A Legend Lost

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evuYPUFNQ_E?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=299]

Winston Sparks. King Stitt. The Ugly One. It really doesn’t matter what name you call him, they’re all alias for one of the greatest contributors to Jamaican music history and a man who was a musical innovator. We were hoping the reports were simply more speculation and terrible rumors but having it confirmed by the Jamaica Observer sadly made true something that seemed inevitable after reports of Stitt being hospitalized begun surfacing. But Mr. Sparks will forever live on in his music and that’s something we’ll get to enjoy for eternity.

Historic Millwall Smashing

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wwlWbigVmo?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

West Ham 3 Millwall 1. Frank McAvennie plays a blinder.

Weekend Preview: 4/1/12

Boxing’s back and we couldn’t be more excited. After the normal year end sprint that seems to be happening lately there’s been a real lack of exciting match-ups since the December 17th Super Six finale. Starting this weekend that all changes and there is a eight week stretch of quality fights on either Showtime or HBO.

This Saturday in San Antonio, TX we see WBC Middleweight title holder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. match up with the hard hitting veteran, Marco Antonio Rubio. The undercard on this could easily headline it’s own Boxing After Dark episode as the number five ranked fighter on our pound for pound list, Nonito Donaire steps up in weight to meet Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in Donaire’s first fight in the bantamweight division.

Loakes Do It Right

Loake really do make a great brogue, don’t they?

Flash Elorde

Meet Flash Elorde, an all time legendary Filipino fighter. The Philippine islands seem to be a breeding ground for extremely talented fighters and Elorde was one of the most talented. Noted for his silky smooth boxing skills and lightning speed he went on to win the world junior lightweight title in 1960 and defend it for seven years. Yes, that’s right, seven. Winning the title was a bit of a big deal. A Filipino fighter hadn’t held a world title in over 20 years at that point. So when Harold Gomes’, reigning champion, knee hit the mat the crowd rushed the ring. The International Boxing Hall of Fame recognized his achievements in 1993 when he became not only the first Filipino, but first Asian, fighter to be inducted. Not that his career was all smiles. After outpointing the legendary Sandy Saddler in a 1955 bout he went on to lose a 1956 rematch in San Francisco courtesy of a cut. Elorde didn’t win them all, but he was willing to step into the ring with them all. And that’s what makes a fighter great, folks.

Forever Blowing Bubbles

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh9bhY06USA?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

West Ham v. Millwall this Saturday. Can’t fucking wait.

Brutus x Doctor Martens

As it turns out on top of offering a great looking shirt, the Brutus for Dr. Martens collaboration will also come in some lovely special packaging. Is it February 10th yet?

"Conquering Ruler" by Derrick Morgan

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx_kuZ2Su-Y?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Bought our tickets for the Derrick Morgan show in LA today. See ya there.

Tommy Hearns versus "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mILPqwesNE?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns are two of the names that make up that legendary quartet of 80’s fighters. The other two of course are Roberto Duran and “Sugar” Ray Leonard. But that’s another time, let’s focus on what is in front of us right now. Hagler versus Hearns, the fight that went on to be known simply as “The War” and after watching all two and a half rounds of this fight you’ll understand. Hearns exhibits his beautifully fluid movement throughout the first round while Hagler says “ya, you can dance, but I’ll knock your goddamned head off”. And that’s precisely how the fight plays out, with the “Motor City Cobra” showcasing his infamous boxing technique while Hagler just continues to come through everything. At the end of the first round there’s a stat regarding Hagler’s last loss: it was almost ten years before. Enjoy.

Hoxton Tom

Hoxton Tom. One of the first London skinheads during the earliest revival, in 1977, as well as the first geezer to bring back the suedehead style. About the only thing wrong with the lad is being a Tottenham supporter.

Just Say No

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpfekU54fmY?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

The combination of music and empty Upton Park is totally eerie. But with it you cannot help but feel the history of the club, the connection the club and ground have to the East End and just how tragic it would be to move to some soulless Olympic Stadium and leave it all behind.

Ode To The Crombie

Is there a better jacket than the crombie? We don’t think so. Fly-fronted, with a ticket pocket and velvet collar. Classic. Color is up to you.

"Swing and Dine" by The Melodians

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb9wZknowZE?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Probably one of the top rocksteady tunes ever released, The Melodians “Swing and Dine” is essential. We think part of puzzle that makes this such a great song is the production of Miss Sonia Pottinger. She put out so many top rocksteady tracks and doesn’t recieve nearly enough love for her work during the period. Back to The Melodians though, the group was originally formed in 1965 and consisted of one of Lloyd Brevett’s nephews, Trevor, as well as Brent Dowe and Trevor McNaughton. They received their start like so many other groups with Coxsone Dodd’s legendary Studio One label before hitting what many consider to be their pinnacle at the rival Treasure Isle studios. The group continues to perform to this day with a show in Los Angeles on February 5th. We highly recommend making it out if you can. If you don’t happen to live in what is increasingly becoming a Jamaican music mecca, such as ourselves, we’d suggest picking up any of the compilations that have been put together exhibiting the groups work.

