Album Review - The Big Takeover - Following Too Close DJ Wavy Davy The days of giveaway demo CDs are over for the Big Takeover. The New Paltz-based sextet is keeping alive the tradition of roots/ska/reggae realness. Since its capacity-crowd album release/dance party at Bacchus in September the band has established a fast buzz, and was immediately tapped by Leah Boss of Upstate Reggae Productions in November to open for the legendary Wailers at the Chance in Poughkeepsie. You’ll find it hard to believe that all the cuts on Following Too Close are originals, as they magnificently capture early rocksteady riddims with supertight songwriting. Lead singer Nee Nee Rushie, a native of Jamaica, leads her five bandmates in what is arguably one of the best Ulster County groups in recent memory. Big up to Sam Tritto on drums, Andy Vogt on trombone, Chas Montrose on saxophone, Johnny Klenck on guitar, and bassist Rob Kissner, who also engineered and mixed the album. The precise attention to detail comes right down to the eco-friendly packaging and choice of retro “vinyl”-looking disc. Do I and I a solid and go see the Big Takeover at your earliest opportunity, and, whatever happens, don’t leave without a copy of this CD, a massive debut that will bless your music player for months to come. —DJ Wavy Davy