Album Notes

VARIOUS ARTISTS
PRIMOSONIC RHYTHMS VOL 2
RIVERCIDAL SYNDICATE RECORDS
Ska isn't dead. Nor is this album, by a long shot. This disc is filled with some great ska, dub, reggae, and rocksteady tracks from some of California's best skankin' acts. The Aggrolites provide some great dub with the first track, "Black Lung". Its sound is reminiscent of Lee Perry from the early 1970s. Chris Murray's one-man ska act contributes the moving song "Fourth of July". Monkey represents the Northern California ska sound with pride with "Sound System". This is perhaps one of the best compilations I have heard in years. Spark it up, my friends, and enjoy! -Matt Edmund

Unless you're from Southern, California, there's a good chance you haven't heard any of the bands there, but if you're a fan of incredible Ska, Reggae, Rock Steady and Dub music you'll probably want to move there. The bands collected on Primo Sonic Rhythms, Vol. 2, comp play their Ska and Reggae with a breezy California flavor, but without the gloss of No Doubt or the punk sneer of Operation Ivy. It makes for a pleasing and refreshing listen, and the genuine admiration for Jamaica's finest sounds is both educated and infectious. It's a crime not to listen to the sonic grooves of the Debonaires, or the bouncy Hawaiian sounds of Go Jimmy Go. But this compilation will leave you wanting more from this cast of talented musicians. Here's your chance to catch up with the rest of the die-hards fans of this generation. The fact that Rivercidal Records is a fan & friend to all the musicians just makes it all the more cool and groovy. Jamie Fitzgerald (Fan)

Primo Sonic Rhythms Vol. 2 (V/A Rivercidal Records)

If you're like me and aren't super up to date with what's going on these days as far as new ska & reggae acts go, comps like this are a HUGE help. I admit, I don't listen to much music after 1972, so I need all the help I can get! This album mainly focuses on that of the talent that is popping up like crazy in California. It's crazy what all is going on out there. Acts like The Debonaires, Chris Murray, The Aggrolites, and Monkey really show how fluid the talent is coming out of there. Most of these tracks on this album have been released or can be found elsewhere, however, like I said, if you're not super up-to-date about whats going on in the present-time music scene and need a "memo", pick this up. Support independent music labels and new musicians that are keeping this music alive! -www.getupedina.com