Bands You May Not Have Heard Of - No Outlet

Welcome back true believers. For the second installment of this hopefully growing series that I started way back with Magic Goat we have No Outlet!
No Outlet is a young Ska band that hails from somewhere I hope to never go again, Texas. Despite their age and relative new steady formation they are a solid band of musicians. You can see the progression and growth of this band if you listen to their older songs compared to the more recent; its always great to see a band growing.
I definitely suggest that you go to their web page (http://www.myspace.com/nooutletska). The two songs that they have up from their most recent album, It's Time, are very well written songs and if any true example of the whole album would make the album worth picking up. Life's a Game is a little more on the pop side of things. Its a fun song with really catchy horn lines and hooked lyrics. The beats change and don't become stagnit and there are some breaks just using one instrument which shows some thought was used; instead of just playing and playing the same all the way through. Every instrument is allowed to have its moment to shine, which is good.
Red Handed is much harder, but still maintains is hooks. I also like that while being maybe on the fast side the drums don't push it anymore; keeping the beat while holding back to keep the song from feeling rushed. Some people may not like the distorted song, but it works well and I can't find a problem with it; where a lot of times too much distortion ruins the feel. Something noteworthy about this song and even others is when it comes to the horn lines the highs and lows are balanced. Some bands tend to play in one octave too much which can grow weary on the ears.
Thats all I have to say about them in my review. I'd certainly go give them a chance and give the songs a listen, its worth it.
http://www.myspace.com/nooutletska

Now here is an interview with Eric the vocalist and guitarist.

1. So lets start off with the standard stuff. Tell us about the band in general: ages, outside involvement, personalities etc.

Colin-18- Cut from high school baseball team, is now depressed, but not really. Music major. Eric (me) -17-In free time manages the band,plays the guitar, jokes around, and ... patrols the internet. Brandon-18- Recently got his tattoo, plays bass, and works hard for his money ;). John-18- Watches indie films,plays drums then makes films. Jake-17- Band Mascot, and plays trumpet good. Stephen-16- Plays Pokemon all day and everyday, and occasionally trombone.

Basically, Me, John, and Brandon started playing at the end of 2003, and had some brass members come and go but we found a steady brass section at the end of last summer. We Recorded a cd with our members that went off to college, and this summer we went on a small tour and on July 8th we starting working on our next cd, which will blow the old one out of the water.

2. Whats it like to be a young Ska band these days? What is your general reception?

Well it sucks because no one takes you seriously at face value, the find out how old you are and assume you wont be good. When people do hear us play though they come up and tell us they were totally surprised, which we take as a compliment. People have told us, that wanting to be in a national touring ska band is a stupid aspiration for our life, and we intend to prove them wrong.

3. What is the Ska scene in your area like? Any other bands we may know of?

The Ska scene is terrible. Plenty of bands in North Texas but nobody goes and sees them. Plenty of people like ska, but hardly any go to the shows. Uh, Detonate? They are doing some national touring lately, but not any name brand bands. Just local bands, it's Texas.

4. What are the roles/jobs of each band member? Who lends more work to the song writing process?

Well, when we writes songs, I write lyrics and try and bring the beat in my head to the guitar. Then I show it to the rest of the guys and they right the respective parts, for their respective instruments. Usually for the brass, one person writes a song, and then other people harmonize notes. Then if part of the song doesn't sound right, some one says to cut it and that part of the song goes away. Everyone tweaks the songs equally.

5. What are your ambitions for the future? Any plans for a tour?

We think that people will really like this new CD,so hopefully it will launch into something more widely know. Maybe a label but not for money. Hopefully we will be able to tour this upcoming summer for a few weeks. We made some friends while on our little tour this summer, so they said that we could come out to San Diego and LA and they would hook us up, and we'll just "mypace" our way to the rest of the tour.

6. What band or artists do you hold as role model?

Uh, I personally hold Jessie Michalels of the highest regard, but I think we all idolize the Specials, the Bosstones, the Cat Empire, the Slackers, Cacth 22 (all of it), and anything with a baritone sax.

