In this area we will give you our honest opinion about gigs we have seen or tracks that are sent to us etc. If you see a comment you don't agree with, try not to ' abseil from your perambulator '. Alternatively, don't send us anything ;-)

FESTIVAL: SKA SPLASH – April 2008 @ Skegness

There are not going to be too many times (if ever) you will be able to see the ska legends Prince Buster, The Pioneers, Syramip, Dennis Alcapone, Winston Francis and Delroy Williams in one place over three days. If you then add in Neville Staple, The Beat, Skaville UK, The Hotknives, Mark Foggo, The Riffs, Rough Kutz, The Amphetameanies and another 12 or so top names, this was a VERY special event. All of the bands performed excellently, Neville and Big Ed must get special mention again as they never give less than 1000%. But, there were a few outstanding newcomers to us, they were Bombskare from Scotland who blew us away (sorry!) and Skazz from Ireland who were the first band on and very cool they were.The crowd was mainly the older generation ska fans, skins etc, which is a bit of a shame as more youngsters should get to see the bands that have seriously influenced their music. On the other hand it meant that all us old gits could skank the night away in peace without fighting, puking or getting knocked about by rucksacks, iPods and such crap. The Sealands complex looked a bit like a concrete bunker from the outside but it served the purpose admirably. The main hall was plenty big enough and had loads of tables if you wanted to cool those skanked out feet. To be perfect the stage would need to be raised up a few feet, so you could see the bands better from the back. But this is just nit picking as it still worked well and the sound system was fine after some teething problems. Add to that plenty of friendly bar staff and sensible security people and this place was a damn good venue. There was only one down side to this event, and it was the lack of fee paying punters. We would have thought with this line-up the place would be heaving for three days, but to be honest there were probably no more than 600-700 people in there at any one time. Is this the credit crunch biting, are we getting too old, are people getting apathetic, was advertising missing? Who knows, it could be all of the above. Finally, big thanks must go to Jet (the promoter) and crew for having the rhino balls to put this show on in the first place, we know it was not easy. As a 40 year old friend of ours said on the Saturday, he has been waiting for this gig since he was 13 and now it has happened. Hopefully he won’t have to wait that long again.We will add photos in the Gallery once we have nicked them from several peoples Myspace pages (you know who you are) ;-)

ALBUM: A POETS LIFE - TIM ARMSTRONG

A friend of mine gave me an album called A Poets Life by a chap called Tim Armstrong. Now the name didn't ring any bells, and it has sat on my cupboard for a couple of months being totally ignored. Well, that was a mistake on my part, Mr Armstrong is the very clever bunny from Rancid and the album is magic. From 'Wake Up' to 'Cold Blooded' the 10 tracks bound along beautifully, not one sounding 'samey' which is no mean feet with ska tracks. I also thought something sounded very familiar about the keyboards on 'Hold On' and low and behold it turns out that Tim is backed by our old chums The Aggrolites - told you he is a clever boy. You also get 10 videos on DVD with this album which I haven't seen yet, but Skye Sweetnam who guests on 'Into Action' is certainly not to hard to look at. Get a copy soon. 9/10

BOOK: HORACE PANTER - SKA'D FOR LIFE

Whilst I think even Horace would agree he is no Ernest Hemingway, this book is a damn fine read. From his first band Mobius, through the craziness of the Specials, to the present day, this is the story of a man who just loves to play bass. I personally really like the pre-Specials part of this book and the photo from his soul/funk ‘Breaker’ days is worth getting a copy for alone (oh Horace!). A bit more dirt dishing would have been nice but I suspect he is a thoroughly decent bloke who is not going to do that. However, there is a real sense of irritation seeping through the pages and I think it may have done him good to get it off his chest. I know it’s an old rock and roll cliché but its seems that egos and drugs finished off the Specials (like many others), it’s just a shame that they took such a class act. The over all feeling of this book is one of sadness but its definitely worth laying your hands on a copy. By the way I have never known a ‘star’ NOT sleep with so many women in all my days – come on Stephen one or two would have been ok ;-)

