Ska Preorder 9 Items

Nubiyan Twist return with their brand new album "Freedom Fables" on Strut on 5th February, the follow-up to the acclaimed "Jungle Run" from Spring 2019. Woven around soul searching, cautionary tales and parables for modern life, the new album is the most accomplished yet by the Leeds / London collective, effortlessly fusing different soul, jazz and global styles with great musicianship and lyrics. "Freedom Fables reflects on the power of narratives. Each vocalist on this record explores their own memoirs, a freedom of expression underpinning our belief that music is the ultimate narrative for unity," explains Tom Excell. "The record references a lot of music that we all loved during our formative years; you can hear touches of broken beat, blunted hip hop, highlife, Latin, jazz and UK soul running through the tracks." The album is also packed full with illustrious guest appearances: regular collaborator Cherise features on the brilliant "Tittle Tattle", calling out gossip through acerbic nursery rhyming, the loping "Flow" dealing with the ebb and flow of anxiety and the epic Brazilian jazz workout, "Keeper"; UK jazz saxman Soweto Kinch brings a burning alto solo and rhymes to the determined "Buckle Up" alongside the band"s own vocalist Nick Richards as the track aims to "find the door to peace" among life"s challenges. "Soweto is a trailblazer of the UK scene both as an alto player and as a rapper with a unique flow and important lyricism," reflects Tom Excell. "It was really important for us to invite him to contribute to the album." Richards continues the "dust yourself off and find hope" theme on the rousing "Wipe Away Tears"; Ghanaian great Pat Thomas voices a gorgeous Accra meets London highlife jam; massive new vocal talent Ria Moran (a contemporary from the band"s time at Leeds College Of Music) steps up on the sensual "Morning Light" tackling delicate complexities of the heart and long time friend of the band, KOG, brings his trademark full strength Afro dancefloor energy.

This album from an Italian-based production outfit on Aloe Vera Records celebrates the label's early years and the unique style of one of the imprint's key acts, The Officinalis's. They were known for classics like 'Si Comme' Si' and for blending. Naples and Jamaican musical cultures. Aloe Vera Records skilfully merged these worlds in their output and created a distinctive and recognisable sound that bridges past and present. These are all well-crafted sounds with warm low ends, rich bass and plenty of loved-up melodies that make it a nice escapist listen.

Not from Kingston for once, but from Cologne/Germany, they have almost 30 years of experience in offbeat music. Their rich groove of two tone, ska and dub doesn't need to hide from the greats they have already performed with. The band's anniversary album has a Madness feel to it, the Toasters send their regards and the Hotknives also make an appearance. No wonder the highlights of their career are as numerous as the steps in the famous Cologne cathedral, the Dom. The title track leaves no doubt that the silverbacks from the Rhine are `leader of the pack'. Skankparty Galore!

Rude Bones, a pioneer in the Japanese ska-core scene, releases two of its latest releases on 7”!! This EP features a bold Rocksteady arrangement of the Northern Soul classic “I'm Where It's At” by The Jades! In contrast, “Losing Track” is an up-tempo ska number with a sharp and catchy melody that is sure to get ska dances and singalongs. Both are big tunes that symbolize the current Rude Bones and will resonate well with past and future fans.

Blue Beat Players' latest music release is now available! “Scootering on!”, a power ska tune that starts with the exhaust note of “Lambretta” (The NUMBERS!) and features Masayuki “Marc” Hayashi's vocal and chorus interplay, is included on the A-side. The B-side is “Marseile Soreil”, an authentic lovers' rock full of love dedicated to Yumi, a member of the band who passed away earlier this year.

In 2024, a 7-inch that will bring tears to the eyes of all ska fans has been delivered! A cover of Jimmy Smith's "The Cat" with organ and tenor intertwined is also included. The first single by Mighty Caskets, formed around Ichimura of EX. Cool Wise MAN, is "green EYES," a bluesy, superb instrumental ska with a melancholy tenor saxophone melody and shuffle beat that hits the heart. In addition, the B-side features a garage-inspired cover of Jimmy Smith's "The Cat," which takes one's breath away with its thrilling and sensational organ tones. Recorded and mixed & mastered by E-mura (bim ONE Production).

Limited edition vinyl single from Hong KONG's top ska/reggae act who teamed up with modern British producer King Zepha foe this heavy 70s styled roots affair. Features B Dubbs on vocals/chatting, with a dub on the flip. Red vinyl in picture sleeve.