The CD starts out with a rock and roll with horns intro, but then they quickly jump into the ska you came to hear. The lyrics deal with a failed relationship on "I wanna Smack You." The chorus will bring back some rock with an edge, which adds a great touch to the music. But once they jump right back into the ska, you won't be able to keep your feet from skankin' up and down the world. The guitar covers the map from rock to up tempo ska licks, while the horns go from edgy to slow and melodic. The drums keep everything tight, so nothing is lost. And backing up the drums is the bass, which keeps you coming back for more. "Operation Time Control," my favorite track on the album, starts out with some ska guitar that is drowned out by the vocals, while the vocals tell their story. Then the song picks up with the lines "some say it's a crime/to be killing time/I say it's my obligation." Myself, I fully believe in those lines. I couldn't have said it better myself. Everyone else in the world is always in a hurry to just get there and wait, but Regatta 69 has their priorities straight. Sometimes you just need to sit back and enjoy life, or it's going to fly right past you. And to back up the ingenious words of wisdom is a powerful band. The horns aren't as powerful as they could be, but the ska licks are strong enough to keep your feet moving throughout the song. "Killer Cabbie" is very up tempo and has a very happy touch to it. If your not dancing and smiling within ten seconds of this track, your hopeless. The chorus hits it hard and throws in an edge, but drums get everything right back on track, and the happiness picks up from where it was left off. The horns will warm your thoughts, while the guitar will work your feet harder than a track and field couch. "She Was Looking At Me" slows things down a bit, and leans heavily on the two tone side. The vocals are drowned out in the mix, but everything else seems to be right on track. The slower beats will give your feet time to rest, but why would you want to do that? Just skip the track and go to the next track. You don't want to stop dancing while your listening to this CD, because dancing is just too fun. Look at the back of the CD...it says there's only 12 tracks. Than why does my CD player say there are 69 tracks? Check it out...and find out the answer!

Regatta 69 needs a little work, but they are still strong and powerful. They blend interesting lyrics that grab the listeners attention with ska beats that will keep you skankin' from start to finish. I'll give this CD a B+. Don't be left out in the cold. Buy this CD, invite some friends over, and dance the night away.

Refused: The Shape of Punk to Come

Regenerator: regeneratedX

[Issue Two // September-October 1997]