I guess I just need to get used to this disturbingly rapid flow of time that has accompanied getting old enough to call myself "old."
All of that is kind of to say: I haven't done a single Geeky SKAturday this entire year?! That gets corrected today, as I discovered one of my favorite albums of the year this week, thankfully pretty soon after its release on September 25:
To be honest, I'm not even sure if there are physical media for this one (yet?). All I saw on the Hellcat Records website for the band was a shirt, so maybe it's just a streaming (and YouTube) release for now. Wherever it reaches you, it is good stuff! The band includes Jordan Cardy from Rat Boy (or maybe he is Rat Boy?), Preston from the Ordinary Boys, and Antonee First Class, who has taken on Ranking Roger's role in the (English) Beat since his passing. Tim Armstrong (of the legendary Rancid) and Jesse Michaels (who was Tim's partner in crime in the even more legendary Operation Ivy) are also listed as "additional creative collaborators" (and I'm pretty sure you can hear them both on the record). It had all the makings of an awesome project, and I think it's lived up to that promise.
And just look at that cover! I've already seen it called "atrocious" on r/Ska (amidst mostly positive reactions to the album), but I love that it shows you exactly what's inside the metaphorical tin: energetic 2 tone bangers. When I think about aesthetics to accompany gaming as Agents of SKA, this is what I'm picturing. Maybe Jumping Rude Guitarist Guy will even get a name eventually, like Walt Jabsco and Beat Girl.
At any rate, my favorite track so far is this one, "Armageddon":
So, let's make it a sound for a Rudie...!
Armageddon
1st-level Sound
Range: Voice
Duration: 1 minute
When Armageddon falls, won't bother you at all! Creatures you mentally target and who can hear your voice achieve their peak bravery and are immune to being frightened for the duration of the spell. You may target a number of creatures up to three times your level as a Rudie.
