Beck(er) & Call Music Tuesday: Hepcat – Right On Time [Album]

So, there was a time and place in which it was possible that you didn’t really realize that two things that you truly loved were actually co-existing in a place. For me personally, it was a time when the internet indeed existed, but it wasn’t as prevalent as we now know. It was also the time when 3rd wave ska was absolutely devouring the airwaves. Which, would in turn lean towards the world of reggae hitting the main stream, as the two world were absolutely colliding in such a beautiful way. I lived this shit Everyone, it was a really fun time. We could move in between the worlds of Barrington Levy and Reel Big Fish, and often meet the same people. I’m sure it’s still out there, but I don’t see it to be as prevalent these days.

My main point here is actually this: In the late 90’s and early 00’s, I really enjoyed the music of the Hepcats. I was only vaguely familiar with them, as I didn’t have all of the research available as we do today, so I didn’t get to truly fanboy out as much as I should have. I specifically loved Right On Time. It is a brilliant blend of Ska music, mixed with a beautiful Reggae vibe, yet composes itself in an unorthodox fashion between but times of music in an absolutely beautiful way. But, what am I really getting at here? Well, apparently, I had no idea that a member of Hepcats happened to be someone I already truly admire for absolutely different reasons. And that man was the one and only Alex Désert. And for those of you who are new here and only tuning in because we are obsessing over the television show Becker (first of all, Welcome!) you will probably know that Alex is the man who portrayed Jake for 6 wonderful years on this show we love so damn much and have dedicated this week to for our own personal enjoyment and because the show deserves so much love.

But Becker be damned, Hepcats were, and are, an absolutely amazing group that I truly love/loved for their ability to perfectly blend the idea of modern ska music, with the rocksteady and reggae (more so which the later) that is absolutely wonderful to let slowly caress your ear drums. Our beloved Jake from the Newsstand (a.k.a. Alex Désert) wasn’t always with the group during their run, presumably he was a bit busy working on an absolutely incredible television show. But, the music has always been enjoyable and extremely entertaining. And their album, Right On Time, is one that I have always kept on the ready for background music at any part I have ever hosted. Honestly, there haven’t been many, but if there have been any, the Hepcats were involved.

According to Wikipedia, “No Worries” is the modest hit of the album, and that seems fair. But, I do have to say that my favorite track from this album is “Goodbye Street”, and I will stand by that decision until this Earth no longer has a need for me. The entire album is incredible, and is truly meant to be celebrated and listened to as a whole. Which, yes, is a strange concept for this day and age, but if you only listen to two tracks, I would definitely suggest these two in the very least.

So, there you have it Folks, I found a way to combine the New Music Tuesday session of our little site to include a member of the cast of Becker who happens to be an extremely talented musician as well as an obviously brilliant actor. Hell yeah!