GIG: THE AGGROLITES - SEPT 2007 @ Dingwalls

It was off to Dingwalls in Camden for the first time in quite a while. Our little mob was running a bit late as usual so we missed the first part of Swagga’s set, but I have to say it sounded a bit strange. An odd combination of backing tracks, live music and rapping over Specials and Madness songs, not quite my thing. Next up were Rebelation from the Do The Dog stable. The Kings Lynn group were efficient but seemed a little flat to me. For some reason I was expecting a bit more energy, especially with the number of bodies on stage. But, the mellower tunes went down well with those around me, so, ce la vie (or however you spell it). Onto the main event, The Aggrolites. When we first saw these guys supporting Madness at the Arena last year, the first comment was, that we would like to see them in a much more intimate setting. Dingwalls fitted the bill perfectly, and they did not disappoint one bit. The L.A. boys rocked the place from start to finish. Their upbeat take on this style of music, so-called Dirty Reggae, has just the right blend of harmonies and raw power. The other comment made last time, was that the lead man Jesse, should stop trying to get the audience to sing along so much. We’re British, we’ll sing along when we want to. He was perfect this time around, cajoling and controlling the punters at will. The Aggrolites are excellent all around, but the maniac Roger Rivas on keyboards is worth the ticket price alone, playing a sort of crazed boogie woogie - brilliant. Just to finish the evening off Lynval Golding of the Specials turned up on stage and added another rousing addition to the fun and games.I have only one complaint, and that is the fact that they take no breaks between tracks, I am too bleedin old to dance for that long, and god did I hurt in the morning. Well done boys, a blistering show (literally), may you go far. Oh and finally, well done to Dingwalls for charging less for a pint than the pub around the corner !, we’ll be back for Toots and the Maytals in November.

GIG: THE SLACKERS - OCT 2006 @ The Mean Fiddler

So, THE SLACKERS gig at The Mean Fiddler on Saturday. Well the best way to describe it was ' tropical ' as the temperature was about the same as on the Tube (see below). I'm afraid we caught King Blue about half way through their set but they sounded pretty good. I would suggest they don't try to be ' all things to all men ' and concentrate on one or two styles of ska, rather than them all. Onto the Slackers, I have not seen these guys before and it was mentioned to me that they could be a bit predictable. Well if thats predictable, then bring it on, a great set with a real old school ska feeling to it. Loved the brass, but the guy on trombone (Glen I think) still looks like an accountant to me ;-). Can't tell you much about the After Party at The Red Star Bar as too many sherbets had been consumed by then, but it was crowded, there was music and a table football game - sorry. Finally, I have to say what a cracking crowd we are getting at ska gigs these days. Young ska punkers, old school skins, rude boys the lot, all getting on great, talking crap and dancing the night away - long may it continue. Pictures now in the Gallery.

CLUB NIGHT: SEPT 2006 - SKAVOOVIE @ Pop, Soho

Thurdsay myself and SkaBeatPete paid a visit to SKAVOOVIE at The Pop club in Soho Street. The venue looks like a set from an Austin Powers movie, I don’t know whether this is a deliberate fashion statement or a lack of decorating budget, but it works.By the time we arrived at 9.00ish things were well warmed up and the resident band The Dualers were performing their first set to a full and bouncing dance floor. I must say that the crowd are not your normal looking ska devotees, they were much better looking and well dressed (don’t worry we soon lowered the tone). The Dualers played an excellent set, knocking out good covers of some old classics and some original stuff (I think). My only reservation concerned a very weird rendition of The Israelites which I personally think needs a preservation order slapped on it immediately.In the interval DJ Cello (Coast to Coast) took over on the decks, playing some cracking old school ska. As the Dualers came back on who should turn up to add a bit of celebrity glitz but Mark Lamarr (and a nice chap he seems to be), he even spun a few records later on.Have to say the bar prices are a bit steep but I suppose we were in the West End. Overall a really nice atmos, some very pretty girls and terrific music, will we be back  – YEAH BABY. Pictures in the Gallery.

