Ska

Amazon Review by Gavin B.
The "Best of Ska" issued by the British import label Disky Records is a unique collection of Jamaican influenced ska. There are few collections of ska that include a good cross section of the earliest ska classics from Jamaica in the Sixties in the same collection as music of the Great Ska Revival in the United Kingdom in the Eighties.
The "Best of Ska" may disappoint the ska purists but the consistent quality of this massive 3 disc cd is the best argument for musical pluralism I've ever heard. Hard core music collectors often develop tunnel vision and dismiss innovation, simply on the basis of its "inauthenic" origins and end up missing a lot of great music in the process. As such, the music of younger generation of UK ska players should be judged on it's own merits, and not a set of "a priori" standards established by musical snobs.

Includes 25 previously unreleased recordings. All tracks unavailable on other Doctor Bird collections. Features numerous major ska hits. The first of a trio of newly compiled collections highlighting the very best of Duke Reid’s legendary Treasure Isle recordings from the early-to-mid-60s. The 2CD set focuses on the final years of the ska era, with the first of the discs on the set bringing together many of the producer’s best-known recordings from 1965, with all of the material making its debut on the Doctor Bird label. In contrast, the second CD comprises rare recordings from the Treasure Isle vaults, with 20 of the tracks previously unreleased. As either a stand-alone collection or a companion volume to the existing or soon-to-be issued Doctor Bird compilations showcasing the very best of Duke Reid’s legendary Treasure Isle label, ‘Ska La-Rama’ is an essential acquisition for anyone wanting to own the very best in original Jamaican ska sounds.

This album pairs "Latin Goes Ska" and "The Birth of Ska," two essential works in the history of ska. Enjoy a veritable treasure trove of Jamaican music, brimming with the creativity and energy of Jamaican music. "Latin Goes Ska" begins with "Latin Goes Ska" by Tommy McCook & The Skatalites. Released in 1964 on Duke Reid's prestigious Treasure Isle label, this pioneering album blends Jamaican ska with the rhythms and melodies of Latin American music, and continues to captivate music fans to this day. Leader Tommy McCook was a saxophonist who returned to the United States after a stint in jazz. His influence is evident throughout the album, with sophisticated horn arrangements and jazzy improvisations seamlessly blended with the upbeat, flowing Latin groove. This cross-cultural blend truly demonstrates the richness of the ska genre. Furthermore, this album features the talented members of the Skatalites. Popular singers such as Justin Hines & the Dominoes and Clive & Naomi also appear as guests, adding a diverse range of textures to the album. The Skatalites were at the peak of their creative potential at the time, and their energy and skill are clearly evident on this album.

This 3 CD, 69 track compilation provides the most comprehensive release to date to cover the UK Ska Revival 1979-1989. From the ‘Big 5’ of The Specials, Madness, The Beat, Selecter and Bad Manners, through to ‘one off’ highly collectable rarities from the likes of The RB’s, The Thrillers and The Gangsters and loads in between. Hit singles from the likes of The Lambrettas (‘Poison Ivy’) and The Piranhas (‘Tom Hark’), ‘comeback’ recordings from original Ska pioneers Laurel Aitken, Rico and Desmond Dekker, ‘novelty’ 45’s from the likes of The Burtons, The Charlie Parkas and Max Headroom and ‘New Ska’ sounds from late 80’s outfits such as The Deltones , The Hotknives and Maroon Town – this release has it all.

Ska Cubano takes classic Jamaican ska, blends it with Afro-Cuban son and salsa, throws in some retro swing and Colombian cumbia for spice, and creates a magic musical concoction that will get your feet moving and your hips shaking.The UK world music magazine Songlines voted "Ay Caramba" one of the top 10 world music releases of the year, saying the record is, "A triumph. Remaining seated is not an option." Mojo magazine exclaimed the album, "Will have you on your feet before you've had time to consider the whys and wherefores."Ska Cubano’s "Ay Caramba!" is the first release from the new record label Cumbancha, which was founded by the long-time head of A&R and music research at the popular world music label Putumayo.

Ska Boo-Da-Ba: Ska Down Jamaica Way Volume One is an album The Skatalites released in 1965. This reissue was done in 2003 by Warner Strategic Marketing.