TOP 10

DO THE DOG SKAZINE TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2019

2019 has been an incredible year for exciting new album releases from awesome bands from all over the globe. Here are my Top 10 favourites!

1. The Bruce Lee Band - Rental! Eviction! (Asian Man Records)

Exploding out of California with the finest release of the year are the awesome Bruce Lee Band! This combo is fronted by Asian Man Records’ head honcho Mike Park who was previously responsible for 2 of my favourite US bands, Skankin Pickle & The Chinkees. This is Bruce Lee Band’s 5th release to date & is a riot of 3rd wave ska & ska/punk excellence throughout! The 7 songs on offer hurtle past you in just 12 minutes, but it is 12 minutes that leaves you gasping for more & instantly reaching for the repeat button.

2. The Beat - Public Confidential (DMF Records)

The more i listen to the new album by these 2 tone legends the more i am impressed by it! Across 10 fab tunes the band’s trademark elements of haunting sax melodies, razor sharp rhythms & fiercely anti-establishment commentary are delivered with real drive & passion. It is a highly infectious & uplifting listen that 2 tone fans in particular or indeed ska fans in general will be well advised to seek out. Very much a fitting epitaph for The Beat’s lead vocalist Ranking Roger who sadly passed away just 3 months after it’s release.

3. The Busters - Self Titled (Offbeat Revolution Records)

German ska legends The Busters have returned to action with yet another superb long player to add to their incredible discography. Since 1987, this 11 piece ensemble had already put out 14 storming albums & their new self-titled release continues their story in fine style. 15 songs are served up in total with The Busters’ trademark brassy 2 tone & trad ska formula complimented by elements of dancehall, reggae, rock & punk. As ever the band’s knack for penning a great tune is firing on all cylinders & their pro-unity & anti-racist lyrics will make you think as well as dance.

4. Emily Capell - Combat Frock (Boho Records)

An absolute delight from start to finish is this wonderful new album by Emily Capell. The 12 song disc is one of those rare long players that come along once in a while & take your breath away with a totally unique sound that is both super retro & bang up to date at the same time. Emily dips in & out of old school ska, 2 tone, doo wop & 60’s pop in fine style here & injects her songs with a cheeky, sassy & super infectious attitude that will have you smiling, stomping & shouting along in no time. This is really cool stuff that you need to check out sooner rather than later!

5. Death Of Guitar Pop - In Over Our Heads (Ska Club Essex Records)

One of the most exciting new additions to the UK scene over the last few years have been the fab Essex based duo Death Of Guitar Pop. After their debut “Rickety Old Train” single rapidly became a YouTube sensation in 2016, their debut “69 Candy Street” album that followed in 2017 was a real breath of fresh air with its super sing-a-long choruses & super catchy 2 tone/pop rhythms. Well 2 years later Silky & Top Kat are back with album number 2 & it is an absolute corker! It picks up very much where “69 Candy Street” left off with a superb collection of highly infectious & addictive 2 tone goodness.

6. The Planet Smashers - Too Much Information (Stomp Records)

Do The Dog HQ was consumed for much of the summer by the thunderous musical cyclone that is the sensational new “Too Much Information” album by Canadian ska scene legends The Planet Smashers. This is the band’s 9th album to date & is packed with 14 unstoppable sing-a-long 3rd wave ska songs that will knock your socks off! Great stuff indeed!

7. Catbite - Self Titled (Bad Time Records)

One of the more unique & intrguing additions to the US scene over the last few years are Philadelphia based 4 piece Catbite. Their debut self-titled album is a treasure trove of infectious delights. Injecting a freshly engaging 2 tone sound with very cool power pop & rock ‘n’ roll influences, Catbite’s music is driven along by great guitar & organ melodies & fab female vocals.

8. The Scotch Bonnets - Come On Over (Jump Up Records)

One of the most pleasant surprises to reach my ears this year was this fantastic new album by Baltimore based 5 piece The Scotch Bonnets. This cool disc captures an edgy trad ska, reggae & rocksteady vibe that reminds me of early Slackers’ material. It is no surprise to discover that The Slackers’ Dave Hillyard plays guest sax here & indeed part produced the album. This is a great record indeed that will lift your spirits & make you dance.

9. Mark Foggo’s Skasters - Ska Pig Returns (Jump Up Records)

Confirming their position among the elite of the European ska scene are Mark Foggo’s Skasters with their excellent new album. I first encountered Mark Foggo’s Skasters back in 1989 when i fell in love with their original “Ska Pig” album. Since then i have been regularly entertained by a series of fab long players by the band delivering tongue in cheek lyrics & super catchy fast-paced 2 tone rhythms. This is very much the formula on the new album. It kicks out 10 highly energetic tunes that will make you laugh & dance.

10. Los Beretta - Vamos Saliendo Chic@s (self released)

One of the most enjoyable & energizing albums to reach my ears this year is this fab disc by Los Beretta. Hailing from Rosario, Argentina this 9 piece crew cite Madness, The Specials & Bad Manners as major influences. It is no surprise then that “Vamos Saliendo Chic@s” is an absolute riot of bright & breezy brass fueled 2 tone fun that will have you skanking hard & shouting along even if you don’t speak Spanish. Check these guys out without delay!