Record Label: Big Rig
Genre: Ska
Band Link: www.bosstonesmusic.com
Buy on Amazon.com

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are back with their first full-length studio album in over 7 years. “Medium Rare” had some new songs on it, but it was a mostly a B-sides rarities album. Either way, it’s been a long ass time since ska fans have gotten new material from the boys in plaid. “Pin Points and Gin Joints” makes the wait worth while!

“Graffiti Worth Reading” begins the album off just right. It’s a bouncy ska song that reminds me of the heyday Bosstones; catchy horns and lyrics. The song was available for free before the album was released so it was nice to get a preview before Pin Points and Gin Joints was released. The second track “Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah” contains a simple chorus, as the song title gives away. It makes you happy and want to bop around the room like an idiot. I think one of the best tracks is the next track “The Route That I Took.” It’s hard to describe why I like this song the most; I just do for some reason. My opinion towards the end of the album varies. I like the songs but they don’t stand out as much as the first half of the album. “A Pretty Sad Excuse” ends the album nicely though, since the song starts off slow and then kicks in gear halfway through.

Just from listening to Pin Points, you can tell that the band is enjoying making music again. Maybe that’s because each member is doing their own thing now, and they don’t tour 365 days. Touring that much is great for the fans, but after awhile it will take a toll on the band themselves. Look at bands like The Pogues, where they toured constantly and then disbanded from it. Now they are back enjoying playing select concert dates. Bosstones have taken a similar road but they have done something the Pogues haven’t done, record new material. Dicky Barrett and the guys aren’t settled with just playing the hits, they want to make new hits and I’m all for that! Pin Points and Joints have a few songs on here that will become fan favorites. Overall, this is a strong release from the Bosstones and I’m not disappointed at all! Now if we can get the band to play a show in New York City, I’ll be a happy guy.

Bottom Line: Fantastic comeback from the Bosstones!
Notable Tracks: Graffiti Worth Reading, Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah, The Route That I Took, I Wrote It
Overall Rating: