Video: Eek-A-Mouse's Anthology - DVD Teaser

On November 5, 2013, 17 North Parade will unlock another one of its musical treasures, Eek-A-Mouse's 2 CD+DVD Reggae Anthology: Eek-Ology. The VP Records vintage imprint reveals a rare exclusive clip from the DVD, which features Eek-A-Mouse's iconic performance at the 1982 Reggae Sunsplash festival in Jamaica. Eek-A-Mouse shouts out KCRW during this live on-stage performance, so it only seemed fitting to have Southern California's leading National Public Radio affiliate shed some light on their connection with reggae during this time. 

Tom Schnabel, KCRW's former Music Director who started the program's most popular weekend show Reggae Beat back in 1979, retells this compelling story on his KCRW blog Rhythm Planet. The new anthology Eek-Ology is a thoughtful selection of essential hits and rare gems from Eek-A-Mouse's extensive catalogue during the prime of his career. Eek-A-Mouse (born Ripton Joseph Hylton) was one of the most unique talents to emerge from the Jamaican reggae scene in the 1980s. 

The Mouse's inimitable vocal flow combines an unconventional melodic approach filled with rhythm and humor, and his unmistakable half-singing, half-deejaying (rapping) style inspired the term "singjay." The anthology features early recordings like his 1979 breakthrough anthem "Once a Virgin" produced by Joe Gibbs, "Modelling Behavior" produced Linval Thompson and his string of '80s hits with producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes ("Virgin Girl," "Wild Like a Tiger," "For Hire and Removal," "Do You Remember" and "Ganja Smuggling"). 

Fans can also be treated to a selection of rarities, including Eek-A-Mouse's earliest releases "Creation," "My Father's Land" and "No Wicked Can't Reign," all making their CD debut. In addition to the epic DVD featuring his exquisite live stage performance at Jamaica's 1982 Sunsplash, other highlights include extensive liner notes, four previously unreleased songs from a 1983 John Peel BBC Radio 1 session and multiple 12" mixes.