Reggae Dubline Corporation - Broadcastin' Vibes     Release Date: November 26th 2009 You'll play Broadcastin' Vibes and you will immediately recognize the sound. With this album, local band Reggae Dubline Corporation (RDC) doesn't waste time and dive right into the vibe. Although the band stays very faithful to their style, Broadcastin' Vibes still bring some new elements on the table. Slow Down includes harmonica (played by Alex Giguère) and keyboard played by band member MasterBruce who usually take care of the turntables. I really liked these new ingredients, it is unfortunate that they did not use these instruments in other songs. Love Seat is played with an accoustic guitar which I thought fit perfectly with the romantic and slightly melancholic atmosphere of the song. It is great when a band incorporate something new, and it's even better when it's well integrated. There are two things, however, that really bugged me on this album. First of all, the "radio tuning effect" have been done so many times before. It's even less original when suddenly it tunes in to a station that plays a song from the band. And I won't elaborate on the obvious plug that is made thereafter. Secondly, was it really necessary to include the name of the band in their lyrics so many times? And I am not saying only in one song but at least three songs out of eight mention Reggae Dubline Corporation or RDC and that several times! Slow Down even mentions the name of this album and their previous one, Ruffmix. I guess it's in case you would forget what you are currently listening. Although I thought it was a bit short for an album (only 8 songs, 1 being an Interlude) Broadcastin' Vibes delivers exactly what you would expect from RDC: a good vibe and some warm, sexy music. Favorite Songs: Slow Down, Love Seat and No Fiction. Rating: 7/10

Skankan - Try To Feel It!     Release Date: September 14th 2009 Once in a while, I get approached by bands to review their album. Although I’m always happy to hear new music, I never guarantee a review right away in case the band needs some more polishing. However, I always take the time to listen and sometimes, I come across a real jewel. Try To Feel It! by polish band Skankan is definitely one of those. I’d be lying if I would say that I loved it right away after listening to it once. I was a bit thrown off at first by the Polish language that contains a lot of “z”, “v” and “ch”. It doesn’t take long to get pass it though. You might even find yourself signing along like I did! The album does contain three songs written in English; Feel It, Ole and Situation Ska Vibration and they are interpreted as well as the Polish ones in terms of vocals. I heard that it took the band 5 years to get this record together and it shows; the music is impeccable. Although there isn’t much extended solos, the full horns section fall right where it belongs and never bury the vocals. Transitions of rhythms are done smoothly. A good example would be in Niefart when the ska beat temporarily leaves the place for a reggae vibe. I especially enjoyed that little part. They explored transitions also in Punk’O’Ska and Historia Pinglarza. The last one particularly reminded me of Whole Lotta Milka. What I really love about this album is that it’s real third wave ska. Not ska pop, not ska punk. Except for Feel It which is actually a reggae song and Punk’O’Ska which, as you can expect from the title, has a bit of a punk edge by moment, Try To Feel It! is good third wave like I haven’t heard in a while. It’s well paced, highly skankable and dangerously catchy. Not a single song feel like a “filler”, every track is unique and original. It’s the kind of album that you listen from start to finish. Try To Feel It! is definitely my best ska discovery of 2009. If you’re not impressed by the language barrier, you should certainly give this album a listen. Favorite Songs: Seriously the whole thing is great but especially Pani Wybaczy, Nic Sie Tu Nie Zmienia and Brunetki, Blondynki. Rating: 9.5/10

