REVIEW: Laurel Aitken - Skinhead Train

REVIEW: Laurel Aitken – Skinhead Train

Chiefly named the Godfather of Ska, Laurel Aitken skanked his way to the top the tree with his impressively masterful recordings that became hugely popular R&B bonanza hits in the 60’s going on to lead his field up until the current day. Cherry Red records have recently released 70 previously unreleased digitally big, bad and bossy tracks from the Aitken back catalogue making this collection irresistible. 

Fire (In Your Wire) rests easy as the opener, jiving and wining its way into the heart of the listener, class ska. Everything in this set is worthy of special mention, we could just rest and let the music do its work, however, some tracks deserve extra special praise. Rice and Peas serves up a delicious concoction, Kingston Town finds skanking reaching its peak, A Message To You features the legendary brass player Rico who would go onto have a celebrated life in music. 

Babylon Gone aches for the paradise island, Skinhead Train has braces and a Ben Sherman shirt about its midriff whilst Bongo Man winds the proceedings down to a stop start skanking end. A quite marvellous collection of first class ska the likes of which we will probably never see again, just enjoy 138 track dreadtastic release from the formidable force of Laurel Aitken.

Skinhead Train can be purchased via the following link