7. If there is something you personally could do differently in your music; what would it be?

Write slow songs like The Slackers, Westbound Train, and Sublime.

8. As a band do you hold any social or political ideals?

Um... Half the time the lyrics are political and social, but slightly veiled in metaphors. Everyone in the band has their own ideas on things, so as a band we have no collective views, the music should speak for itself. How lame would it be to see some ska band bad mouth The government and how we should over throw it. You are there to listen to music, not the revolt of the liberals. So...not really no.

9. What is the one band you would love to play a show with?
Streetlgiht Manifesto, be cause they are good, and the exposure would be amazing.

Dan Potthast - Eat the Planet (Pre-Release)

Alright I'll attempt to keep this review short since I've already mentioned this album in the first post I made.

Dan P's third release right now is self released; and sadly can only be bought when you see him in concert. So I guess that means don't expect to get one soon if you missed his last tour. BUT! The wait will be worth it if you get a hold of it, and you certainly should get it if you see him in concert.

This album is more the middle ground of Eyeballs and Sweats and Meats. The full band idea is back, but he still keeps a semi acoustic sound. Also its more Ska like eyeballs instead of that experimental sound of Sweats and Meats. This simply means its rock solid.
In the linear notes that explain how he started the writing process, the recording process etc.
Apparently all the parts are loop tracks (besides vocals and guitar of course), which without telling me this I'm not sure I would of known. Dan is certainly good at what ever he does and this is no exception. He states that he will be re-recording the album with a real band for the final release. He does not really say if the vocals and guitar would be redone but I can only imagine so. Meaning this album is a good collectors item as well cause you may never hear these versions again. I also find myself surprised how good this album is. It sounds very good for just being recorded on a computer and using loop tracks. Another sweet thing is you get 3 Spitzer songs and 4 unreleased past songs by Dan. All good songs, I really like Set Your Alarm by Spitzer; its a sweet track and catchy.
The song writing is solid and I doubt you would be disappointed. The album doesn't open as strong as it probably should but Fan is still a decent song, but maybe the second track Deep Blue should open as its fun, catchy, and full of energy.
A lot of the songs are written about inanimate objects, creating some story that almost seems deeper then it may be. Dan takes in the notes most of this happened when he would get stuck and would just start writing about things around him. I don't know many artists that can do that, well even; I certainly can't.
None of the songs are similar really, they all follow their own idea. A rarity in a lot of Ska where some of the song follow the same pattern as the last song but with new lyrics and melody. This is to be expected from Dan and I'm glad it stays true on this album.
If you haven't figured it out yet I love this album. There are only two problems I actually have with this album. Even though I know this is a DIY album and a pre-release the CD it self is terrible. Its just a standard Magnavox CDR with really sloppy hand writing. The cover is done well for a xerox, kinda cleaver. The only other thing is that Dan pushes his vocals on a few tracks more then he should; maybe its because of the semi raw recording that I notice. But these don't hinder anything really, its solid (have I said that yet?).

A

Coming up - Band You May Not of Heard of: No Outlet (review and interview!)

Top 10 reasons to...

Not! buy a Ska album

#10. The album art consists of almost all Checkers and is not a Specials/2 Tone Album
-Seriously, among the cliches of Ska, checkers is one of the least lame but most over used. I've found new color formations and odd blendings of the old pattern can look cool. But some bands still insist of using a huge border of black and white checks. Its not always bad which is why its at 10. Granted I still own Vans checked slip ons and used it the pattern for the back of my first EP...so..whatever

#9. The album somewhere somehow makes fun of another genre.
- Alot of Ska bands find it funny to make fun of Emo, Metal etc. Its not cool and you're not funny. I hate to tell you as much as some bands playing these genres on MTV and the like may suck you're not exactly chart toppers nor or you the definiton of awesome. Its wasted energy, spend it writing better songs.

