Marley Videos

2011-06-02T09:02:00.002-05:00

Check out a Bob Marley triple play featuring "Could You Be Loved", "Three Little Birds", and "Stir It Up".

Bob's Ska Radio

2011-05-25T18:46:00.003-05:00

I came across a great ska resource lately streaming to you from Seattle, WA in Bob's Ska Radio!

Bob's Ska Radio plays 24 hours a day featuring an extensive ska collection and useful features like the ability to request songs and lets you know what songs are upcoming.

Plus, for those of us who care about the artists not getting ripped off, since it is streaming it isn't easy for people to pirate.

Check it out. I think you'll like it!

Dan P and the Bricks Videos

2011-05-22T18:32:00.002-05:00

Recently, I posted that Dan Potthast is back with his new band Dan P and the Bricks.

Check out some of their material! The horns and drums add a lot to the music and Dan is a great showman as always.

First, "Foot Down" from Dan's recent solo acoustic album "Eat the Planet". The music begins at 2:30.

Second, "Mess It Up" which is a Dan P and the Bricks original.

Finally, "Eat the Planet" from the album of the same title.

I'm pumped about their upcoming release!

Bandulus "Hold Me Tight"

2011-05-21T10:50:00.002-05:00

Check out a really good song from Austin, TX ska band "The Bandulus". There's a nice mellow and soulful mood to it. This is off their 2010 album "Ska. Reggae. Soul."

Moon Videos

2011-05-17T20:12:00.003-05:00

Check out a couple videos from Seattle ska band Moon.

First, check out a cover of "One Step Beyond" originally by Prince Buster and more recently done by Madness.

Next, see their cover of "Take Warning" then listen to the Operation Ivy original.

Lloyd Knibb Passes Away

2011-05-13T21:26:00.003-05:00

Ska legend and Skatalites drummer Lloyd Knibb has passed away. He was 80 years old. Knibb is well known as one of the founders of ska and was a truly inspirational drummer.

The first video is short, but it taken from right behind Knibb's drum kit.

The second video is an instructional on ska drumming that is heavily influenced by Knibb.

Finally, see the Skatalites play "River of Babylon".

Dan P and The Bricks

2011-05-05T19:05:00.004-05:00

Dan Potthast has a new band! From the Asian Man Records newsletter:

"SKA! SKA! SKA!
Dan Potthast from MU330 has a new 10 piece SKA band featuring 3 members of SLOW GHERKIN and they are called DAN P AND THE BRICKS. This is no SKA PUNK, but just straight up smile big and dance SKA including a 5 piece horn section. The band just wrapped up recording in Los Angeles, where CHRIS MURRAY did the producing. I’ve heard 4 tracks thus far and I’m excited to say this thing is gonna make SKA fans so happy. I have been waiting for a new SKA band to come around and blow me away. I didn’t know it was going to take the mighty powers of MU330 and GHERKIN to make a super band, but hey.. I will take it..!!!
The band has a facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dan-P-and-The-Bricks/126386915894
Not sure of a release date yet, but will keep you posted. "

That's great news for ska fans!

Thoughts

2011-05-02T18:58:00.001-05:00

My heart goes out to everyone who felt the pain of 9/11. The tyrant is finally dead and hopefully peace will follow.

Simmer Down

2011-04-29T21:39:00.001-05:00

Check out the original "Simmer Down" from the Skatalites and a cover from the Mighty Mighty Boss Tones. Which one do you like better?

Tip The Van Videos

2011-04-21T22:10:00.004-05:00

Well since the band is all but broken up, you might as well check out a couple of the their more interesting videos.

First, the official video for "Passion, Love & Pride".

Second, an interview from the 2010 Warped Tour. They discuss the Warped Tour, playing with Reel Big Fish, record status, etc...

Tip The Van Indefinite Hiatus

2011-04-20T21:44:00.004-05:00

Indefinite hiatus? That's a fancy way to say they're breaking up. They didn't come out and say it, but you can read between the lines especially with a title like "Farewell Friends"

There's a post on the band's official web site. Read it here.

Are all younger ska bands destined to break up? It definitely seems to be the trend.

Hat tip to Chris over at the MNSKA forum. Thanks Chris!

Maddie Ruthless & The Secret Affair "Hold The Phone" EP Review

2011-04-17T19:19:00.003-05:00

Maddie Ruthless is the proclaimed Rocksteady Queen of New Orleans. “Hold The Phone” was released July 19, 2010 on Community Records and is Maddie’s first recording being backed by The Secret Affair. The Secret Affair is a side name for New Orleans ska / punk band Fatter Than Albert (FTA).

Maddie Ruthless & The Secret Affair’s sound is like no one else. The qualities of Maddie’s vocals are very difficult to describe in print and are as unique as anything I’ve ever heard. The Secret Affair (TSA) also add a unique element to the sound. FTA usually plays a very aggressive type of music. Even though Maddie Ruthless’ sound is much slower and calmer than FTA there are some elements of the instrumental sections that are more active, especially the drums, than what you may typically hear in similar songs by other bands.

“Hold The Phone” is a long EP as far as length is concerned. There are 7 total songs, which is more than you typically find on an EP, but the songs are relatively short. The longest song on the album is 3:14.

“Heat Fever” kicks the album off with a slow groove. TSA shows they are perfectly at home playing slower songs. The melody is catchy and there are interesting use of dynamics. “Blood! Fire!” is another good song before the scary titled “Rudie Blood Pact”. It is a good song if you can get past the name.

“Funeral Dirge” is without a question the best song on the album. I like the use of the organ and there’s an excellent saxophone solo. “Inside Out” is the only song so far to use backing vocals and has well done hooks. “Abracadabra” is a good song, but has a very unusual hip-hop type bridge with Maddie proclaiming that she is indeed ruthless. A dub version of “Rude Blood Pact” brings the album to a close.

The greatest compliment I can give Maddie Ruthless & TSA is how original they are. I heard a recent interview with Bucket and he complained that while the young ska bands are good they all sound basically the same (the specific example given was Green Room Rockers & The Forthrights). Trust me when you hear a Maddie Ruthless song you know whose song it is.

This album is available for free download on the Community Records website or you can buy it as well.

Drewvis "For The Bin" Demo Review

2011-04-16T17:46:00.004-05:00

Drewvis released “For The Bin” on February 7, 2011. The album is in Drew’s own words, “This is a collection of unused demos, unfinished songs, outtakes, and random tracks I've recorded and scrapped over the past few years for whatever reason”. Its name is in contrast to his 2008 album “For The Win”. “For The Bin” is available for free download here.

If you look at the liner notes for each song Drew is fairly harsh in his critique. Some of the songs do have a rough “demo” type of quality to them, but overall the sound is fairly solid. You can tell the musicianship is there.

Drewvis has a very interesting sound. The vocals are very refined and prominently in the front of the mix with excellent melodies and comfortable confidence. You can hear some Beatles-esque influences in the music.

“Therapy” kicks the demo off. Overall this a well-crafted song with multiple acoustic guitars. It has a catchy chorus and a well-done bridge. The lyrics aren’t terribly happy, but the melody / chord progression are upbeat. “Write My Wrongs” adds a very active bass line behind the acoustic guitar. This is another pretty good song along the same lines as “Therapy”.

“Never Nothing” also has very active bass line and also features backing vocals. This is maybe a touch behind the earlier work. “The Easiest” sounds much darker than the other songs. “Manners Maketh The Man” is exceptionally rough and short. This one probably should have been left off.

A cover of the Beatles classic “In My Life” brings the demo to a close. It is played in a ska / reggae style with backing vocals reminiscent of the original Beatles recording. Drew does not describe the song favorably in his liner notes, but overall it really isn’t that bad especially for anyone wanting a ska styled Beatles song.

I'd recommend checking this out. You can go to the web site, listen to it, and download it if you'd like.

Toasters "2Tone Army" LP Released

2011-04-09T19:49:00.002-05:00

The Toasters original album "Hard Band For Dead" was never released on the LP vinyl formal. It is now and has been re-titled as "2Tony Army".