GIG: SEPT 2006 - BADFEST @ Twinwood Arena, Beds

Thank the gods that our old friends at the met office were not quite accurate this weekend, as the predicted monsoon did not really materialize at BADFEST. The Twinwood Arena in Beds was the venue and a pleasant if wind swept place it turned out to be. The organisers had developed the most bizarre form of beer supply I have ever encountered, involving cages, little trap doors and small bits of paper, but it seemed to work out ok in the end.
So onto the bands, well the line-up was a cracker the Attic Project, Orange Street, Fat Man, Selecter, Neville Staple, The Beat and of course Bad Manners all ably assisted by Gaz Mayall DJing. I'm afraid I missed Attic Project as I was in the Mousetrap game getting a beer, but all the rest were up to their usual excellent standard, Mr Staple seems to be getting better every time I see him and Buster and the boys were on fine form as usual.
We tried to tear up the ground as much as possible to mess with the Mods sharp suits on Sunday but failed as it was not wet enough ;-) Great to catch up with many people, pictures now in the Gallery (sounds like Vision On).

GIG: AUG 2006 - THE BIG @ The Flag Pub, Watford

So it was off to the Flag pub in Watford, and what a pleasure it was to see a band playing there again. It has been far too long and the place has suffered for it, well done to the management and keep them coming. Also the fact that the band in question was The Big, one of our favourites, just added to the fun. The boys and girls have just signed with Moonska World which should be good news and have just released a new album ' Whatever Makes You Happy ' which we will review shortly. All in all, a cracking band, great company (some old faces) and some very knackered legs in the morning. The only down side to the evening was that the lead singer (Ed) appears to have a nasty growth on his once proud bald bonce - come on Ed get a bloody haircut ;-). Nice one to SkaBeatPete and Bosher for the tunes either side of the band.

BOOK: AUG 2006 - THE 2-TONE TRAIL by Pete Chambers

This book is not going to provide you with a historical overview of the 2-Tone record label or music, but that is not what it sets out to do. However, if you want to walk around some of the key places associated with the rise of 2-Tone in Coventry then the Trail is perfect. I personally would have put the map at the front of the book but it is well set out and I think the route will become a classic pub crawl. I love the comment by Horace Panter about hating the white brogues he was wearing in several key photos. Well trust me Horace, there were a few of us looking nowhere near as cool around the late 70s / early 80s, you have nothing to worry about. This is not the largest or glossiest tome I have ever read, but it is also not the most expensive (£5), and in some ways the simplicity of it is in keeping with the 2-Tone tradition. Well worth a look and we'll see you in the Dog & Trumpet some time. Go to the News section for a link to purchase.

GIG: FEB 2005 - THE BEAT AND THE BIG @ The 100 Club, London

It was mentioned to me that The Big seemed a bit flat at the Chinnerys a week or so before, well there was certainly no evidence of that at the 100 Club. Personally thought they did a De Nero and nicked the show from under the main stars noses - brilliant, full of piss and vinegar. The Beat were good as usual but I am not sure about their track selection, especially for the encores. I want to hear their most famous stuff at the end to send me home bouncing. Loved being back at the 100 Club, its been many years. Thanks to Jim at Club Bang Bang for putting this on and am looking forward to Crunch and Desmond D in April. 5/3/05

GIG: DEC 2004 - BAD MANNERS, THE BIG and ORANGE STREET @ The Islington Academy

Being a virgin to seeing these bands live (can't believe it) I was really looking forward to the night. I can happily say I was not disappointed at all. Orange Street did a great job in warming the crowd up with some very good covers, The Big then got the punters really moving and I must say that they have the nicest looking sax section I have seen in a while !. Then on to the main event and I cannot believe how much weight Mr Bloodvessel has lost , christ I'm heavier than he is now!!!. But this has not diminshed his energy one bit, all the classics punched out beautifully. A great crowd, good venue and excellent bands. It all bodes well for 2005. 06/01/05

ALBUM: NEVILLE STAPLE - The Rude Boy Returns

My first reaction on listening to The Rude Boy Returns was ' this is really bizarre and I hate it '. BUT, I was wrong, on further listening, it's actually bloody good. There is a really strange undercurrent of musical influences going on here,  ska, blue grass, punk  and god knows what else, but it works. The stand out tracks for me are, Pressure which could become a classic, Cow Cow Yickey which is weird but sooo catchy and Place in Life, but they all have merit. Would like to hear this new material live and loud. On the down side I hate the version of Do Nothing, there should be a law about messing with perfection. www.nevillestaple.com Nice one 8/10  1/12/04