#8. Its over 10 bucks
- So your band that has done maybe half a US tour got a CD released by No Name Records and you're ready to rock the ears all over the country. The music is tight and people may be excited to hear it. But there seems to be a problem; the price. 15-18 dollars for your full length is not right. I don't even wanna pay that for a highly polished studio album from Rush or some other well established rock band. Cds don't cost that much to produce! I know you wanna make money and I'd like to support myself to. But the music is more important than alienating fans.

#7. Songs/Album art refrencing things like Rude Boys/Girls
- I sometimes will consider myself "rude" mostly in a more fun/free use of the word. I'm heavy in my scene (or try to be) and the history/idea of the music. But I'm not a 1960's Jamaican Gangster and I may never be an innovator of this awesome Genre and neither are you. You're just some recycled Ska/Punk band. Singing songs about how rude you are is lame and suits can be fun while being cheesy and can make good professional press shots but used in a serious manner to be "rude" in your album art is just as lame.

#6. There is more than one old rock song made Ska Cover
- It is sometimes cool to hear an old classic made new with some upbeat Ska stylings. But more then once on an album is bad, you're taking a risk with one. Its a cheesy ploy

#5. Selling ploys
- "For fans of Reel Big Fish and Less than Jake!" "If you like Ska you'll love this!"
I don't know why but that makes me less willing to buy the album. If you feel the need to make sure I know this is gonna be a Ska record and hope to convince me it is going to be sweet by name dropping, I don't want it.

#4. Way to many songs about Parties
- Song about drinking rarely work oustide of a Pietasters album. Songs about how awesome your party life is hardly ever works. There are only a few times I wanna hear about how awesome you and your social life is.

#3. The band doesn't wanna admit they play Ska
- The ploy doesn't work. For one I don't wanna help you in your goal for capital gain by trying to fool the MTV kids to buy your album nor am I interested in your sad imagination that your bad music will be better if you tell people that you don't really play Ska.

#2. Making sure we know you play Ska
- Songs that talk about Skankin, Ska Shows, being a Ska boy/girl are not good not original. Doing the Dog or singing about Easy skankin worked for a short time in the early years of Ska but I don't wanna hear your cheesy way to fast punk/Ska song about Skankin in the pit.

And NUMBER 1!
Your band name has the word Ska in it
- LAME
Outside of The Skatalites an early/first/great band band names like the Skatomatics or Skascrapers is not a cool name. In fact its really dumb and cheesy. How many mins did it take you to think of that? Try something else if you wanna be taken serious. We know you play Ska by your music your forgettable name doesn't need to tell us as well.

Against All Authority - Restoration of Chaos and Order

Alright I obviously don't want to review albums that have been out for a long time. I have a hard time deciding what is past the line of review. But I figured that the cut off date would be the exact opposite season from we are in now. -AAA-'s album just makes that mark so I figured I'd go ahead and review it since Ska albums that may be worth mentioning aren't exactly released everyday.

The Restoration of Chaos and Order did not surprise me in the sounds that were presented in it. In just about every small release I have heard from them on compilations and splits since their last major release seemed to be headed this way. There is more punk and grit and less of that melodic reggae and ska sound we heard way back on the classic All Fall Down. Not to say its absent or that it ruins the album; but more of that could of helped I think. It was that sound that kept them from falling in a crowd while it wasn't 100% original you can pick an -AAA- song out of a crowd easily. Well now that may not be as easy, in some cases. The great well thought out politics are still there and the ska makes appearances so don't worry it is still an Against All Authority album.

You also have to wonder why they didn't have as many moments for their horn player. The trumpet lines were never awe inspiring or anything and they get a lot of criticism because of it. But it helped keep things moving and helped keep things broken up. There are many times on this album that could of used a smooth horn line; and when the finally bring it in a song its only one time and then its gone never to be heard again. You have to wonder what Alan does on stage.