Cherry Poppin' Daddies - Skaboy JFK     Release Date: September 29th 2009 I was always under the impression that the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies were a swing band, (I’m sure I’m not the only one) due to the immense success of Zoot Suit Riot in 1998. But apparently, the band has quite a vast catalog of styles they like to play and it turned out that ska was one of them. Skaboy JFK is a compilation of ska songs they have written over the years and some new ones: Skaboy JFK, Slapstick, Pool Shark and 2:29. Within those previously released songs, a few have been re-recorded but except Soul Cadillac, from which they removed the females vocals, the difference remains minimal. The album touches various styles of ska from traditional to third wave but also contains a bit of reggae, soul and jazzy riffs here and there. I expected a lot of horns and they are certainly omnipresent throughout the album but I was especially surprised by the piano/keyboard in End Of The Night, Hammerblow and Sockable Face Club. The last one is particularly fast paced and honestly turned me off the first time I listened to it. However, once I got passed all the ridiculous cartoon sounds in the middle, it started growing on me. I wouldn’t say it is as strong as their hit album Zoot Suit Riot, but it’s not too far behind. If you like the band in general and don’t own many of their other albums, you should definitely consider getting this one. Favorite Songs: Soul Cadillac, Slapstick, End Of The Night and Hammerblow Rating: 8.5/10

Brixton Robbers - Rocks And Cranes     Release Date: August 28th 2009 This is the first album for Brixton Robbers but this local band is definitely not new to the Montreal scene. After listening to Rocks And Cranes once, I was happy to find much more ska than I expected. Even though there are no horns, the fast ska punk the band performs, is highly satisfying to me, remembering me a little bit of the Suicide Machines. Their lyrics are generally serious but without giving moral lessons. However, they don’t take themselves too seriously either. They did cover Rock Lobster from the B52’s which is well done and catchy. They even included a small sample of Family Guy at the beginning and end of the song. Also, I thought the last track, Fuck the Shit was particularly humoristic and it definitely figures in my favorites songs on the album. I find it was the perfect finale as it truly left me in a good mood. I know the screaming vocals go with the style of music they are playing and I personally have no problem with it. However, it would have been nice to have 2 or 3 songs with less screaming to offer some more vocal variation throughout the album. There are back vocals but they are more subtle and often present while the main voice is already singing and therefore we don’t always hear them very well. Rocks And Cranes is a great start overall and definitely an energetic album that reflects the quality of their live performance. Favorite Songs: Bright Light, Green Grass, Rock Lobster and Fuck the Shit Rating: 8/10

Big D And The Kids Table - Fluent In Stroll     Release Date: July 7th 2009 The big change on Fluent In Stroll is the female chorists. Sure it brings a new element but it failed to really innovate. The ladies have nice voices don’t get me wrong, but every time they sing is to repeat what McWane just said or some annoying onomatopoeia. Best exemple: the beginning of Fluent In Stroll. I just can’t stand it. The only times they don’t get on my nerve is when they are doing back vocals like in Chin Up, Boy. Another major problem with this album is the lyrics. First, the band really lacked imagination in their lyrics. The band didn’t go very deep on this album as most of the tracks are about love. But that itself could have not being so bad if there wasn’t some much repetition! And I mean a lot! Moreover, the delivery is rather monotonous. Although that is not too new with the band, it seems to be more obvious on Fluent In Stroll. Describing The Sky is not too bad musically but the singing is a bit boring. Same scenario with Where Did All The Women Go? Oddly enough though, I love Been Wishing On and Chin Up, Boy. The second one got me hooked instantly even with the repetitive lyrics. The female vocals are smooth, the music is fun and catchy, and it’s romantic without being too cheesy. It proves that Big D can pull out good songs even with a lot of bad. Unfortunately, what I will remember from Fluent In Stroll is the bad vocals and the repetitive lyrics. It’s a shame because I can’t say that the music itself is bad. I, I, I  has a nice swing feeling to it, but it get buried by the vocals that takes all the place. I personally think that Big D needs to go back to making ska punk. Right now, we are miles away from the sound that made their popularity back in 1999. Favorite Songs: Not Fucking Around, A Kiss a Week, Been Wishing On and Chin Up, Boy Rating: 5/10