From the product description at Interpunk:

"With Megalith Records in place and former stock of The Toasters Moon Ska releases running out, we have been re-pressing out of print titles loaded with unreleased material and new artwork. Hard Band For Dead was next on the chopping block and we now bring to you "2Tone Army", the full Hard Band For Dead album, plus unreleased tracks including early demo versions of songs on the album and alternate takes to those that were there before! Since vinyl doesn't allow for super long albums, we have included a download card that gives you free access to ALL tracks from the LP as well as the additional bonus tracks that wouldn't fit. Also, the actual record comes in a variety of grey / green / purple / chocolately marble swirls, with future pressings coming in white! (hopefully)"

If you're a big Toasters fan and a collector of ska vinyl I'd recommend checking it out. The price at the time I'm writing this is $10.75.

Skappleton 2011

2011-04-02T12:04:00.003-05:00

The initial line up for Skappleton 2011 has been posted! Check out the official page at the link.

Skappleton is an annual ska music festival in the Kimberly / Appleton, WI area. Bands listed so far are:

Mustard Plug
The Skattsmen
Dr. Cancer and the Skambies
The Waffle Stompers
Something To Do
Car Full Of Midgets
Superlucky

Happy Cheap Trick Day

2011-04-01T21:52:00.002-05:00

Happy Cheap Trick day to everyone! Yeah... the state of Illinois recognizes April 1st as Cheap Trick Day. They aren't exactly ska, but they are an awesome band. Check out videos of Less Than Jake covering "Surrender" then Cheap Trick playing the original off their famous Budokan album. Enjoy!

The Valuables CD Release Party

2011-03-27T20:40:00.002-05:00

Check out a couple black and white videos recorded at the Valuables CD release party for their new self-titled EP.

First, "Knocking On My Door" and "Downpour".

Second,"When The Chips Are Down" and "Shaking Up Orange Street".

One Night Band on Checkerboard Kids

2011-03-26T07:47:00.003-05:00

Check out a video for the Montreal band One Night Band on the Checkerboard Kids show. They play a traditional ska inspired sound with heavy keyboard usage and active horns.

Legends of Ska Documentary

2011-03-17T21:09:00.004-05:00

Check out a link and trailer for the "Legends of Ska: Welcome to the House of Joy" documentary being produced by Brad Klein and donate if you're impressed by its goal. The trailer is very well done.

Hat tip to MNSKA for posting the link.

Natalie Wouldn't Free Bird

2011-03-15T20:50:00.003-05:00

Dan Potthast is famous for "You Suck Play Some Skynyrd" well Natalie Wouldn't definitely doesn't suck and they take on the Skynyrd classic "Free Bird". It's a very well done cover too!

Flyover Ska Show Interview with Bucket

2011-03-07T20:08:00.003-06:00

Courtney from the Flyover Ska Show and Fancy Pants Gangsters recently interviewed Bucket from the Toasters. Courtney is truly the marathon man of ska interviews and this one is not exception. Find out Buck's take on the current ska, the different between ale and beer, and what he thinks about Paul McCartney.

Listen here.

Maddie Ruthless & The Secret Affair "Funeral Dirge"

2011-03-06T19:05:00.003-06:00

Check out a music video from the "Rocksteady Queen of New Orleans" Maddie Ruthless with her backing band The Secret Affair playing "Funeral Dirge". The song is very well done with prominent organ alongside Maddie's unique vocals.

Brooklyn Rocksteady Documentary

2011-02-27T20:16:00.002-06:00

Samuel Gursky is a student and independent film maker based in Brooklyn, NY. He's also a big ska / rocksteady fan and is in the process of creating a documentary called Brooklyn Rocksteady. He's currently fundraising for the film and has posted a trailer to raise interest. I'd recommend checking it out.

Also, this is the DThrog Ska Review's ** 200th ** post! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy reading the blog for a long time to come.

Best Regards

Dave "DThrog Ska"

Legacy Heat Machine Interview & Concert

2011-02-21T08:35:00.005-06:00

Check our an interview with Nebraska's The Heat Machine. The interview was conducted May 28, 2009. This time period was right around the same time as their East coast tour. The No Coast Dance Party had not come out yet. It came out December 2009. The band would break up and have farewell shows in Nebraska in October 2010. Hap tip to the Star City Music Blog and Nick Eneboe for the interview!

Next check out a series of videos for the Heat Machine's show at Duffy's in Lincoln, Nebraska from January 11, 2009. I believe this is the complete concert!

#1 "Housebreaker" and #2 "I Just Wanna Have a Good Time".

#3 "Seven Minutes of..."

#4 "Bare Minimum"

#5 Bottlerockets

#6 A Drug Against War

#7 10 Things I Hate About Your Boyfriend

Something To Do "Red Stripe Beer" Video

2011-02-18T21:46:00.004-06:00

Something To Do has finished their video for "Red Stripe Beer"! Check it out, it's a very well done song with great hooks.

It's beer! HOORAY BEER!

Four 0 "Tales of the Unexpected" Album Review

2011-02-16T19:16:00.005-06:00

The first thing to get out of the way with Four 0 is that they are not a ska band. They are an alternative band that happens to play some ska. There are no horns, sparingly use organ, and the main line up is fairly standard rock -- 2 guitars, bass, and drums. They were formed in 2004 and have more of a "master of all styles" feel like Suburban Rhythm than most of their contemporaries.

"Tales of the Unexpected" is their 2nd full-length release and was released in late 2010 by Do The Dog Music. There are 10 tracks in total and countless hooks. The first couple songs have a jekyl & hyde feel to them with interesting uses of dynamics. “Step Back” kicks off with 2-Tone inspired arpeggios before launching into a frantic punk song with aggressive drum rolls leading to the first verse. The song then settles in a laid-back ska rhythm before launching into an acoustic guitar chorus and repeats with the hectic to calm sections. “Clash Horns” begins with a scale that sounds like it could have come from a horror song then later has a singsong chorus. Both are well done although very different than most of the music coming out today.

“Stay That Way” is a catchy song with excellent hooks and nice backing vocals. “Lost and Lonely” is a sad song, but packs the punch of pop gold. The lyric “So why’d you have to come along and ruin my life today // I was doing just fine until you came // and all day I’ve been trying to figure it out // “ speaks to the tone of the lyrics, but the melody is so catchy. The backing to track is primarily acoustic guitar with some understated percussion. The result is very tastefully done and puts the great vocal melody at the front of the mix. This is my favorite song of the album and favorite I've heard recently.

“Tequila Salt & Lime” reminds me of the Get Up Kids. “Till The End” has a bass line that is heavy on funk in the intro before the catchy and interesting “Desert Rains”. “Goosfrabar” is another departure from anything heard earlier on the album with a walking bass line intro and prominent organ. This song has probably the strongest pop feel of all of the songs on the album. "Ukelay Saturday” features, you guessed it, a ukulele and has a great vocal melody. “Too Short” brings the album to a close with a 90s emo feel to it.

Grade: 4.5 / 5 stars

I'd highly recommend this release. This is the most creative album that falls into the ska family that I've heard in a very long time. The band's melodies are outstanding and their instrumental use is varied. You definitely cannot say that Four 0's songs all sound the same.

Coolie Ranx 3-Pack with the Hard Times & Pilfers

2011-02-10T20:04:00.002-06:00

I wanted to take some time out and post videos for the guy who may be the best front man in all of ska, Coolie Ranx.

First, courtesy of the Steve of the Duff Guide check out the Hard Times playing "Two Bucks For Bob" with Coolie.

Second, a very rocking rendition of the Pilfers "Yakuza" from Skanksgiving II from November 2009.

Finally, a music video for the Pilfers tune "Climbing".

Enjoy!

The Prizefighters "Follow My Sound" Album Review

2011-02-05T21:39:00.007-06:00

"Follow My Sound" is the Prizefighters debut full-length release, but they are by no means a new band. They've been playing their brand of soul infused ska / reggae for 5 years. The Minnesota ska scene features a surprisingly large number of bands and the Prizefighters are amongst the leaders in their scene.

They released "Follow My Sound" in December 2010 and it follows fairly closely to their live show reputation. They play 60s inspired traditional ska / reggae with hardly a power chord to be found. They are a 7-piece band with saxophone, trombone, and organ supplementing the guitars and drums.

The lead song on the album is broken into two tracks "Intro" and "Outside My Window". The use a dual guitar format with a similar sound as you'd see in a Skatalites song. They emphasize some beats heavily and use backing vocals alongside a fairly catchy groove. "Hypocrite" is next with a heavy Slackers sounding influence and is the best song so far. "Truth And Lies" and "Storms" aren't bad songs, but they don't pack nearly as much catchy punch as the best songs on the album. "Before Tonight" ends the first half of the album in great fashion. I really like the walking bass line and the chorus melodies are excellent. This is the best song on the album and features a rare happy theme.