The album starts out with the title track The Restoration of Chaos and Order; which is based on a Bush speech flub that plays before the track. The song is well thought out and very catchy. Just a straight ahead punk song with some good hooks and some moments for the crowd to sing along with. The lyrics and vocals are still just as gritty as they have ever been and it still works well for them. The next track (Sweet Televised Destruction) is just as good and is the first inclusion of that ole' ska feel; moving back and forth to just plain hardcore moments with pure anger and energy to the smooth feeling they are good at giving with the Ska beat with that jump in the lyrics that are much more melodic. At almost 2 mins into the song the trumpet makes its first appearance with a more reggae feel for a nice bridge and ending section.
The third track is my least favorite. All Ages Show Tonight, is a song about two punks at a show falling in love. Its just not very good, their isn't much catch to the song and in some times the tonality just goes off. Besides the fact that it is kinda a cheesy idea for a song; especially when you are expecting that political grit. But then again they don't have to do that all the time and the change is welcome it just wasn't done well.
One of the best songs on the album hails back to that whole feel of their first album. Track 5, Radio Waves; has a great ska verse with a simple trumpet line accenting everything just like they are known for it is just uber catchy. The chorus is simple as it isn't the main point of the song, like most of their songs.
The next song Silence is Golden but Duck Tape is Silver has more of a depressing tone it unlike the previous songs which were more upbeat but still serious. It is the last of the standard ska/reggae tracks for the next few tracks as well, but no horn. It is still a very solid song.
The next songs may have a few tinges of a Ska feel but not really enough to say they are a Ska song of any type and no horn still. These are on their punk side. They are very brash and very energetic. They push forward without any hints of stopping, just like you would expect. The only song I'm not a huge fan of is I Just Wanna Start a Circle pit. The song is about the reasons, feelings, ideals etc of being in a circle pit. It’s a fun song and very hard and energetic but like the Punk Rock love song, misses its mark.
The Production of Self Destruction bring us back into the Ska though only slightly. It moves quickly between the two beats in the verses and the chorus is still a hard rockin punk one. At about 2 mins again it slows down to their classic sing along reggae bridge and then moves right back into the hard rockin chorus. Once again no horn, and it had many chances for one. The album on a smart move ends with something that sums up old and new sounds. Best Enemy has the simple horn part, the more thrashing ska guitar (while still keeping it move smooth, not too fast , you feel the beat like you should) and the gritty chorus and bridges that have the tonality of this entire album. It’s a great song to end the album with because it leaves you with that imprint of their general sound in your mind.

Overall it is a great album. I could of used more horn, it isn't big deal and if it was another band it wouldn't of mattered. But that kind of sound is what I always enjoyed from -AAA-. Lyrics are still good and well thought out, the energy is still there and they still have the mastery of that Ska beat without rushing it or losing the feel of the beat like many Ska-Punk bands do.

A-

One More Bullet by The Toasters

Alright!
Again sorry for the lack of updates, been busy. But I'm gonna try and get things back on track!

On today's menu we have One More Bullet; the new Toasters album. It was just released in the last few weeks.

The album starts out sadly not very well. Their bassist and actual toaster of the band Jason begins the album by repeating the chorus of the first song (What a Gwan) without music. By time he is done and they go into the song you never wanna hear the chorus again. But it will be back, several more times. Lets ignore the fact that most people probably don't know what gwan means either. It apparently is stereotypical Jamaican lingo that blends many words together. In reality the song is asking "what is going on?". Which puts an odd new twist on the lyrics if you did not know that previously. Also this song last WAY too long, like 2 mins too long; it is just to repetative.
Their are several other lack luster things about this album as well (don't worry I'll get to the good). One main things that bugs me is that not only does Bucket sing less than on other albums of the past but when he does sing on this one, he doesn't seem to be trying or just doesn't care. Speaking of lyrics and vocals on the second track (Night Train to Moscow) they use distortion on the vocals to what I can only assume is to simulate a loud speaker. But this effect rarely works and it really doesn't here. A few of the songs lack energy when needed as well. Life in a Bubble for example seems to drag the energy as it moves along. Other songs like Bits and Pieces are just uncreative and don't have a very good sound to them, El Chapo is catchy and has well written melodies/horn lines and the like. But its gets old fast, drags its feet.
Like I said though there are good points as well. One thing I will give credit on is as you let yourself fall into the music so to speak it certianly is pleasing to the ear in general and is a good chilling album. But if you want something to get you in the mood to be active, probably not here. Alot of the songs have real good horn lines and well though out structures. Where is the Freedom is a good example, keeps it mixed up and thats good; solid Reggae while keeping a very bouncy and poppy feeling which this album needed more of. The horn line is uber catchy and you may find yourself humming it. The Run Rudy Run "redux" is good but it is only a remake of a previous song. The title song One More Bullet is a steady song and while it is catchy it is another example of one of the songs that could of used more energy behind it, just enough to give it some "oompf". One of the better songs is the instrumental song Step Up. It is very well written and smooth. Reminisent of some of their early works.

