The Stingers

The Stingers

(Electric Enterprises)

Think back a few years to the scourge of One-Tone ska bands that dominated the radio for what seemed like about a month. Their slick production and diluted sound was at best a pale imitation of the thunderous guitar-and-sax bands of riddem's heyday; at worst it was like musical Cheez-Whiz aimed squarely at the kiddie skateboard set. Dig these Stingers, though; straight out of the Black Cat, skinny ties and all, setting all those latter-day Johnny-skank-latelys and pretenders straight. With impeccable harmonies and smart lyrics ("Punk at 15"), this local quintet calls to mind the best days of the Selecter and Specials. With songs ranging from midtempo to fast, the Stingers keep the ska flame burning in an absolutely authentic way, but still with enough irreverence and attitude to do songs with titles like "Fucked" and "Sex Between Friends." Just to break things up, "This Time Around" and "For the Taking" are soulful R&B love songs, loud crooners for guzzling a pint with your baby. Tomar Williams' Rhodes electric piano supplies unobtrusive added texture, and a few songs even feature acoustic guitar. Sharp playing, great vocals, even a bit of toasting here and there -- man, this stuff's hard to beat.