Customer Reviews

Reggae Hit L.A. (Dig)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Another reviewer deemed this album as only "worth borrowing," and bagged on these boys for the color of their skin. I'll come out and say it; that's a load of crap. This album, like their previous, is full of energetic reggae that just begs for you to get up and sing along.

Nevermind the color of their skin. Yeah, they are white. But these guys are veterans to the modern day reggae/ska scene. Now, on to the album itself...

Self described as "Dirty Reggae," The Aggrolites definately know how to stir up some incredibly catchy sing-along tunes. This album has, for the most part, fantastic song after fantastic song. Highlights include "Faster Bullet," "Reconcile;" with it's gospel-esque lyrics, "Lets Pack Our Bags;" a perfect summertime reggae tune that lifts you up into somewhere else, and of course "Free Time." The latter song is the bands first single of this album, which you may or may not have heard on your local radio.

This is not to say that the rest of the songs are bad. All of the songs on this disc are great - It's just that some are a bit catchier than others. Point being, get this album. Click the order button, or go out to your local record store and buy it. Hell, download it off Itunes if you have given in to the new Ipod trend. This is a great album that deserves to be listened to fans of any type of music.

What the Eff? Ok, clarification...there are only two white dudes in this band! Jesse (chops) and Dixon (gee-tar). Rog (korg) and J Bonner (boom bass) are manic hispanics, and the drummer Kory Kingston is black-o-rican. So get it straight foos!

As far as the album goes...it's heavy. A lot more funk and soul which I like and it caters to Jesse Wagner's monster soulful vocals. A few instrumental tracks like Rhythm & Light are solid and just make you nod your head. "Free Time" is a single waiting in line to get on mainstream radio. It's addictive and it's got a story every man can relate to.

I love the album but I do miss the old "tube feel" the old records had in their production. But most people don't like that (or don't appreciate it). I also was hoping for a few more sing-a-long chorus lines that they are so famous for.

Overall this record is solid. Support the Aggrolites. They are spitting out some original tunes with some very talented musicians.

I recently found out about the Aggrolites via Tim Armstrong's new release - they are his backing band sometimes. After picking up both cd's at my local store, I can't stop listening to the Aggrolites. The album is solid with all the songs decent, although nothing stands out as a monster hit single. But the depth of the album makes up for it. A great reggae sound steeped in rocksteady and Motown era flavor, it hearkens to soul music but still sounds new and fresh. And when the sun is shining, it can't be beat.

These guys are great at what they do & continue to get better with each album, just check out there newest record "IV". My problem with this one however is the mood, energy levels, along with everything else all blend together. They hit it right on the head with about 5 songs but the rest are just the same song just slightly tweaked. Can't say I don't enjoy the album, but it becomes real repetitive real quick. And on a side note for anyone who like these guys you gotta check out the band Westbound Train.

The Aggrolites are probably one of the best bands that you may not have heard of. This album is excellent and is a great example of their work. Every song is really good and if you like ska/reggae you won't be disapointed. Work It is especially notable. Another really good album in the genre is The Fury of the Aquabats. Both albums are great and shouldn't be overlooked.

What do you get when you mix the best of early reggae and ska with the J. Geils Band? Well in my opinion that's the Aggrolites in a nutshell. Lead vocalist Jesse Wagner better have a chat with his mother about his parentage. Because I think his father may be Peter Wolfe. But anyway...this band is a lot of fun! Especially live. I recently saw them open for Flogging Molly on the Green 17 Tour and was very impressed. Too often opening bands are just...ok. These guys had the room rockin' and warmed up. And that's what you'll get with this record.

I am always open-minded about anything from hellcat records so I picked this up. Not a bad cd. Definitely party music. I would prefer them to drop the use of what appear to be synthethizers or something and just stick to basic instruments. That being said, they definitely know what they are doing. Good reggae played well. Standout track is definitely "free time" although most of the others are decent too. If your into hellcat style reggae, you probably won't go wrong by picking this cd up.

The self-titled debut from the Aggrolites is quite stunning. This follow-up was a huge let down by comparison. The songs sound uninspired and don't have the same soul-filled punch of the first album. It sounds like they rushed this album through the studio with less care and thought into the music. The supposed "bonus track" is the biggest joke of a song - it's basically listening to eighteen and a half minutes of a metronome. The same beat playing for more than 18 minutes. Hopefully this band will bounce back next time, they are far too talented.

Sounds like the reggae parts of a sublime album. Perhaps a little more hardcore (reggae-wise) and with less hookage. Decent background music but will never beat a Lee Perry, King Tubby or Trojan Records Compilation in terms of authenticity and sheer ability to nod heads. Worth borrowing.