The Skatalites – Hi-Bop Ska
welcome back to the Skaject folks! our record this week is a return to the Skatalites, continuing their string of revival releases here in the 90s, it’s Hi-Bop Ska!
alright this is gonna jump up to my top recommendation for jamaican ska records – this is a delightful sounding, mostly instrumental record from jazz and ska vets playing with some excellent conventions of the genre and mixing new compositions with twists on classics. the opener, Guns of Navarone, for example, is the theme song from the 1961 movie and has been a single of the Skatalite’s since their earlier incarnation, and Man in the Street updates another of their older singles. You’re Wondering Now is a cover of an older song by a group called Andy & Joey, who released some music with the Skatalites back in the 60s. they also bring in some classic guests – Toots Hibbert, of Toots & the Maytals, provides vocals on Split Personality, and the closer, Ska Ska Ska, features Prince Buster!
the other tracks are really solid as well, as instrumental songs showcasing some truly excellent performances. Flowers for Albert and Renewal are probably the highlights of the instrumental tracks here not mentioned above, but honestly i really do recommend giving this one a listen.
faves – Guns of Navarone, You’re Wondering Now, Man in the Street, Split Personality, Ska Ska Ska
dislikes –
Hi-Bop Ska – 8/10
next week, we’re moving into the 1995 records with Eyes & Ears, from Bim Skala Bim!
previous: Question the Answers | next: Eyes & Ears
previous Skatalites release: Ska Voovee | next: Greetings from Skamania
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