The Slackers are still that six-member band from New York that brings us entirely danceable 'reggae-fied Afro-Caribbean music'. Singer - composer - keyboard player Vic Ruggiero and saxophonist Dave Hillyard guide their companions through ska, reggae, dub, soul and swing. Their albums are invariably extremely danceable, full of mento, rude-boy and rocksteady. ‘Lost & Found’ is a collector with outtakes and never previously released material that turned up this fall. By the time of the tour in May 2010 there should be a new album out, on the Epitaph label once again.

Footnote: Vic Ruggiero produced the ‘Moovin’ & Groovin’ album by our very own Moon Invaders, released in 2007.

The Caroloregians are that cheerful gang who got their title from the Latin name for their hometown, Charleroi. Their speciality is juicy reggae from around 1969, with a serious dash of Hammond organ on top. Last December a new single was released on the Grover Supreme label, on which their second album, ‘Pum Pum Hotel’ was also released in 2008. Of course the smart people know that this fivesome is also a part of that other Walloon ska/reggae collective The Moon Invaders, and that the Caroloregians are a godsend for fans van The Slackers.