Customer Reviews

Ska Father

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

 

 

Toots' commonplace vocal gynastics once again provide the proof, for those who are listening, that he is a soul singer on par with the legends of Marvin and Otis. By the time Hibbert recycles Pressure Drop,(arguably the greatest Reggae song of all time)
it is clear that this record is going in the right direction. The fact is that Toots has not lost a lick. I cannot name another male singer who has maintained a voice with the range and stylistic trick bag of the Ska Father well into their forties much less sixties.
Perhaps that most uplifting musical message of the nineties as well. Wise, simple and soulful as hell.

I'd give most Toots and the Maytals' work 5 stars, but to me ska has to have a raw garage/beerhall sound and energy to it. This album is done with modern studio technology, unlike much of the original '60s-'70s ska recordings. To me this doesn't suit the genre; the result is a certain flatness. If you haven't got them yet, pick up the Anthology or the Very Best Of and you can't miss.Forget about this one. It's okay, but not up to Toots and the Maytals' usual standards.

Who says Ska has to have out of tune horns and amateur musicianship to be considered "energetic"? I am more concerned with the Christian imagery on "Bound to Win" (slighty baffling really) than I am with Toots' energy level. If the CD was more consistent it would be up there with Toots in Memphis, Reggae Got Soul and Funky Kingston.