From: David Sarno <dsarno@pipeline.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 1994 23:40:41 -0500
Message-Id: <199411150440.XAA22558@pipe1.pipeline.com>
To: ftp@locust.cic.net
Subject: (Fwd) Bim Skala Bim  
Status: O

Forwarding mail by: pauls@cic.net () on 11/7/94 10:52:52 PM
-------------------
BIM SKALA BIM
Boston, MA 

Bim has been playing for about ten years,  putting them in the 
same ska period as the  Toasters.  They are often referred to 
as the  strongest ska/calypso bands in the U.S. They have been 
to Europe to tour a few
times over, and have reached most every  corner of America.  In 
addition, lead singer  Dan Vitale has created a label, BIB, 
which  has released a number of CD's in recent  years.  The 
label is separate from Bim
though.

Along with the gagillion compilations this  band has been on, 
they have released four  albums, all available on CD.  I have 
three of  them, HOW'S IT GOIN'?, BONES, and
LIVE AT THE PARADISE.  The last, a live  19 song recording of a 
1993 performance at  the paradise, Boston, spans all their 
work. Of the other two, HOW'S IT GOIN'? is
better.  The mix of ska and calypso is
momentous.  A great cover of Marley's
"Hypocrite," as well as an excellent
instrumental, "Good Dog Ska," is included  on this disc.  BONES 
is a little 
more rock & roll influenced.  I still find it  enjoyable.

Live, this band is even better.  I enjoy seeing  them live 
because they usually only have one  horn, Vinny on Trombone.  
He plays his
horn fat and sloppy.  It has that true-to-roots  sound.  I've 
seen them more than a few
times, and I wonder if I'll ever get tired of  them.  They 
should have another album out  soon.

CD: TUBA CITY N/A (Skalooid, Available
in most record stores)  $13.50

CD: HOW'S IT GOIN' *** (Unsigned
Records, Available in most record stores) $12.50

CD: BONES ** (Unsigned Records,
Available in most record stores) $11

CD: LIVE AT THE PARADISE **1/2*
(BIB Records, Available in most record stores) $12.50