Ska. What is ska? So often the word has been misused, simply because a band has horns. Is Catch 22 a ska band? Maybe... Maybe not. Is Big D and the Kids Table a ska band? Who's to say? Is ska really dead? I don't know, nor do I care. I've never really been a big fan of ska, especially the slow dancey types, so if you think this CD is going to be ska, or if I throw that word around for any reason, know that it is not the ska you are thinking of.
With all that under your breath, let's get into a review. I don't like ska- plain and simple- but I do like this CD. It starts off with a metal-like guitar riff, and then almost immediately goes into horns. But, it's still, not your traditional ska. It's not the slow dancey stuff. It's the stuff you can dance to, but you can also mosh to, or just sit back and sing along to. It is filled with frustration, confusion and most importantly, passion.
I really enjoy the songs "Striking Out", "California Ska Band" and "All Girls Hate Singers". Being that they are from MA, it's funny to listen to "California Ska Band", with such lines as, "It's been snowing for six years now" and the such. Being close to that area, it's very easy to relate.
I think this is a CD many people can enjoy though. It's not your clean cut, pot smoking ska band or anything, it's actually very good. They use their horns in a smart way.
If you like ska, you will like it. If you aren't a fan of ska (like me), I still feel you will enjoy it, because I do. I can't make it any more simple.