So this album in conclusion, is good but could of been better. The Toasters still have the talent but seem to have lost their edge and are having a hard time getting it back. There are too many songs that drag on between the good. It is a good listen and I want to but can't feel right to say this is anything better than average.

C+

Big D and the Kid's Table: Strictly Rude

I'll go ahead and revile my bias and say that for many years I hated every song I sampled that was from Big D. Big D to me was always this not so great punk band coating their songs with not so great horn lines and ska beats. It was loud, messy and bland.
BUT I tried to go into this review with an open mind. I think I did a good job on that too.
I heard Strictly Rude was a whole new move for Big D and I completely agree. Its almost like a different band (almost). So I took a chance and decided to give it a listen and a review.

The basic sound of this album is just like Rancid in their Life Won't Wait era. It has that exact feel and tonality to it; so this is hardly anything new when it comes to Ska. The album opens with Steady Riot and it defines the sound for the whole album. It is a catchy and a very dance able song. The first big complaints from me come from this song and they carry through the entire album. The lyrics are not that great, both vocally and just the writing (though these may be some of the best written ones on this album). Right off the bat in the first chorus you can hear the vocals go off pitch too. All of the songs the vocals do this not really tuneful half spoken half sung thing, which works in parts and takes away a lot in others. The second is the horns. Throughout the entire album starting with this song its hard to tell what they wanted to do with the horns. Some songs when they do use the horns kinda blend way to much into the background; though I'm kinda torn on that issue cause some bands just blast their horns so bad it takes away from the song. But then in other songs they hardly use their horns to their potential if they use them at all.
The feel of the ska moves from a standard up tempo 3rd wave feel to a more slow melodic feel. This is good too; a lot of the songs don't have enough to carry them without songs that differ in feel to break up the album.
Now I can't deny this album is catchy; the songs will have you at least bobbing along to the beat. But a lot of the songs need to end at least a minute earlier then they do. The second song on the album repeats the title "Noise complaint" so many times its just ridiculous; "Souped-up Vinyl" does the same thing. Then some songs had a good idea but don't work as they should, such as DeadPan, which almost has this Reggatronic feel but really just gets old after a while.
Now there are really good songs Steady Riot, Shining On, Try out your Voice, Fly Away etc are just fun songs and they have good flow, substance and only a few flaws keep them from being grade A songs. A lot of the time that problem seems to be that they have a section they weren't sure what to do with in the song and it seems kinda thrown together.
With that in mind its easy to come to a conclusion that Big D should stick to writing these songs that ride the border between 3rd wave and Neo-2tone sounds. It works well for them for whatever reason.
When it comes to the theme of the album (a throw back to the old sounds) they shouldn't have done it. Their songs like Strictly Rude (sadly the title song) lack in flow and originality and after a while kinda bring the album down and drag it on. There is nothing wrong with slowing down an album with a more smooth or melodic song, their song Raw Revolution does that well. But their attempt at Rocksteady sounds missed their mark.
So lets see; in conclusion this is a decent album and maybe a good new starting point for Big D. They need to do a few things, figure out how they want their songs to portray their horns and write accordingly; some where between having them blended in the back to blaring them in the front. Vocals still need work; the half spoken lyrics idea has worn thin and rarely works outside modern atonal music, or only when the singer knows how to carry the tune with it. The lyrics are bland at best, some of them seem so repetitive and some seem pointless but then they recover with a song thats very sing along able. Lastly if they stay away from their old hard driven punk sound they can write catchy thoughtful songs.
So no matter what Alternative Press says this is not the best Ska album since the millennium! But it is not a bad album to have in your collection; especially if you kinda like that mid 90's Rancid sound. The music quality is sporadic, and the whole "We are Rude!" gets old (both in the lyrics and the album art); but its not a bad album in general. It also seems like an album that will kinda grow on you as you learn the songs.