The title track "Follow My Sound" kicks off the second half of the album and is another outstanding track. I think it would have been better to kick the album off with "Before Tonight" and "Follow My Sound" because they are the band's best material. Next are 60s inspired "Karma" and the instrumental "Brujeria". An infectious organ melody kicks off "Take Some Time". Well-done backing vocals add a lot to the song. The mood is sad, but the song is catchy regardless. "There'll Be A Day" is another outstanding track with great hooks.

Grade: 4 /5 stars

I highly recommend this album. The Prizefighters kept their fans waiting for a long time before coming out with the first full-length release, but the wait is worth it. They've crafted the songs very carefully and have come up with 3 golden pop songs alongside some other good material. My only suggestion to the band is have more major / key happy sounding songs alongside the other material.

The album can be picked up at the band's shows. You can also order this release through amazon.

Do The Dog Music CD Sale

2011-01-26T19:33:00.001-06:00

Check out Do The Dog Music's "Massive CD Sale" at the link! They are offering either:

4 CDs for 10 pounds
10 CDs for 20 pounds
20 CDs for 30 pounds

The sale is on through the end of February. The page says it is only open to UK residents. They aren't kidding with the Massive part either. There are 82 CDs to choose from!

T.U.G.G. Acoustic

2011-01-26T19:26:00.003-06:00

Hap tip to MNSKA for a great find. Check out an appearance by T.U.G.G. on WKBT news in LaCrosse. Listen to them play two acoustic songs "Johnny Exile" and "Lover's Rock" as well an interview with the band. Enjoy!

2 Year Anniversary

2011-01-25T20:40:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary for this blog! Thanks to you for continuing to read and stop back often! Don't forget to follow the DThrog Ska Review on Facebook and Twitter!

40 Toasters Videos?!

2011-01-20T20:23:00.003-06:00

40 Toasters videos?! Yeah! Check out the playlist on Youtube with ** 40 ** Toasters videos from 1987's "Shocker" to 2006's "Your Gonna Pay".

The Toasters are ska's gold standard. They are on tour now across the US. Check them out if you have the opportunity. Tour dates are as follows:

January

Sat 15th Kingston, NY @ The Basement
Sun 16th Brooklyn, NY @ The Knitting Factory
Mon 17th Vienna, VA @ Jammin’ Java
Tue 18th Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock Café
Wed 19th Norfolk, VA @ Jewish Mother Backstage
Thurs 20th Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone Club
Fri 21st Nashville, TN @ The Muse
Sat 22nd Hot Springs, AR @ Low Key Arts
Sun 23rd Houston, TX @ Walter’s on Washington
Mon 24th Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s Backroom
Tue 25th El Paso, TX @ Lips Lounge
Wed 26th Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad
Thurs 27th Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
Fri 28th Las Vegas, NV @ The Bunkhouse
Sat 29th Camarillo, CA @ Rock City
Sun 30th San Diego, CA @ SOMA
Mon 31st Fullerton, CA @ Slidebar

February

Tue 1st Sparks, NV @ The Alley
Wed 2nd San Jose, CA @ The Blank Club
Thurs 3rd San Francisco, CA @ Red Devil Lounge
Fri 4th Eureka, CA @ Red Fox Tavern
Sat 5th Portland, OR @ Plan B
Sun 6th Vancouver, BC @ The Venue
Mon 7th Seattle, WA @ Studio 7
Tue 8th Spokane, WA @ A Club
Wed 9th Boise, ID @ Shredder
Thurs 10th Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge
Fri 11th Casper, WY @ Downtown Grill & Venue
Sat 12th Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
Sun 13th Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
Mon 14th Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
Tue 15th Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s Oasis
Wed 16th Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
Thurs 17th DeKalb, IL @ Otto’s
Fri 18th St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
Sat 19th Indianapolis, IN @ Melody Inn (Punk Rock Night)
Sun 20th Toledo, OH @ Frankie’s
Mon 21st Lansing, MI @ Mac’s Bar
Tue 22nd Akron, OH @ Musica
Wed 23rd Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
Thurs 24th Trenton, NJ @ Championship Bar & Grill
Fri 25th Ithaca, NY @ The Haunt
Sat 26th Providence, RI @ Club Hell
Sun 27th Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East

The Simmertones Videos

2011-01-20T20:15:00.004-06:00

Looking for some new music? Check out the Simmertones from the UK! They play a two tone inspired sound and do it very well.

First, check out "Warm Your Bones".

Second, check out "Do What You Got To Do".

Scott Klopfenstein Leaves RBF

2011-01-11T19:49:00.003-06:00

The headline says it all. Read about it at punknews.org. Hat tip to JacobWakeUp.

UPDATE: Scott has his own notes written at the Reel Big Fish site.

Am I alone in thinking the band could not possibly be the same without him?

Green Room Rockers Self-Titled Album Review

2011-01-11T19:38:00.004-06:00

The Green Room Rockers self-titled album was released October 1st, 2010. It is their 2nd full-length release and their 4th release overall (find other reviews of their work I've done here, here, and here). The album features “Broke” and “Irony” from prior releases as well as a cover of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It Home” and the traditional “Willow Garden”.

The sound is a departure from their earlier work with fewer driving beats and a more socially conscious tone to the lyrics. The album is very ambitious with 15 total songs. As I say about nearly every album I review that has so many songs on it, I think the album would have been best served keeping the best 12 tracks and leaving the other material behind. I wouldn’t say the album is overcome with filler, but keeping it to 12 songs allows the band to only put their top material in front of the listener while not overwhelming the listener with material.

The album starts off in great form with the 60s inspired guitar riff driven “Conqueror” and the funky “Alone”. “Broke”, which was previously heard on their Wabash album, is next followed by the catchy and apologetic “Confession”. All 4 songs are top-notch efforts.

“Better Way” is the first song with the socially aware lyrics noting the rough times encountered by so many people the past couple years. “Basement Song” is a tribute to your local music played at a high level by unknown but talented bands. “Seal The Deal” is next before the well-done instrumental “Exit 178”.

The dark cover “Willow Garden” is next. Alongside the generally upbeat GRR sound this song sounds out of place and even melancholy. “To Make Ends Meet” slows the tempo down and is another song about tough times. The middle group of songs #5 -#10 are not bad songs by any means, but they don’t have the usual Green Room Rockers hooks.

“Twenty – Five” brings back the hooks before the ballad “You And I”. I love the acoustic version “Irony” and the electric version on the album is excellent as well. “Dark Thoughts” is another ballad before the well-done “Bring It On Home” with guest vocals from Deal’s Gone Bad’s Todd Hembrook. The last group of songs is stronger than the middle, but not as good as the earlier material.

Grade: 4 / 5 stars

I’d recommend this release although I wish the Green Room Rockers would keep the tempo up. Overall, I can see the band developing as musicians, but I enjoyed “Hoosier Homegrown” much better than this release and thought “On The Wabash”, although short, was a classic acoustic release.

I didn’t find the hooks on this album quite as engaging although part of that may be having a high standard for the band. They set the bar very high with their initial releases.

I think fans of the Green Room Rockers will enjoy this release and think it may open some new doors for them. I hope so because they are a great band and deserve the exposure. You can pick up the album here.

Megalith Records $6 CDs & Vinyl

2011-01-05T19:52:00.002-06:00

Megalith Records currently has a sale going with all Megalith CDs and vinyl for $6 until the end of the month! Check it out and happy New Year! Click on the link.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T10:49:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas to you and your family from the DThrog Ska Review.

Mustard Plug "Real True Santa"

2010-12-21T17:35:00.000-06:00

Check out a FREE DOWNLOAD from Mustard Plug for their tune "Real True Santa"... its kind of like "Real Rat Bastard", but remixed!

Enjoy.

Cartoon Violence "Overtime" Christmas Video

2010-12-16T20:05:00.002-06:00

Check out Cartoon Violence's video for "Overtime" featuring the type of infectious melody they are known for. Per the band "Go and grab yourself a free copy of the song by sending an email to email@cartoonviolence.co.uk".

Christmas Ska Videos

2010-12-15T20:19:00.003-06:00

Check out a collection of Christmas videos from the world of ska including tracks from the Toasters, the Slackers, the Voodoo Glow Skulls, and King Hammond. Enjoy!

