Posted on June 19th, 2009 by JJ Loy
Documentaries about Jamaican music are popping up all over the place. Here’s one that I can’t wait to check out. Dub Echoes promises to form a direct connection from contemporary electronic music all the way back to 70′s Dub Reggae. It’s surely not the first time these connections have been pointed out, but it looks like a pretty solid film none-the-less.
It features DJ Spooky, Theivery Corporation, Bunny Lee, Dub Pistols, King Jammy, Lee Perry, Ticklah, Mad Professor and many more. But don’t take my word for it… check the trailer:
[flash http://www.vimeo.com/3786770]
Jun 19 2009
Posted on June 19th, 2009 by JJ Loy
I’ve been playing the hell out of the latest release from Mr. T-Bone and The Young Lions on my radio show, Ska’s The Limit. I especially enjoy, The President of The Republic of Bananas- so I’m pretty happy with the band’s decision to make it their new single.
From their new record, Heroes, here’s the brand new video:
[flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvPzVwoAhSk]
Jun 19 2009
Posted on June 18th, 2009 by JJ Loy
Here’s something I just got hipped to, through a clip Maddie Ruthless recently posted to FaceBook. The clip in question turned out to be just a small piece of a Reggae documentary from a 70′s UK entertainment news program. I can’t find much information on the show itself, which was called Aquarius. However, I was able to track down the episode, in it’s entirety.
The episode takes a nice aproach to educating it’s uninitiated white viewers. The producers seem to be trying to heal racial tensions in England, by celebrating Jamaica’s most identifiable cultural export, Reggae. One guest points out that what kept Reggae off of the charts was not racism, but a lack of understanding Reggae and Jamaican culture, from the record companies’ point-of-view.
Of course, if you’re a frequent visiter to Ska Blah Blah, I imagine you need no tolerance lesson. For you, I recomend this movie for it’s great performances and insightful interviews, from Roy Shirley and many more.
enjoy:
[flash http://www.veoh.com/videos/v8886018K3MB2Bb]
[flash http://www.veoh.com/videos/v889077QpWP3Kag]
Jun 18 2009
Posted on June 12th, 2009 by JJ Loy
Last year, The Pepper Pots blew my mind with their poppy Ska/Reggae/Girl Group style album, Skake It! Now their back, dropping the Ska sounds for one that’s closer to the neo-soul thing that you’d expect from Daptone records… and with good reason. The new album, Now, was produced by the man, Binky Griptite, the dangerously talented guitarist for Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings.
I’m sad to see the JA influences diminished on Now, but in a lot of ways, this is the best work The Pepper Pots have put out. Here’s your chance to form an opinion before you rush out to get the new record… please enjoy:
[flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwuKwGo82rc]
Jun 12 2009
Posted on June 11th, 2009 by JJ Loy
I don’t know what I’m most excited about- the new Rancid album, Let the Dominoes Fall, or Conan O’Brien’s new gig as the host of The Tonight Show. Good thing I don’t have to choose, here’s the best of both worlds:
//flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWEcIjXYN78&feature=player_embedded//
UPDATE: NBC has taken down this vid, and any others that feature this clip. It’s like the TV companies don’t want you to like them- congrats NBC, I don’t. I’ve got love for Conan, but the suits need to get a better handle on viral marketing. To make it up to you, my loyal readers, here’s the official video for Last One to Die:
[flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErLZaItKFaY]
Jun 11 2009
