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| More ska than God |
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by Macy McBeth
That band that Alicia Silverstone danced to in Clueless , the one you thought sounded pretty cool, is The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Finally, they have received some much-deserved, long-awaited recognition for their fifth album, Let's Face It . While the feel-good album makes you want to jump around like a kangaroo, lead singer Dicky Barrett's voice, a gravelly cross between a mean Henry Rollins and disillusioned Kurt Cobain, drives home a meaningful message with intelligent lyrics. The Bosstones characterize their music as ska-core, a combination of hardcore punk and ska sounds. The band discusses serious issues such as racism, drugs and violence in what most perceive to be strictly fun, dancing tunes. Chillin' Bob Marley grooves run through the track "Royal Oil," but it has a very un-Bob Marley message with its anti-drug theme. Lyrics like "When you smoke or poke the poison you lose the chance to be tomorrow," convey a forewarning in a melodic, easy-going manner. "The Impression That I Get," the immensely popular and undoubtedly awesome first single from the album, shows both Barrett's full vocal range -- for example when he screams, "I've never had to knock on wood" -- and the band's talent in its ska-to-raging-grunge-guitar transitions. Barrett's vocals become too harsh, obnoxious and annoying in "That Bug Bit Me" and "Another Drinkin' Song," but it's a sin easily forgiven because of the brilliance of the other musicians. "Another Drinkin' Song" begins with a jazzy bass line intermingled with smooth horns. This depressing ballad about being an alcoholic pumps up towards the end when the Bosstones' characteristic ska-core busts out and lightens the mood. Heavy guitar roars throughout "Break So Easily" and "Desensitized," making the listener realize that this band is deeper than its media label of "ska." The Bosstones' eight members have cooked up something tasty in Let's Face It . Going against their partying frat-boy image, they speak out against drugs and life in the fast lane, especially in "Numbered Days" and "Nevermind Me," a busy track filled with great guitar distortion that makes a shady reference to Cobain. Happy, uppity sounds laced with Dicky Barrett-as-philosopher lyrics grace this new album, and although it only contains about 30 minutes of songs, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have made sure it will be mighty mighty hard to get them out of your head.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the September 26, 1997 issue. |
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