Search - Various :: Mashin' up the Nation, Vol. 1-2

A swinging 3rd wave trendsetter

C. Cloke | Cambridge, England | 06/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album represents the bands that were basically the beginning of the third wave of ska. Though sometimes uneven, I gave the album 5 stars because there are some truly sweet cuts on here, and because it is such a classic compilation. Not only do you get great songs by great bands like Diggin' a Hole by Bim Skala Bim, and the Skatalites' Phoenix city by Les Miserables, but you get some special treats as well. Good early versions of some of the old Bosstones' tunes and a cool song by the Toasters under their earlier name (Not Bob Marley). Other cool groups on here include Let's Go Bowling, Gangster Fun, and the more obscure Bop (Harvey) with Bread and Circuses. Sure, some of the songs are a bit cheesy, but the energy and excitement of these young bands on the verge of a new scene is great."

Mellow Ska

Banned for life | Earth | 11/08/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Listeners of the "Skarmageddon" series and "Mailorder is fun" maybe be disappointed by this, mainly because this is mellower, nicer ska. Even the Mighty Mighty Bosstones song featured is one of their more subtle tracks, at least by Bosstones standards. Standout tracks are "I'd buy a gun" and "Drums and chicken" (which is a song the MMB redid every other album, it seemed, and it only gets better with each remake.) The sound quality is a little poor at times, but overall it's enjoyable. Ska is like Pizza, even when it's bad, it's still pretty good."