Record Label: Self-released
Genre: Ska
Buy on Bandcamp

Time flies doesn’t it? I had no idea that the NJ ska band Bigger Thomas has been around for 25 years! To celebrate the band’s long survival, Bigger Thomas has released a digital Best-Of compilation featuring 21 hand-picked tracks that best represents them. If you don’t own anything from Bigger Thomas yet, this is a good place to start!

I’ll admit that the only song I really knew from Bigger Thomas early in my ska life was the band’s hit “Ska in My Pocket.” I heard it on WVKR, Vassar College’s ska show that used to play it all the time. It’s a catchy tune and still one of my favorites from Bigger Thomas. Like most ska bands, it’s all fine & dandy hearing their studio cuts, but you haven’t heard a ska band’s true sound until you see them live. Once you see the band live, you’ll really know the songs and know them well. The band’s energetic stage presence and catchy 2 tone-inspired beats will make you want to get off your ass and dance the night away.

Besides “Ska In My Pocket,” there’s plenty of other songs that stand out of their 4 album discography. You got tracks like “I Can’t Remember My Name” featuring excellent toasting from Roy Radics, The English Beat influenced “Moving” and the reggae tune “Permanent Error.” I mention the English Beat for “Moving,” but you can clearly tell the band were influenced by them and other 2 tone bands. I mean, they do have a track called “Radics & Roger a Chat” after all.

This Best-Of collection is a good stepping stone to the band so after get this, be sure to check out Bigger Thomas’ other full-length releases. Plus, get your rudeboy ass to one of their shows!

Bottom Line: Awesome collection of ska tunes from NJ’s Bigger Thomas!
Notable Tracks: Ska In My Pocket, I Can’t Remember My Name, I Live At Home, Moving, Fun
Overall Rating: