The Skatalites' return to a major label was long overdue. For a band whose original incarnation had only lasted 14 months in the '60s, their influence had been tremendous. Resurrected in 1983, they were definitely jazzers ... more »with a ska beat these days. Ball of Fire was made up of old Skatalites material, all reinterpeted by a band that included four founder members, and it taught a lesson in sophistication and swing to all aspiring ska instrumentalists. Everything had a groove; the solos were fluent and never self-indulgent. In other words, it was everything they ever aspired to be, and glorious fun, too. Chris Nickson« less
The Skatalites' return to a major label was long overdue. For a band whose original incarnation had only lasted 14 months in the '60s, their influence had been tremendous. Resurrected in 1983, they were definitely jazzers with a ska beat these days. Ball of Fire was made up of old Skatalites material, all reinterpeted by a band that included four founder members, and it taught a lesson in sophistication and swing to all aspiring ska instrumentalists. Everything had a groove; the solos were fluent and never self-indulgent. In other words, it was everything they ever aspired to be, and glorious fun, too. Chris Nickson
"I have a problem with the reveiwer who ignorantly thinks the ska movement was started by bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Operation Ivy. Are you kidding me - if it weren't for The Skatalites bands like the bosstones and op ivy would still be at home figuring out what to do with their time. THE SKATALITES ARE SKA, my man - look it up in the books - check out the history of the music - Bob Marley's earliest recordings were ska recordings - than they progressed to rock steady and finally to reggae - ska has been around since the 50s - so don't try and say it was born in the 90s....Skatalites are at the forefront of the music. 4 stars for being originators."
Rock Skatalites Rock
trevor kaplan | Washington, DC | 09/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Sweet instrumental reggae with fierce horn and guitar solos throughout. This music speaks volumes despite lacking vocals. The sound quality is awesome, jams are all over, and whether you are new to the Skatalites or not, this album is a must have. Track 5, Rock Fort Rock, is single-handedly nasty enough to warrant the five star rating. If you like this stuff, which you will, get your hands on the hard-to-find double "Stretching Out" as soon as possible."
I like Mike!
petit agité | 02/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"there's that kid sitting at his desk, laughing his arse off reading your comments. he can't be serious, he just can't be!
now this recording offers you some of the finest the skatalites recorded since their reunion. featuring special guest ernest ranglin on guitar (check his duet with devon james on "rock fort rock", the skatalites give you a great rendition of a nice assortment of classics. there are crowd favourites such as "eastern standard time", with will clark nicely throwing in a few don drummond quotes, or "latin goes ska" with roland alphonso at his best.
this is a must have for every ska fan and a good start if you want to get into the music!"
Smooth sound
ultrafastx | Champaign, IL | 11/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're looking for a upbeat, mellow, grooving instrumental ska album that is true to its First Wave roots, this is a great album!"
The real thing
ken plagge | Mason City, Iowa USA | 03/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My ears have listenened to a lot of things including saturday afternoon IRIE-FM, the thing the average Jamaican is given. This album represents the class and style that someone (god bless their soul) has the sense to preserve and disseminate to the masses. Listen to Earnest Ranglin. JAH People live. Ken"