[youtube=http://youtu.be/IqVIHuzZEI0]
Jamaican music has a long history of "rudeness", songs which contain sexually suggestive if not explicit lyrics. And it's great. Pama subsidiary, Escort, decided to kick off their label with the Harry J produced "Hold The Pussy" by Kid Gungo. It certainly isn't up to the standards as such classics like 'Spread Your Bed" or "Wreck a Buddy" but it's a pretty decent cut nonetheless. The real gem here though is when you flip it over for "Whapen" by Karl Bryan under his King Cannon moniker. If you've followed this site for any length of time you're certainly acquainted with the fact we love everything Karl Bryan has done. This is him in the fine form which led to so many skinhead reggae monsters. Escort would go on to put out a number of good tunes, many produced by Harry J and featuring names like Marcia Griffiths, The Jamaicans, SS Binns and Tony Scotty. One of the Pama group of labels which just doesn't get enough credit.
Saturday 29 September 2012
For The Suits Essentials: The Harrington
Alright think for a moment: how many skinheads, mods or suedeheads do you know that don't own a harrington? Not a lot right? And if you do, can you really trust that cat? Probably not. They're practically part of the starter kit for any self respecting mod or skinhead. It's because a harrington jacket is one of the most versatile and stylish jackets one can own. It's the reason everyone from Warrior to Burberry make them. But who makes the best? Well luckily for you we're here for that.
FNF: Salvador Sanchez versus Azumah Nelson
[youtube=http://youtu.be/BllfooQQcZM]
What prevails: poise or aggression, composure or bravado? It's a question you'll be asking yourself if you've never before witnessed this legendary battle between Azumah Nelson, future Hall of Famer, and Salvador Sanchez, one of the most tragic figures in boxing history.
What prevails: poise or aggression, composure or bravado? It's a question you'll be asking yourself if you've never before witnessed this legendary battle between Azumah Nelson, future Hall of Famer, and Salvador Sanchez, one of the most tragic figures in boxing history.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
John Bond RIP
West Ham have lost another of the clubs legends. John "Muffin" Bond passed away today at the age of 79, another piece of the 1964 FA Cup winning squad gone. He was reknowned for the power which he possessed in each foot, a fullback who loved to have a belt at goal from 30 yards out whenever the chance arose. He played over 400 games for West Ham before leaving for Torquay before moving onto management, most notably at Manchester City.
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Ray Mancini versus Duk Koo Kim
[youtube=http://youtu.be/CkvYmnlCc0U]
Ray Mancini. Duk Koo Kim. The two names are inextricably linked together in infamy. Ray was the hard luck kid from Youngstown, Ohio. The sort of kid who won his Lightweight Title based almost entirely on the heart he displayed in the ring. His father's advice of "never take a step back" becoming a motto for he lived his life in the ring. Kim was a widely panned challenger for Mancini's WBA Lightweight belt. Mancini's team didn't even want the fight with Kim, thinking him a joke for a mandatory contender. But sanctioning bodies always seem to get their way, no fighter wanting to walk away from being able to call themselves a World Champion and the money and fame that comes along with it.
Ray Mancini. Duk Koo Kim. The two names are inextricably linked together in infamy. Ray was the hard luck kid from Youngstown, Ohio. The sort of kid who won his Lightweight Title based almost entirely on the heart he displayed in the ring. His father's advice of "never take a step back" becoming a motto for he lived his life in the ring. Kim was a widely panned challenger for Mancini's WBA Lightweight belt. Mancini's team didn't even want the fight with Kim, thinking him a joke for a mandatory contender. But sanctioning bodies always seem to get their way, no fighter wanting to walk away from being able to call themselves a World Champion and the money and fame that comes along with it.
Wednesday 5 September 2012
"Fire Ball" by Karl "King Cannon" Bryan
[youtube=http://youtu.be/JGGIejwZusU]
Karl Bryan is probably one of the most impressive saxophonist's in any genre of music, ever. We're just lucky he was born in Jamaica and recorded so many killer rocksteady and early reggae sides. Unfortunately not much is known about Karl, and there has never been a compilation of all his work put together. I've also heard he is currently living in New York City and playing saxophone in the subway. All three are tragic in their own right, but the fact someone as talented as King Cannon could be making his living playing for spare change is a goddamned outrage.
