A ska-reggae song by a Scotsman with an Italian name, '10/10' sends a very clear good-time summery message, which is a bit of a shame as it was released in January. At least it probably cheered a few people up as they pushed their cars through the snow. Taken from the triple platinum selling album 'Sunny Side Up' '10/10' is an old fashioned knees-up of a record, sounding just like something The Maytals or Prince Buster might have knocked out in the sixties. In fact without knowing it was Nutini one could easily mistake it for one of the original ska groups, so well does he emulate the sound, particularly with his vocal style. A sprightly piano line wanders around over an unshakable rhythm section featuring the essential ska elements of a walking bassline and upbeat accent while the brass section fires a volley of stabs and melody riffs over the top. Although something of a departure for Nutini, its success showed that there's no harm in being eclectic from time to time. ~Martin Gadgil. Copyright (c) Shazam Entertainment Limited 2009. All rights reserved

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