2011.02.25 Text 2 notes

  1. hispanic-impressions asked: A.J. Chkarl Kazlouski, since you are a grade higher than me in the musically savvy department I'm gonna have to ask you to recommend some ska. The stuff Torri listens to is ok but the guitars are overpowered by trumpets

    That isn’t my middle name, silly.

    And shucks, it isn’t like that, I just really love ska! I’m flattered, Donny.

    Let’s see… I’ll give you some recommendations from each wave. I can’t guarantee if you’ll find that the instrument balance better (I’m not sure what you mean when it comes to “overpowered”), but I’m thinking hard for you here, buddy.

    1st wave: Desmond Dekker, Prince Buster, and the Skatalites. This is pretty old stuff, straight from Jamaica in the ’60s. I think you’ll appreciate the musicianship with these guys, and find that you won’t find the horn sections overpowering the rest of the band. I especially recommend Prince Buster’s Judge Dread Rocksteady. I can’t quite put into words how wonderful that album is as a whole piece. The songwriting goes from satire to love songs and back and it’s all fantastic.

    2nd wave: The Specials, The Selecter, early Madness, and anything by Rhoda Dakar/The Bodysnatchers that you can find. I don’t know what else to say, other than this stuff is all great. There was about a week where I pretty much listened exclusively to the first Specials album. It hit me really hard. Again, best as a whole.

    3rd wave: This is the stuff you’re probably more familiar with, like Spunge and Streetlight. I highly recommend Fatter Than Albert, because they’re also a hardcore band and also a jazz band and are also mind blowing. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are incredible throughout their entire discography, and I think you’d like The Arrogant Sons of Bitches a whole lot (I bugged Torri about them). Less Than Jake’s Losing Streak is a must hear. Also, check out Skankin’ Pickle, they’re so terribly underrated.

    And just saying, give Torri’s stuff a chance to grow on you! Especially Catch-22’s Keasbey Nights. That album…arrgh. It’s cliche to say so at this, but it’s a work of art.

    Give those a shot and report back, soldier!