Root Down in the Shadow

Certain times of year are for certain types of music.  I only listen to holiday music between Thanksgiving and a few days before New Years Eve!  Same goes for Vince Guaraldi,  I just can't listen to his work without a chill in the air.   I would prefer the lights to be out and the bass to be up, when listening to Portishead! Summertime comes with the sun shining(longer & brighter), less clothes to be worn, and a greater sense of freedom all around.  Summertime is also the best time of year to listen to Ska or Reggae.  Whether it's punk, hip-hop or alternative infused.  Ska or Reggae of any type is best in the summer with the windows down.  Sublime(with or without Rome), Reel Big Fish, Michael Franti, Bob Marley, Skastifarians, Save Ferris, No Doubt, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Matisyahu are all better in the Summertime. Check out any of these videos.  I can't imagine any of them with snow.  'Simmer Down' by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones (original by B

Back in '96 I fell in love with a Ska band Reel Big Fish   I heard 'Everything Sucks' from a CMJ New Music Monthly CD, and bought Turn the Radio Off as soon as I could.  At the time, I had heard nothing like it.  I was introduced to Ska/Reggae in high school but the Mighty Mighty Bosstones were really all I knew, and were heavier and less sophomoric.   I had listened to a little Bob Marley but at the time, that seemed so far removed for me. The tracks were incredible.  For the album, I have every track rated with 5 stars in my iTunes.  It's excellent on the disc, it's excellent live, and the songs just get in your head.   One song for example, 'Nothin', it's simple, it's fast, it's repetitive, BAM it's done.   Lyrics for 'Nothin' by Reel Big Fish everytime i try so hard i get nothin' (nothin') they say try and you won't fail, i get nothin' (nothin') i did all that i could i got nothin' (nothin') i