Grade: C+

Best Ska of the last 10 years

Alright for my first "review" I'm gonna attempt to make a list of the best Ska albums from the last 10 years. This was harder then I thought due to so many small albums being released and such and there are so many good albums. If I spent my time trying to go through my memory old playlists and such looking for every album I've once listened to and loved I'd be here all week. So I'm going to have to only really look at albums that were generally popular as well as the ones I've loved. I'm also not gonna put these in an order, its just impossible. If you disagree or have a suggestion please leave a comment!
Here we go!

Slow Gherkin - Shed Some Skin
This band perfectly defines what true "3rd Wave" Ska music was about. A catchy well thought out and musical blend of Ska, Rock, Punk and whatever else. The album from start to finish never dissapoints! Its driving, danceable, fun and serious (musically atleast). What more do you need?

Mustard Plug - Yellow #5
Alot of people hated and even more loved this album. The people who hated it I think hated the more mellow and even less Ska feel of the album. At first I agreed with them! Some of the songs seemed to step away from what I had felt was Mustard Plug. But after a few listens I found the songs never leaving my head. The music is just different and you have to get use to it but its still great Ska. Very musical and very melodic just a good listen.

Common Rider - This is Unity Music
Yeah I know you are saying it "Common Rider isn't a Ska band!". To a point I agree with you. But you can not deny the heavy Ska and kinda Popified (is that a word?) Reggae feel of this album. Jesse's lyrics are of course beautiful and the music is kinda simple but it works wonderfully. Its driving but sensitive, fun but serious. A good album for Ska fans or just people who wanna hear something different. A definite need for any collection!

Bad Manners - Heavy Petting
Bad Manners have been around forever but are one of the most ignored 2-Tone bands. This album is a perfect description of what Bad Manners is. The music is uber catchy and upbeat. The lyrics are of course just silly and so are some of the horn lines and such. But its a solid record and its a great one to get if you are new to Bad Manners. Though if you really wanna hear the best of all the years of Bad Manners grab their Anthology.

Bim Skala Bim - Krinkle
Bim Skala Bim was one of the early "3rd Wave" bands. You gotta hear some of their songs sometime just feel like your listening collection is complete. They have stayed under the hat for their entire career in my opinion; it was years before I gave them a chance. But the music is solid and a timeless Ska sound. Worth a listen atleast

The Know How - Now in Technicolor/Happy Fun Robot Kill Time
I couldn't decide which album to list. Both albums are good examples of "3rd Wave" Ska-Punk. Technicolor goes for a more radio friendly pop (which isn't really a bad thing) and HFRKT stayed more to the tried and true Ska-Punk formula but it was still a decently solid sophomore album. They are now broken up but the music is solid and fun. Its easy to see how they seemed to gain over night success in the Ska scene.

Westbound Train - Transitions
Neo-Trad laid back Ska and Rocksteady; need I say more? Their music is tight and just very well written. This album is a perfect example of good musicians making good music. Catchy hooks, different/well thought out tonalities and solid writing. Good stuff..nay great stuff

Catch-22 - Keasby Night
What list of great Ska albums would this be without this album? The music maybe far stretched for the traditional feel of Ska, heck most songs feel almost un danceable. But the music is great and truly one of a kind (well till Streetlight Manifesto). Catch-22 never made an album like this again. Lost of different styles of music crammed into one huge idea. Its solid, its fun, its catchy...go buy it.