GIG: NOV 2004 - INTERNATIONAL SKA FEST 4 @ The Islington Academy

Well done to Jamdown and Do The Dog this was a brilliant night out. Afraid I missed the opening band who I think were Catch It Kebabs (sorry) so can't comment, but the Supatones, Pietasters, Pama and Rico were absolutely excellent, all creating a really good atmosphere. Not seen the Pietasters before, but will definately be looking out for them. Glad to see Pama keeping it ska rather than souly ;-). The other interesting component to this gig was the fact that Mr Dammers was DJing, then Terry Hall turned up, Lynval was on stage with Pama and Rico was doing his thang. Just for one moment I thought there might be an impromtu Specials gig ................... not to be unfortunately. Loved it. 30/11/04

SINGLE: THE AMPHETAMEANIES - Say Something Special

Everything we want in a track, great up tembo ska beat, loads of brass and cheeky lyrics - love it. Also really like the CD sleeve below. Look forward to seeing these guys / gals live very soon. Check out the sample of Speed Fever on their website, another cracker. What can I say about the other three tracks on the CD - well, I really like Say Something Special. For more info go to www.amphetameanies.co.uk 8.5/10  06/10/04

GIG: MAY 2004 -  THE DANGERMEN @ The Dublin Castle

Madness playing as their alter egos the Dangermen. What can I say but ' the absolute best ' . Fantastic entrance, coming on like boxers from the back of the room to huge cheers from the very small but passionate crowd. Great set with old Madness classics, old classics and what sounded like some potential NEW classics. Perfect night.

GIG: AUGUST 2004 - BADNESS @ Chicagos in Watford

The venue was pretty busy and the guys from Hull played a really good mix of Madness tracks plus a couple of other covers. If I had to critisize anything it would be that there was a little to much ' inter-action ' with the crowd. Overall though a really good nights entertainment and I'd definately go to see them again, oh and sorry for the beer down the sax guys, oops.

ALBUM: PAMA INTERNATIONAL - Too Many Freaks Not Enough Stages

Have now listened to this album four times and its growing on me daily. The opening track Paradise Found seemed very odd to start with, but is beginning to make more sense the more I hear it.  Don't Live A Lie seems to lose its way a bit in the chorus and Learning To Love Again didn't hold my attention but that could be my musical tastes. The four stand-out tracks for me are, All About You which I love, The Greatest Show On Earth, Sunday Social and Give Of My Heart which is brilliantly constructed, and I can't stop playing it. Truly like the sentiment of the whole album, it's good to hear a band writing positive lyrics for a change, look forward to seeing them live. 7/10 (up rated to 8/10 on further playing). go to www.pamainternational.co.uk for more info. 19/08/04

SINGLE: THE DEAD 60s - Riot Radio

Personally like my ska - ska and my punk - punk and this falls somewhere in between. Suspect the yooof will love it. On the plus side musically, its well constructed and I got a real feeling of the Clash coming through and thats NEVER a bad thing. By the way guys, brave move supporting Morrissey, take it you weren't at Madstock1 ;-) 6.5/10 go to www.thedead60s.com 04/09/04

GIG: SEPT 2004 - MISTAKES @ The Herald SC in Hemel Hempstead

The Mistakes were obviously fighting a rogue PA system from the start (evil things), but still managed a really good set. All the covers you would want from Madness, The Specials the Beat etc but what did impress me was the quality of their Bad Manners tracks considering the lack of a full brass section. Everyone up and dancing, what more do you need.

GIG: SEPT 2004 - THE SELECTER & MARK FOGGO'S SKASTERS @ The Effenaar, Eindhoven, Holland

After spending the night before walking the well trodden streets of Amsterdam (you know where), our little crew were more into swaying gently than full skanking at The Effenaar venue. This was no reflection on Mark Foggo's Skasters who had the Dutch crowd bouncing from the first track onwards. Not seen these guys before and was greatly impressed. A small break, then onto The Selecter. It was mentioned by one of the band before the gig that they would like to play some different stuff to challenge themselves a bit. Well tough luck guys ;-), you can't argue with the crowd and those classics are toooo good to leave out, sounding every bit as good as when they were first released - brilliant. Thanks to DJ Bosher for putting us up and playing some great tracks in-between the bands and to Mark Foggo for the crisps :-)