static kinetic: July 2009

Hellcat Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles, California. The label, an off-shoot of Epitaph Records, was started as a partnership between the owner of Epitaph, Brett Gurewitz from Bad Religion and Tim Armstrong of Rancid, the latter of whom is generally responsible for signing the bands. The label specializes in ska, punk, oi!, psychobilly and hardcore bands.

So let's focus on those reggae/rocksteady/ska/whatever bands on Hellcat Records to boost a proper laid-back summer vibe.

The Aggrolites:
"The group's upbeat, soul-infused reggae attack puts the rock back in rocksteady. Mixing ska, Motown and punk-rock energy with Jamaican rhythm, The Aggrolites tear it up with the intensity of The Clash and the heart of the Caribbean." - Ink Magazine (February 2009)

"So, when you are in the mood to drop your troubles and kick your baggage to the curb, call on The Aggrolites. Forget yourself and feel the dirty reggae!"

The Aggrolites - The Sufferer mp3
(right click and save as)

The Aggrolites - Free Time mp3
(right click and save as)

The Slackers:
"The band was basically attempting to embrace Jamaican ska, reggae and rocksteady and play it as best as it could, and be true to it, and to ourselves, and bring up other influences that were inspiring us, from bebop jazz to Latin salsa music to British Invasion music, country music. It all comes into the band. We're listening to so much music that we integrate all kinds of styles and influences. But we started out trying to play this music as close as we could to the original and from there, use it as a launching pad."

"Building a diverse catalog, with Jamaican music as its foundation, and after spending more than half the year on the road on average, the band has built one of the most diverse audiences of its generation. You'll find families, rudies, rastas, punks and everything in between at a Slackers show. You'll see the hardcore Agnostic Front freak who spends his Sunday afternoons grooving with his girl to Slackers records."

The Slackers - I Still Love you mp3
(right click and save as)

The Slackers - Redlight mp3
(right click and save as)

The Slackers - No More Crying mp3
(right click and save as)

Tim Armstrong:
Musician and songwriter best known for his work with Rancid, Operation Ivy, Dance Hall Crashers, and the Transplants. He is also the owner and operator of Hellcat Records.
His backing band: The Aggrolites

Tim Armstrong - Wake Up mp3
(right click and save as)

Tim Armstrong - Hold On mp3
(right click and save as)

Westbound Train:
"If the classic soul, smooth reggae, and distinctive storytelling , has you stepping into your neighborhood record shop in search of Otis Redding, the Wailers, or The Specials, nobody would be more stoked than the members of Boston's modern reggae/soul outfit."

Westbound Train - Check Your Time mp3
(right click and save as)

Westbound Train - Please Forgive Me mp3
(right click and save as)

in this context SK also recommends bands like:
Hepcat, The Black Seeds, Fat Freddy's Drop, and so on...

Kinetic! - Alrighty!