This is a great collection of classic ska performed by the Skatalites (generally considered the greatest of the first-wave ska bands) with various vocalists and recorded at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle studio in the mid-'60s. There are original versions of much-covered classics ("Housewife's Choice" by Derrick & Patsy, "Penny Reel" by Eric Morris and Baba Brooks) as well as obscure tracks by artists who would later gain worldwide fame ("The Higher the Monkey Climb," by Justin Hinds & the Dominoes, "When I Call Your Name," by ...
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This is a great collection of classic ska performed by the Skatalites (generally considered the greatest of the first-wave ska bands) with various vocalists and recorded at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle studio in the mid-'60s. There are original versions of much-covered classics ("Housewife's Choice" by Derrick & Patsy, "Penny Reel" by Eric Morris and Baba Brooks) as well as obscure tracks by artists who would later gain worldwide fame ("The Higher the Monkey Climb," by Justin Hinds & the Dominoes, "When I Call Your Name," by Stranger & Patsy). Then there are the obscure tracks by artists who have remained obscure, sometimes deservedly so (as in the case of the hapless and out of tune Marguerita). Throughout the album, the Skatalites provide a relentlessly high-energy and almost supernaturally tight groove; even when the tempos are relatively slow, there's a tensile power to the band's sound that makes each track special. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, Rovi
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