First, the Toasters with "Christmas Time Again".

Second, the Slackers playing "Little Drummer Boy".

Third, the Voodoo Glow Skulls with "Feliz Navidad".

Finally, King Hammond playing "Rudies In Jail For Christmas".

Strange Manor Christmas 2010!

2010-12-08T18:03:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Strange Manor is at it again releasing their ** 5TH ** volume Christmas album! Check it out at the link for free download and pass the word.

The track list is as follows:

1. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
2. Lil' Saint Nick
3. Gee Whiz, It's Christmas
4. Please Come Home For Christmas
5. What Christmas Means To Me
6. Don't Believe in Christmas

Also, check out their Christmas albums from 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 here.

New Prizefighters "Follow My Sound"

2010-12-05T09:57:00.003-06:00

The Prizefighters held their CD release show last night in Minneapolis. Check out the title track "Follow My Sound" below! It's a well done song with a similar feel to their other work. They play 60s inspired early ska / rocksteady with an organ supplying a heavy dose of melody.

I haven't seen the album posted for sale online yet, but will post links when available.

The Hard Times "Two Bucks For Bob" EP Review

2010-11-28T18:44:00.003-06:00

The Hard Times are a relatively recent development. They formed just last year and have been playing shows around the New York City area.

The Hard Times have a relatively unique place in the world of ska and reggae. They describe their sound as being roots reggae. Their line up features 2 guitars, bass, drums, and keyboard. They play exclusively instrumental music. Notably absent are horns, but they effectively use the 2 guitar setup alongside keyboards and catchy bass lines to deliver the melody.

"Two Bucks For Bob" is their first recorded material and features 3 total songs. The band names one of their influences as being a "treasure chest of Trojan 45s" and the sound confirms it picturing sounds of the 60s. The songs are shorter than some instrumental music and conform fairly strictly to typical pop durations of 3 to 3 1/2 minutes.

"Bender of Steel" kicks the EP off in fine form. You worry that without vocals the music may not grab your attention, but within the first 30 seconds that issue is thrown aside. After a short drum introduction, the lead guitar and bass line play similar patterns with a heavy access on melody. There's an excellent keyboard solo starting at 1:01 through 1:36. This is the strongest song on the EP.

The title track "Two Bucks For Bob" is next with a dub influenced sound and the bass line leading the way. The song has a nice groove and is dramatically different than the leading track.
"Ricochet Rocker" is more upbeat with very active drum beats and extensive solos including both keyboard and guitar solos.

I highly recommend this release for lovers of instrumental ska and reggae and the traditional sound. I'd recommend it as well to fans of modern ska who typically listen to music with more of a punk influence to vary their collection.

You can find this release through whatevski at the link. It is available for download for only $3 currently!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T21:08:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Enjoy a Thanksgiving from 2009 as Upstanding Youth plays "Sing To Me" acoustically.

Theme Song Ska Covers

2010-11-21T21:03:00.001-06:00

I have a couple videos for you of not terribly well known ska theme song covers.

First, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes with a cover of the Inspector Gadget theme song.

Second, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra playing the Tetris theme.

Car Full of Midgets New EP "Garbage"

2010-11-15T19:44:00.003-06:00

Looking for some new music? Kimberly Wisconsin's Car Full of Midgets has released a new EP titled "Garbage". Check it out at the link.

They play their usual hard hitting and punk infused ska. They are larger than even your usual ska band featuring ** 8 ** musicians!

This EP is being released with downloads using name your price. You could download it for free, but hopefully you'll give some cash to the band. Check it out!

1.For Lack of Better Words 03:35
2.Same Old, Same Old 03:32
3.Stall 03:08
4.Not Without a Fight 02:50
5.Talk of Revolution 03:21

The Valuables Video & Podcast

2010-11-10T19:44:00.003-06:00

I wanted to take a few minutes to post a video from Vancouver's excellent ska band The Valuables. Here's a video of them playing "Knockin' On My Door".

If you like what you hear they were also featured on Monumental Tracks podcast episode #10.

Second Time Lucky "Drink, Sleep, Repeat" Album Review

2010-11-04T18:59:00.004-05:00

UK’s Second Time Lucky released their debut album “Drink, Sleep, Repeat” on July 13, 2009 on Rann Records.
The album is an ambitious effort with 16 total tracks. They mix female and male vocals alongside a modern 2-Tone beat. They primarily make use of the ska guitar style and very rarely use power chords.

Cat’s vocals are very unique in particular. She has a heavy vibrato to her singing voice and you can tell she’s not someone who just happened to sing for a band, but has been working at it for a long time. She can really sing!

16 tracks is a lot of material! You may think there’d be a substantial amount of filler with so many songs, but it’s not the case.

The album begins very strongly. “Not Guilty” and “Outta My Head” are both excellent leading tracks and show the band’s versatility with different feels to the songs with Cat’s vocals in the lead track and male lead vocals in “Outta My Head”. The 5th track “Another One Down” is a slower track with an outstanding chorus hook and an excellent showcase of their vocal quality. The 6th track “Emo vs Ska” has a funny title and an extremely catchy melody. The 7th track “Hardcore” is an interesting track with funky beat accents. The dub styled “Spite” brings the first half of the album to a close.

“Relentless” starts the second half of the album with a very well done melody and again interesting beat accents. “Even Though You’re Gone” has another one of those great chorus melodies and a really nice guitar solo after the first chorus. The 12th track is the title track “Drink Sleep Repeat” with a faster tempo than much of the material. The 13th track “Chuggin” reminds me a lot of Save Ferris. The 16th track “Watch Me Go” may actually be the best track on the entire album. The instrumental soundscape created is very interesting and the vocals are outstanding.

Grade: 4.5 / 5 stars

I highly recommend this album. Most bands don’t put this many songs on an album, much less their debut. The whole recording is a solid listen start to finish.

You can find the album at Rann Records and iTunes among other places.

"Heavyweight Acoustic Ska Showdown!" Album Review

2010-10-26T18:31:00.004-05:00

2010’s Do The Dog Music release “Heavyweight Acoustic Ska Showdown” pits Robb “The One Man Ska Explosion” Blake against Jimmy The Squirrel’s Liam O’Kane. The setup is simple. Each man gets 5 original songs to record with a single acoustic guitar track and vocals.

This is in direct opposition to a significant number of acoustic ska releases. Even in Chris Murray’s solo work he regularly records acoustic bass lines, drums, and even organ in some songs. Although their styles are very different, Dan Potthast also uses a similar mix of instruments including additional lead guitar work. This shows how ambitious “Heavyweight…” is. There are limited instruments to supply the melody and that really puts the artist out there and makes the vocal melody even more important.

Robb Blake is first up. He uses multiple strumming patterns throughout to the keep the sound fresh. “Any Day Now” is the first song and is especially well done. I really like both the verse and chorus melodies. “Keep On Climbing” shows a new element with a different vocal focus in the introduction. This song is also very well done. “From Spain To Endorse It” is an autobiographical song about Robb’s music career. The chorus has more of a punk-ish feel to it. “Time To Break” is up next before the drinking song “Hit The Bottle”.

Liam O’Kane is up next and his style is more brooding and serious. The lyrics to “Just Speak To Me” have an interesting, and seemingly contrary point of view. The chorus line is “Don’t Speak To Me / Just Speak To Me”. “Breaking The Habit of a Lunchtime” tells the tale of trying to quit smoking. “Leave The Grey” has a very heavy accent in the strumming pattern and has a slower feel. “There Goes The Wagon” is similar to “Breaking…” is about drinking when trying to be sober. I think this song has the strongest vocal melody of Liam’s songs on this album. “Going Back For More” brings the album to a close and is fairly catchy despite having sad overtones.

The biggest question with any split album is, who wins? I’d say Robb Blake presented the stronger material. “Any Day Now” and “Keep On Climbing” are the best songs on the album. Liam’s section ends strongly, but is not quite as hook heavy in the first 3 tracks.

Grade: 4 / 5 stars

I’d recommend this album. This is a really unique concept and is well done. It can found through Do The Dog Music.

Easy Big Fella Videos

2010-10-21T19:57:00.002-05:00

Easy Big Fella was back together July 4th of this year in Olympia, Washington and had the following videos recorded! They are one of my all time favorite ska bands and really bring the goods!

First, "Dorm Room".

Second, "Rumpshaker" and "Regular Guy".

Last, "Found Love".

The Stress "Muk! Muk!" EP Review

2010-10-16T21:55:00.003-05:00

The Stress formed in late 2007 in Providence, Rhode Island. They released their EP “Muk! Muk!” in June of 2009 on Community Records. They broke up this past summer. Unless the band winds up getting together at some point “Muk! Muk!” will be their only release.

It is important to note the timing of this review. The review is being done POST-band break up so my write up will be past tense.

Their sound is interesting. Most of the bands on Community Records have a very aggressive punk fueled sound. The Stress were the exception. They played a horn-less version of slower rocksteady / ska with plenty of soul, multiple guitars, backing vocals, and organ.

They also approach their music from a sociopolitical slant with myspace blogs warning about the effects of NAFTA on small time coffee farmers in Mexico, paramilitary involvement in the banana industry in Columbia, and child slave labor in the West Africa cocoa trade.

“Muk! Muk!” features 5 total songs. The fact it doesn’t sound like it is the band’s first release is a tremendous compliment. Every note is well placed; the songs are well written and equally well performed. “It’s Like You Say” and “What Cheer?” are extremely well put together songs with outstanding hooks and are top-notch material. “Bridges” is also well done. The NAFTA banana trade inspired 1994 tells a nice story, but the melody isn’t as catchy as the earlier material. “Far Away” closes the EP out with a tremendous introduction and excellent hooks throughout.

I highly recommend this album. It’s too bad the band broke up because they were very good. Maybe with any luck the members of the band will continue to make music in other bands if they are no longer interested in being The Stress.

The album can be found through Community Records. I believe the album is still available for free download.

The Stress Live Video "What Cheer?"

2010-10-13T19:47:00.003-05:00

I was thinking about the Heat Machine's breakup and started thinking about another up and coming band that has broken up, the Stress from Rhode Island.

Check out a live video for their song "What Cheer?". I plan on posting a review sometime in the near future for their album "Muk Muk" to help get the word out about a pretty good band.

New Green Room Rockers album

2010-10-06T20:50:00.003-05:00

Don't forget the Green Room Rockers 2nd full release is now out through Jump Up Records! The highly anticipated self titled release has 15 songs in all. I just received my copy today.

The Heat Machine Breaks Up!

2010-09-29T20:49:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been confirmed by the Heat Machine's facebook page:

"Sorry guys, I wish I could tell you otherwise, but it's true. We're not going to be playing together anymore for the foreseeable future as thm." -- Mitch, the Heat Machine's drummer.

This is terrible news and a sad day for ska. They were / are a very good band. I reviewed their most recent release here.

They will be missed. I'd encourage you to pick up their LP. Interpunk has it for $10.25.

Royal City Riot "Coast To Coast" Album Review

2010-09-24T21:06:00.005-05:00

“Coast To Coast” is the 2nd album release by Long Island’s Royal City Riot. It is released on Megalith Records.

Royal City Riot’s sound is rich with the staples of guitar, bass and drums alongside organ, saxophone, and trombone. Their sound draws from the influence of traditional ska with some modern influences. There’s very little punk influence. 9 of the 12 songs run longer than 3:30 so while the songs do feature enough hooks to get stuck in your head these are not pop songs in construction of the music or the lyrical content. Most of the songs are fairly deep.

The album begins with a Beatle’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band inspired introduction to upbeat “The Rhythm”. “I Need Your Touch” is probably the best song on the album. The song is very catchy and features excellent horn melodies and very well placed backing vocals. “Til’ I Die” is similar.

“Keep Your Head Up” begins very interestingly with the type of pops and crackles you’d hear on vinyl to set the mood. This song draws heavily from the Motown sound. The chorus is very well done with heavy accent beats and really has a positive message. When life gets tough you should keep your head up high. “Nobody Knows” is next and is followed by “Longing For You” which starts as a very slow ballad before picking up the pace. There’s a country feel to the song because of the steel guitar. The chorus is very well crafted like many of the other songs.

The original instrumental “Captree Ska” kicks off the second half of the album and is followed by “Myrtle Avenue” and “Sweet Maria”. Neither is a bad song, but they don’t have the hooks of the earlier material.

“Fire” is a very well done up beat pop song with an excellent beat and nice backing vocals. “I Should’ve Known Better” again shows the bands chops alongside some excellent song writing and a very memorable chorus. The steel guitar is back for the soulful “Coast To Coast” which brings the album to a close.

Grade: 4.25 / 5 stars

I recommend this release very highly. The craftsmanship in the music is superb.
They remind me a lot of Westbound Train with maybe a little more pace to the songs.

The album is available through Megalith and Interpunk among other locations. Check it out!

The bands shows their appreciation for the Beatles with a live cover of "Come Together"!

Slackers and Green Room Rockers Tour

2010-09-21T21:44:00.001-05:00

The Slackers and Green Room Rockers are about to hit the road! Tour dates per the Green Room Rockers facebook page. I believe the Slackers are with GRR through 10/10.

10.1 - Cleveland Heights, OH @ the Grog shop
10.2 - Chicago, IL @ the Bottom Lounge
10.3 - St. Louis, MO @ the FIREBIRD
10.4 - Lafayette, IN @ The lafayette brew co
10.5 - Grand Rapids, Mi @ Billy's
10.6 - Ann Arbor, MI @ The Blind Pig
10.7 - Toledo, OH @ FRANKIES
10.8 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Theatre of living arts
10.9 - TBA
10.10 - MOONSTOMP FEST
10.19 - Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Palace
10.20 - Guelph, ONT, CA @ E-Bar
10.21 - London, ONT, CA @ Call the office
10.22 - Toronto, ONT, CA @ Lee's Palace
10.23 - Montreal, QC, CA @ Le Studio
10.24 - TBA

Chris Murray Videos from "4-Track Adventures..."

2010-09-12T21:19:00.003-05:00

I wanted to take a few minutes to post videos from Chris Murray's first album "4-Track Adventures". The album was originally named "4-Track Adventures of Venice Shoreline Chris", but there was another group who went around with the name Venice Shoreline and they persuaded Chris not to use that name anymore...

First, a live video for "Ex-Darling".

Second, a live video for "Rocksteady".

The album is out of stock at Asian Man right now, but you can find MP3 downloads at Amazon. You can also read my interview with Chris here!

Rebelation "The Berlin Session" EP Review

2010-09-05T22:05:00.002-05:00

Rebelation recorded “The Berlin Session” EP in October 2008 while they were on tour in Europe in just 2 days! It contains a total of 5 songs. The liner notes on the album say everything was pretty much completely recorded live. It is released by Do The Dog Music.

Rebelation’s sound is heavily influenced by early ska alongside some modern influences as well. The band describes their sound as being a mixture of UK reggae, ska, and rocksteady.

They use different melodic instruments (multiple guitars, sax, and keys) while the bass is at the center of nearly every song’s groove as opposed to being in the background. There is an element of soul to the songs as well as some dub influence.

There are both male and female vocals that are traded off from song to song. The male vocals are well done, but the female vocals are outstanding and brimming with soul.

“You Will Know” is an outstanding lead off track. It features 60s era influenced dual guitars, one playing the off-beat ska type accents and the other playing a Skatalites-esque single note pattern, alongside a bass line that is sure to pull you into the mix. The female vocals are great and the chorus is catchy as any I’ve heard recently. I love the song.

“Freedom is a Must” slows the tempo down and prominently features the sax and keys alongside male vocals. The bass is heavily featured in the mix. It’s a good song, but anything was bound to be a step below the lead off track.

Female vocals are back in “Sick of Waiting”. The accent beats in the song chorus add a lot to the song. The familiar heavy bass groove is used during the verse.

The guitar in “Roots Nature” is central to the mix. The vocals alternate again with male vocals featured on this tune. I like the slides in the guitar pattern and the well-placed full band instrumental rests in the chorus. “Be Sure” is a really neat track and has a lot going on. It is very instrumentally rich.

I highly recommend this release. There is a great depth to the music and it is catchy at the same time. There are a number of good tracks, but “You Will Know” is a must have! The album is available through Do The Dog Music.

Pinstripes Live At The Good Stuff

2010-08-30T20:46:00.004-05:00

Everyone loves the Pinstripes, right? And everyone loves free stuff, right? How about if those two were joined together? I'm talking about the Pinstripes "Live At The Good Stuff" recording the band currently has for free through their web site here. It's a live recording from August 19, 2009 from the band's practice studio.

