After the demise of Mod Icon Eleanor Rigby in 1989 her Songwriter/Producer and ex husband Russell Brennan decided it was time to move from back room boy to become an artist in his own write.
As a lad growing up in Brixton (London), the sound of Ska was a backdrop to everyday life. As a Ska fan and a Mod it seemed a Ska band was ideal for his next project. So he came up with the name Ministry Of Ska and recorded his first track ‘Skanking with the Torreadores’. It was due to come out as a single on Big Wave records (Home of hit act Jive Bunny) But the record company folded. However Russell was still smiling since he had already obtained an advance from them just before this.
Instead this track was then licensed to the ‘Ska Beats’ compilation on Beechwood Records, which sold about 50,000 units worldwide. It also featured Double Trouble & The Rebel M.C, Bad Manners and ex members of The Beat.
Russell was then recording new demos for M.O.S at the studio of one Dick Crippen (Once of million selling bands Tenpole Tudor & King Kurt ) It then transpired that Dick too was writing ska music and the two agreed to join forces and M.O.S then became a duo.
They then lived their lives through being on many compilations albums. Apart from ‘Ska Beats’ they featured on,The Flat Records compilation ’Get This’ and also on the Future Legend Records 'Cult themes' series of albums and finally the Dr.Martens compilation ‘Generation to Generation’.
They did however managed to get one album of their own out' Rarin to Go' and this is it. Although it captures 60's Ska styles, Judge Dread humour and a Classical & Dance element, always one to push the envelope Russell wanted to create a new Ska style and came up with 'Ska Surf' (Ska plus twangy Guitars and later chilled beach sounding Ska)
On release reviews said this Album took Ska one step Beyond all the sound alikes and pushed the music genre on.
It is now considered a Classic Ska album and this now deleted Album can now be seen changing hands for up to £70.00 on the Internet.
This album is now available for the first time in over 7 years so if you don't want to pay collectors prices and just enjoy the music. now is your chance.
If this album proves popular again Ministry of Ska are threatening to come out of retirement and do a new album...You have been warned.
