Album Description

Choking Victim, New York's own special breed of satanic, political, ska-punks bring a very unique sound and style to table.Crack Rock Steady is the record that started it all, the revenge of ska, the gutter edge of satiric punk.A combination of two classic seven-inches (Crack Rock Steady and Squatters Paradise) the disc documents the rise of Leftover Crack frontman Stza, drummer Sqwert and Bassist Alec from the gritty roots of the underground to fame as one of the most eccentric and honest bands to pick up instruments. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

DHC Does it again!
Hey... as a huge DHC fan for many years... this is a definite new sound for them... not as poppy as HiH i don't think, definitely more punky... a more ska-punkish edge to the music... awesome, indeed. "Beverly Kills", "Nothing Left To Say", "Do You Think You're Beautiful", & "Cat Fight" are just a few of the many songs on this album that kept me groovin'... Even "Cricket" which was a totally mature sound, really sounded cool - really different for DHC especially. Although I am partial to DHC and love *ALL* their albums, this is a 5-star without a doubt! Buy it, listen to it, and you'll see what I mean.

I think it's more about the lyrics of "Purr" (the whole album) that make it so unique and one of their best albums... really great writing by the Dance Hall Crashers... Post what you think when you purchase the album!!

the dhc have done it again
The Dance Hall Crashers are one of those great bands that don't have the commercial success they deserve. This CD is another example of their sassy, totally listenable music. It is slightly darker than "Honey I'm Homely", but it seems to have more depth. I love this album!

It grows on you
I didn't like it when I first listened, but that's not uncommon with CDs I eventually find really interesting. Plan to take some time to read the lyrics -- they are different, fun, and clever. The harmonies are similarly appealing. I would especially recommend "Cat Fight" to all feminists.

Good, But Not Their Best
Generally, there are three elements that I look for in ska music. They are:
1. Happy tune/vibe
2. Horns section
3. Good Lyrics
Since ska is by nature always happy, this lives up to that expectation, but it pretty much ends there. They eliminated their horns section after making "The Old Album", and so far their lyrics have not made much of an impact on me. Just buy this if you are a DHC fan and already have some of their other stuff. If you're a DHC virgin, I recomend "Honey, I'm Homely!" perticularly tracks 1, 11, & 12.

DHC numbawan !!
This is my first DHC album, and by golly it won't be my last! Filled with catchy upbeat riffs and tight harmonizing from the two lead vox. I'm amazed (but immensely grateful) that we haven't seen DHC on mainstream radio. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wow this is actually all Ska
Unlike volume two this CD is all Ska. I love volume two but this one is ten times as good. All the songs area good and pure ska. Except for the last song wich is rap. but still this CD is worth it. I am in love with this CD. BUY IT if you like Ska music.

