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MAD NOT MAD FANZINE THE ROUGH KUTZ : A BIT O' ROUGH (1999) Skanky Lil Records SL108 You may recall me mentioning Stoke's greatest Ska band a couple of issues ago. Well taking on Porky as manager has done them no harm at all. Brigga,vocalist with the band sent me a tape of half a dozen tunes and I loved 'em to bits. Well now those half dozen tunes and a handful more have been released by Skanky Lil and it's a cracking debut - a production that's whittled down to the bare necessities - driving Ska beats,streetwise lyrics and bundles of energy.The Rough Kutz believe in 2-Tone. Back in '79 that was where it was for them. 2-Tone and Oi. They don't pretend to be impressed with much of today's Ska scene but they put their money where their collective mouth is. "A Bit O' Rough" delivers a no-nonsense homage to the 2-Tone era and it makes no apologies,nor takes any prisoners.Vocalists Brigga and Jai-Lee narrate a journey onto the streets - an enviroment where grasses get sorted out,granny muggers get their come-uppance and if you take liberties when your tuned into the booze,you pay the penalty. The "working class boys down your street" atmosphere and image recall early Madness although it is unfair to make such a comparison. Madness are veteran storytellers who took a Ska base and crafted it into their own whimsical pop story of the world,it's niceties and it's not so niceties. The Rough Kutz haven't really taken that journey. They're happy to explore their way of life and to celebrate their music scene. So if The Rough Kutz don't compare with Madness then that's alright,they're playing a different game anyway and I don't imagine their Madness collections go beyond "Absolutely".They certainly wouldn't want to venture beyond that anyway and why should they? They paint a picture of that hard world and exciting atmosphere that few would be able to match at the end of the 1990's, "Skinhead Symphony" underlines that fact - a song dedicated to being what you are,keeping the torch alight and being proud of it. This album manages this throughout,creating an impressive array of up-tempo Ska tracks varying from the in yer face stomping of "Friday Night" and "Edna Tales" to the harmonious love songs such as "Loving You" and "Crazy About You".The band also displays enough traditional ability to knock out Jamaican tinged treats such as "Reggae Feeling" and "Him A Rude Boy". They even manage a more than acceptable cover of The Slickers "Johnny Too Bad". What really clinches it for me though is the Ska version of that old Rock n Roller "Runaround Sue". You may be surprised at that but it really does highlight the fact that "A Bit O' Rough" offers real good time Ska fun in the old way - it's pacey and fun but it always maintains an air of street cool.Whilst you can easily spot the influences of (early) Madness,Bad Manners and The Specials,don't ever think that The Rough Kutz lose their own identity - big,bold and bad - they state a case for sticking to your roots. If you're of the belief that things must progress to stay valid then this isn't for you. If you like,it's the traditional Sunday roast with Yorkshire pud and loads of gravy,it's the fish and chips or the black pudding of Ska. You won't find nouvelle cuisine here. You see what I mean? Good honest,old fashioned Ska music,hot,tasty and filling in a really satisfying way. Listen out for a couple of magnificent instrumentals on here. The spaghetti western turned Rude Boy extravaganza "A Fistful of Ska" and the excellent harmonica led "Gob Iron".Get this one and you'll think you're back in 1979 and that's a recommendation! IAN TAYLOR THE ROUGH KUTZ- A BIT O' ROUGH "Reggae Feeling"is another contagious beaty tune with a hint of Bad Manners over it and next up we have"Johnny Too Bad",which needs no introducing and a sharp,professional cover it is too.If you dont end up whistling it afterwards then there's something wrong with you!Another fave is in the form of "Hurt Again",oozing Reggae,great vocals,great keyboard work,its a brilliant singalong yet sad tale of a girl who cant say no to any man on the night and ends up used and abused."What Goes Around" is next and this is another highlight.Punk meets Ska here,a fast and frenetic mix that is the Rough Kutz.The story of "Skinhead Symphony"is a real beauty.We can all relate to this track as our years advance,pure Ska leading the way here.The album closes with the rollercoaster "Fistful Of Ska".This crowd pleaser is a triumphant end to the tracks,a rip roaring ride into Dodge Ska City where even Clint Eastwood wears Dms and a Pork Pie hat!!! You'll be Ska'd for life.The best of British Ska..... |
