I still remember trying to learn the words to Dub 56 by the Toasters in my younger days. The chat version where Coolie Ranx is fast talking his way through the horns and steady drums and bass line. Aside from the fact that I loved the song and all my ridiculous dancing that went with it, it fascinated me that someone could sing that fast. A budding vocalist myself, I would use it as a tool to try and improve my diction and vocal versatility. Trying to mimic what he did. The whole time, I had absolutely no idea what in the hell he was saying... But I loved it. It moved me. It was the song that helped to light that fire that would be my love of ska. Fast forward a decade or so to my much more evolved love of ska music and a broader understanding for exactly how much of a talent Mr. Ranx is. His work with the Toasters kick-started him into the New York City ska scene that holds him high as a pioneer among fans like myself. After the Toasters, he went on to co-start the Pilfers. A
Blogging the music, the scene, and the vibe.