I feel this CD is one of the best compilation CD's out there
This CD has old skasters and a variety of new bands on the ska scene. From Unsteady to Undercover SKA this CD gets you moving. Real ska fans only though, some may not appreciate some of the o.g. ska beats. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Your Angel88 and Soulmate have 2 Hearts beating as One!
As ALWAYS you never cease to amaze me Phil!I've always loved the upbeat way you have especially taking some of the older songs of the past and creating MAGIC by totally recreating their sound with your wonderful vocals. I truly believe with 2 Hearts and your wonderful new venture YOUR BIG BAND you have the chance to bringback to life MANY sounds by enhancing them with your UNIQUE YOU! I always knew you had it in you and now so will many others! To me, Phil Collins is by far the most remarkable recording artist I have ever heard! I also happen to be just about the only one I know of who will say this now out loud....listen up Phil...Seriously...and Sincerely...Phil Collins, to me personally, is the most Handsome, and Sexy,recording artist I have ever heard! (I HAD TO SAY THAT>>>>SORRY PHIL.....) But Seriously Phil is a definite HIT (S) with me !! I don't just take him at FACE VALUE and AGAINS'T ALL ODD'S, as I DANCE INTO THE LIGHT, I OUGHTA KNOW BY NOW, EVERYDAY, that THE TIMES ARE A CHANGIN so for now we can just WAIT AND WE WONDER, if by chance, IN THE AIR TONIGHT, we can have just ONE MORE NIGHT to hear your TRUE COLORS, as Phil's voice (and this is not JUST ANOTHER STORY) as you tell us BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY, and give us ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE with your voice and talents inspiring PHIL'S BIG BAND to be SURVIVOR's because WE CAN'T TURN BACK THE YEARS even though WE FLY SO CLOSE to THE SAME MOON, DRONED, but knowing THERE'S A PLACE FOR US, NO MATTER WHO, even though we all live SEPARATE LIVES'!! Please everyone take this at FACE VALUE! Phil if the eyes are truly a mirror to the soul, than IT'S IN YOUR EYES!! Congratulations on your new BIG BAND VENTURE, as you experience your new period of Growth and GENESIS evolving and growing because even though WE CAN'T TURN BACK THE YEARS, we can All wonder just what was going on in your Studio, when you titled that wonderful, wonderful, song SUSSUDIO> DANCE WITH ME INTO THE LIGHT, PHIL, as others would certainly agree, THE TIMES truly ARE A CHANGIN!! Phil Collins is my DRUMMER that just happens to Sing....IT'S IN YOUR EYES!!!! TONIGHT...TONIGHT!

Masterpiece collection
This happens to be one of the masterpiece collections of finest music on this planet. The songs "Groovy kinda Love" & "I just don't know what to do with myself" are the highlights of this great album. However,all the songs are moving and it's a worth buy Music Collection if you belong to Eighties.....Good job Phill Collins and thanks to Amazon for carrying this great collection.Keep it up!

For the Music Fan
All right, so maybe the movie "Buster" wasn't a block-buster, and maybe only 7 people have seen it, but you have to give credit to the fact that it had a terrific soundtrack. Anyone who likes Phil Collins won't be disappointed. "Two Hearts" was nominated for an Academy Award in 1989, and was a number one hit the same year, along with "A Groovy Kind of Love," which I feel is the most moving song on the album. And thrown in for good measure are Sonny & Cher, the London Symphony Orchestra, Anne Dudley, and the Four Tops for anyone who thinks listening to Collins for an hour is going to do some damage. If you're feeling really daring after listening to the CD, watch the movie, just to try something different. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Greatest Ska CD in the World
I was lucky enough to see this band live in April 1996, and I picked this CD up at the show! It is great for countless hours of skankin' madness! Check out Pleasure Bribe and Girl Take it Easy for some great examples of tunes. In short, by the damned CD!!

Best pietasters CD out there!
This is one of the greatest ska CDs available (if not the greatest). The Pietasters showcase incredible talent on this cd, especially found in their slower songs (Tell You Why) and thier party songs (Maggie Mae, Girl Take It Easy, Movin' On Up). While you have to hear these songs live to get the full effect, this CD is damn good by itself. Other classics on the cd: Biblical Sense, Freak Show, Pleasure Bribe, Night Before.

THIS IS A GOOD
THIS A GOOD CD OTHER THAN THE FACT HE TALKS ABOUT ASSULTING HIS GIRLFRIEND ON ONE OF THE SONGS BUT IT TOOK A FEW LISTENS FOR ME TO GET INTO IT BUT IT IS GOOD

One of the Pietasters Best
I am a huge fan of the Pietasters and have had the pleasure of seeing this band live. Although the recording quality of this album is absolutely atrocious it doesn't hold back the pietasters. Almost all of the songs are soulful and really good to sing along too. Not to mention it has Maggie Mae! yeah!

Beer Drinkin' Fun !
The Pietasters are totally awesome! I am 15 and went to their concert in DC and I had a great time! They spit beer on the crowd and some fans lit up some fireworks in the middle of the mosh pit! This is definately the band to skank with! Keep Skankin' Baby! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

They did it again!
Another great album from Deals Gone Bad!The distinct style of DGB's horns and the raspy, pirate-like vocals that made the Large and In Charge great are here again.As good as, if not better than their previous album.

