Ye olde white whale of drum breaks, the notorious Skull Snaps LP! UK outpost of high-quality soul editions Mr Bongo close out a strong 2018 (Jackson Sisters, The Sylvers, Cymande, Celia, Burnier & Cartier) with an OFFISHALL repress of the most coveted of drum records. Vintage PH review for a CD issue of Skull Snaps we carried back in 2005:

In the digging world, this is probably one of the most universally sought out records. This mysterious title nowadays fetches close to 2 bills (2019 EDIT: quick 'scogs check, $420 for cheapest og. copy). The sight of the skulls on the cover will cause chills in the spine for anyone lucky enough to find the og. The number one reason why everyone wants this record is the break on "Its A New Day." One of the most universally used beats in hip-hop production, the entire song is a funky jem. "Turn My Back" also features a nice break. The rest of the album is an above average vocal soul-funk album with the tight tracks "Im Your Pimp" and "Trespassing." Some say this record is overrated; I say anything is going to be overrated when it costs way too much and everyone is looking for it.

This superb Mr Bongo pressing looks and sounds amazing, with full repro gatefold sleeve, center labels, back cover, printed inner; the whole nine yards. Put aside your pride, get with this and spend your $400 on something nice! Recommended.

• official pressing
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ repro artwork + center labels
• music label: Mr Bongo 2018

reviewed by Your Pimp 01/2019