RIP Ernie Gregory

Ernie Gregory, a massive presence at West Ham for 51 years, has passed away. Ernie got his start at West Ham with the Boys setup before winning an amateur league championship with Leytonstone and beginning his professional career with the Irons in 1938. Hard as it is to imagine nowadays in the age of prima donna footballers, Ernie put his professional career on hold to serve in the Royal Air Force and then went straight back to playing for West Ham, playing for them for the next 14 years. There isn’t much Ernie didn’t do at the club having been involved as a coach for both the reserves and first team as well as lending a hand with the administration of the club. His is not a name who you often hear associated with the club but you’d have a hard time finding someone whose done more for the club. Rest in peace, Ernie.

Brutus and Doctor Martens?

Brutus and Doc Martens are doing a collaboration this year. The Brutus shirts put out since the company was revived have been consistently great and we quite like this one. UK release date is February 10, and we’re sure they will go fast.

We All Follow The West Ham

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eOVaglwIrM?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

We went top of the league today. Over Land and Sea.

Tighten Up! Club

Tighten Up! Club is boss. Proud to have started it with two friends, Cody and Jeff, almost two years ago now. We’re based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. These slipmats, Cody’s doing, are some of my favorite things ever.

Winston Riley, You'll Be Missed

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcNXsT6s2X0?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Couldn’t leave out Winston contributing to some beautiful harmonies on this classic. Such a massive loss to the Jamaican music industry.

Winston Riley RIP

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_7Kx2FlFQY?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

With so many big tunes to choose from, dating back to his days as a performer in The Techniques, it was a no brainer in all honesty as to which tune we’d put up in his honor. Tune!

Indecent Exposure, Love It

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZOBGsqCNgs?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=299]

If Indecent Exposure makes you uneasy, or you’re too PC to be into them: please leave. Not nearly enough love for this band here. Met Milky and the lads at East Coast Oi Fest a few years back, geezers every one.

Sta Prest and a Sheepskin

Proper pair of Levi’s sta-prest and a great sheepskin jacket.

Proper.

Proper.

Dormeuil Tonik

Best tonic, or tonik if you prefer, available. Can’t claim to own a suit made with the stuff, that is but a dream at this point. Doesn’t seem to be easy to come by either. Started in 1842 by Jules Dormeuil, the business continuously expanded and in 1956 the company created the fabric it would be famous for. It was the now infamous “Tonik”, a 3 ply mohair blend. The fabric quickly caught on with mods, skinheads and suedeheads and the rest is, as they say, history.

Count All 'Em

Dedication to customization. Proper suit, prefer covered buttons though. Was originally thinking nine buttons was a bit too much but there’s a suit with six in the closet.

RIP Cus D'Amato

Another boxing legend was born on this day in 1908, Cus D’Amato. Cus trained Floyd Patterson, Mike Tyson (pictured above), Jose Torres and a host of others. He also taught many other important trainers how to do their job, most notably Teddy Atlas. Great men like Cus don’t come around too often anymore. He took Tyson in after his mothers death and was instrumental in teaching “Iron” Mike the fundamentals which would take him to a World Title at the age of 20, the youngest ever World Heavyweight titleholder. Unfortunately Cus wasn’t there to witness what would have undoubtedly been the proudest moment of his storied career as he passed away just over a year before Tyson won the title. Hopefully he receives some of the attention due to him on this day. Rest in peace Cus.

Happy Birthday Mr. Ali

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu2nKcfMS9A?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” indeed. Today is Ali’s 70th birthday, and although we generally aren’t a very Ali-centric blog as we feel he’s been covered more than enough elsewhere, he still is one of the greatest boxers of all time. Not only that, but one of the greatest celebrities and sportsman of all time. It’s unfortunate what the ravages of time and the sweet science have done to Ali, but to watch him like this in the absolute pinnacle of sporting perfection all one can do is stop and admire. Happy birthday, Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad and Martin

Here’s a photo of Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr together in 1967 at a demonstration for fair housing in Louisville. The relationship was a strong, albeit private, one due to many Civil Rights groups and their leaders taking issue with Ali’s religious beliefs. Regardless both were intrinsically linked in a struggle for basic human rights for all, so we couldn’t think of a better shot to share on Martin Luther King Day.

Geoff Hurst, Legend

Geoff Hurst with the Upton Park faithful watching in the background. West Ham legend, England legend, the only player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final. Funny too think the lad wouldn’t even have been a centre forward if it wasn’t for legendary West Ham manager Ron Greenwood converting him to the role, and he wasn’t even a first choice forward for England in ‘66. Legend.

4-Skins In Style

Best dressed band in Oi! reward goes to: the 4-Skins.

"Israelites" by Desmond Dekker

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_EY6zSDGio?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=299]

Seems only right we post this to go with the Leslie Kong profile. 2 million copies sold.

