Toasters - Skaboom [LP]

The Toasters originally released their debut US album SKABOOM back in 1987, on the Celluloid label. The album is often stated as being the origin of modern, or "third-wave" ska in the United States. It followed the RECRIMINATIONS and EAST SIDE BEAT EPs that were released both in the USA and UK, introducing the world to a fresh new wave-y ska sound that was uniquely American yet linked to 2-TONE through secret producer JOE JACKSON. Two years later, THE TOASTERS' official "debut" album POOLSHARK arrived via the UK label Unicorn, yet six tracks from that set were culled for inclusion on the legendary debut American full-length named SKABOOM. That set was brasher, brighter, and more emphatically ska driven than their earlier material, albeit with eclectic backdrops that ranged from the surf-side to the juke joint. Now boasting a brass section, and two new vocalists, THE TOASTERS' sound was significantly shifting while the lineup continued expanding. By the time they came to record SKABOOM, the group had ballooned into an 11-piece aggregate. The resulting high adrenaline album found the band in top form, their playing extremely tight, and the arrangements increasingly intricate and innovative. THE TOASTERS' signature sound was now in place and instantly recognizable, and while 2-TONE based, was blended with myriad other elements that continually shook up the styling in kaleidoscope fashion. Check out the hip-hop goes dread-jazz "ABC's" to catch this amalgamation at it's most stunningly creative. The driving "Talk Is Cheap" remained a band fave, and would later be recut for their Hard Band for Dead album. The propulsive "Weekend in LA" would also be redone, turning up in fine style on Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down, while POOLSHARK's title track was itself instantly recycled to great effect. Thirty years later SKABOOM stands the test of time, most of these tracks are still performed live proving the timelessness of these songs.