the STARLITES – Bikini Groovy – CD

After promoting their first album on the road and at the insistence of Brixton Records, The Starlites returned to the studio (Two-Bascos Studios, Bilbao) to record what would become their first full-length album: Bikini Groovy. This record will give them the recognition they deserve on the international circuit and will serve as a first touchstone for the band to start taking off as a leading force within modern ska and rocksteady. This album will lead them, for example, to reach No. 1 in the Best Albums of 2002 section of the prestigious French magazine Ragga Magazine, which defined it as “a modern classic,” as well as creating great anticipation in the Japanese market. With an ever-growing and loyal fan base, The Starlites are embarking on increasingly prestigious tours and contributing to compilation albums worldwide with a repertoire that blends their famous take on rocksteady alongside compositions more in a funky-reggae and even soul vein.

Bikini Groovy is a dream come true—a reality as hard as the ground we walk on, but not for that reason sad and pessimistic; quite the contrary. This album is pure positivity. How many times have we wished we could listen to something new that truly has “spirit,” something that isn’t artificial or superficial. It is when an album like this is overlooked that the arbitrariness of show business is truly proven. Small (great) bands with ideas and consciousness, like The Starlites, continue to walk the hard asphalt of independence, waiting for the recognition they so richly deserve.

Bikini Groovy includes a vindication of their origins (“1969”) and a tribute to the mythical Melodians (“Swing & Dime”), in addition to rocksteady, boogie-ska, swing, rhythm & blues, reggae, and jazz. Perfect vocals and tons of MUSIC from these 8 musicians in love with the Jamaican sound. Featuring Coolie Ranks as a special guest.