Leslie Kong

This is the man responsible for some of the sweetest hits in the history of rocksteady and reggae, Leslie Kong. The whole Beverley’s legacy started out as a restaurant, ice cream shop and record shop and it wasn’t until a guy named Jimmy Cliff showed up looking for someone to record him that Kong went into the recording business. Jimmy Cliff was simply the start of the legendary roster which would go on to record for Beverley’s, with names like Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, the Pioneers, Derrick Morgan and Stranger Cole being just a few. Oh, and he produced Bob Marley’s first single. The biggest reggae hits of the 60’s came out of his label including “Israelites” by Dekker which went on to sell over 2 million copies and the Pioneers “Long Shot Kick The Bucket”. His productions could easily be attributed for the chart success of early reggae. Unfortunately Kong died in ‘71, only 38. Apparently Bunny Wailer put a curse on him.

Alexis Arguello versus Aaron Pryor I

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O39psaFgk_U?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Pretty happy we found this. Alexis Arguello versus Aaron Pryor. Watch Pryor put on an absolute clinic, exhibiting his technical proficiency to an extent not normally seen in a bout at this level. His lateral movement and combination punching are a sight to behold. But it ain’t like Arguello doesn’t stand a chance. He fights like a true Latin warrior, never taking a step back. Head down, always coming forward, throwing some great combinations of his own and exhibiting a scary power. The only thing scarier? Aaron Pryor’s chin. There’s one shot he absorbs in particular in the 13th round that we’re pretty sure would kill a normal man. The Sweet Science at it’s absolute sweetest.

A Little Bit of Everything

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpeHX4Rqpmg?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

A little bit on Skinheads, Mods, Suedeheads and Soul Boys. Nothing most readers won’t know, but some classic clips from the dancehalls of the day. Professional twat, Robert Elms, makes an appearance.

Richard Allen

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN7VE1HF7ww?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

You’d have a hard time finding a skinhead whose never heard the name Richard Allen. Not a lot is known about him though, so this documentary from the BBC should help out with that.

Salvador Sanchez

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW7HbLAuTRo?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

Salvador Sanchez folks. Tragically taken from us at only 23, started fighting professionally at 16. The video tells the rest.

Oh Deano

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgBXmgb0mc?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

KUMB.com had a bit on Dean Ashton up earlier today. Reminded us of one of the finest goals in West Ham’s history. Wonder goal indeed.

Bunny Lee

Bunny Lee ladies and gentlemen. You just may have gathered by now we’re fans. Can’t think of any other producer in Jamaican music history responsible for so many classics. Suppose it helps he worked for Duke Reid, Ken Lack and Leslie Kong prior to striking out on his own. Pretty good pedigree we’d say. When you factor in the talent he was working with it isn’t surprising he managed to put out so many essential cuts. The Sensations, Techniques, Uniques, Slim Smith, Pat Kelly, Derrick Morgan and Stranger Cole are but a few. Immensely talented in their own right, Mr. Lee seemed to have a knack for taking anyone he worked with too the next level and we’re all the better for it.

Jumping With Mr. Lee

Let’s just make this clear: get your hands on anything Bunny Lee ever produced. Especially between 1967 and 1970. This LP is essential.

"How Long Will It Take" by Pat Kelly

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkafDqG6cDA?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

One of our personal favorite reggae tunes by our favorite Jamaican vocalist of all time, the soulful Pat Kelly. You know a guy who was chosen to replace Slim Smith in the Techniques was gonna have to have some talent and Pat sure didn’t disappoint. Big surprise so many of his classic tunes came from working with Bunny Lee, right?

Proper

Proper.

Viva Di Canio

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoAg_65ei0U?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

We’ll let the video speak for itself.

Steve McQueen IS Cool

Steve McQueen. Baracuta. Persol’s.

Manny Pacquiao: Who's Next?

Bob Arum arrives in the Philippines today with a big question for Manny Pacquiao: Who’s next? It’s obviously the question that comes up after every fight for any boxer. Except when you’re Manny Pacquaio the entire fanbase of the sport is asking that question. The fight everyone would look to see next is, of course, versus Mayweather. It’s beginning to look less and less likely that we will every see the fight. First it was out of the question because of “Money” getting a 90 day jail term. Hope was renewed when his date of incarceration was pushed back to June, allowing Mayweather to keep his commitment to a May 5th date at the MGM Grand.

Trevor Brooking Beats The Gooners

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUlHRuwZGb4?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

A bit more to get everyone up for the start of West Ham’s FA Cup campaign tomorrow. The competition has been responsible for many an exciting moment for the club, but Sir Trevor Brooking’s goal in the 1980 final against Arsenal might be one of the best.

Forever Blowing Bubbles

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xarRSIyjzxM?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=299]

Seems appropriate with tomorrow’s FA Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday. Come on you Irons!

"From Russia With Love" by King Stitt

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIf_UR4qv9s?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

What better way to honor the man than showing him doing what he does best over the “From Russia With Love” rhythm supplied by Jackie Mittoo and the Soul Vendors. The old boy’s still got it. Wishing ya a full recovery Mr Sparks.

For The Suits P4P Rankings January 2012

It’s our first ever Pound for Pound list. Let the debate begin.

"Doctor Sappa Too" Count Machuki and Sound Dimension

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwx7px0xKiE?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]

This tune went over well at Tighten Up! Club last night. Count Machuki always does though, and when backed by a scorching instrumental from Sound Dimension you have a big tune.