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Various Ska Island (Island/Polygram)
Gotta hand it to the third-wave ska scene: they're far more conscious of ska's roots in early '60s Jamaica than the last time around. One reason might be anthologies like this one, compiled and produced by Trojan's leader Gaz Mayall (that's right, son of blues biggie John).
How to Make it in British Pop Without Looking Like You're Trying ('90s dance version): 1: Hang out with Danny Rampling at Boy's Own parties in 1988. 2: Remix Björk in 1993. 3: Go "live" in 1995. 4: Get called "the most underrated band in Britain" by NME. 5: Try that raspy guy/metallic beats Chemicals/Underworld sound in 1996; get called "rockin' dance". 6: Say "We don't care about the U.S." when you've just made an album custom cut for the very place. 6.5/10 (Mireille Silcott) Helium The Magic City (Matador) Bandleader Mary Timony has a fantastical mind, one that's turned revenge into empowerment and victims into glistening vampires on Helium's earlier releases. With The Magic City she's gone both futuristic and medieval, adding chamberlin, viceroy, mandolin and prog-flared keyboards (copped from Gary Numan or minstrels of olde) for a dazzlingly faerie tale effect. Loaded with unicorns, dragons and bionic witches--who cares if Timony's (supposedly) crazy? What a wonderful, magical madness she lives in. 8.5/10 (Lorrie Edmonds)
Erick and Parrish are here again doing what they do best--a thick 'n' chunky return to the game. We know they still got it, made clear on "Da Joint" and "Never Seen Before," but check out "You Gots 2 Chill 97'" and just try to sit still! I know there are many skeptics, but the heart of the Hit Squad still hits after all this time. EPMD is back together! 'Nuff said. 7/10 (Scott C)
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Contemporary acts like Fishbone, the Toasters, Hepcat and Japan's Ska Flames rub shoulders with such venerable talents as Laurel Aitken, Ernest Ranglin and the Skatalites, who deliver an opening triple shot with the assistance of Prince Buster. Premium-grade trad ska, given the quality modern production it deserves. Whether you're rude or merely sympathetic, this little darling is indispensable. 9.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)
Fluke Risotto (Virgin)
EPMD Back in Business (DefJam/Polygram)