Best band in Chicago
Anyone into reggae, rocksteady or ska should buy this album DGB are the best band in Chicago.

WOW
This CD rocks.....unbelievable ska sound.....I would reccommend it to ANYONE with an interest in ska! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One doesn't necessarily associate punk firebrands the Clash with the radio-ready likes of Third Eye Blind and No Doubt. But in the years since the demise of the Clash, their impact, once localized to the punk underground, has seeped up from the gutter they once championed. ("The truth," rasped Joe Strummer in one of his more memorable couplets, "is known only by guttersnipes.") Burning London affords a dozen-plus popular late-'90s performers the opportunity to tip their hats to the erstwhile scourges of the mainstream. The results, as is common with such tributes, are wildly mixed. The highlights here exhibit a less-than-reverent perspective on this timeworn material. Moby and Heather Nova turn "Straight to Hell" into a haunting echo of the Combat Rock prototype, while Cracker's cowpunk trashing of "White Riot" would've sounded at home on an album by frontman David Lowery's great old band, Camper Van Beethoven. On the downside, Indigo Girls' "Clampdown" is an artless revision of one of the Clash's least artful songs, and the likes of Third Eye Blind and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones bring nothing new to "Train in Vain" and "Rudie Can't Fail," respectively. If the featured bands are the draw here, help yourself. But if you're curious about the Clash, the group's bursting-at-the-seams debut and watershed London Calling will serve as superior introductions to a mighty band. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Disapointing, with a few bright spots.
I expected more from this tribute CD, especially considering The Clash's huge influence on much of the Bay Area Punk and new Reggae/Ska rockers of the late 80's/early 90's to today. Unfortunately, this complilation lacks the energy and passion that The Clash were so famous for. Many songs seem sugar-coated and too professional to be Clash tributes (see "Hateful" by No Doubt, "Train in Vain" by Third Eye Blind, and "Lost in the Supermarket" by Afghan Whigs), trading raw emotion for slick production and radio-friendly vocals. Others try too hard to mess with the Clash sound, coming up with songs that just miss the target (such as Silverchair's take on "London's Burning" and the Ice Cube "Should I Stay.." which is by no means a cover, just gangsta rap over a Clash sample). The few bright spots come from bands simply covering the songs they love, and letting their own sound naturally come into play. Highlights are The Urge on "This is Radio Clash," Cracker with an inspired version of "White Riot" complete with fiddle, and a surprisingly good version of "Clampdown" by the Indigo Girls. Of course, the best track of them all is the Rancid version of "Cheat", where Tim Armstrong comes as close as possible to recreating the snarling cockney punk of early 80's Britain. Unless you need this to complete your Clash record collection, I'd suggest staying away and grabbing the best tracks as MP3s. Overall, it's a weak album, and not representative of the power of The Clash and their music.

highs and lows
when ur dealing with tribute albums its not likely that ur ever gonna like every song, because if ur a fan of the original band then some other bands just wont do justice to the material. in the clash's case, there are pretty big shoes to fill. high points are the urge - radio clash, 311 - white man in hammersmaith palace. both songs cover well while contributing a little something new. some other songs are either lesser versions of the original or too inovative for its own good. decent buy for clash fans, pick it up.

Go Straight to Hell Boys...
Sorry, it's not something personal against the band whose appear on this tribute but...I can't believe they had the courage to do this!, the styles are too much differents, the only reason that this cd has 1 star is because Rancid plays one, they play the only one good song...all other bands should play something into their styles, I'm sure they could make a real good job with other kind of music, but....let the punk rock to the punk rockers.
or do you imagine to Sex Pistols on a Back Streets Boys tribute?

