When people are talking about ska...and they're talking about Boston, one of two bands come to mind...first, are of course, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, forefathers of the ska-punk generation. The second band is Big D & The Kids Table. But hey, the Bosstones are unfortunately not around anymore and Big D are a perfect example of a "punk band with horns." The band that people should rightly be thinking of when it comes to Boston and Ska...is Westbound Train.The band started in 2001, and since then, they have worked relentlessly, doing constant touring with all kinds of bands, and somehow found the time to record two albums. Finally, HellCat Records noticed them, and they were able join the HellCat crew and release their third album..."Transitions"
And the title of their album is a perfect one...what a transition they've made since their first album "Searching for a Melody"!
Perhaps it is because they've recorded and produced the album in the area with arguably the best scene in the U.S. (the L.A./Southern California scene), but once you pop in the album you can definately hear how the Westbound Train sound has evolved...tight ska, groovy reggae, and bouncy rocksteady all heavily laced with soul define this album. And the fact this album sounds a lot more raw and "dirty" than their previous efforts certainly also helps make this album their best one yet.
My favorite song? I guess it'd have to be the scorching tune, "Soul Revival," or their first track, "Please Forgive Me."
Definately a contender for on my favorite albums this year!
Check out their myspace for a download of the first song off their album, "Please Forgive Me."
http://myspace.com/westboundtrain
