Search - Hepcat :: Push N Shove

A very good album; but not their best

J. Gosselin | New Haven, Connecticut USA | 09/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a fan of the more traditional ska sound you won't find too many bands out there today that can compete with Hepcat. New York City's The Slackers are the closest in terms of putting a modern spin on the classic "Skatalites Sound".



Although "Push N Shove" is a good album; I still prefer their previous three albums. This record is slower; and although it's got a fun groove on it - it lacks the rollicking dance songs like "No Worries" from Right on Time or "Bobby & Joe" from Scientific that made those records great. The closest song on this album that would fit that mold would be "The Region"; which also appeared on the Hellcat Compilation "Give 'Em The Boot Vol. 2".



Here's how I would break it down:

If you're new to Hepcat's music and want to try one of their CDs to see if you like them - I would recommend you buy their 1997 album "Right On Time" first.

If you like that - then get their 1995 debut album "Out of Nowhere" (now back in print).

Next would be the 1996 album "Scientific".

Then pick up this one last.



If you're already a Hepcat fan then you know what you're getting when you buy this CD... another batch of soulful ska from one of the best bands of the last decade."

Old school revived

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 08/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Put this CD on and close your eyes and you'd think it was Jamaica circa 1965. Truth is these guys are contemporary rude boys who sing and play in the tradition of such ska old schoolers as Toots and the Maytals. There are no sweet voices to accentuate the backbeat, like Culture from back in the day, nothing but gravely voiced rootsy vocals coming from the pipes of Deston Berry for the most part. The exception is the sweet stylings on "Live On" that sounds like something that the Mighty Diamonds might have recorded. For the most part this sounds like vintage ska, with the exception being the obligatory dub thrown in and a curiously latin sounding number. The strength of this CD is the simplicity of lyrics, strong vocals all backed by a tight horn section that compliments the back beat to near perfection. The influence of do-wop is evident in a manner chacteristic of the R&B influences that energized and influenced early ska bands. These rude boys now their musical roots. The sound is true to the original rock steady influences, unlike the pop flavored endeavors of some recent bands. Can something that sounds old sound refreshing? The answer is a resounding yes, when the ordinary sounds like all the rest, the exception sounds extraordinary. These guys rock, well not rock, they rock steady. My personal favorite from this cool set is "Gimme Little Sign," with it's sound like it is straight from the shanty towns of Kingston. Other faves include, "Live On," guest vocalist's Karina Denike's version of "Prison of Love" and the soulfull "You and I." This is pure ska, to be appreciated by those that like their music as it was intended to be, without gimmicks or posing. This is pure soul for your listening pleasure, grab a Red Stripe or something refreshing and sit under the shade of a palm tree and you'll swear you're in Jamiaca, yeah mon! If you like true ska you'll love this 2000 incarnation."

I didn't now Ska/Rocksteady could be this good!

Enrique Torres | 06/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oh my, this is by far the best ska/rocksteady album i have ever heard. The things i like about this cd are that the music stays true to its roots. It doesn't go down the road of ska-pop, like a lot of the ska bands of today. I also like that they got Karina Denike from Dance Hall Crashers to sing "Prison of Love".I think all the lyrics are written with meaning and power unlike a lot of music. I also think that the way the music is played is great. If you have the money and like ska i would definitly buy Hepcat's Push 'n Shove"