My list, my rules! Album of the Year numbers one through three are ranked (scroll all the way down for the reveal). The other seven are in no specific order but made my top ten for the year. I hope you find something new to enjoy. Happy Skanking!
HEY-SMITH – REST IN PUNK
(released November 2023 – Pony Canyon)
I was on the fence with including this one since it’s technically too short to be a full length but I’ve enjoyed it so much, I just had to say fuck it. This is 25 minutes of fun, energetic ska-punk that gets me so hype and leaves me feeling good!
Favorite Tracks – Say My Name, Fellowship Anthem, You Are The Best
FLYING RACCOON SUIT – MOONFLOWER
(November 2023- Bad Time Records)
This one starts off with a very ska-jazz type vibe that sounds incredible but don’t expect the whole album to stay this way. Flying Raccoon Suit seamlessly combines just about every ska sub-genre you can think of on their third full length. It’s one of those albums that will appeal to fans of all types, even those that may not consider themselves ska lovers like us!
Favorite Tracks – Eat the World, Long in the Tooth, Pinwheel
THIRSTY GUYS – …OUT TO LUNCH
(June 2023 – Bad Time Records)
As a member of the Bad Time Records club, this is one I got really early and boy was it hard to keep my mouth shut about it. From the opening track ‘F**k I’m Dead’ through the end, this one has me banging my head and smiling big! It’s literally the perfect combination of all I love – ska, punk, hardcore, and it’s a bit poppy, too! Choose this over a cup of coffee one morning!
Favorite Tracks – F**k I’m Dead, College Kids, Imposter Syndrome
Amy Gabba & The Almost Famous – Screaming at the Top of My Lungs
(June 2023 – Jump Up! Records)
This one may be surprising for those of you who know how much I reach for ska-core and ska-punk. It’s usually the heavier it is, the more I enjoy it. While this is true, there is no denying how talented Amy Gabba & the Almost Famous are. The vocals are some of the best I’ve ever heard, yet I can’t help but to destroy the songs by singing along! Open your mind and let this poppy album into your life. I bet you’ll be Screaming Along at the top of your lungs (see what I did there?).
Favorite Tracks – One of My Mistakes, Makes me Want You More, Hey Little Rich Girl (The Specials cover)
Mustard Plug – Where did All my Friends Go?
(September 2023 – Bad Time Records)
Like many of you, Mustard Plug has been filing my earholes with music for almost 30 years now. My love for them started as a teenager and we’ve grown together over the years! It’s amazing how this band has stood up to the test of time, staying true to their roots, while also remaining relevant to current issues and state of our world today. This album is fun, but it’s also purposeful and will have you thinking as you skank along.
Favorite Tracks – Vampire, Why Does It Have To Be So Hard?
Omnigone – Against the Rest
(March 2023 – Bad Time Records)
I was hooked from the first track, Against the Rest, which comes in heavy and gives nod to the old Link 80 crew. This album is 30 minutes of ska-punk brilliance. It will make you want to drop what you are doing and start skanking wherever you are! I have not been able to catch Omnigone live yet but I sure am practicing and building up excitement for when I do (it’s coming)!
Favorite Tracks – Against the Rest, Communities in Collaboration, In The Grey
PLASTIC PRESIDENTS – GOOD TIMES CAN’T LAST
(April 2023 – Ska Punk International)
This may be a debut album but it’s so good you would think these guys have been playing music together for a long time! It’s poppy/catchy ska, yet it’s heavy and feisty, too! Play this one a few times and you’ll find yourself singing along like you’ve been listening to it for years.
Favorite Tracks – Arsonists Anonymous, Fairweather Friend
#3 ALBUM OF THE YEAR
POPES OF CHILLITOWN – TAKE A PICTURE
(June 2023 – Criminal Records)
I stumbled across this band and this album this year and fell in love with it. You’ll also love it if you appreciate some dub, hip hop, reggae and punk with your ska. Sounds like a lot but these guys do it in a way that is so seamless, resulting in a chill vibe that is sure to influence you to relax, move your body, and get lost in the tunes.
Favorite Tracks – Short Straw, Apologise
#2 ALBUM OF THE YEAR
J NAVARRO & THE TRAITORS – ALL OF US OR NONE
(May 2023 – Bad Time Records)
Having been just over seven years since their brilliant debut album, Criminals and Lions, the hype and expectations were set for a great follow up release. ’All of Us or None’ is proof that good things come to those who wait! This one is filled with rocksteady and reggae vibes but the punk has certainly not been lost in the mix. It will have you dancing and will inspire you to fight for what’s right for ALL.
Favorite Tracks – Holes, Rob the Rich, Casket
#1 ALBUM OF THE YEAR
FAINTEST IDEA – THE ROAD TO SEDITION
(March 2023 – TNS records / Jump Start Records)
If you favor your ska with a raw street punk style, this one is for you. Faintest Idea is no doubt punk as fuck and we love it. They are not new in any means, but this album being distributed here by Jump Start and their first U.S. tour in 2023 helped bring them to surface here in the states. Give it a listen but make sure you have some time when you do because you’re going to want to play on repeat. Once is just not enough.
Favorite Tracks – Nose Dive, Kill Em Dead, Shell Shock
The SKAgazine 