Get a Grip
Although I am also fan of Clash, I got so used to all of their songs that sadly enough, I don't listen to Clash anymore. By pure accident I found that CD on a shelf at my local HMV store and bought it. And I have to admit that it's not that bad. Actually I like it quite a lot and " Should I Stay or Should I Go" is probably my favourite track after "Straight to Hell". It is different than Clash, but it gives the old songs new dimention. Definitely recommended.

Covers in Vain.
The problem with tribute albums, is even though they have good intentions, they end up being slammed because they never sound as good as the originals, or the tribute bands make you sick. This is a good example of that. While "Rancid", "Indigo Girls", and "311" all do a fine job, it still just makes you want to listen to "The Clash". Then others like "Third Eye Blind" are just [bad]. I can't see myself listening to this more than twice a year. I would suggest getting "The Essential Clash", the "Singles" collection, or any of their albums before this. "Burning London" is mostly for fanatics. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In reviving the British two-tone movement, itself a politicized rewrite of '60s Jamaican ska, America's third-generation ska movement often seems superfluous to anyone not caught up in the skadiddly up-tempo fun of music that's equal parts punk adrenaline and moody pop cool. Boston-based Bim Skala Bim, however, are easily among the best of the American bunch. The late Roland Alphonso, a founding member of the Skatalites, who virtually invented ska, adds shy saxophone lines (and authenticity), while singer Jackie Starr evokes Selecter vocalist Pauline Black's breathy admonitions to shape up or ship out. The good, perky fun of "Gopher Rodeo" and "Let Me In" is musically at least one step beyond the group's peers, while "Native" and "Things You Do" are dark and dubby. The final two tracks, ska covers of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" and the Beatles' "Rain," prove that good taste is eternal and not genre specific. --Richard Gehr ... Read more

Reviews (20)

...I thought I knew ALL of the good ska/punk bands......
Ska/punk is weird. One element comes from the slums of Jamaica, the other from the slums of Britain. One is all about taking it easy, the other about rebellion and angst. However, when you combine third-wave ska with pop-punk, the result can be amazing. The RxBandits have the formula down perfectly.

After hearing this CD at a friend's house, I was amazed by the tightness of the band, the catchiness of the songs, the quality of the recording, and the overall musicality. This is not cheap, throw-away pop-punk that sounds the same as every other band out there. The RxBandits are extremely original and creative. The album is SO fun to listen to because all of the songs are just good! I hear Sublime influences, and then there's some Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake thrown into the mix. The result is a totally original and exciting sound. My only complaint about the CD is that it isn't long enough.

If you have any doubts, just listen to "What If." And if you can, download the whole song. It's the song that got me hooked on them in the beginning. The forbodingly simple bass line is accented by Matt Embree's punchy vocals before the whole thing breaks into a torrent of guitars and horns....jeez it's so good! See for yourself....

Every song is amazing!
Ok, so there are a lot of people who don't like ska anymore and are too close-minded to even give this CD a chance, but let me tell you, you're missing out! Rx Bandits combine elements of ska, punk and emo better than any band i've ever heard. This CD is incredible from beginning to end. The songs sound influenced by Sublime, The Get Up Kids and Less Than Jake. That may sound like an odd combination, but I promise you, it's one of the coolest sounds ever. Who ever thought a "ska" band would have such cool breakdowns in their songs? The lyrics are personal and political, the melodies are instantly memorable, the horn lines super-catchy and rocking, and the three part harmonies will make you flip out. One of the coolest things about this band is that they pull it off live and rock 10 times harder than on this record. This band will revolutionize the ska scene!

RxB!
This is by far the greatest album i have ever purchassed. It's ska and punk, and not just like punkska bands, there is a definative change between every song, it's amazing. RxB has very strong views, and if you talk to Matt (Embree [guitar and vocals]) he'll tell you that he just wants the ideas out there, he's not forcing you to believe them. This is a great album and everyone should have a copy!

once in a while a cd like this comes around...
an orgasmic blend of ska and punk...yes you read that last part correctly. I cant write enough about this disc. It hits you from all sides, turns you upside down, shakes you around until another quarter hits the floor and then the jukebox starts rolling again. A joy to listen to. A joy to experience. If you love ska...buy it. If you love punk...buy it. If you love great vocals...great songwriting...GREAT MUSIC...BUY IT. yeah...

