The Mighty Mighty Bosstones- The Impression That I Get

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones were formed... believe it or not... in 1983. Fifteen years later, they struck their 5 minutes of fame with this single from their fifth album.For me, it was an early encounter with ska, before I even discovered that such a genre existed. The song got a lot of airtime on rock radio stations, with many listeners also not associating it with ska, instead just thinking of it as "rock with horns". So how does it sound 15 years later, and having listened to a lot of other ska in the meantime?

I've never been a fan of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' "running bassline" that jumps all over the place (which single-handedly put me off their next single, The Rascal King). Also, the production style is very pop-friendly with characterless horns and a castrated kick-drum. And I hate to sound elitist, but I'm a bit uncomfortable with how it somehow reminds me of Matchbox 20 (perhaps the vocal style) and Tubthumping (the meat-head footy chant chorus)! I still enjoy the song, but more in a quirky novelty song kind of way these days. Although possibly I've just heard it too many times or am over-analysing it... 

Strangely, things actually improve with the B-sides. Is It? is similar to the previous track and has great lyrics. The chorus isn't as catchy, but this could well be a tactical move that creates a great build-up to the bridge and final chorus. Storm Hit has terrible recording of the drums (including cymbals that sound like a badly compressed mp3) and the ADHD bassline feels awkward in the reggae verses. Thankfully it is saved by its excellent lyrics and catchy chorus. 

In the past, I really enjoyed all 3 songs on this single, so I was a bit surprised to find myself nit-picking it so heavily.

Favourite songs

All of them. Or none of them. It's a line-ball decision.

Would I buy it again?

It served a great purpose as an introduction to ska, but my tastes have moved on since.