UMTV (label)
27 April 2009 (released)
30 April 2009
Ska, the ever-green musical genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Combining elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues, the key periods in Ska’s history can be divided into two parts: the original Jamaican scene of the 1960s and the Second Wave, the English 2 Tone ska revival of the late 1970s & early 80’s.
This 2 CD collection celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the second coming - the 2-Tone scene, whilst also paying homage to the original Ska tunes as well.
The line-up ranges from the almost-reformed The Specials with 'Too Much Too Young’ to The Maytals 'Monkey Man’ and The Ethiopians 'Train to Skaville’ to Madness seminal pop-ska tune 'One Step Beyond’ & lesser known but far superior 'The Prince’. These songs are legendary, and whilst you may not recognise every name, as soon as the shuffling bass and beats kick-in, it is likely to strike a chord with you!
Other stand-out tracks include Prince Buster 'Whine and Grine’, Harry J & The All Stars 'Liquidator’, Dave & Ansel Collins 'Monkey Spanner’, The Beat 'Tears of a Clown’, Justin Hinds & The Dominoes 'Carry Go Bring Come’ & Toots and the Maytals 'Pressure Drop' This really is a treasure trove chronicle the two waves of Ska.
With The Specials selling out a UK tour in 2009, Toots & The Maytals supporting Amy Winehouse next month and Bad Manners also touring this year it really is time to re-acquaint yourself with Ska Mania!!