While you are at it check out their excellent 10" split with the Green Room Rockers called "Midwest Soundclash". My review for it is available here.

Toasters Christmas-Ska!

2010-08-25T19:18:00.002-05:00

The long awaited release of the Toasters Christmas album named "Christmas-Ska" is here! These tracks were originally part of the Moon Japan release. The liner notes are as follows:

"These songs were originally released on the Moon Ska Japan "Christma-ska" compilation album, along with other bands such as The Bluebeats, The Allstonians, Buford O'Sullivan, Skinnerbox and New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble. We have assembled The Toasters tracks for release into the digital realm. It has been almost 13 years since this album came out. The tracks have never been available since then. The album showcases a unique time for The Toasters, between Hard Band For Dead and Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down. It shows the band in their more "jazzy" stage of evolution. They give their spin on some traditional holiday tunes but also bring three of their own original songs into the mix. 'Happy Christmas', 'Rudy Christmas A Jail' (which is a rework of the rare track 'Davina') and 'Christmas Time Again'. What I like about this album is that is showcases a lot of other members in the band singing and working the harmonies. Jack Ruby Jr. has a great voice on this album, and we even have Sledge and Johnnathan McCain taking leads on some tracks as well. There are a lot of Christmas albums out there, and honestly, most are horrible! But this album is truly a very unique and quality album, even if it wasn't holiday based. The musicianship and production quality is really top notch. So if you are trying to decide which holiday album to download this year, go the Jamaican route and skank it up in this winter wonderland!

Now, some may be asking "What about the other band's songs?" Those are up to those bands to release on their own, as they own the copyright to them, not us. You can find the New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble song on their "Best Of" cd released by Megalith Records in Europe (import copies are available through the Megalith Records website). As far as the other tunes, maybe the bands will tack them on as bonus tracks someday!"

Also, the Toasters Fall Europe tour dates are announced and are as follows:

September

Thurs 2 GB Guildford Boiler Room
Fri 3 GB Tunbridge Wells Forum
Sat 4 GB Mersea Scooter Rally
Sun 5 Gb Huddersfield the Parish
Mon 6 Gb Bristol The Croft
Tues 7 Gb London The Gaff
Weds 8 Gb Edinbrugh Citrus Club
Thurs 9 Gb Manchester Moho Live
Fri 10 Gb Leeds The Well
Sat 11 Gb Derby Old Bell
Sun 12 Gb Newport 6 Feet Under
Tues 14 Holland Tba
Weds 15 Germany Dusseldorf Fft
Thurs 16 Russia Moscow Club Totchka
Fri 17 Russia St Petersburg Tba

Warped Tour 2010 Ska Videos

2010-08-25T17:22:00.003-05:00

Check out some videos from this past Warped Tour!

First, Reel Big Fish playing an amazing version of Metallica's "Enter Sand Man" before "The Set Up". Sorry about the camera shake, but this is the best I could find.

Second, Tip The Van playing "Cherry Red" from the latest EP "Passion, Love & Pride".

Last, Deal's Gone Bad playing "Movin' On" from "The Ramblers".

A big hat tip again to MrBassMan4. Great job!

More New Green Room Rockers!

2010-08-19T19:13:00.004-05:00

Check out a video for the Green Room Rockers new song "You And I". It is very soul heavy with some nice guitar work. Are GRR the best soul ska band going? I think so.

Previously, I posted a link to the band's new tune called "Basement Song". Check it out here. Here's a link to a cover of Toots & The Maytals "Pressure Drop".

Ska Flashback -- Skankin' Pickle "Sing Along With Skankin' Pickle"

2010-08-12T20:18:00.003-05:00

1994's "Sing Along With Skankin' Pickle" was the 3rd album released by Skankin' Pickle. The band had come a long way by this point. Their earlier material was extremely uneven. The appropriately named full length CD debut "Skafunkrastapunk" was all over the place and frankly not very good.

Their follow up, "Skankin' Pickle Fever", was much better featuring some of the the band's best work, but was still uneven. "The Hussein Skank", "Anxiety Attack" and "I Missed The Bus" highlight the album.

The album following "Sing Along With Skankin' Pickle", named "The Green Album", was their final album with Mike Park, and the final album recorded before the band broke up. It was also well done, but primarily featured covers and Skankin' Pickle B-side type material.

"Sing Along With Skankin' Pickle" featured the band at its best. It includes their remake of The Vapors' "Turning Japanese", the excellent "Rotten Banana Legs", DeGrassi influenced "I'm In Love With A Girl Named Spike", and the very catchy "20 Nothing".

Skankin' Pickle was one of the first bands to be famous for being able to blend different styles together. They primarily blend ska with punk, but there are also elements of metal (see "Hate") and jazz (see "Thick Ass Stout"). They can play silly songs (see "Margaret Cho") and even songs with foreign lyrics (see "Onyonghasayo'). Best of all most of the songs are catchy. There are some misses, but generally the album is solid.

If you like skacore and are interested in earlier 90s ska this one may appeal to you. I'd recommend you to check it out. Asian Man Records is offering this album on CD for $8 currently.

Something To Do "Souvenir" EP Review

2010-08-04T19:54:00.004-05:00

Something To Do is my favorite younger pop punk influenced ska band. They are from Milwaukee / Waukesha, Wisconsin and are naturals with very catchy melodic music. Their line up is guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, and trombone.

These guys are by no means new to the scene. Their 1st album came out in 2002 and their new EP “Souvenir” is their 4th release. I reviewed their most recent full-length album, 2007’s “I Command You To Dance” this past March. Normally I don’t reach that far back into the archives to review an album, but I made an exception for that one due to their being so many songs on it that you can’t get out of your head.

“Souvenir” builds upon the experience of the band’s early releases. 2002’s full length “13 Steps To A New You” and 2004’s EP “Naked Pigeons Inside!” are both good and brimming with potential, but the sound is raw. “I Command You To Dance” (ICYTD) saw the band realize its potential and really write the kind of music they were capable of. The songs are tight and the melodies are really well put together, but the tempo is never forced and the songs are under control. It’s been a staple of my ska listening the past several months.

“Souvenir” picks up where ICYTD left off. The EP kicks off with a tribute to everyone’s favorite tough guy Chuck Norris with “(Reflections On) Chuck Norris”. Any song by a punk band about Chuck Norris is going to be silly and this song is no exception, but it is very well crafted. The lyrics are smart, the writing is good, and I love the bridge and backing vocals to the chorus.

“How Many Times” is next up and slows the tempo down from “Reflections”. The song has more of a ska feel to the verse and the chorus is extremely catchy. Again, there are very well placed backing vocals in the chorus. This song is as good as the top material from ICYTD. The tempo is kicked back into overdrive with “Nicotine Blues” about the pains of quitting smoking.

Next up is a cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”. This is more of a punk rewrite than ska. I’ve always been a big Billy Idol fan and this song doesn’t disappoint. The ode to the beer of Jamaica, “Red Stripe”, brings the EP to a close. The tempo is slowed down for this one with extra emphasis on melody. This is maybe the most catchy song on the EP and is sure to get struck in your head. You may even want to crack open your own Red Stripe beer while listening to it.

I highly recommend this release. It’s very solid top to finish and sure to get stuck in your head and find itself in your regular rotation. If you have limited funds to pick up new music this summer pick this over the new Reel Big Fish Greatest Hits. It’s only $5 on MP3 through either amazon.com, iTunes or CDBaby and I think you’ll get more your hard earned cash. It’s also available on CD through amazon.com, but is not yet released through them digitally.

See a couple videos for Something To Do. First, "(Reflections On) Chuck Norris" and "Wannabe".

Across The Aisle "Change Nothing" EP Review

2010-08-01T20:14:00.005-05:00

Across The Aisle (ATA) is a ska and punk influenced band from New York City. They have a fairly standard ska lineup featuring guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, and saxophone. Megg Howe brings a unique element to their sound with very powerful vocals. There is some resemblance between Megg’s voice and Monique Powell formerly of Save Ferris. Both singers can really belt out the vocals with a powerful stage presence and plenty of vibrato.

“Change Nothing” is Across The Aisle’s recent release and is the follow up to 2008’s debut “The Mercy EP”. ATA mixes a ska influenced sound along with elements of punk usually with heavier choruses. The bass lines tend to be more punk influenced and aggressive than the walking bass lines that are sometimes found in ska. Backup vocals are common throughout the EP and there is a great depth of sound and multiple layers. You can hear the New York City influence throughout.