Madness - The Liberty Of Norton Folgate     Release Date: May 18th 2009 There is something definitely mature and nostalgic about this newest opus from UK legend Madness and experience is obviously in for something. The band sings a lot about love and relationships but they let down the cotton candy love for a more realistic approach without, however, falling into negativity. Sugar and Spice depict exactly this as it refers to a couple that fell into the routine and seems to be growing apart. If you want high quality music, Madness delivers. The way the piano is played is typical Madness and you will recognize their style immediately. Although the female vocals from Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers) are debatable in On The Town, the mix of violin, piano and saxophones is superb and it’s a good thing that they exploited various combinations of the 3 in some other of their songs. I love how the album has been perfectly recorded as you can hear clearly all the instruments all the time. The Liberty of Norton Folgate, the last song, is about 10 minutes long. I know what you think, WAY too long! You would be mistaken to think this since track 15 is actually 4-5 different songs put together. The transitions between them are subtle and smooth. The various rhythms will make you travel into time and places. Not much band can pull out such a lengthy song without loosing the interest of the listener but Madness are definitely masters of their sound. Except MK II and Africa, I liked all the other songs a lot. But I can understand that this album might be less appealing to profound third wavers and those not familiar with the formation. If you are looking for a more ska-oriented album, check out their earliest stuff. The Liberty of Norton Folgate is more a mix of ska, rock and British pop but in my opinion, this record is simply delightful. Favorite Songs: We Are London, Forever Young, Dust Devil and On The Town Rating: 9.5/10

Rancid - Let The Dominoes     Release Date: June 2nd 2009 Rancid's seventh album Let The Dominoes Fall  is nothing short of disappointment. Many people have anticipated this album, and it seems either people love it or they hate it. I give Rancid full credit for their experimentation in delving into different genres of music. This was predominant in the album Indestructible and now again in their latest record. East bay night amplifies what Rancid has become, essentially the band is lacking that creative energy from their earlier days. However, Up To No Good shows with full force the band's ska element and it is definitely one of my favorite songs on the album. That's Just The Way It Is Now  is very catchy, it's a very unique song that actually made me laugh the first time I heard it just for the cheesy disco beat! I love the song LA River although many would argue its annoyance. I have always enjoyed Matt's voice and all of the songs he sings! We also get a country feel off the song Civilian Ways which is written from the perspective of a wartime soldier. This album can be best described as a compilation of all the sounds, styles and the band's journey over the past 18 years. Despite this album's controversy, Rancid's music will always be as influential, energetic, and catchy as ever. Their true fans will forever be united in their love of Rancid's music and message, and be there to support them through thick and thin. (Review by Nat) Favorite Songs: Up To No Good, LA River, That's Just The Way It Is Now and Civilian Ways. Rating: 6/10

The Aggrolites - IV     Release Date: June 9th 2009 It seems like for the past 2 years, everything involving the Aggrolites was turning into gold. I particularly liked Reggae Hit L.A. in 2007 but then albums involving the band from near or far were blessed also: Tim’s Armstrong's A Poet’s Life which the band participated in its entirety, and Hit And Run by One Night Band which was produced by Brian Dixon, were both excellent albums in my opinion. Things looked good under the sun for this formation of L.A. and I was blindly convinced of another flawless album when they announced IV was coming in June, the day of my birthday on top of that, “It must be a sign!” I suddenly came back on earth the first time I listened to IV. Experimentation or change of style, their fourth opus is distinctively lacking the dirty reggae the band is renowned for. Mixing mostly with soul, making me think of the Pietasters by moment, seems like the new album as turned into just normal reggae, a real let down for me after such high expectations. I especially miss those original organ riffs and noises they often added to their songs on their previous record, a good example would be Work It. The album in general, sounds older, like back in the 70’s with its funk and reggae ballads. It’s not unappealing, but I personally like a more modern sound. Let’s not be dramatic here. Though IV might not be the album of the summer, it’s still far from being uninteresting. With 21 songs you are sure to find something you like and although it’s lengthy sometimes, no songs feel like a filler. I already loved The Sufferer which featured on their MySpace, however, The Least I Could Do comes to mind right away as a pure little jewel. It’s a hymn to honor all the parents out there; anyone with strong family values won’t be able to get enough of this song. Musically, you can’t go wrong with The Aggrolites. They are the unquestionable kings of modern reggae. As always, Wagner’s voice is impeccable, so is the rest of the band. Although it’s not beating their previous record, IV is still worth the detour. Favorite Songs: The Sufferer, By Her Side, Keep Moving On and The Least I Could Do Rating: 7/10

