Review by Rick Anderson
Old-school ska compilations are appearing on all sides in the wake of huge hits by groups like No Doubt and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. And that's a good thing; albums like this one can act as a necessary corrective to those who think that ska is a post-punk innovation. This Is Ska features a nice blend of hands-down classics-such genre-defining tracks as Desmond Dekker's "007 (Shanty Town)" and the Pioneers' "Longshot Kick de Bucket," for example — and songs that will be familiar to aficionados but probably not to those who are more casually acquainted with the music, such as Dave and Ansel Collins' "Double Barrel" or Derrick & Patsy's "Housewife's Choice." There's even a ska version of "Watermelon Man." If the 43-minute playing time strikes you as a little skimpy, bear in mind that these Music Club discs retail at $10.98. It's a steal, and this is definitely one of the better introductions to the wonderful world of classic ska that you're likely to find anywhere.