Might Mighty Bosstones "skank" their way into the new decade

When one of my favorite bands releases a new CD, it almost feels like Christmas Day—with the exception of obscure relatives, A Christmas Story on an endless loop, and flannel footy pajamas. My anticipation is palpable as I excitedly peel the plastic from the CD case, curse at the packaging and as a result, cut my finger on the case. It has been over 5 years since the Mighty Mighty Bosstones have released a new album, so this experience was intensely heightened as I waited for the CD to arrive in my mailbox. When the day came and my wait was finally over, I couldn’t wait another minute to put the CD on my computer and have a listen.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have been around for years—since 1983, to be exact. These Boston-area musicians have spent many years on the ska-punk circuit, performing shows worldwide with bands like Dropkick Murphys and Aerosmith. The band’s claim to fame, however, occurred in 1995 when the band made an appearance in the beloved Valley Girl comedy, Clueless, playing their tracks “Where Did You Go?” and “Someday I Suppose.”

Their newest album, “Pin Points and Gin Joints,” showcases the band’s talents as a ska band, while perpetually reassuring fans that they have something to prove after all these years. The album’s 14 tracks are laden with saxophone and trumpet pieces, truly solidifying the upbeat, dance-worthy sentiments behind the ska genre. Singer Dicky Barrett’s liquor-soaked voice, to this day, still defies definition.

Put simply, the album radiates nostalgia. The Bosstones’ new CD takes few chances—but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Many of the songs are very reminiscent of their last album “A Jackknife To A Swan,” with quick beats and sing-along choruses. The first track, “Graffiti Worth Reading,” starts the album off on an upbeat note, followed quickly by a personal favorite, eloquently titled, “Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah.” The song is filled with catchy hooks and simple lyrics—the perfect song to blast in the car on a hot summer day.

Though the album starts out strong, I have a few qualms regarding a few middle tracks, including “I Wrote It” and “Sister Mary.” I can’t quite put my finger on it, but as a fan of mosh-inducing, fast-paced music, the slower tracks don’t catch my attention when skipping around the album on my computer. Suffice it to say, I guess a little variety is often necessary, and these songs are far from horrible.

Saving the best for last, the Bosstones finish the album with three horn-laden tracks, ending their newest release on a memorable note. “The Bricklayer’s Story” features a highly addicting chorus, proving Barrett has one of the most dynamic voices in the ska world.

Time to bring out the lighters for the final song. “A Pretty Sad Excuse,” takes the intensity down a notch, but not the excitement. Though it starts out with a slow tempo, it picks up for the last half. The change-up is completely surprising and is probably one of the standout tracks on the album.

Since its release, “Pin Points and Gin Joints” has been on a constant loop, both in my head and on my iPod. And the five-year wait has been well worth it.

Final Grade: A-