BOP (Harvey) Better Angels LP (yellow vinyl)

Full disclosure – this release is a passion project for Jump Up’s founder Chuck Wren. Much like the albums unearthing lost material from Chicago’s Rude Guest and Skanking Lizard, Jump Up is on a mission to preserve some of ska’s “forgotten” legends from the 1980s. Bop (Harvey) was a band you had to see to fully appreciate – when they played ska it was tight, when they did the reggae it was with a real groove. One of the most memorable shows was in 1990, when a young DJ Chuck Wren used a fake ID to get into Lounge Ax Chicago to see the band, – and accidentally saw Phish open up for them!

BOP (Harvey)’s long, strange trip began with an auspicious 1984 backyard party, and within a year they were devoting their lives to the tours, the songs, the shows, and all the fans that were crazy enough to join the ride. By the time they officially disbanded in 1994, Bop (Harvey) had performed over 2000 shows, released 10 albums, traveled over half a million miles, made a decent dent in the radio charts, scratched the surface of MTV, partied with a president, and kicked it on late night TV. After all was said and done, a few million people shook their asses and skanked the night away. Not bad for a “college band” from Michigan State University.

In their fledgling years, Bop (Harvey) recorded both in the studio and live whenever they could. By the time of their first release, “Nation From Nation” (Grand River Records), the band had assembled a sizable repertoire that became more fine-tuned after each and every show. Their first international release “Bread & Circuses” helped introduce the band’s signature sound to a cross-country audience. Recorded in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, “Bread & Circuses” exceeded all expectations in terms of radio charting and audience response. It immediately received critical respect and recognition due to solid song-writing, and a number of these tracks became permanent live show fixtures – even to this day. Originally released on the regional label Kingsnake, it was later picked up and re-released by Sony owned Relativity in 1989, giving additional boost in sales and clout.

By this time, Bop (Harvey) had earned the reputation of being the first American band that successfully integrated American pop, R&B and funk with island and African grooves. The media coined the genre “World Beat”, and soon Bop (Harvey) and like-minded acts were having a major moment at college radio across the USA. Even the president called! To be more accurate, the Bill Clinton campaign team who were seeking an act to fire up crowds attending various Midwest rallies. Bop (Harvey) played a string of Clinton events including an election day airport rally, followed up by two events during his inaugural festivities. But as tastes changed, Bop (Harvey) fell out of the psuedo-mainstream alt-rock lovein. While the band continued to pack clubs across the continent, the dreaded “industry” failed to embrace their off-center musical gumbo. Grunge had gobbled up any momentum that “world beat” had built up in the late 80’s and early 90s, and while Bop (Harvey) enjoyed touring schedule of a seasoned national act, they simply could not find a label capable of buying into their unique style. As a result, the band was forced to self-fund three sets of recordings over three years, these final fourteen tracks were at best eclectic, if not a tad scattered. Finally they were approached by Max Weinberg (long time Bruce Springsteen E-Street drummer and, later, of Conan O’Brien fame), who signed them to his BMG boutique label “Hard Ticket” in 1992. With EP’s all the rage, the label truncated the release, and “Gitchee Gumee To Me” essentially left 7 completed tracks on the shelf.

By late 1993, the band had already decided to end the endless tour, and we were determined to go out on a high note. Teaming up with Kevin Marth at NYC’s East Hill Studios, the band recorded three studio tracks in style – two of which made it onto 1994’s double CD set “The Monster Butt Beat Dance Test”. The remaining live tracks were recorded over a two-night stint at the Ocean Mist, one of the band’s favorite spots in Matunuck Beach, Rhode Island. Owner Kevin Finnegan, one of the most accommodating, supportive people in the biz, helped organize what would become the recordings that best captured what Bop (Harvey) was all about: The Live Show. And what a show it was!

Over the years the band would get back together for one off reunion shows in Michigan and Rhode Island, buts their 40th anniversary approached in 2024 – to the surprise of even the band – they rolled up their sleeves and recorded an entire new album! Of course Jump Up Records begged to be a part of the magic, releasing the new album “Better Angels” on two vinyl colors – sunshine yellow and sky blue. “Better Angels” contains 10 new original Bop (Harvery) songs and one cover, and unlike in the past when they were too busy touring, they finally could create an album the way they wanted to! As you’d expect, it features all of the elements from their illustrious past (lefty politics, great hooks, hot grooves with fabulous horns), and a wonderful mix of musical styles, including reggae, ska, soul, Latin, funk, and psychedelic rock. The results speak for themselves and we’re confident you’ll agree.

From the hot ska of “Orange King”, “O, Alexabdria” and “Motor City Ska”, to the folk rock charm of “Better Angels”, and “Inside & Out”, to the psychedelic reggae of “Time Waits For No One”, “You Ain’t So Grand” , “Good Trouble” and “Love Will Dry Your Tears” – BOP (Harvey) delivers an enjoryable platter from start to finish.