*GUEST REVIEW*
Has ska evolved beyond the two tone era? This compilation gives us some clues to the answer. It's an entertaining walk through American ska at the tale end of the 20th century. Despite the sleevenote's warning of ska sounding better live, most of the tracks bristle with energy and fun. This compilation represents more than ska-pop or ska-punk. There are trad ska tracks (Bluebeats, Tommy McCook), speedy two tone (Articles, Pietasters) pre-dub step ska (Skinnerbox) and the downright dusty (Venice Shoreline Chris). VSC's "Cooper Station Blues" is a simple low-fi ditty that makes audiences reflect on ska in a different way. The artists here have an obvious love of reggae and a fine sense of humour. How else could they pen a track about an "Only Fools and Horses" character? Moon Ska have been operating since 1983 and lets hope they keep introducing teenagers to reggae.

- ragudave