Now you wonder how it all could have worked out

This song is a little hard to classify. It has the swing and punchiness of ska, but the vocals tell an entirely different story-more along the lines of down-south country. Which is why I was especially surprised to see the band was from Boston, go figure. The song is "Please Forgive Me" by Westbound Train.

The song starts out with this punching guitar and minimalist percussion that gives it this light and airy feel, however, the vocals courtesy of Obi "Day 19" Fernandez, just kill it with his bluesy voice and totally encompassing vocals. Another great addition to the track is the background horns that carry the tune so well (I'm a sucker for horns). I can't say the songwriting is excellent but this song just draws you in. Probably the most interesting thing I found on the band was the fact that famed Specials guitarist Lynval Golding is a fan of Westbound Train. That is saying a lot when one such an incredibly and acclaimed ska band is a fan. Enjoy the track.

"Please Forgive Me" by Westbound Train from Transitions (2006)

-S

I say when it drops, oh you gonna feel it

Sorry for the shortish post-I'm in the middle of watching the Celtics game and can only really commit myself to one thing at a time. But that doesn't mean I will leave you with a totally lame song. So here is "Pressure Drop." I first heard this song at the beggining of last summer, the Toots and The Maytals version of course. The song is an absolute jam and definitely one of the staples of any half decent summer. However the version I will leave you with is not the original. It is the cover done by The Clash, one of my all time favorite bands.

Not really much to say about it other than that it is a big departure from the original, The Clash really do make it their own, and make it work for them. This is a total genre-bending experience. I'll also link you up to another great cover done by The Specials, who I believe just got a big spread in either Mojo or Rolling Stone, I can't for the life of me remember. I will tell you though that it is more along the lines of the Toots and The Maytals version, with a little bit of a twist.

"Pressure Drop" covered by The Clash from English Civil War (1979)

"Pressure Drop" covered by The Specials from Today's Specials (1996)

-S