This post is just a little pat on the back as looking at the statistics for our videos on Youtube we've had over 100 000 views of our collective videos!

Check out our channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/dizzybeat

100 000 views suggests we're doing something right I reckon. There is quite a bit from over the years that could still go up too.

By far the most popular of our videos was Max Romeo's Chase the Devil last year at London's Jazz Cafe. It's one popular track, and what a gig it was. Thanks to Gen for this and many of the other videos.

There aren't many bands doing the organ driven reggae in the UK, unlike in Europe or North America, but Erin Bardwell's Pop-a-Top stable of groups are, with a sound closer to that of the late sixties than many of their contemporaries.

We've reviewed material featuring Neville Banton on vocals before, but this is the most authentic and polished offering of his to date. Guns, Bombs & Madness is a melodic yet not overly downcast track with an obvious yet important message. The organ is less prominent than in most Pop-a-Top record tracks, but it isn't missed.

The other offering from the label is by a new signing (with familiar names) The Raydiators. The A-side of this 12" record is a great instrumental dub-reggae track called "The Raydiator". It's all about the fantastic guitar hook, which drives the song along wonderfully.

The B-side features two tracks - the first of which is a vocal track called "Gloria", which is fairly upbeat in contrast to the record's reverse. The vocals should be out the front of the song, but unfortunately they get absorbed by the organ, which is as usual very nice.

The second track, "Django's Gypsy Biscuit" is another instrumental with yet another great guitar lead. The track achieves a nice balance between melancholy and driving.

Buy all Pop-a-Top releases from their website: http://www.popatoprecords.co.uk

Well, at least once a month. If you're in Newcastle for the second Saturday afternoon of the month, get along to Soul Shakedown Party at the View Factory for some sweet sounds in a really nice venue.

We made the nearly three hour train trip north from Sydney yesterday and were surprised to find such a lovely venue in Newcastle, close to both the railway station and the beach. It was a really inclusive crowd, and the music was a great balance of standards and lesser known rocksteady, early reggae and soul tracks.

I'll post details for the next event when they come to hand, as it is a nice little day trip.

This month's free Gargage Land features the folk punk Rumjacks and punky reggae Steppin' Razor. The first band is on at 8 pm, but we'll be spinning the best ska, reggae, punk and soul beforehand. Should be a cracker - they usually are.

One Night Band in Sydney

Ska Nation in Melbourne, November 2, 2009