Rating:
Genre: Rock
Release Date: 02/04/2003

This is a compilation from Canada's Union label group offering 20 tracks from up and coming ska and punk bands. It's a mostly gritty comp, with even the more straightforward ska numbers containing a significant amount of rock and punk. Planet Smashers' "Blind" seems to take its cues not from Two-Tone but from the early reggae-fueled punk of the Clash. The Frenetics' bopping, Jam-esque "Rooftops" is another standout, as is a campy ska-punk cover of the Verve Pipe's syrupy "Freshman" by Grand Rapids, MI, stalwarts Mustard Plug. Penelope's "Pawn Shop" may or may not be in a foreign language; while this is unclear, it is nevertheless a rousing anthem. Bedouin Soundclash slows things down a bit with its earthy ska rhythms, while the New York Ska Jazz Ensemble ends things on a classy note with the brass-heavy "Low Blow."

~Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

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Rob Shearer - Compilation Mastering
Pat Hamou - Art Direction
Pat Hamou - Design
Mike Magee - Sequencing
Matt Collyer - Sequencing

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Upbeats & Beatdowns
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The Fury of the Aquabats
    The Aquabats / CD / 1997
The Live Record: Witless Banter & 25 Mildly Antagonistic Songs About Love
    Dance Hall Crashers / CD / 2000
Alone in a Crowd
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Steal This Record
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Hopelessly Devoted to You, Vol. 4
    Various Artists / CD / 2002

Release Date: 02/04/2003
Genre: rock