[CURRENTLY NOT AVALIABLE]
i saw them live with H2O and A New Found Glory in LA, they rock live, their cd is alright. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Far from the "ROCKBOTTOM"!
This CD rocks! I've always loved Fenix tx, Midtown, A new found glory and Mothermania, and now there is this CD with a mix of all of them and a lot of other great bands! This Punk Rock- ska CD will keep you busy and repeating what you here for a long time and never get old. This is a great CD and you should buy it now!

One of the best comps ever
Most comps tend to be hit or miss, but this is the first i've heard since "survival of the fattest" (fat wreck chords) where every single song is great. If you like punk and post-hardcore (yes, emo) you'll love this. If you like Blink 182 or NOFX, you'll like Fenix Tx and Allister. If you like Less Than Jake and Sublime, you'll like Rx Bandits. If you like Saves The Day and The Get Up Kids, you'll like A New Found Glory and Midtown. And...if you like the Pixies, you have to check out The Wrens. This CD is well worth the 5 bucks!

Damn.
I have to completely agree with the ... review by "punkk". Listening to this CD made my bowels liquify and my eyes tear up. Everytime I hear this kind of [stuff] all I can think of is that time I saw a girl go into american eagle with an anarchy patch on her pants. Urge.. to... hurl... RISING!

So yea. Don't buy this. Save your [money]. It may come in handy.

[Insert Catchy Phrase Here]
This compilation was quite disappointing. I loved the limited edition "Welcome to the Family" Drive Thru comp. However, that comp was more recent and apparently Drive Thru Records has improved drastically since this comp was made. "Welcome to The Family" mostly had previews to upcoming CDs and new bands that didn't exist back in the "You'll Never Eat Fast Food Again" days (like Finch). As for Allister, their current debut CD isn't all that great. However, "Welcome to The Family" had a preview of the next Allister CD and it was WAY better than their current CD. RX Bandits wasn't very good back then either. However, their current album "Progress" is quite good (which didn't exist back in these days). As for NFG, all of their songs are "Nothing Gold Can Stay" songs. Which kinda stinks cause their newer work is so much better. Midtown was still good of course. However, I already had both of those songs on my "Save The World, Lose The Girl" CD. Cousin Oliver was a good band that currently isn't a Drive Thru band. However, the newer band "Starting Line" is basically just a better version of them. Despite all of these complaints, I have to say Fenix TX was great. But what do you expect? It's Fenix TX! It's too bad only one of the songs were unreleased. I also liked the song "Mom and Dad" by Mothermania. The simplicity of it is also great. The unreleased Fenix TX song, and "Mom and Dad" by Mothermania keep this comp from being a total disappointment. In my book, this comp is outdated. I hope Drive Thru comes out with an updated comp soon that you can get ANYWHERE and is not limited edition. Because this comp is just making Drive Thru Records look bad. Peace.

