REPRESS: THE TOASTERS “SKABOOM” LP – hear where American Third Wave Ska began 30 years ago!

The Toasters originally released their debut US album SKABOOM back in 1987, on the Celluloid label. The album is often stated as being the origin of modern, or “third-wave” ska in the United States. It followed the RECRIMINATIONS and EAST SIDE BEAT EPs that were released both in the USA and UK, introducing the world to a fresh new wave-y ska sound that was uniquely American yet linked to 2-TONE through secret producer JOE JACKSON. Two years later, THE TOASTERS’ official “debut” album POOLSHARK arrived via the UK label Unicorn, yet six tracks from that set were culled for inclusion on the legendary debut American full-length named SKABOOM. That set was brasher, brighter, and more emphatically ska driven than their earlier material, albeit with eclectic backdrops that ranged from the surf-side to the juke joint. Now boasting a brass section, and two new vocalists, THE TOASTERS’ sound was significantly shifting while the lineup continued expanding. By the time they came to record SKABOOM, the group had ballooned into an 11-piece aggregate. The resulting high adrenaline album found the band in top form, their playing extremely tight, and the arrangements increasingly intricate and innovative. Continue reading REPRESS: THE TOASTERS “SKABOOM” LP – hear where American Third Wave Ska began 30 years ago!

THE TOASTERS “NEW YORK FEVER” LP (JUMP084LP) {OUT OF PRINT}

THE TOASTERS “NEW YORK FEVER” is finally back on vinyl! Reissue of 1992 third wave Moon Ska Records classic on random color vinyl, housed in a double sided full color poster sleeve with rare photos. Songwriter and lead singer Rob Hingley perfected a smooth, American-inflected vocal style across these eleven tunes, creating a blueprint for the top-ranking outfit’s authentic-yet-unique revival sound. And while New York Fever is founded on the best of the Jamaican and U.K. ska scenes, it also burns with the special flame of the hyperactive New York City outpost of ska’s international cosmos. The band’s playing is stunning on this third long-player, with brilliant bursts of horns punctuating an airtight rhythm section – every track provides the speedy rush that modern ska fans craze. Listening to NY FEVER again brought back memories of how great the US ska scene was before it was taken over by hype…um, and by bandwagon bands trying to be the next Reel Big Fish! This album is full of class, charm, and honest energy – elements that made the “third wave” ska scene great.  Songs like “NEW YORK FEVER”, “HISTORY BOOK”, “SOCIAL SECURITY” and “PLOUGHSHARES INTO GUNS” are simply great songs – THEN and NOW.  Hell, why else would JOE JACKSON get involved and mix the record?!? NEW YORK FEVER in many ways was the transitional record that positioned the band for major chart success in the 90’s. Personally, we grew up in the 80s and got hooked with their “POOL SHARK”, “THRILL ME UP” and “SKABOOM” albums – but when “NEW YORK FEVER” was finally released it was obvious to us that SKA was going to go big with bands like THE TOASTERS….it was just a matter of time. Issued on beautiful heavy weight marble grey vinyl, double sided full color poster sleeve.

Vinyl Tracklisting:  New York Fever – Ploughshares Into Guns – History Book – Too Hip To Be Cool – Night Train – Social Security – Shebeen – Johnny Forsake Her – Too Much Happening – Pool Shark (Reprise) – B27   Download Card has all the above PLUS:  Ploughshares Version – History Book Version – Pablo’s Night Train – Pablo’s Shebeen

 

Cassette Store Day 2016: THE TOASTERS “2 TONE ARMY” and “DUB 56” on CASSETTE TAPE – both limited editions of 150

At long last, two 90’s classics from THE TOASTERS back on limited edition cassette tape! “DUB 56” was released in 1994, right when the ska scene started to kick into high gear! The album was released on cassette tape by Moon Ska NYC and in Europe on Poland’s Rock N’ Roller label. “2 TONE ARMY” originally was released in 1996 as “HARD BAND FE DEAD” on Moon Ska NYC, and positioned the band to be one of the top acts during the heydey of third wave ska. Features guest appearances from Lester Sterling of The Skatalites and Laurel Aitken. In 1998 the album was named “2 TONE ARMY” for the very first time, released in Poland by Rock N’ Roller…on cassette! This was the only tape release for the album, and has become quite a rarity indeed! We’re glad to have it back on tape once again! Both “DUB 56” and “2 TONE ARMY” are limited editions of 150 copies with brand new artwork – highly collectible! Continue reading Cassette Store Day 2016: THE TOASTERS “2 TONE ARMY” and “DUB 56” on CASSETTE TAPE – both limited editions of 150

SUSAN CADOGAN & KEN BOOTHE “Love Story” 7″ BROOKLYN ATTRACTORS Christmas Inna Babylon 7″ THE TOASTERS “Beat Up” 7″ reissue from 1984 (OUT OF PRINT)

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The BROOKYLN ATTRACTORS are an all star jazz ska/reggae band comprising of members of VOID UNION, WESTBOUND TRAIN, NEW YORK SKA JAZZ ENSEMBLE, STUBBORN ALLSTARS, DUB IS A WEAPON, THE ROCKSTEADY 7, THE TOASTERS plus original Jamaican percussion legend LARRY McDONALD! Their debut album “GOOD EVIL ALCHEMY” took the world by storm in 2014 receiving critical acclaim across the world. The crew are back spreading some holiday cheer – jazz reggae renditions of “JINGLE BELLS” and “GOD REST DEM IRIE GENTLEMEN” – pressed on hand stamped RED vinyl with a cool fold over sleeve. Limited to 250 copies!  REPRESS COMING DECEMBER 2016 – so please check back!

THE TOASTERS released their first record “BEAT UP” in 1984 – this record pre-dated the launch of MOON RECORDS! With “BRIXTON BEAT” on the a-side (a very early rendition of “EAST SIDE BEAT” and  “THE BEAT” on the flip, this was one of the earliest signs of ska life in a post 2-TONE world!  Earlier this year the band uncovered original sleeves from back in the day, so we decided to re-press the record once again and put them in these original sleeves.  Limited to 500 once these are gone…they are gone! Marble vinyl and white vinyl!

Did you get our limited edition 7″ single with SUSAN CADOGAN and KEN BOOTHE?   Back in February 2014, we brought lovers rock legend SUSAN CADOGAN to Chicago for one of our Jamaican Oldies shows…it was a MASSIVE success. A packed house that was brought to its knees by SUSAN’s sultry singing style, backed by Chicago’s DRASTICS.  During our time with SUSAN we learned about a recently recorded duet with another Jamaican living legend – the one and only KEN BOOTHE !  Upon hearing the tune we just needed to help get this on vinyl!  A track that is equal parts vintage 70s roots AND modern reggae, its dramatic vocals and breathtaking harmonies captivate the listener instantly. A reggae anthem for 2014!  Hear it!    Then get this 7″ single! Pressed on white vinyl with a heart shaped insert designed by CHEMA SKANDAL! CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT (sorry!)