Monthly Archives: November 2020

Dub, Jazz, Music, New Release, Reggae, Review, Two-Tone

Album Review: Shuffle and Bang – Island Bop

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Full disclosure: My review I worked so hard on for this release last week seemingly was lost and never saved.

Usually when this happens, I become annoyed to no end, but in this case, I was not phased at all because that meant I had more reason to listen to Shuffle and Bang over and over again

This isn’t your typical Pirates Press Records release, but the moment my eyes caught the album art, I knew this was going to be something special. The second it hit my ears though, and I was in love. Jamaican jazz fused with two-tone is the best way I can explain these guys.

Shuffle and Bang is a father and son (Pops and Korey Horn) idea that combined their love for dub, reggae, and jazz. Eventually they joined forces with a slew of amazing musicians who have lent their talents to The Aggrolites, Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Original Wailers, and some guy named Stevie Wonder. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the pianist plays organ for the San Diego Padres baseball team. Case and point, this band is full to the brim of talent.

In a span of two years over plenty of recording sessions, Pirates Press Records buddied up with band’s own Jetsetter Records to release this unique album titled Island Bop.

Starting off the album was “Don’t Go To Strangers”, a intro of sorts. A cappella and full of soul. It really just built up my anticipation of what was to come.

The ever-appropriate “Song for My Father” had things kicking into full gear. This track was not only an ode to “The Man”, but also just showcased the intense amount of talent brought forth.

“Daahoud Ska” immediately put me in the best mood upon heading it. I loved everything about this upbeat track from the horns, stand up bass, and piano playing. This song’s purpose is to entertain as much as possible.

“Blow Mr. Low” carried tons of swing jazz love. The horns on this song were not only the subject of the lyrics, but the glue that kept it all together.

“When I Take My Sugar to Tea” was a romantic romp as much as a brag to the boys about being in good company. This track was built on feelings and a certain boost in moral when feeling like you’re on top of the world. This track might be new, but sounded like it’s been around for decades.

One of my favorite cuts on this release was “Let The Good Times Roll.” I loved the personalized feeling that was inclusive to everyone and anyone. I couldn’t help but imagine I was in some speakeasy while listening to this. What a fun one this was.

Closing track “Drum Song” was more like a cosmic dub jam session amongst friends. Memorable lyrics taken from the Gorillaz just made it that much more entertaining for me. I enjoyed the slow departure to wind down the release.

With as shitty as this year has been, Island Bop seemingly is a beacon of light that just makes everything better once you begin to listen. A surprise release for me and I’m sure others, it’s certainly at the top of my best of list and will be in regular rotation for years to come.

Like a modern day Mongo Sanataria, Shuffle and Bang are guaranteed to supply the soundtrack for a good time. Fans of Hepcat, Coltrane, ska, two-tone, and just anyone who appreciates honest to god good musicianship are going to enjoy the everlasting hell out of this release. I know I did.

Books, Punk, Review

Book Review: F.T.W. Rise of the Anarchy March by Russ Lippitt

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Imagine standing up for what you believe in to the point where you’re ready to risk life and limb to start a revolution. Due to corrupt dictators controlling the way of life in a dystopic future in favor of conformance, a definite change is evident. This path to righteousness isn’t easy as told in F.T.W. Rise of the Anarchy March, a story about group of punks who refuse to let their hellish wasteland continue to ruin lives.

We all know what F.T.W. means, and author Russ Lippitt took this literally in his post-apocalyptical sci-fi read that was like Tank Girl and Suburbia mixed with 1984.

This was one book I was glued to and just could not put down. I loved the punk ethos throughout and applauded the embedded references throughout, be it chapter names or mention of classic punk rock bands.

Let’s not forget some of the unexpected developments that just made things that much more interesting. There really was no time for dull moments in this.

The story itself was original, hinting at an obtainable sad future Mad Max-style where three punks, who refused to conform take on an unforgiving government by any means possible, put themselves on the ultimate mission. Full of memorable characters, side stories, and explicit detail, I must admit, this was one unique piece of work.

Without going into great detail, I can tell you I was not sure what to expect when I dug into this book after starting, but I was soon sucked in quickly and along for the ride. It had me angry at times, reminded me of my past in a sense, and most importantly, had me thinking at the very end. You loved some characters and wished demise for others.

My only complaint? I am not going to ruin things for anyone with a spoiler, but I am sure at some point you will share the same thought I had. Well, there was actually another part that became almost anticlimactic, but not to the point where I lost interest and I needed to remind myself this was just part one of a trilogy. With that said, I was fully captured in this story and cannot wait to see the follow-up to this down the road. I know there is just so much more story to be told.

The one thing that got to me most is what Lippitt wrote on literally could happen one day. Anything is possible when you look at the progression of human nature and Lippitt painted a sad prediction of what could come. Clearly, current events had slight input into this incredible story and when amplified just become plausible.

It would only make sense to see F.T.W. be made into a movie. Lippitt’s writing style surely painted clear images in my mind to the point that I wanted to see this taken to the screen. The story was original and full of action, violence, and even straight up comedy. Honestly, Hollywood might do themselves a favor by picking this up one day. Trust me on that.

Until then, if you are looking for a different type of adventure when reading that will more or less piss you off while still rooting for the good guys, check out F.T.W. I promise you that you have not read a piece like this one if you have a love for punk rock and are looking for one hell of an adventure.

The book drops at the end of this month an you can preorder it by clicking HERE.