Karl Bryan is probably one of the most impressive saxophonist's in any genre of music, ever. We're just lucky he was born in Jamaica and recorded so many killer rocksteady and early reggae sides. Unfortunately not much is known about Karl, and there has never been a compilation of all his work put together. I've also heard he is currently living in New York City and playing saxophone in the subway. All three are tragic in their own right, but the fact someone as talented as King Cannon could be making his living playing for spare change is a goddamned outrage.
Kid Gavilan
[youtube=http://youtu.be/imPJLHLt5EM]
As many regular visitors may have put together by now, For The Suits is a bit of a fan of the under appreciated. History too often forgets, and that ain't alright. Kid Gavilan is another one of those cats that is far too under appreciated. Watch this video, learn about the legend of the "bolo punch" and think about how a man can fight like that and have 143 professional fights.
As many regular visitors may have put together by now, For The Suits is a bit of a fan of the under appreciated. History too often forgets, and that ain't alright. Kid Gavilan is another one of those cats that is far too under appreciated. Watch this video, learn about the legend of the "bolo punch" and think about how a man can fight like that and have 143 professional fights.
"Franco Nero" by The Destroyers
[youtube=http://youtu.be/pQ3oXJ4TpPk]
Count Machuki. The Destroyers. On Amalgamated, produced by Joe Gibbs. Really doesn't get much better. Machuki was the original and, in For The Suits opinion, best of the Jamaican DJs. He started out on Tom Wong's "Tom The Great Sebastian" sound system before moving onto "Tokyo The Monarch" and ultimately Coxsone Dodd's "Downbeat" sound system. The guy was responsible for King Stitt getting his start as a DJ, invented beatboxing and unfortunately never got all the respect he deserved. Had he been around when cats like U Roy and King Stitt were becoming huge during the DJ craze he'd certainly be far better known today. But he left the music business shortly after this track was recorded. Count Machuki, the boss.
Count Machuki. The Destroyers. On Amalgamated, produced by Joe Gibbs. Really doesn't get much better. Machuki was the original and, in For The Suits opinion, best of the Jamaican DJs. He started out on Tom Wong's "Tom The Great Sebastian" sound system before moving onto "Tokyo The Monarch" and ultimately Coxsone Dodd's "Downbeat" sound system. The guy was responsible for King Stitt getting his start as a DJ, invented beatboxing and unfortunately never got all the respect he deserved. Had he been around when cats like U Roy and King Stitt were becoming huge during the DJ craze he'd certainly be far better known today. But he left the music business shortly after this track was recorded. Count Machuki, the boss.
Erik Morales versus Daniel Zaragoza
[youtube=http://youtu.be/Z2leKMRYILw]
Erik Morales versus Daniel Zaragoza. The fight that put "El Terrible" on the map. This is the whole thing, so get comfy.
Erik Morales versus Daniel Zaragoza. The fight that put "El Terrible" on the map. This is the whole thing, so get comfy.
Man Alive
[youtube=http://youtu.be/EYJ_ThM0Ffk]
If memory serves us right, Man Alive was the very first skinhead documentary ever made. Enjoy.
If memory serves us right, Man Alive was the very first skinhead documentary ever made. Enjoy.
"John Jones" by Rudy Mills
You’d be hard pressed to find a better skinhead reggae tune around. An absolutely essential cut and one that never fails to fill a dance floor. Getting a copy of this on a Big Shot 45 was one of the prouder moments in my record collecting career. If you’re smarter than me and not into spending fortunes on 45s, the “Dawning of a New Era” 2LP set will do you just find seeing as there is no shortage of massive, rare as hens teeth tunes on it. Just enjoy.
2011 Fighter of The Year: Andre Ward
Let’s just get down to it: For The Suits boxer of the year is Andre Ward. I ain’t sugar coating it or gonna leave ya in suspense. There could be no other winner. With his emphatic win in the Super Six tournament Andre Ward cemented himself as the absolute best in his division and one of the best pound for pound in the world. I only wish the Super Six final would have got some of the press attention it deserved outside of the boxing world, but it seems as though unless it revolves around Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather the mainstream press does not care. These will be the same people that are talking as if they knew Andre Ward was going to be at the top of the sport a few years from now. At the moment he’s the fight fans hidden secret, a star simply beginning to shine. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.
