The Skatalites Album: “Hog in a Cocoa”

Album Information : Title: Hog in a Cocoa Release Date:1999-03-16 Type:Unknown Genre:Reggae, Ska Label:Orange Street Explicit Lyrics:Yes UPC:650113105125 Review - : This 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. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide Track Listing : 1 . John James 2 . Yea Yea Yea Baby 3 . Higher the Monkey Climbs 4 . Rukumbine 5 . Next Door Neighbour 6 . What a Man Doeth 7 . Over the River 8 . Run Joe 9 . Hog in a Cocoa 10 . Samson 11 . Housewife's Choice 12 . When I Call Your Name 13 . Woman Come 14 . Penny Reel