Generic and unoriginal
I have no idea why anyoen would buy ANYTHING from this record label. Outside of the fact that they're homophobic the bands that they sign and that are on this comp are just generic wannabe punk rock. There is nothing that these bands could offer to your tastes unless you're 14, think Blink 182 is punk rock and wear Abercrombie & Fitch...then you'll love this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the only ska left
ska died, but not before leaving us with some awesome albums, and a few bands remaining. most of these bands are and were from nyc, by the way. the slackers get better with every single album, and this new one, although only an ep, proves this from the opening track's first five seconds. second track is lovely. third and title track is one of the catchiest most relevant songs this year, easily. fourth track could be the weak one, still good. last track seals the deal perfectly. a slightly new sound from vic and company, plenty of old school as well. pick this up if you still like ska and for goshsakes, see these guys live when they come by you. they are a really fun show. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fun
I liked this cd a lot. It's very fun. It uplifts. Very good vocals and music. would give it a 5, but I don't think there's enough songs on it. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A Definite Must for Ska Lovers like ME!
I mean these guys are #1 on my top 10 2nd being skavoovie and the epitones,and Skaholics, but this is the best ska band i've seen and gary the trumpet is a cool friend, he's great, anyway bout this cd it's in my cd player and i'm listenin to it on my comp everyday, but you must get this if u like anything: rock, metal, hip hop or anything cause ska is the music for the soul and Edna's Goldfish are the beating heart of Ska, I've seen these guys at where I live but I cant wait to see them at OLV Winter Ska Fest, I've seen them at Cancer Sux 1 & 2 which is a concert that for every dollar goes to cancer funds. Just buy the cd.

Long Islands Greatest puts out a classic Ska CD
A really great band, their first CD captures a lot of the energy that made them so popular here on Long Island. the songs have a great tempo and a mighty horn section. I suggest CD to any ska fan. Also, look for the music video "Veronica Sawyer" sometime in fall of 99 when their second album comes out, which I am looking forward to a lot. Congrats to ednas goldfish on a great cd!

high school friends
As a frequent music listener I am proud to say that this album is pure fun. Brian's voice has a certain melodic piece that is different from other ska-pop bands these days. They are hard working fella's who are going places. To say that I knew them when we were twelve is honorable.

Is this spring heeled jack?
Alright! I've been a Spring Heeled Jack listener for quite a while. If you were to play this to me for the first time, I would have told you that it's about time SHJ came out with a new album. It's almost like a combo of "static world view" and "songs from suburbia."

anyways, as far as Edna's Goldfish, they ROCK! Their lyrics and vocals are awesome. The horn section is sweet! And the guitar does it just right along with a nice poppy beat.

Great songs are "i'm your density" "sunrise to sunset" "If you want it" "purple"

now don't think i'm throwing all my eggs in one basket here, but seriously, Edna's GoldFish is a REALLY GOOD band!...and, that's all. bye.

5 Stars says it all...
I was shocked this was the first release from this band... they have a really great sound and an even better live show. If you are a fan of SHJ, and other bands like them, you'd be out of your mind not to buy this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Baker/Ruggiero are freakin' geniuses! . . . or geniuii?
I'm sure i could rave for hours upon hours, and megabytes upon megabytes on how incredible Jeff "Django" Baker and Vic "Sluggo" Ruggiero are, so i'll try and keep this comparatively slim. "Open Season" was an amazing album, one which would be devastatingly hard to follow up . . . for any other artists, that is. With "Back With a New Batch," the music is again complex-yet-simplistic, with reggae, rocksteady, ska, and even dub mixed into a genre so independent that it can only be deemed great music. If you're a music fan (ie, hate matchbox 20 :-) ), this, as well as the band's other 2 (and every Slackers album pressed), should have a spot in your collection already carved out and ready . . .

...and a hatchet that I borrowed from Scratch...
This is just an awesome CD! Buy it now! mactchbox20 kicks ass!

better than the first batch
The first batch, Open Season was great, and this is much better ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Mu330's best. Period. And another period.
In the vast sea of 1997 ska-core CDs, only a few stood out amongst them, and one of them is Mu330's 'Chumps On Parade'.
I bought Mu330's original 'Press', and was instantly captivated by such songs as 'Hoosier Love', 'Stuff', and 'Captain', among others (and the classics, 'King Kong' and 'Fist Fulla Nuts' from the re-release). Then came 'Chumps', which surpasses 'Press' by a mile.
Some may say that 'Crab Rangoon' is the best Mu-album, because of it's 'depth' and 'maturity'. Screw all that, this music is ass-kicking and fun! From the opening 'Wide Awake' to the hidden track (which I believe is called 'Chumps On Parade'), you're instantly submerged in fast-paced, all-out energy, bitchin' guitar solos, frantic horn lines, and songs that just wanna make ya jump up and dance.
And who says 'Chumps' isn't lyrically brilliant? Take 'Fried Chicken' for instance:
'Fried Chicken! Fried, fried, chicken! Chicken! Ba-GAWK!'
Just pure genius.
Now me, I'm a ska purist. I don't believe The Mighty Mighty BossToneS invented ska, and I show appreciation for the legends like The Skatalites and Bad Manners. And out of my catalogue of over 400 ska CDs, 'Chumps On Parade' is one that is played constantly.

