Ska Is Dead, Various Artists
Propagandhi once said ska sucks. And to be honest, at times I would have to agree. While ten-a-penny wacky ska bands with their long shorts and flowery shirts have sung about Beer and Monkeys for a little too long, ska as we know it, especially by bands in this country, has evolved into an alltogether more powerful beast - a style of music dominated by excellent bands re-inventing the ska wheel. And while you couldn't claim bands like Sonic Boom 6 or Adequate 7 where ska at all, they certainly had their influences. So while I grew up on a diet of Less Than Jake and RBF, I have to be honest and admit my musical tastes have moved on. That's not to say everyone agrees with me - as this release, split to Asian Man in the US and Household Name in the UK, proves.
Having 'grown out' of 'punk with horns' a few years ago, I can't say that every band on 'Ska Is Dead' managed to float my boat. Indeed, there are a few tracks that sound like they were recorded in 1995 and should probably be left there. However, and I can't say this strongly enough, this is a really, really fun record. And while ska may still suck, well some of it anyway, you can't argue that it's still a genre which begs you for a good time. And a dance. Or whatever movements those wacky ska kids enjoy. Big D and the Kids Table, Mustard Plug and Streetlight Manifesto are all grand acts with excellent songs on this 23-track release. Catch 22 and Voodoo Glow Skulls may not be the acts they once were, but their two efforts here are strong.
Ultimately if you like ska this compilation is an absolute must purchase. If you're having a party or a late summer barbecue this will also provide an excellent soundtrack. And while it won't convince everyone that ska music is still alive and well, there's enough here to suggest the genre isn't dead yet.
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