Mass Hysteria

I didn't get there in time to hear them, but one of the bands that drew rave reviews last Thursday was Mass Hysteria. They play a mellow, retro style of ska (at times I've sworn they could be a 2tone or even first-wave band) that's quite refreshing these days.

They've got 4 mp3's posted on their official site:

Smear Campaign (from Mistress and Men)

Simple Life (from Mistress and Men)

Wear and Tear (from Mistress and Men)

Dub Indigo 2 (from Waiting for the Dub, remixed by Victor Rice)

Of course, it goes without saying that if you don't want these links posted, email me and I'll take them down ASAP.

Lake Front Ska

So I drove up to Toledo last night for the Lake Front Ska festival. $12 tickets, half a dozen bands (even if I only got there in time for the last three), and a few hundred ska fiends. A bit surreal at times as I was probably twice as old as some of the kids there - but the bands I saw were fairly good.

The headliners were Streetlight Manifesto - who were really tight. The more I listen to ska, the more I appreciate an in-sync horn section, and these guys had that to spare. The other bands I saw were The Ninjas and The Know How.

Plus, I finally got a chance to pick up the "Still Standing" compilation for $10 - can't beat that. 88 songs at $10 works out to what, 11 cents a song? iTunes, eat your heart out.

Top ska bands in my playlist

Reel Big Fish
Suburban Legends
Benuts
Mighty Mighty Bosstones
The Specials
The Butlers

I'm always looking for new ska bands, especially those that are still active and recording - so if anybody out there knows of any, please email 'em to me...