Suicide Machines - War Profiterring is Killing us All/A Match and Some Gasoline
Once again I couldn't pick one. Both of these albums show the Suicide Machines going back to their orginal feel of Hardcore/Punk mixed with catchy, fast, driving Ska. The political messages are well thought out (unlike many bands) and it doesn't wear thin. If you like true political post-punk but love having that upbeat Ska feel these albums are perfect.

The Skatalites - Ball of Fire
I felt the need to mention a Skatalites album. This album may not be their best, but it got me into traditional Ska (I started on 2-Tone actually). Its a good example of what Traditional Ska was all about. The songs follow the patterns of Swing and Blues and add that upbeat feel with a more pop sounding horn line. Its a good album but it can wear on you if its not your cup of tea. Worth a listen atleast! No matter what you should own a Skatalites album; I suggest Hi-Bop Ska for that retrospective look on The Skatalites

Attaboy Skip - Another Ep?
Attaboy Skip were one hell of a talented Ska band in Las Vegas back during the 3rd Wave craze. They release 2 albums and this was their last one. Its a fantastic album! The music is very well written and they are very talented musicians. The music does not sound like any other "3rd Wave" especially anything that was in the mainstream. Its a perfect blend of modern rock and Ska. You have probably heard them if you have heard this kick ass cover of Ghostbusters listed as being by NOFX, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies etc. These are the guys who did that cover. This album is a classic in terms of 3rd wave ska. Get it now!

Chris Murray - Raw
Its probably not a shock that I'd include this album. Or it might be if you are thinking (why this one of all the great 4-track albums?). I love this album for a few different reasons. Its great song writing first off; just the classic idea of song writing brought back. This really comes through too when it comes to the other reason I love it; it really is raw. The uber lo-fi feeling of this album (recorded on a walkman of sorts) is interesting. The fact the songs sound so good in such a setting shows how good the writing is. Maybe not a good starter album to get into Chris but a needed album

The Planet Smashers - Unstoppable
I remember when I hated the Planet Smashers. I've never liked the stereotypical goofy "3rd wave" band (if you notice no Aquabats or RBF on here). Thats what they were to me when I first heard them. But one day I saw their album No Self Control for 2 bucks at a local store. So just wanting to keep my collection up I bought it. I was surprised! They have matured alot; and its really apparent in this album. Unstoppable is a great album. It another great classic interpritation yet evolution of modern Ska. The songs vary from fast album Ska-Punk feeling to more mellow and more timless sounding. They have a new album coming out and I can't wait!

The Usuals - The Usuals
Another album that barely fits in. But its too good not to list! This was one of those 3rd wave bands that went in the other direction with a neo-trad feel to their music. But The Usuals seemd to keep that modern pop and driving ska feel, its an interesting thing. The female vocals are just the icing on the cake too, adding a very pleasing tonality/timbre. They released a second album in 2000 which is also a great listen but this is a must.

Mu330 - Ultra Panic
Not putting a Mu330 cd on here would be a crime! Some people may think another album belongs on here but I have to pick this one. To me this is the definitive sound of Mu330, this is what all their other albums were trying to do. The music has that great major yet minor sounding tonality that has become their tag and still has that amazing force that labeled them as Psycho Ska years ago. The big differnce here is that this album is more melodic than ever, but it never looses pulse and never looses force. Even when you hit the mellow pop song "Speedbump" it still chugs on. A great album for new listeners or fantatics!

The Toasters - Don't let the Bastards Grind you Down
The Toasters are considered the first American Ska band. Even if they aren't you can not deny their major contibution to bring Ska to America. This album kinda sums up all their style in one neat package. From fun instrumentals to melodic Electrified Blues type songs and even songs that point back to their original take on 2-Tone from Skaboom! The Ska never stops a neither does the great writing. A must have for anybody that likes Ska of any era!

