Are the Slackers America's finest ska band? Maybe so, though there are a few close competitors in the band's hometown of New York, and at least one that comes close on the other coast. As the tide of the most recent ska revival ebbs and takes scores of lightweight wagon-jumpers with it, what's left behind are the real heavyweights: the Stubborn All-Stars, the Toasters, Hepcat, and the Slackers. And, as this live album demonstrates, the Slackers rip it up in concert as well as -- and in some cases better than -- any of them. In this context, singer and bandleader Vic Ruggiero sounds even more guttural and thuggish than usual, which has the effect of accenting even more than usual the sophistication and grace of his songs. "Sooner or Later" and the rock steady anti-skinhead anthem "Keep Him Away" are both based on chord progressions that go far beyond the usual three-chord ska rave-up, and when the band lets loose on "Work Song," you can almost hear Art Blakey skanking up in jazz heaven. And "Feed My Girl" is hysterical. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
David Hillyard (Sleeve Notes), Marq Lyn (Vocals), Marcus Geard (Bass), Jeremy Mushlin (Trumpet), Jeremy Mushlin (Vocals), T.J. Scanlon (Guitar), Albert Caiati (Mixing), Denny Renshaw (Collage), David Hillyard (Sax (Tenor)), Victor Ruggiero (Mixing), The Slackers (Photography), Glen Pine (Trombone), Luis Zuluaga (Drums), Victor Ruggiero (Vocals), Victor Ruggiero (Keyboards), Denny Renshaw (Photography), Alan Douches (Mastering), Rob Driessen (Engineer)
Interior artwork features two collages. Collages appear to be a collection of tour photos and mementos. The photographs are by Denny Renshaw, and have been assembled and rephotographed by him. Unlike the exciting inside jackets for this record, the cover is mostly forgettable, notable only as being the first departure from the "Wix series" of covers (Better Late Than Never through The Question).
