Various Artists
Ska '98
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Packaged like the first album to blatantly jump on the ska wagon, this album is immediately under some intense scrutiny. Are the sounds authentic? Is it believable? How does it stack up to Supertones, FIF, and The Insyderz? With a slick-pop, and sometimes rockabilly approach to the song writing, the horns take center stage often, adding the authenticity it needs. The players here, like the Electronica '98 album, are members of other bands and/or friends of some of the "Knoxville Krew," like Nailed's Scottie Hoaglan and Travis Wyrick. Hats off to them for some coming up with some good song ideas. Some of the extended beats (as in the song "People Fall") stretch the melody a little thin, but most often the important lead vocals make listening enjoyable. Overall, there a little bit less punk sensibilities to make some serious competition with the "big three" signed Christian ska bands, but still cool enough to be an essential listen for ska-starving consumers.