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Written by Brendan Flaherty Tuesday, 18 April 2006 09:09

“Just because I’ve grown up and moved out of Mom’s basement, doesn’t mean that I still can’t have a real hoot (and be political, too.)”

Peculiar, the latest release from Hellcat Records’ veteran ska/reggae band, the Slackers, is not the kind of high intensity, high-treble upstroke ska you would hear coming out of a 15-year-old’s garage in the heyday of Moon Ska Records. Rather, Peculiar has a laidback groove, lyrical depth, and musical range that seems to say, “Just because I’ve grown up and moved out of Mom’s basement, doesn’t mean that I still can’t have a real hoot (and be political, too.)” The album, containing some previously released tracks, holds onto its ska roots without fear of branching into different musical directions, and is a particularly great Sunday afternoon album. Relax, take your heart medication, and give it a serious listen. Favorite tracks include “86 the Mayo,” “Crazy” with its blisteringly jazzy horn solo, the Burning Spear–esque reggae groove of “Rider,” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s classic “I Shall Be Released.”

Purchase downloads for this artist at our BurnLounge.