Best Shit Ever: The Aggrolites

It’s been a long time since I’ve raved about a band I’m into… well, online at least. From the first verse I heard, The Aggrolites hit home with me and I just fucking love that band! They bring traditional 1960s reggae with a blend of funk and soul like no other.

I was working away on a project and testing out posting with YouTube videos embedded and did a quick search for “aggrolites” to find something interesting to test with. I came across these three videos of them playing live at a radio station. Nothing but a guitar, 3 dudes playing percussion instruments and the singer and it’s simply mind blowing! Hopefully they put a smile on your face as they have mine…

tAugust 16th, 2006

oMusic

zreggae, ska, the-aggrolites, video, youtube

w11 Comments

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11 Comments

Miha Hribar August 16th, 2006 at 11:54am said:

Groovey You would expect them to have long dreadlocks and rastafari hats, but no, its three white dudes making great music
Matt August 16th, 2006 at 2:02pm said:

True enough. They definitely have an authentic sound – which is why I love them so much!

When I showed my wife this video, she actually said "Whoa, the singer's not black?!" – having heard both their albums countless times. She assumed what most would after hearing them.
Tyler Smith August 16th, 2006 at 5:04pm said:

Wow, those guys are awesome. Perfect summer music for me.

If you get the time, check this rendition of Canon in D.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5Zn5OplT4Po

Awesome website. I come by often – first time I've been inspired to make a comment though. Love the design.
Robert August 16th, 2006 at 8:08pm said:

I love the Aggrolites, I've been enjoying their new album for a while now and I'm glad to hear someone in the internet world enjoying them as much as me. If you dig them you might want to check out Bedouin Soundclash aswell.
Cola August 17th, 2006 at 4:45am said:

Awesome. Cheer for flagging this up. I've never heard of them before. I love that stripped down version of The Temptations – "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" . Class!
Gizmo August 17th, 2006 at 8:41am said:

Wow, groovy sound, nice to tune while designing or just chilling. I normally listening to nu- and death metal but this sound is a kind of fresh, funky and groovy.
Josh August 17th, 2006 at 10:43am said:

Well, what are blogs if not a place to throw out opinions, right?

This music doesn't cut it for me at all. The bar chord progressions that are just up-stroked are extremely stock. It sounds like every other ska band I've ever heard, add to that, it reminds me of Bedouin Soundclash, and that isn't a good thing.

I'm down with all kinds of music, but those four guys strike me as no-talent ass clowns to be perfectly honest. Maybe I'm just being ignorant to the style, but that's just a product of my tastes I guess.
Matt August 17th, 2006 at 10:55am said:

@Tyler Smith: The video was crazy! Watched the entire thing. Hah…

@Robert: I used to listen to Bedouin Soundclash quite a bit. That was before I saw them play live. Super disappointed in their live show and haven't really been into them since.

@Josh: Yeah dude, with comments like…

The bar chord progressions that are just up-stroked…

and…

…but those four guys strike me as no-talent ass clowns…

I'd say "ignorant" was the keyword.
Josh August 17th, 2006 at 11:05am said:

Well as ignorant as they may be, I'm no stranger to the music scene. I've played guitar for 10 years, bass for just as long, and drums about 5 years. I listen to everything from Metal to Country, so as ignorant as those comments may sound, they're somewhat substantiated and based on a fairly extensive wealth of experience.
Sean August 19th, 2006 at 7:55am said:

A little off topic but what plugin is that for the videos?
adam alexander August 24th, 2006 at 12:28am said:

Awesome find, thanks!

Check out New Zealand Roots Crew "Fat Freddy's Drop" if you get the chance, i think you'll appreciate the similar vibe, superb musicianship, and sheer soul.