My knowledge of Big D and the Kids Table pretty much lies solely with 'LAX' - a track which, albeit a little lengthy, is a hell of a lot of fun. After threatening to write a record of relaxed soulful, reggae-based tunes, Side One Dummy came along and asked them to write a record that ska needed - and Big D have duly responded. This sounds so much like it was 1997 again it's unreal and there's no doubt that if we were transported back 10 years, Big D would have been topping the ska-pop revival which gave Reel Big Fish some worldwide fame back in the day.
Put simply, 'Strictly Rude' is a lot of fun. Part Rancid, part Goldfinger, it's full on P-A-R-T-Y. The album does have its more serious and mature moments - the use of a piano and organ sits alongside themes of alcoholism, for example - but in general this is a record full of the naivety of youth and is surely to be lapped up by ska-lovers everywhere. I mean, 'Noise Complaint' is a call-to-arms for every party-going teenager who has ever stepped out of their front door. 'Steady Riot' and 'Try Out Your Voice' are a hell of a lot of fun too.
I loved ska way, way back in the day and I can imagine as a 17-year-old I would have lapped this up. Fast forward 10 years and it's still highly enjoyable and a record I can highly recommend to anyone wanting to have a good time.
