Learn from the Skalars

By Craig Taylor
Volkswagen Expert

Guide to Star Ratings

: Isaac Green and the Skalars' first full length CD, Skoolin' with the Skalars on Moonska Records is 100% Ska.

Before you throw down the paper and run for the CD store, let me tell you this: the lead vocalist is a female. I know how some of you fellas out there don't dig "chick" singers. I, for one, was happy to hear it. It's refreshing to hear a ska band with a slightly different sound.

Their CD, Skoolin' with the Skalars, was actually released in 1996, but is just recently making it around to all the stores. The Skalars have toured the country with such ska greats as the Pietasters. It's too bad I didn't find out about this band earlier, they apparently had a show here in Atlanta earlier. For those of you who don't know, a ska concert equals nonstop excitement and energy.

In a world ruled by MTV, the Skalars state their independence by not jumping on the band wagon of mainstream ska music. Some less fortunate ska bands lose so many of their audience by completely changing their sound to fit into the demands of the masses.

I understand that a major driving factor in playing music is "hitting it big" and making mad loot, but don't forget about the simple act of playing music. Consider the Skalars for example, they go play their gigs, do their tour, and then return to their home town of St. Louis to resume their "off tour" income jobs. Several of the nine, count them, nine band members work in a local bakery to make rent and food money.

Isaac Green and the Skalars are a harmonious mix of traditional ska, big band, and jazz. Keep a sharp eye on them, the Skalars are going to get the recognition they deserve in the near future. This is one of the few ska albums I have genuinely enjoyed, and is a great buy.

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