“The Elephant” leads off with a horn riff introduction before a driving verse. The song is about uncomfortable situations and the elephant in the room. There’s a really good pre-chorus at 0:33 with plenty of accents beats. The driving beat throughout should keep the live crowds moving.

“Everybody Lies” starts much slower with dual vocals backed only by the drums before the guitar starts playing an arpeggio lead riff. The whole band joins in for the verse. The chorus is much more upbeat with punk style power chords. The chorus is catchy and again should keep the crowd moving.

“Born Dirty ‘09” is an interesting track instrumentally because it begins with a drum fill and just bass guitar by itself before the guitar and horns trade off melodies. The song then moves to the verse with a stripped down ska guitar strum central in the mix. The pre-chorus is heavily accented. I like the backing vocals in the chorus.

I like the two-tone inspired guitar sound to the introduction in “Roots”. The song talks about your hometown growing up. The verse is laid back and heavily ska influenced before an urgent and upbeat sound in the pre-chorus and chorus.

I’d recommend this release. It’s unique in some respects because it’s not just a pop ska album, or a skacore album, or a girl vocal ska album either. It’s a mix of all of those things with a greater depth of sound than you may expect, especially from a young ska band. The depth of sound should give it staying power.

Currently, the best place to find the album is at ATA shows. It will soon also be released through CDBaby and iTunes. You can catch an excellent interview with Megg and Jay over at Duff Guide to Ska as well as a review of their previous release.

Minnesota Ska Videos live from Shuga Records

2010-07-30T21:36:00.003-05:00

Today I've got a three pack of videos from Shuga Records featuring Minnesota Ska bands Umbrella Bed, The Prizefighters, and Rocksteady Breakfast.

First, Umbrella Bed with a spirited version of "Big Top".

Second, the very smooth Prizefighters playing "You've Got It All Wrong".

Last, you may think you're wearing a toga and listening to Animal House, but you'd be wrong. It's Rocksteady Breakfast with their version of "Shout".

Hat tip to MrBassman4 for posting these.

Reel Big Fish "A Best Of Us... For The Rest Of Us" Album Review

2010-07-25T08:13:00.004-05:00

I think everyone knows the story with Reel Big Fish. They were on Jive Records and everyone was unhappy. The band was unhappy because they felt unsupported, the label was unhappy because the band didn't sell enough albums, and the band was unceremoniously dropped. Reel Big Fish moved on and Jive released "A Greatest Hit... And More" that the band despised.

Since leaving Jive Reel Big Fish has left fans longing for new material. Their releases have been:

a) "Our Live Album is Better Than Your Live Album" which effectively was a live greatest hits which contained a bonus DVD
b) "Monkeys For Nothin' And Chimps For Free" had 10 new tracks and 7 reworked or B side tracks
c) "Fame, Fortune, and Fornication" cover album
d) "Live! In Concert" DVD which seemed a bit redundant at the time because they already have a live DVD out and had a bonus live show DVD on the live album they released

Now, they are releasing a new greatest hits which seems redundant because they already had the double disc live album which served the purpose of a greatest hits in addition to the Jive greatest hits which some fans have bought. Thankfully, the band says they will begin recording new material later this year.

A comparison of "Greatest Hit... And More" and "A Best Of Us... For the Rest Of Us" is below. Bolded tracks were not on "Greatest Hit".

1	Sell Out
2	Take On Me
3	Beer
4	She Has A Girlfriend Now
5	Everything Sucks
6	Trendy
7	I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend Too
8	In The Pit
9	The Set Up (You Need This)
10	Somebody Hates Me
11	You Don't Know
12	Suckers (This One's For You)
13	Where Have You Been
14	Good Thing
15	Ban The Tube Top
16	Don't Start A Band
17	Your Guts (I Hate 'Em)
18	Another F.U. Song
19	New Version Of You
20	Party Down
21	Slow Down
22	Brown Eyed Girl

Overall the track list is fairly solid. It's missing the "The Fire". I would have picked a different cover than "Brown Eyed Girl" and would have left "Another F.U. Song" off of it. All of the tracks have been re-recorded except for the Rock Ridge tracks. Most follow the originals very closely. "In The Pit" has a 311 type of sound to the bridge.

There's a bonus acoustic disc with 14 tracks. These tracks stick pretty close to the originals. Don't expect completely reworked tracks. They're very similar except the drums have been toned down and the guitar parts are acoustic not electric. The guitar still plays mostly the same notes and the horn parts are roughly the same. There is no organ or other new melodic instrument. Given the songs have not been the reworked the acoustic songs sound a bit out of place in the new format.

Grade: 4 / 5 stars

The content is generally good, but the band didn't get the full benefit of the acoustic CD. The score is graded down because the need for this release is debatable.

The real question is should you buy this new CD? It depends. If you have all of the studio albums or the Jive greatest hits the only reason to buy it is for the extra acoustic disc. If you don't have much Reel Big Fish then I would highly recommend it.

This release is definitely for the die hards or the uninitiated. I don't see it as being necessary for the middle ground fan who already has the live double disc unless they must have the acoustic disc. The pricing is outstanding at BestBuy.com as of writing this at $7.99.

New Green Room Rockers!

2010-07-23T21:24:00.002-05:00

Check out a video from the Green Room Rockers upcoming album! The song is called "Basement Song".

DThrog Ska On Facebook, Myspace & Twitter

2010-07-19T19:28:00.002-05:00

I've decided to branch out and put the DThrog Ska Review on other social networking sites.

Check out my pages at:

Facebook
Myspace
Twitter

Add me as a friend and get updates when the new posts are made!

Upstanding Youth Live Streaming Concert

2010-07-18T17:50:00.002-05:00

From Upstanding Youth:

"Tuesday night July 20th at 7pm Hawaii Standard Time UY will be holding their first ever live streaming concert from Lowborw Studio in Kailua, Hawaii and we want you there! Follow this link to ustream.tv and you can watch UY performing live from the comfort of your own living room! So many friends and family have been begging us to come to their home towns on the mainland or Europe and it's just been impossible for us over the past few years, so this is our best effort to bring the music directly to you.

As a bonus, you can enter the chat room while we're performing and engage us in our witty banter. Ask about songs, request a particular song, or tell us the alto sax is playing out of tune. We'll do our best to respond to as many comments as possible during the performance.

Also, our website has had a major facelift. If you haven't been to www.upstandingyouth.com in awhile, check out all the new changes we've made recently. You can now purchase digital downloads of almost all our music, you can watch videos of and listen to a ton of our songs, you can download a new free track from us on a regular basis, and if you feel so inclined you can can even donate to the band. For you multi-taskers this will be a good chance to check out the website and dig into things while UY rocks your computer screen.

So, mark your calendars and spend an hour on Tuesday night with UY jamming out in Kailua, Hawaii just for you, no matter where you are in the world. Hope to catch you there. Much love.

-UY"

Something To Do Gig Review July 16, 2010 Relay For Life Fort Atkinson, WI

2010-07-17T12:26:00.006-05:00

I went to see Something To Do last night at the Relay For Life event in Fort Atkinson, WI. Relay For Life is a fundraiser for cancer.

The picture to the left shows the setup for the band. The event was setup at a high school inside the football stadium Most people would walk around the track while the band played, some people'd hang out by the stage and others were in the stands.

This was a unique circumstance because it was not a ska show. There happened to be a ska band playing at a public event. Something To Do was the only band that played last night.

I loved the show. Something To Do has a really refreshing take with upbeat songs and a high energy performance. I have to hand it to the band because most people at the show really were not that familiar with them. I think I was definitely in the minority in that respect because I knew their material fairly well going in.

They played for a long time too! They played a solid 90-minutes and played their most popular songs alongside some memorable covers including the staple of the Cars "Just What I Needed" alongside Billy Idol, Elvis Costello, Rancid, and even the Sugar Hill Gang covers. The line up was 2 guitars, bass, drums, trumpet, and trombone. Instrumentally they were solid and they sing very well too. It was really a class performance by an outstanding band.

