Hog in a Cocoa

by Rick AndersonThis is a great collection of classic ska performed by the Skatalites (generally considered the greatest of the first-wave ska bands) with various vocalists and recorded at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle studio in the mid '60s. There are original versions of much-covered classics ("Housewife's Choice" by Derrick & Patsy, "Penny Reel" by Eric Morris and Baba Brooks) as well as obscure tracks by artists who would later gain worldwide fame ("The Higher the Monkey Climb," by Justin Hinds & the Dominoes, "When I Call Your Name," by Stranger & Patsy). Then there are the obscure tracks by artists who have remained obscure, sometimes deservedly (as in the case of the hapless and out-of-tune Marguerita). Throughout the album, the Skatalites provide a relentlessly high-energy and almost supernaturally tight groove; even when the tempose are relatively slow, there's a tensile power to the band's sound that makes each track special. Highly recommended.