If you love music, buy Mu330's 'Chumps On Parade'.

I hate to bring this band's 5-star avg. down, but...
MU330 has made a dissappointment here. "Press" was much better, but this one's more ska than the last one. It's entertaining, but not really a great CD.

Excellent Album
Chumps rocks! I like every song. MU330 woo hoo. Buy now.

Chumps Rocks!
Chumps on Parade has got to be the best MU330 cd! I can listen to it over and over and never get sick of it. I love this cd and I really think that everyone should give it a shot! Who couldn't like MU330's music? They're so catchy!

i had fun fun fun till my daddy took "chumps.." away
MU330's best album (goooo Jason), and one of the most fun, most gosh darn rockingest cd's i have ever heard. MU330, my best friends. Be absolutely sure to go see them if they tour anywhere remotely near your town, they put on some amazing shows.. who but Gerry (a former WWF wrestler) would have the balls to put down his trombone and chase the audience around the club with a chainsaw? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good album, better as a live band
This is a good album, but nothing special. It includes a couple of fun covers including Wynonie Harris' classic Bloodshot Eyes, plus some decent originals. It's pretty laid back ska music for the most part and quite soulful at times. The beautiful female vocals are what really makes the album. I don't know how Isaac Green got to be the front man, he never did much but jump around and go 'hep hep'.

A CD to own for all of your life.
Do you like to put a CD on and let it play every song? Do you like it when every song on that CD is jammin'? Get this CD if you like ska music. I only own three ska discs, and "Skoolin'" is one of the those. I bought this because another band I liked thanked them in their booklet. I found it at a used CD store for five smackaroos. My favorite track on here is "High School." The funniest track on here is "Bloodshot Eyes." Here are some lyrics from that song, "Weeeelll now it seems our romance has finally simmered down, you should join a circus you'd make a real good clown. And your hair is nasty as hell! And I'd hate to smell your breath, now you better shut your peeper before you bleed to death."

Enjoyed your company in South Bend...
Greetings lovers of music that grooves... I'm not sure if you all would remember me, but on the off chance that one of the Skalars checks this web site from time to time, I remember shacking you up in my house in the fall of 1996 where you played a show with a Notre Dame band called the Skalcoholiks... I owe you all a CD (we finally recorded one!). I was the crazy bass player. I loved you guys. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see you all again sometime.

tasty!
Easily the best pure ska album I own. This album soulful tunes mixed with happy singalongs. Check 'em out in concert if you ever get the chance and fall in love with Jessica. Not that I have or anything...

I lent this to someone and never got it back!
The Skalars (no Isaac Green anymore!) are WONDERFUL! If you like any kind of ska, this CD is for you. I usually stick to trad and jazz-influenced, but I loved the vocal and instrumental style on this album. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Allroy's Revenge Re-Visited
About the closest thing you'll find to resemble the style of ALL-Allroy's Revenge ........ to catchy to describe ..... the bass lines just like Alvarez's style .... just too overwhelming!!!! Actually Peach Tree is the better of the two ( My Opinion ) .... but both equal in talent / style ......... GET iT!!!!!!

