The Mighty Mighty BosstonesPin Points And Gin Joints
Big Rig Records [2009]
Fire Note Says: Ska ain't dead!
Album Review:
The Bosstones were a staple of the ska revival in the late nineties but they also were on a major label well before that explosion and slowly shifted from a more punk ska output to the radio friendly ska that made Let's Face It [1997] such a hit. After releasing the somewhat ill received A Jackknife To A Swan [2002], the Bosstones took a hiatus and have not released an album of all new material till now. There was a reason the band took a break, as that record did not possess any passion and had the band trying too hard to incorporate their early punk root beginnings with catchier anthems. Pin Points And Gin Joints simply finds the band enjoying making music again. This enjoyment shines through the upbeat tracks and has most of songs leaning towards the style that made them famous but without as many memorable hooks. This does not detract from the record but it would have been nice to see the ska in the front backed by an attitude ridden Dicky Barrett vocal in more places. There are only so many artists that can mirror his intensity and he still drives the ship on Pin Points And Gin Joints but it still feels a bit safe. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones may never reach their past level of popularity but fans should still enjoy this album and it could possibly be the stepping stone the Bosstones need to fully find their mojo again!
Key Tracks: "Too Many Stars", "It Will Be", "A Pretty Sad Excuse"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Sublime
Less Than Jake
Rancid
Official Mighty Mighty Bosstones Website
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones MySpace
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Info [Allmusic]
-Reviewed by Aidan Rox
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