The title track starts the shaking with it's classy blend of traditional ska fundamentals, adds a little speed, and some soothing vocals that take the song from decent to great. As the music flows from your CD player into your ears, you'll be compelled to get up and slowly dance the night away. Every step you take, every move you make you'll be enjoying your time with the disc. "Jimmy" continues the tradition that The Allstonians have set for themselves. Classy beats with soothing vocals that keep you from sitting. The music will be your partner, as you dance along to (and with) the music. "Miss Understood" starts out with some nice guitar work that will start you off, and when the rest of the band enters you'll continue on the dancing path. "Pleasing Malady," "Emily Slumber," "Homeward Bound," "Big Empty Stein," and "Don't Go Yet" will keep you dancing throughout the fifteen tracks on this disc. After several listens to this CD you'll find a song on the CD that will make you want to get up and dance each time you hear it. For me, that track is "The Allston Beat." Each track will keep pushing your feet and make you want to dance more and more. Time will fly as you dance with the CD, and soon you'll forget time altogether and just keep the repeat button on and dance until dusk.

Boston must be a rich bed of fertile ska soil if they've been able to produce bands like Skavoovie and the Epitones, Bim Skala Bim, and now The Allstonians. Fans of traditional ska will fall madly in love with this album. Also, if your not that much into traditional ska, but like other varieties of ska you might even find yourself enjoying some tunes on this CD. Whatever may be your scenario, give this CD a try. You just may be surprised! I'll give this CD a B+.

Allman Brothers Band: Hittin' The Note

Altar: Provoked

[Issue Two // September-October 1997]