The Hippos - Heads are Gonna Roll
The Hippos are a lesser known "3rd Wave" band. They started as stereotypical Pop-Ska band like RBF but when they got to this album things changed. This album kinda takes that RBF sound and mixes it with this Geek Rock feel (ala They Might Be Giants). Driving synth, smooth horns, lyrics about love and driving guitar describe this album. Pick it up for a fun listen! (no pun intended)

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Let's Face It
This may seem like an obvious or even too obvious additon but this album was a defining album for Ska in the 90's. The Bosstones kinda step away from that Skacore sound they founded and go for a more melodic feel but the idea is still their and this album is solid. All the songs are catchy and fun. Serious writing took place here and it shows. A must!

Dan Potthast - Eyeballs/Eat the Planet
I didn't want to double list because both these albums need to be on here. Dan's first album show off his raw musical ability and solid writing ability. The songs are melodic yet upbeat and oddly driving for an acoustic album. The lyrics are very well written (of course) in that style of his that says what it needs to be said but you're not sure how he did it. Eat the Planet is the unreleased album that you can only get on his tour right now. The songs on here have a backing "band" unlike his first album and unlike his second album this sticks to that Ska sound that made his first album so loveable.

Against All Authority - All Fall Down
A great example of Ska Punk in the late 90's. If you don't like that sound then don't get this album cause thats cut and dry what it is. The trumpet lines are simple but catchy the lyrics are standard gritty punk. The big thing about Against All Authority is the driving punk guitar that switches oddly well to this oddly melodic reggae/ska stlye sound. A fun album in the least.

The Chinkees - Searching for a Brighter Future
The Chinkees are a great politicaly based Ska band formed by Mike Park. The Chinkees have an interesting sound its Ska-Punk but its not. Its very melodic maybe not uber catchy but it kinda doesn't need to be. The tonality of the songs are what catch me. The album is fun, dancable, serious, political and ear friendly. All their albums are great and this one of the perfect summary of their work.

Buck-O-Nine - Twenty Eight Teeth
Another definitve album of that Ska-Punk sound. Buck-O-Nine have a great sound. Its a little stereotypical in its major tonality but they hide that well. The horn lines are catchy as are the lyrics and the guitar does just what it should, drive the song. Their true musical ability come out on songs like Jennifer's Cold (which slows down to a more Reggae feel) and Peach Fish (instrumental). Its worth every penny and due to the ever popular song "My Town" easy to find. They have an album coming out soon on Asian Man and I can't wait.

Honerable Mention:
The Right Aways - Initiate Sequance
The Bruce Lee Band - Beautiful World
Streetlight Manifesto - Everything Goes Numb
Spring Heeled Jack - Songs from Suburbia
No Torso - Several Brains
Mealticket - Lisa Marie
New York Ska Jazz Ensemble - (just pick up any album)
Tokyo Ska Paradise (you find an album you buy it)

Peace,
-Kev

My Music: The First Update

Well as the second post in my blog I figured I should go ahead and post whats going on with my music.

A new album is on the way! The art has been just about all figured out and the linear notes as well. The final tracks are ready (12 total) too! I'll be sending off the stuff to labels this weekend hopefully. It will just simply be self titled.

The Single to go with it is ready too. This will be released on my own label K Dub Records. It will have an Alternate Cut of Shine On, Another Day; then two songs no one has heard under this project. This should be ready by my show for the St. Louis Ska revival!

A tour was/is in the works. The problem is the person that was suppose to go with me (I would like someone to help me find destinations, watch my equip/merch and just keep me company while driving several hours each day) has bailed. SO I don't know whats going yo happen right now...
I am currently looking for someone else to go with me. Anyone?

Soon I'll also be featured in a Podcast and I'll update about that when that happens.

Peace,
-Kev