Pay Attention

College radio favourites in the USA, Boston's Bosstones (geddit?) return with more ska-inspired mayhem on this sixteen track offering.

The band haven't enjoyed comparable success in Europe, with only one minor chart hit in 'The Impression That I Get', and this album is unlikely to change things.

While the musicianship is first class, and the majority of songs offered are three-minute belters, this is slightly 'samey' even after repeated listenings. On the plus side, there's a strong Irish influence: at times they sound like the Pogues, and on songs like 'Riot On Broad Street' they display a remarkable lyrical talent: "My father once told this to me/Boston city's gritty history/Another ruthless battle/In a useless holy war."

Other tracks worthy of mention are 'So Sad To Say' and 'She Just Happened' - but, for me, this album doesn't really work.