The Suedehead Look
This should further help any confusion. Credit to Jim Ferguson’s fashion notebook in Nick Knight’s “Skinhead” book. Although a load of the book is shit, there is a nice list of skinhead reggae essentials and the fashion notebook is a essential bit of reading even if ol’ Jim does get a few things wrong by all accounts (crombie’s not a skinhead coat? blasphemy!). Should be able to pick it up for cheap on eBay still I’d imagine.
Super Six Conclusion
It has all come to an end, and although the outcome was what many had predicted, I don’t believe very many predicted such a dominant victory in favour of Andre Ward. On Saturday Ward cemented his status as a Top 5 pound for pound fighter. Everyone knew Ward was an incredibly talented boxer, one with a bright future, but the night of the Super Six final he put on an absolute masterclass in the sweet science. At every turn he was able to deny and frustrate the normally impressive Carl Froch and in the process made believers out of many (myself included).
My initial prediction was a Froch win by decision. In hindsight it seems like a ludicrous prediction as Ward was so absolutely dominate, but many experts before the fight were declaring a Ward win by decision in a close fight. The Oakland, CA born fighter ended up surprising almost everyone. Many thought he was good, many thought he was a better boxer than Froch but there’s very few who realized just how good he is.
Froch is a fighter known for always being game, occasionally imposing his will on opponents and showing sides of his ability no one thought were quite as advanced as they truly were. But he was unable to do anything of the sort Saturday night. He was certainly up for the fight, and the day we see the Cobra not willing to tear it up with an opponentwill be when we know he’s finished, but Ward kept him out of the fight almost completely. And any time Froch was able to hit some decent shots and take the fight to the inside Ward answered back and stood toe to toe. The fight wasn’t memorable in terms of action but I do believe it was Ward’s coming out party as one of the best in the world.
The big question fight fans are left with is where do we go from here? In my opinion there needs to be a fight between Lucian Bute and Froch sometime in the Spring. Many will say the fight that needs to be made is Bute versus Ward for 168 pound supremacy, but if we’re being honest Bute has not faced the level of competition Ward and Froch have over the course of the Super Six so I think his first test is against the runner-up in the tournament. Whoever prevails in that contest should face Ward next. Even if it ends up being a rematch between Froch and Ward, I do believe Froch is able to learn enough to make a second fight more competitive. As for who Ward fights in the mean time, I think the tune up fight is against whoever he decides as he now has that power. Anthony Dirrell is making noise about a WBC mandatory defense, and if Ward decides to go that route I think it’d be a good fight to make in the mean time.
Regardless of what happens now, 2011 has proven an interesting year in the fight game. Sergio Martinez and Andre Ward have both cemented themselves as the best in their weight classes and hopefully 2012 provides the opportunity for others to do the same.
Cool Down Your Temper
[youtube=http://youtu.be/PxsZpHZ3Yuk]
This track doesn't get enough love. Picked it up a few weeks ago, can't wait to spin it on New Years Eve.
This track doesn't get enough love. Picked it up a few weeks ago, can't wait to spin it on New Years Eve.
Shirts, Shirts, Shirts
[youtube=http://youtu.be/AQ91Gk_Bbd4]
Robert Elms, although typically a twat, isn't too annoying in this clip. Paolo Hewitt also makes an appearance talking about the beauty of a Brutus shirt.
Robert Elms, although typically a twat, isn't too annoying in this clip. Paolo Hewitt also makes an appearance talking about the beauty of a Brutus shirt.
Suits, Suits, Suits
[youtube=http://youtu.be/6zTTQfsx83Q]
Jim Cox and Robert Elms discussing skinhead style. Notice the suit folks, not cheap and metallic "tonic" style fabric but a proper mohair.
Jim Cox and Robert Elms discussing skinhead style. Notice the suit folks, not cheap and metallic "tonic" style fabric but a proper mohair.
Super Six Finale
[youtube=http://youtu.be/5dVjWYNZWRY]
This Saturday, the journey is at an end. Through its multitude of ups and downs, Showtime's "Super Six" tournament is finally coming to a conclusion and it is the exact sort of match up they would have wanted from the very beginning. It's also turned out that it's a fight fans are now clamouring to see.
Carl Froch. Andre Ward. Atlantic City. It has come down to this. Two very different boxers fighting for super middleweight supremacy. My prediction: Carl Froch by decision. That even to me feels like a bold declaration, but I'm not discouraged by the chorus of experts saying Andre Ward by decision.
Let me clear one thing up right away, I don't believe Froch is a better boxer than Ward. I believe Froch is a better fighter. I would have to be either blind or delusional to think that Ward is not the more talented of these two fighters, his proficiency for the technical aspects of the sweet science has been exhibited throughout this tournament. But Froch has displayed something I think is much more important: heart. He's shown an undying desire to impose his will on his opponents. He regularly fights away from home, opening himself up to the chance of suspicious losses by decision. He's gone up against a string of opponents that no one else in the sport right now can match. And he's made it to the final.
Froch will certainly have his hands full with Ward, but he's experienced adversity before. He's shown an ability to adapt and overcome as the situation calls for it and I think in the end that will make the difference. Regardless, it's going to be one hell of a night.
This Saturday, the journey is at an end. Through its multitude of ups and downs, Showtime's "Super Six" tournament is finally coming to a conclusion and it is the exact sort of match up they would have wanted from the very beginning. It's also turned out that it's a fight fans are now clamouring to see.
Carl Froch. Andre Ward. Atlantic City. It has come down to this. Two very different boxers fighting for super middleweight supremacy. My prediction: Carl Froch by decision. That even to me feels like a bold declaration, but I'm not discouraged by the chorus of experts saying Andre Ward by decision.
Let me clear one thing up right away, I don't believe Froch is a better boxer than Ward. I believe Froch is a better fighter. I would have to be either blind or delusional to think that Ward is not the more talented of these two fighters, his proficiency for the technical aspects of the sweet science has been exhibited throughout this tournament. But Froch has displayed something I think is much more important: heart. He's shown an undying desire to impose his will on his opponents. He regularly fights away from home, opening himself up to the chance of suspicious losses by decision. He's gone up against a string of opponents that no one else in the sport right now can match. And he's made it to the final.
Froch will certainly have his hands full with Ward, but he's experienced adversity before. He's shown an ability to adapt and overcome as the situation calls for it and I think in the end that will make the difference. Regardless, it's going to be one hell of a night.
Wilfred Benitez
Here’s a cat whose name I don’t hear mentioned nearly enough: Wilfred Benitez. Youngest World Champion in boxing history, World Titles in three different weight classes, beat Roberto Duran at Duran’s peak. One of the greatest defensive fighters in boxing history. “Sugar” Ray Leonard said this guy was the smartest fighter he ever got in the ring with. Think about that. Unfortunately Benitez is now suffering from a degenerative brain condition from his years in the ring. When “Sugar” Ray Leonard visited him in 2002 Benitez did not even recognize him until after he saw shown film of the fight between the two of them. It jogged his memory and his comment to Leonard was “Ray, I did not train for that fight”. “Sugar” Ray Leonard, arguably one of the best boxers of all time, says a guy who, as it turns out, didn’t even train for the fight was the smartest opponent he ever faced. Wilfred Benitez. God damn.
Bobby Aitken
[youtube=http://youtu.be/6zF085DHht8]
Bobby Aitken's rocksteady productions between 1966-1967 are not even close to being appreciated enough, and a lot of that has to do with him not receiving a lot of exposure producing tunes. He's certainly far better known as the head of the Caribbeats but, as with many involved in the Jamaican music business, it turns out he could do a little bit of everything. This is a tune by one of my favorite Jamaican vocalists, Ken Parker and it's a lovely slab of rocksteady.
Bobby Aitken's rocksteady productions between 1966-1967 are not even close to being appreciated enough, and a lot of that has to do with him not receiving a lot of exposure producing tunes. He's certainly far better known as the head of the Caribbeats but, as with many involved in the Jamaican music business, it turns out he could do a little bit of everything. This is a tune by one of my favorite Jamaican vocalists, Ken Parker and it's a lovely slab of rocksteady.
Baracuta
Here’s a classic American ad for the iconic British brand Baracuta. I don’t even think I really need to go over how great of a harrington they make. Just know that if you come across one for a decent price you need to buy it. There’s a reason it’s a classic.
