SHREDnews

Local Boston group The Mighty Mighty Bosstones formed in 1983, have just released their first studio album in seven years, following a December 2003 hiatus.Pin Points and Gin Joints stays true to the Bosstones’ roots, pumping out 14 tracks of high energy punk/ska fusion party songs.For listeners new to The Bosstones, Pin Points and Gin Joints is a place as good as any to get started.

Graffiti Worth Reading starts with some spray paint sound effects and promptly moves to a jaunty walk through easy going ska verses, with a loud and crunchy chorus.

Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah follows a nearly identical formula, one that the Bosstones pride themselves on pioneering, one that has worked for them since the inception of their career. The admirable thing is that the band can still pump out their authentic style with energy and finesse at the right moments.

Also characteristic of the ska style is taking serious contemplative, or possibly depressing lyrics, and regardless of their content, throw them into the context of bouncy and lighthearted horn lines accompanying steady off beat guitar strumming. While some critics might argue that the irony in such a mix takes away from the impact of the lyrics, but I see it as part of the genres’ tradition of fun comes first, A motto that fans are reminded of by manager Ben Carr, who is also listed as their official ‘dancer’. Carr spends a whole Bosstones show dancing around hyping up the crowd and occasional barking some backup vocals into his mic.

The Bosstones shamelessly subscribe to their easy going ska chorus, and punk influenced chorus and bridge for the whole record, which is not necessarily a bad thing, since it is the style that earned them recognition in the Boston scene, and these songs sound just as relevant and lively as their frequently played radio single “The Impression that I Get” sounded at its release.

This album is a logical next step for a band who just want to have fun doing what they do, rather than strive to make waves in the industry and break musical ground, the Bosstones take it all in their stride, staying inspiringly steadfast in their musical mission to let the good times roll and instead of dwelling on problems, just put on a plaid suit and sing about them with your buddies.

Rating Out Of Ten: 8/10

Reel Big Fish

Rancid

No Doubt

Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah

Graffiti Worth Reading

Your Life

Sister Mary

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