May 12, 2009

Mod-A-Day: The Pepper Pots

What is a pepperpot? According to Monty Python's Graham Chapman pepperpots are screechy middleaged housewives. Or it could be a firearm. Or a spicy stew. Or in the case of this band, at least the last two out of the three. The Pepper Pots are spicy hot for sure. Regardless, they are the premiere ska band from Catalan -- the northeastern most of Spain. Check that, The Pepper Pots are one of the pemiere ska bands anywhere.

They've got an "old school" ska sound heavily influenced by early Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and sixties soul. The Pepper Pots have made their mark on the international ska scene thanks by producing some of the most soulful ska in many a long year. And, of course, it doesn't hurt to be fronted by three beautiful young women.

Since their inception in 2002 they released two fantastic full length discs, Swingin' Sixties, and Shake It. The first had all the elements one would expect with lots of ska and reggae overtones, but the sophmore release simply outshines it. The group has sharpened their style, tightened up, and the result is simply superb. From the motown-like "My Heart Belongs to You" to the rocksteady soul of "I Can Feel It" and this song here, "I'm In Love" (and I am in love with the organ solo in this track) it's an album of great depth and range. Neither will let you down, but Shake It just hit the right notes for me. Let's hope the trend continues with a third release.

The Pepper Pots -- I'm In Love



The Pepper Pots -- Lucky Girl