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Ska Is Dead - Sidebar
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THE AGGROLITES | Dirty Reggae
Released 11.03
Axe Records
Reviewed by Ian Skoidat |
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Like a phoneix rising from the ashes of The Rhythm Doctors and The Vessels comes America's number one skinhead reggae band, The Aggrolites, with their 14 track debut album Dirty Reggae. The Aggrolites play late 60's style reggae with a strong funk flavor which they have dubbed "Dirty Reggae."
The players in The Aggrolites are all top notch musicians, and have had years of experience playing in other bands from See Spot to Dub Street Rockers. Roger Rivas (organ/piano), and Jessie Wagner (lead guitar/lead vocals) dominate the songs with their leads, while the rhythm section, Kory Horn (drums) and J Bonner (bass) keep them steady and Brian Dixon plays over the rhythm. There are also quite a few guest appearances worth mentioning. Deston Berry and Scott Abels of Hepcat fame, Dave Wiens, ex-Lets Go Bowling trombone man, Matt Parker of The Adjusters, Jubal and Dan of The Sandollars (Dynamic Pressure), and Paul Morton from The Rhythm Doctors all play on the record.
The influences on this album range from The Upsetters and War to The Maytals. Fans of The Upsetters, Symarip, and The Vessels will not be disappointed with this one. The songs on Dirty Reggae range from reggae scorchers like "Lunar Eclipse," "Black Lung," "Hot Stop," "Dirty Reggae," and "The Stampede" ( featuring ex-Lets Go Bowling member Dave Wiens dominating on the trombone), to smoother soulful tracks like "Keep It Cool," and "Money Hungry Women" where lead vocalist/lead guitarist Jessie Wagner displays his vocal talents quite nicely. Stand out tracks include "Jimmy Jack," "Womens Rules," and "Pop the Trunk" (featuring The Aggrolettes). This album is essential, and one of the best reggae albums to come out in the last 10 years, so do the right thing, and add Dirty Reggae to your collection.
The Aggrolites website |
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