Customer Reviews

Stretching Out

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

 

 

For any fan of the Skatalites or ska in general, this is one of the most important recordings to own. I believe some of it was originally recorded on a single tape deck. I own the tape version of it, and the lack of recording quality is far overshadowed by the quality of the music. This album is a must have for any fan of the genre. Be warned though...after listening to this album, you will feel the need to buy more of the Skatalites' work.

As a devoted roots fanatic, I am truly ashamed to say I only recently discovered these awesome pioneers of reggae music. I sometimes find ska too repetitive to enjoy, but the skatalites are a MAJOR exception. Their horn jams are truly unparalled in this, and perhaps any field of music. The tracks here begin and end with a bit too much repetition, but are saved by consistently incredible solos in the middle. EVERYONE I play it for agrees. Unfortunately, "Stretching out" has very poor sound quality (originally recorded on tape) so it can't get 5 stars. But, rest assured, it is second only to "Ball of Fire" in jamming and deserves a coveted spot in any music collection.

This is The Skatalites most candid & comprehensive archive. This is an incredibly relaxed live set chock full of explosive and spontaneous solos. The guys really let it hang way out on this 1983 live recording.Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica. The band sounds EXACTLY like its 60's classic singles. "Big Trombone" is a rousing tribute to the late, great Don Drummond.

This is definitely the best skatalites album I've ever heard. The live vibe you get from hearing them live is perfectly captured here-in with most of the original members. With 'bubbles' cameron standing in for Don D and Tommy, Rolly and Dizzy still there, it doesn't get much better than this.

What makes this set truly great to listen to is the length of time these folks were away from each other. The false starts and missed cues are far overshadowed by the extended solos and jam sessions. Fidel Castro (pt. 2) is not to be missed. Any reggae and/or ska fan must own this set.

(disclosure - this was my 1st Skatalites CD, back in 1990 or so)

Recently I've pulled several Skatalite CDs from the local libraries, and while others maybe more original... circa 1963 or whatever, this live recording from 1983 or so, of the original mates, gets them sounding their best, at least far as far as I've heard.

You will NOT be dissapointed in Stretching Out. Perhaps the best Ska CD ever. And why not, the best guys, the best songs, with 20 years of practice, doing it spontaneously.

Oh, and I saw them 2x in the early 1990s, and this IS what they sounded like.

They even recreate the smokey live sound of the original recordings.

You can't lose.