Mikkel Rude Makes Great Shirts
Let’s just get this out there: there is not a better shirt out there at the moment. Mikkel Rude has been doing some absolutely brilliant shirts for a year or two now, and I’ve yet to pick one up and be disappointed. Plenty of complaints revolve around the price, but sometimes you just need to pick yourself up something nice. All the details are there: big button down collar, loop at the back of the neck, full back pleat and it comes in a box. Treat yourself.
The Wonder of West Ham
[youtube=http://youtu.be/qCk2YKPoM1g]
Coldplay, not our cup of tea. West Ham, very much our cup of tea.
Coldplay, not our cup of tea. West Ham, very much our cup of tea.
Iron Mike and the Art of the Uppercut
[youtube=http://youtu.be/XcgsRIekwO4]
No one has ever really thrown a better uppercut than "Iron" Mike. Truth.
No one has ever really thrown a better uppercut than "Iron" Mike. Truth.
Let Me Go Girl
[youtube=http://youtu.be/qPIExEVYkAY]
This tune is just as good as you might expect from a group that consisted of the likes of Slim Smith, Ken Boothe, Derrick Morgan, BB Seaton, Roy Shirley and Lloyd Charmers alternately throughout it's existence. Doesn't really matter what the line up consisted of at the time this was recorded, it was going to be good. Being produced by Bunny Lee sure doesn't hurt either.
This tune is just as good as you might expect from a group that consisted of the likes of Slim Smith, Ken Boothe, Derrick Morgan, BB Seaton, Roy Shirley and Lloyd Charmers alternately throughout it's existence. Doesn't really matter what the line up consisted of at the time this was recorded, it was going to be good. Being produced by Bunny Lee sure doesn't hurt either.
Lonely Girl
[youtube=http://youtu.be/-xprSxyCpVI]
Continuing on with the theme of things we;re into. Bunny Lee and Glen Adams are definitely two of them. Adams is more well known for his organ grinding sessions that get skinheads around the world moving, but he also put out some quality rocksteady sides. This tune in particular was produced by the incredibly talented Bunny Lee. The man could seemingly do no wrong during the rocksteady era and produced a lot of top notch skinhead reggae on the Unity label. If you don't have the cash to track down some of the singles I would highly recommend picking up the 2LP "Bunny Lee Rocksteady Years" album put out by Moss Selekta. Crucial cuts throughout.
Continuing on with the theme of things we;re into. Bunny Lee and Glen Adams are definitely two of them. Adams is more well known for his organ grinding sessions that get skinheads around the world moving, but he also put out some quality rocksteady sides. This tune in particular was produced by the incredibly talented Bunny Lee. The man could seemingly do no wrong during the rocksteady era and produced a lot of top notch skinhead reggae on the Unity label. If you don't have the cash to track down some of the singles I would highly recommend picking up the 2LP "Bunny Lee Rocksteady Years" album put out by Moss Selekta. Crucial cuts throughout.
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Greatest of All Time
You often times hear the Greatest of All Time argument thrown around in relation to boxers. At For The Suits we think there is no doubt. It's "Sugar" Ray Robinson. Watch this and figure out why.
Monday 3 September 2012
Comings and Goings
Ambition has been in no short supply since “Big” Sam Allardyce came into the picture at West Ham. There is never a shortage of complaints regarding the system he plays with many feeling that his focus on the long ball and set pieces is blasphemous, a traitorous style not respecting the traditional “West Ham Way.” Fair play on that, his style certainly wouldn’t be described as attractive football.
Saturday 1 September 2012
Big Andy
Andy Carroll made a good first impression now didn’t he? By all accounts Andy’s first outing for the Irons was an industrious one in which he wreaked havoc for Fulham’s defenders before going off in the 75th minute for a full hearted challenge that upset his hamstring. He knocked down the ball which Ricardo Vaz Te laid on for Kevin Nolan to bury before Winston Reid headed home on the half hour mark. To finish off a dream first half Matty Taylor took a gift from Fulham’s Brede Hangeland and knocked it in. Guy Demel was another player who went off injured in the latter stages, replaced by young Rob Hall with Taylor taking over the full back position. It was a far better effort then last weeks calamitous match with Swansea. West Ham played the ball on the ground a lot more and Carroll made a massive impact in his first match for us. Perhaps now with the price tag pressure off his back Big Andy can now gain back some of the form he showed at Newcastle.
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