Roots Branch And Stem Living Tradition In SKA: A Time Capsule of Ska Shenanigans
Alright, let’s dive into this wild ride called Roots Branch And Stem Living Tradition In SKA. Released in 1996 by Stubborn Records, it’s a genre-bending hodgepodge that somehow works. We’re talking reggae vibes, jazz noodling, pop-rock hooks, and enough ska energy to power a small island nation. The album feels like someone threw all their favorite records into a blender and hit "puree." Surprisingly? It tastes good.
First off, the producers—El “Wood” and Django—are clearly having way too much fun here. They’ve stitched together tracks that bounce between rocksteady grooves, acoustic chill-outs, and third-wave ska revival madness without breaking a sweat. You can tell they didn’t overthink it; they just let the music do its thing. And honestly? That’s what makes this album so damn likable.
Now, onto the tracks. While there are plenty of bangers (and some forgettables), two songs stood out to me like neon socks at a funeral: “Thinking of You” and “Healing Ska.”
“Thinking of You” is one of those tunes where you’re not sure if you’re falling in love or just really hungry—it’s got that kind of vibe. The melody is sticky sweet, like candy hearts melting on your tongue, but with just enough edge to keep things interesting. There’s something about the way the horns swell and then drop out, leaving space for the vocals to shine. It’s simple yet effective, like a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. I kept humming it for days after listening, which either means it’s brilliant or cursed. Jury’s still out.
Then there’s “Healing Ska,” which sounds exactly like its name suggests—a musical Band-Aid for whatever ails ya. This track brings the ska-punk punch with a side of soulful swagger. The rhythm section locks in tighter than skinny jeans on a hipster, while the brass punches through like an uninvited but welcome party guest. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’ll wanna grab a towel and skank till your feet fall off. If ska had a self-help hotline, this would be the hold music.
The rest of the album has its moments too. Tracks like “Postcard From Amy” bring a breezy, almost indie-rock feel, while “Forgive Them Lord” leans hard into reggae spirituality. But hey, no album’s perfect, right? Some tracks blend together like mismatched socks in a laundry pile. Still, even the weaker ones have charm because, well, ska isn’t supposed to take itself too seriously.
What strikes me most about Roots Branch And Stem is how alive it feels. It’s messy, vibrant, and bursting with personality. Listening to it is like hanging out with a group of friends who insist on playing impromptu jam sessions at 2 AM—you might not remember every detail later, but you’ll definitely smile when you think about it.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you’re craving something quirky and full of heart. Just don’t blame me if you start daydreaming about mosh pits and pork pies. Oh, and fun fact: cats apparently hate this record. Mine ran away halfway through “Cat Juice.” Coincidence? Probably not.
