Kevin Flowerdew
of Do The Dog magazine
1. The Bruce Lee Band – Rental! Eviction! (Asian Man Records)
Exploding out of California with the finest release of the year are the awesome Bruce Lee Band! This combo is fronted by Asian Man Records’ head honcho Mike Park who was previously responsible for 2 of my favourite US bands, Skankin Pickle & The Chinkees. This is Bruce Lee Band’s 5th release to date & is a riot of 3rd wave ska & ska/punk excellence throughout!
2. The Beat – Public Confidential (DMF Records)
The more i listen to the new album by these 2 tone legends the more i am impressed by it! Across 10 fab tunes the band’s trademark elements of haunting sax melodies, razor sharp rhythms & fiercely anti-establishment commentary are delivered with real drive & passion. It is a highly infectious & uplifting listen that 2 tone fans in particular or indeed ska fans in general will be well advised to seek out. Very much a fitting epitaph for The Beat’s lead vocalist Ranking Roger who sadly passed away just 3 months after it’s release.
3. The Busters – Self Titled (Offbeat Revolution Records)
German ska legends The Busters have returned to action with yet another superb long player to add to their incredible discography. Since 1987, this 11 piece ensemble had already put out 14 storming albums & their new self-titled release continues their story in fine style. 15 songs are served up in total with The Busters’ trademark brassy 2 tone & trad ska formula complimented by elements of dancehall, reggae, rock & punk. As ever the band’s knack for penning a great tune is firing on all cylinders & their pro-unity & anti-racist lyrics will make you think as well as dance.
Kevin Flowerdew publishes Do The Dog magazine, the longest-running skazine in the world. Follow him at: https://dothedogmusic.tumblr.com/