The set list in order was:

1 Water & Air
2 Clearly You Don't Want To Let Me Go
3 Nobody Like Jamie
4 I'm An Opportunity
5 Radio Radio (Elvis Costello Cover)
6 Still Makin Babies
7 Time Bomb (Rancid Cover)
8 BFF
9 Let's Not Pretend
10 Brown Eyed Guy
11 Red Stripe
12 Just What I Needed (Cars Cover)
13 He's A Bad Boyfriend
14 When I'm Stuck I Turn To Duct Tape
15 I Hate 2002
16 How Many Times
17 Farewell, WI
18 Something To Do (??? this one could a mistake)
19 (Reflections On) Chuck Norris
20 National Insecurity
21 Rebel Yell (Billy Idol Cover)
22 Wannabe
23 Rappers Delight (originally done by Sugar Hill Gang)

The whole event was so weird driving to a high school in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin that it was extremely memorable for me. This was one of the most fun, and laid back at the same time, concert experiences I've had in a long time. My favorite tracks were "Radio Radio", "BFF", "When I'm Stuck I Turn To Duct Tape", and "Wannabe". I picked up a copy of their new EP called "Souvenir".

I'd recommend you check Something To Do out if you have the opportunity. Their most notable upcoming show is opening up for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones at the Rave in Milwaukee on August 28th. They are also making the summer event circuit playing at the Waukesha Fair on July 23rd and Octoberfest in Appleton on September 25th.

Toasters Fall 2010 Tour Dates

2010-07-11T20:43:00.004-05:00

The Toasters 2010 Fall Tour dates are posted! For full details see the Toasters web site. A summary of the dates is below.

Friday 9/24/2010
The Haunt
702 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY 14850-3215
LINEUP: The Toasters
Rocko Dorsey & The Indivis
Those Particular Indivisuals

Saturday 9/25/2010
3FOS @ The Middle East
472/480 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA 0213
UPSTAIRS:
Mass Hysteria
Destroy Babylon
The Stress
Gunes Of Navarone
DOWNSTAIRS:
The Toasters
Void Union
Royal City Riot
Brunt Of It

Sunday 9/26/2010
Vibe Lounge
60 North Park Ave., Rockville Center, NY 11701

Monday 9/27/2010
Eleanor Rigby's Bar & Nightclub
603 Scranton/Carbondale Highwway, Jermyn, PA 18433

Tuesday 9/28/2010
Café Nine
250 State St., New Haven, CT
LINEUP: The Toasters
Soul Merchants
Pluto Gang

Thursday 9/30/2010
Le Cercle
228 St-Joseph Est, Quebec City, QC
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Hypnophonics

Friday 10/1/2010
Petit Campus
57 rue Prince-Arthur Est, Montreal, Quebec H2X 1B4
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Hypnophonics

Saturday 10/2/2010
Horseshoe Tavern
368 Queen St., Toronto, ON M5V 2A2
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Hypnophonics

Sunday 10/3/2010
Mohawk Place
47 E. Mohawk St., Buffalo, NY

Monday 10/4/2010
Peabody's
2083 East 21st St., Cleveland, OH 44115

Tuesday 10/5/2010
Smalls
10339 Conant, Wayne, MI 48181

Wednesday 10/6/2010
Southgate House
24 East Third St., Newport, KY 41071

Thursday 10/7/2010
Black Sheep
1320 S 11th, Springfield, IL 62703

Friday 10/8/2010
RIOT FEST
Subterranean
2011 West North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Saturday 10/9/2010
The Firebird
2706 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Sunday 10/10/2010
The Conservatory
8911 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City OK 73114
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Paper Flowers
Classy San Diego

Monday 10/11/2010
Jackpot Music Hall
943 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS 66044

Tuesday 10/12/2010
Trees
2709 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75226

Wednesday 10/13/2010
White Rabbit
2410 N Saint Marys St., San Antonio, TX

Thursday 10/14/2010
House of Rock
511 Starr St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Friday 10/15/2010
Flamingo Cantina
515 East 6th St., Austin, TX 78701-3741
LINEUP: The Toasters
Ryan Scroggins
Bandulus

Saturday 10/16/2010
The High Ground
2612 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, LA 70002

Sunday 10/17/2010
The Handlebar
319 N. Tarragona St., Pensacola, FL 32501

Monday 10/18/2010
The Engine Room
809 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32310

Tuesday 10/19/2010
1982 Bar
919 W University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601

Wednesday 10/20/2010
Jack Rabbits
1528 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204
LINEUP: The Toasters
Royal City Riot

Thursday 10/21/2010
Crowbar
1812 N 17th St., Ybor City, FL
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Pietasters
Royal City Riot

Friday 10/22/2010
The Culture Room
3045 N Federal Highway, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33306
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Pietasters
Royal City Riot

Saturday 10/23/2010
The Social
54 North Orange Ave., Orlando, FL
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Pietasters
Royal City Riot
Hub City Stompers

Sunday 10/24/2010
The Masquerade
695 North Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
LINEUP:
3 FLOORS OF SKA
The Toasters
The Pietasters
Royal City Riot

Monday 10/25/2010
DRINK!
503 8th Ave North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Tuesday 10/26/2010
New Brookland
122 State St., West Columbia, SC 29169

Wednesday 10/27/2010
The Pour House
224 S Blount St., Raleigh, NC

Thursday 10/28/2010
The Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17101

Friday 10/29/2010
B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
237 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036
LINEUP: The Toasters
The Pietasters
Hub City Stompers
Royal City Riot

Saturday 10/30/2010
The 8 x 10
10 East Cross St., Baltimore, MD 21230
LINEUP: The Pietasters
The Toasters

Sunday 10/31/2010
North Star Bar
2639 Poplar St., Philadelphia, PA
LINEUP: The Pietasters
The Toasters

Skappleton 2010 Videos

2010-07-10T08:03:00.002-05:00

Videos for Skappleton 2010 are starting the come in.

Something To Do just posted their initial 3-songs from their set. The track list is "Water & Air", "Clearly You Don't Want To Let Me Go", and "Nobody Like Jamie".

A couple Boss Rude videos have also been posted. Check out "Happy Ending" and "Midnight Rudy".

If anyone has any other videos let me know and I'll post them on here.

Cartoon Violence "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lad" Album Review

2010-07-05T08:29:00.004-05:00

Cartoon Violence from the UK and Do The Dog Music is an interesting band. They have a sound that is inspired by British pop and 2-Tone ska. The keyboard is front and center in the mix, but their sound as a whole is heavier than you might expect. The songs also feature great, and genuine sounding, lyrics.

They remind you as being mostly reminiscent of the Madness. There are some instrumental similarities even to Ben Folds Five that aren't limited to the use of the piano / keyboard. If you listen to the drum usage in the chorus, both bands use more heavy and active beats than you may expect.

"Whatever Happened To The Likely Lad" is Cartoon Violence's debut release and came out in 2009. When you listen to them it’s like you’ve never heard pop music before. Each song is a wonderfully crafted pop tune with 8 out of 9 songs precisely between 2:58 and 3:51.

"Vauxhall Nova" kicks the album off with the sound of a car burning rubber before the keys riff comes in then quickly moves to the verse. The drums in the chorus give a feeling of urgency. This is an excellent lead track. The next couple tracks "Attic" and "Teresa" are pure pop gold. "Attic" has nicely placed backing vocals in the verse and an extremely memorable chorus.. "life is so tragic hiding in the attic"... "Teresa" may be the best song to come out in 2009. I love it.

The title track is next with a busy introduction before a more laid back verse followed by a heavier chorus. The track is well done. "Easy Tiger" features a great instrumental hook. The chorus has a different sound to it than the other songs with more a lounge type of feel. "Do Something About It" is back to pop gold level. The intro and verse are both good before an outstanding chorus. I really like the message too. It's much better to try to do something about your problems in life rather than just complain about them.

"Rattlesnake" is not as catchy as the earlier material. "Kite" sounds like a metaphor where flying his kite as high as he likes means he'll live his life as he sees fit. The song is well done. "Johnny Come Lately" is the last song on the album and has an epic type of feel to it with the chanting in the introduction and the feel to the prechorus. It's much longer than the other songs as well.

Grade: 4.5 / 5 stars

I'd highly recommend this album. There's a number of really top notch pop tunes on it and not a bad song anywhere. You may think that keyboard led ska would be a fad that'd fade from your listening rotation quickly, but I don't think that is the case.

You can find the album through Do The Dog or available digitally. Amazon.com has it available for $8.91 currently.

See an interview with the band below.