Rap and Roll ... Learn to Skate CD With a Back Beat

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Rap 'n' Roll ... Learning to Skate With a Back Beat

'You Can Stop' CD Blends Funk and Fun to Help You Learn to Skate

Here's a great gift for the skater who could use a few lessons but can't find the time: You Can Stop by Phat Sk8Trax.

The CD serves up skate basics in a series of funky songs with rap lyrics.

Four of the songs are devoted to braking techniques; one cautions skaters about common beginner mistakes; another explains how to fall: "Glide, Slide, Save Ya Hide." (Click here for a sample of the song.)

The CD is the work of Philadelphia skate instructor Jen Goldstein and Montreal-born musician Peter Panagakos.

Goldstein, owner of the Drive Sports gear shop, recruited Panagakos to collaborate with her after coming up with the idea for instructional skate raps.

She writes and performs the words; Panagakos provides the music.

The duos first collaboration was "Boogie Back Rap," a song that explains the art of skating backward.

Despite its tiny target audience, the song gained wide recognition when two Village Voice music writers included it on their "Best of 2004" lists.

The duo is planning to release a new instructional CD in a few weeks.

Where to buy:

You can buy You Can Stop at Goldstein's Skate101 web site. Price is $14.99.

It is also available for download at iTunes.

(Posted on Nov. 26, 2005)