Various- Files Under Ska 2

This compilation (tracklist here) was released in 2000, as the Australian ska movement was approaching its peak. Some  stalwart bands (Yeah Yeah, Loin Groin, etc) were still kicking and new bands were popping up all the time. Some of these bands would have relatively successful careers, others have been long forgotten.
(By the way, prior to this post, the whole of the internet didn't have the cover art for this CD!)

Even as someone obsessed with ska, I find this album is very hit and miss. Some songs are great, some are real shockers (let's not name names!). On the bright side- unlike many genre-specific compilations- it never gets monotonous. As for recording quality, most of the recordings are quite rough around the edges. But enthusiasm over polish goes with the 3rd wave ska territory...

Some of my favourites are the smooth instrumentals of the Australian Ska Orchestra (not directly related to the Melbourne Ska Orchestra), the whimsical yet cocky rock-ska of icons Loin Groin, tracks from Commissioner Gordon's EP and a catchy little tune from Addiction 64. And a nice surprise is the bands which appeared out of obscurity with a fine contribution: Shelflife, The Cryptic Lanes, Cheese Excursion and Fieldtrip. The Oiska song is quite surprising- until I read the tracklist I had no idea that it was by them.

Favourite songs

That was Fantastic (Commissioner Gordon), Disgusting Love (Cheese Excursion), Storm Warning (Australian Ska Orchestra), Society's Flaw (Shelflife) , 747- Time to Start Loving' (Loin Groin), Blurred Vision (The Cryptic Lanes), Little Something (Slyboots), No Nonsense (Addiction 64), Autopilot (Fieldtrip), R'n'BFX (Commissioner Gordon), Given Up (Shelflife), Rainy Night in Horsham (Australian Ska Orchestra)

Would I buy it again?

Yes, mainly for the handful of songs (by obscure bands) which cannot be found anywhere else.