'After' highlights ska before Bosstones

Curtis Zimmermann

REVIEW
	Heartbeat Ska After Ska After Ska

Picture a concert featuring The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Suicide Machines, The Slackers, and Less Than Jake. While all these bands fall under the category of Third Wave Ska, they are all very diverse in nature, and come from numerous musical backgrounds.

Now picture a group of musicians just as varied 36 years ago in Jamaica, when Ska was in its infancy. "Ska After Ska After Ska," is a 21-song compilation that captures how the music, even in 1962 was just as eclectic, if not more so than it is today.

The songs on this album display a powerful mix of Jazz, Gospel, Soul and rock 'n' roll, all blended with a calypso back beat. Tracks like, "Thoroughfare" by The Skatalites than known as Don Drummond and The Skatalites, and "Storm Warning" by Lynn Taitt and his Comets showcase a Jamaican style of be-bop jazz. While tunes like "Get Your Feet Moving," and "Strong Man Sampson" by Eric "Monty" Morris resemble many late '50s R&B artists. Also evident on this compilation is the origins of reggae. "Its Real" by The Silvertones has a blend of organs, guitars and vocals that resemble early works by Bob Marley.

While a proving, a musical history book of Ska, this compilation might be tough for fans of the hard-core and skater-punk sound to get into. This music sounds more like something one would hear on an oldies station, or the music your parents were listening too while on their Caribbean honeymoon as opposed anything on "Rock Alternative."

But this shouldn't discourage fans of the newer music from exploring its roots. "Ska After Ska After Ska" is essential when looking at the music because it shows how in 1962 it appeared in extremely varied forms. Also as it acts as almost a constitution for a musical revolution that is still being waged nearly four decades later.

04-14-98