The Magic of Youth
Artist: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Label: Big Red Records
Website: bosstonesmusic.com
This is
the Bosstones we remember
I am
fairly certain that we will never see the rise of ska punk to level it
hit when the The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' major label record Let's Face It soared in 1997 but The Magic Of Youth plays like the
band never went away and is a solid Bosstones release from beginning to
end.
My
biggest problem with their last outing, Pin Points And Gin Joints [2009], was
that it played things too safe and strived for a sound that recalled
their radio hit days. It also left the energetic frontman Dicky Barrett
a bit contained and never found the Bosstones memorable hooks or punk
undertone that always made them infectious at any level. The Magic Of Youth completely
fixes those problems and hits you with the lead off two minute punked
out track "The Daylights", while the following song, "Like A Shotgun"
is a fast paced catchy number right up their punk ska alley that has
attitude and a catchy hook.
"Sunday Afternoon On Wisdom Ave." is a big sing a
long Bosstones song that would be perfect to skank along with, as its
ska dance hall vibe will remind fans of how catchy their 90's material
used to be. The Magic Of Youth
is a tidy 11 tracks in 36 minutes that moves quickly and offers all the
sides of the Bosstones right down to the excellent Madness like closer
"Open And Honest".
This album represents a bright return from one of the modern ska genres classic artists that absolutely should appeal to longtime fans as The Mighty Mighty Bosstones sound like they are at the top of their game.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note