The Bluebeats are a reggae band on a label known for third wave ska. While they often get billed as a ska outfit, their sound features no horns and relies heavily on organ driven music highly similar to Jimmy Cliff and Dennis Brown. Beyond the endless debate of categorization, The Bluebeats put together a brilliant collection of Jamaican influenced music with their sophomore release. As a songwriter, frontman Mike Drance proves himself admirable, especially on tracks "Boom-Boom-Boom," "Esmerelda," and the stunning "In the ...
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The Bluebeats are a reggae band on a label known for third wave ska. While they often get billed as a ska outfit, their sound features no horns and relies heavily on organ driven music highly similar to Jimmy Cliff and Dennis Brown. Beyond the endless debate of categorization, The Bluebeats put together a brilliant collection of Jamaican influenced music with their sophomore release. As a songwriter, frontman Mike Drance proves himself admirable, especially on tracks "Boom-Boom-Boom," "Esmerelda," and the stunning "In the Name of the Lord." There is also a brilliant cover of the Johnny Cash classic "The Long Black Veil" that was reinterpreted with a slow reggae feel which truly captured the darkness of this tune. A great tribute to sounds of late '60s Jamaican pop. ~ Curtis Zimmermann, Rovi
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