Duff Review: Los Bullets "Crystal Ball" b/w "Gunshot"

Steady Beat Recordings
2011
Limited edition 7" vinyl

(Review by Steve Shafer)

For fans of early, or dirty, or skinhead reggae (whatever label works best for you), these are good times to revel in, my friends (if you aren't already up to speed with the scene, check out The Aggrolites, The Caroloregians, King Hammond, The Revivers, The Hard Times, The Crabs Corporation, and many more). For the latest proof of this phenomenon, I present Los Bullets' outstanding new single from Steady Beat Recordings (the third in Steady Beat's "Chronicles" series of limited edition vinyl singles; the first two were from Jamaica 69 and The Delirians).

"Crystal Ball" is the fierce, organ-powered supa-funky reggae instrumental version of their vocal cut "Crystal Necklace" from their debut player, Sweet Misery (and if you somehow missed that record, you really should drop everything and get your hands on a copy--to help motivate you, read The Duff Guide to Ska review of it here.) "Gunshot" (which incorporates the "lie down girl/push it up/push it up/lie down" riff from Max Romeo's "Wet Dream"--aka the rhythm track from Derrick Morgan's "Hold You Jack") won't have you ducking for cover, fearing for your life--but storming the 'floor, moving your booty and shuffling your feet. Nothing but deep reggay grooves and good vibes here.

Duff Guide to Ska Grade: A

+ + + +

While this is the vocal version of "Crystal Ball," it'll still give you an idea of the song, as well as the quality of the band...