Skankin' Pickle

This San Francisco-based ska-core band followed up the eclectic and charmingly amateurish funky ska-punk of their 1991 debut with more of the same, recording Skankin' Pickle Fever over the course of three days and on a 2,000 dollar budget. That a few of the songs (notably the hideous "Pseudo Punk" and the unnecessarily goofy "Pass You By") should be lousy ought to come as no surprise. More shocking is the number of real gems, most of them from the pen (and vocal cords) of saxophonist Mike Park, whose melodic sense and sweet voice provide all of the album's best moments: the effortlessly funny (and ultimately poignant) "Ice Cube, Korea Wants a Word With You," the 50-second-long "Song #3," and especially the Two Tone tribute "I Missed the Bus." Also, don't miss the surprise cameo appearance from ska legend Roland Alphonso. Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide