The Toasters - Dub 56 (CD)

All Music Guide

It had been a roller coaster ride for The Toasters, slogging up the ladder of success, only to have their label go down, prompting three of their members to quit, and leaving the band floundering. Picking themselves up, the remaining group brought in new recruits, found a new label, Pork Pie, and new determination, with band leader Bucket setting out to turn Moon Ska into America's premier ska label.The payoff finally came in 1993. By then, the ska scene was on the verge of breaking into the mainstream, and excitement electrified the air. No album captured the sheer exuberance of this time like Dub 56.The entire set is a rambunctious celebration of ska and, from the opening note to the closing refrain fourteen tracks later, the listener is drawn into a party that just doesn't want to end.Although recorded in the studio, the band play like they're standing in front on an ecstatic hometown crowd, and eager to deliver up a set worthy of that adoration. "Direction" jubilantly sets the stag...e with anthemic abandon, "Mona" kicks it up a few more notches, its irrepressible melody and swing styling pulling even the wall flowers onto the dance floor. And then up steps Skatalite Lester Sterling to send the everyone into a slowgrinding "Dancin'" frenzy. He returns later for "Marlboro Man", a tight, flamboyant instrumental, that gives the veteran plenty of space to showcase his flashy skills.The title track, though, showcases the band at their most energetic, across a high octane skanker that defies its title. For those actually searching for dub, they'll fine in on "Legal Shot", albeit in a splendid dancehall setting, a number that also boasts Coolie Ranks at his singjaying best."Tunisia" throws a spotlight on the group's jazzier styling, "Midnight Hour" shows just how much fun you can have with a soul classic, and "Goody, Goody" just how entertaining The Toasters own songs are. Read more Less