Subb - To This Beat     Release Date: June 2nd 2009 I’ve been literally waiting a year for this album: since that show at l’Hémisphère Gauche where they played for the first time material that would be on this record. After what I heard that night, I had great expectations of what would come after The Motions. To This Beat is similar to The Motions in a certain way: it’s again a perfect balance between ska and punk like only Subb can achieve it, but leaning a bit more towards ska and reggae. No surprise since Montreal’s reggae sensation Jah Cutta participates in 3 of the songs (if it’s not more) and really adds something "old school" to the tracks without ever sounding out of place. The album still contains punk rock songs here and there with the screaming and all but they are rather short, or with a bit of ska in it. For this reason you never really loose the ska vibe. Flashbacks with Looking Down, which sounds like a song that could have come out in the 90’s and let’s not forget Reggae Radio that contains part of Shanty Town and Johnny Too Bad. I Heart MTL, To This Beat and I Can’t Hardly Wait just to name a few, makes me feel like this album is a bit more personal than their previous release. Don’t fret, they haven’t lost their critical minds. Black Gold, Tipton Three and Fuhrerbunker are those songs. Thank you Subb for elaborating on new topics instead of just make war songs after war songs. Granted Tipton Three is about Afghanistan but at least The Motions didn’t touch the subject. My only disappointment, is that On and On didn’t make it on the album. I thought it was great live and was looking forward to the studio version. Oh well maybe next album! In the meantime, there is no doubt that To This Beat is a solid album. Favorite Songs: I Heart MTL, Shottas, Reggae Radio and To This Beat Rating: 9/10

Stepper - Way Out     Release Date: February 19th 2009 Although their first album Rot In Style was good, it didn’t get me hook as much as I would have like it to. What kept my interest in the band was actually their live performances that are always fun and energetic Way Out is a different story however. I found it better than the previous one; more ska, more reggae, it's exactly what I wanted to hear from this great local band. Way Out starts and finish very strongly. High And Low sets the mood right away as the majority of the tracks stays in a third wave ska beat, yet each of them has its own uniqueness. From their repertoire, the catchiest songs are definitely Down To Business and Hotter Than Hot. The last one being the reason why I bought Rot In Style originally, I was delighted to find it on this record The lyrics are sometimes debatable though. Some songs I find are a bit vague as some others, like Running From Home, seemed to make more sense lyrically. There is only one track that I liked less and it’s Bring Us Together. Far from being a horrible song, it just seemed a bit out of place in my opinion. The last song is Way Out. (Is it supposed to be a hidden song?) Honestly, when I first heard it I thought: “Oh no, they’re not gonna try to make a punk song!” Well they did and it turned out great! Even the reggae ending doesn’t seem so random anymore. An album that actually surprised me, I like that a lot! Favorite Songs: High and Low, Down to Business, Hotter Than Hot and Way Out Rating: 8.5/10

Rudeboy - Self-Titled     Release Date: January 29th 2009 Ten years after Shut Up And Dance, Ottawa's rudeboys are back with a brand new, completely DIY self titled album. Strongly anchored in their 2 tone roots, this second record is faithful to the sound of the first yet not redundant. The album is kinda divided in two, although I found the first 6 songs more appealing and skankable, the second part is still good and interesting. It starts strong with Stand Your Ground and 24-7-52, the second being my favorite song on the album, then slow down a bit on Skanks Around and Naked. The album contains one instrumental, Midnight In Moscow which is a cover from a band I am not familiar with. Great cover though and totally skankable. I found that the horns took less place, are less loud, more subtle than what I usually hear from other ska bands. A fact that would have normally disapoint me, made me discover the other sounds such as the piano and the guitar riffs which I don't focus on most of the time. Proved me that there's more to a ska band than horns. In overall, it is a great album that is giving us some sun and warmth in this cold month of January. I also found myself liking it a little bit more everytime. Favorite Songs: Stand Your Ground, 24-7-52, Skanks Around and My Life Rating: 8/10