Best Record of 2000
The first time I saw Pollen play was seven years ago. I fell in love with their music from the start. They are by far the best unappreciated band in the scene. If you're a fan of good emo/pop-punk/indie music, I strongly suggest you pick up this record. Nothing compares to it!!

where is the love for this band
Not even the get up kids can combine the power of emo and the guitar aggression of punk so well. These songs make you want to pogo into you collapse or to go and fall in love with someone. These songs are what ferris buelers day off is to movies, something that makes you want to do something with yourself. With lyrics that talk about girls(getting together and breaking up), being in love and being happy with what life gives you. I first heard of them when I saw them with less than jake in april of 99 and they were the show stealers. I promise you, if you like punk, emo, indie or even just rock, you will absolutely love this album.

too good for radio and MTV
Perfect blend of pop punk and power pop.....man this album rocks....Caramel is a great opener and Chanceless...words cant describe......these fellas are too good for radio and mtv airplay...hell yea!

Too good for MTV and radio
I just gotta say Pollen is the best to come out of AZ (and well technically Pittsburgh)! They're a blend of pop punk like Descendants and power pop like posies.....well actually they sound like a power pop version of Descendants....known what I mean....Bob Hoag is a truly talented songwriter! If you like power pop blended with pop punk, do buy this CD.. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not Mainstreem Ska - But they Rock!
Hot Stove Jimmy deserves a great review. They are a really excellent ska band! If you enjoy the Blue Meanies, you will enjoy Hot Stove Jimmy. If you only like what MTV tells you to like, try Oasis - they seem to be trying like heck to get that guy noticed again.

not that great
this cd was a disappointment. they play a mostly third wave ska with a tad bit of punk rock thrown in here or there. the only good song by this band is on the everything offbeat volume one comp. that is why i bought this cd and now i feel stupid because this band is not that good. now this band isnt horrible, but i have only listened to this cd two or three times. its a below average cd. if you want good ska go out and get spring heeled jack, the toasters, less than jake, the mad caddies, the ventelators, the chinkees, link 80.... i just gave you plenty of bands to look for so dont buy this cd. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good place to start loving ska.
So you heard some weird music coming out of that rudy's car. What's that??Ska,you say??I want to get introduced to this wonderful world of happy,bouncy music. Look no further than Skarmageddon,Vol. 1. It's got it all. Traditional, "dink a dink" style ska, punk ska,weird two tone (Gal's Panic),and everything inbetween. The first disc rates a solid five stars,the second one drags it down a bit with geeky stuff like "Scootering" and "Monkey in the White House" but overall this two disc set stays in my player at all times. "Mr.Smiley", "Stuff" and "#1 on the hit list" are catchy and should've been on top 40 radio. Someday when I put out a movie I will use at least three or four ska tracks from this comp on my soundtrack. Spread the word and let's hope for a fourth and a fifth wave of ska!!!

No surprise
As always, Moon delivers. This is a great collection of bands that are popular even today, despite the 7 year difference and the fact that some are broken up. If you are a fan of any wave, you will enjoy this CD. It has classics that any ska fan knows, plus a different version of Spring Heeled Jack's Addicted compared to their CD. I was psyched! Best track that I hadn't heard of? Insatiable's Walkin' Shangbootie.

covers all the bases
The surprise of this disc is that A LOT of it is good. Where most compilations suffer from the one hit wonder disease, there are a ton of killer tracks. Mr. Smiley (by Mustard Plug) is my favorite ska track of all time. Another surprise is that the songs didn't all come out within 6 months of each other; there's actually some variety to it. If I were rating only disc 1, I'd give it 4 stars, but the second disc is a bit weak. Other hilights include Hoosier Love, with such timeless lyrics as "...gettin laid at Dairy Queen", and Big Haired Girl.

damn spiffy!
if you like ska, this CD is a must buy. it is a great mix of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wave ska. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

: )
I think it is awesome they sound a little like the specials but with a tint of 3rd wave ska

This CD rocks the house!
I have listened to a lot of ska albums and this one particularly stands out with it's energy and pizzazz.Their songs have a certain flair that is almost like the Toasters but with a twist that certainly makes them a unique ska band. ... Read more