Live From the Middle East
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 October, 1998)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Who doesn't love a party? And one thrown by Beantown's ska-bitten sons the Mighty Mighty Bosstones can't be that bad, right? Named for the nightclub that hosts the Bosstones' annual gift to their home crowd, Live finds the frat-boy faves doing exactly what they do best. Frontman Dickie Barrett grunts, bellows, and stomps his way through the walloping, horn-punched skank, his mates swinging merrily along behind him. And if there were ever any doubt, Live makes abundantly clear that Barrett's sure no singer. But the roaring, high-fivin' crowd doesn't seem to mind. After all, you don't go to a Bosstones show expecting to find Pavarotti at the mic. So, as a representative sample of the Mighty live experience, this album is what it is. But if dimension, fidelity, and artistry are more your bag, Live pretty much bites. --Sue VanHecke ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics
• Live

Reviews (43)

Live Concerts Rock- ESPECIALLY on CD
Wow...wow is all I can say about this display of live concert music.The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are my favorite band, and I completed my collection of their cd's by laying down $18 for this cd- and I don't regret it oooone bit.
Between the awesome blend of songs from all their albums and the raw energy being witnessed, this cd can please anyone who's in the room.Cd's such as Devil's Night Out and More Noises and Other Disturbances weren't all that great to me...but this cd has made me come to love both of those "okay" cd's just because hearing some older songs by MMB played live seemed to bring a new light over them!
It's plain and simple...BUY THIS ALBUM!It's a must-have for annny MMB fan.

Mighty mighty good.
Like the Grateful Dead, the Bosstones are better live than recorded. This is essentially a live greatest hits album. It has all the songs of theirs that I could name, good sound, and an amazing 22 tracks. It's the only Bosstones disc I need, especially with "Where'd you go", "Someday I suppose", and half of the "Let's face it" album. Who needs that anymore. If you enjoy that "live" energy, and listen to bands like Fishbone and The Reverend Horton Heat, you'll love this.

Captures the Essence of the Bosstones Live
Recorded during the Bosstones annual hometown throwdown shows right after their breakthrough album Let's Face It, Live from the Middle East actually does a good job capturing the essence of the Bosstones live. It features classic songs as well as a ton of songs off of Let's Face It, all in all it's a massive 22 song collection and every song sounds great. The set opens with 1-2-8 off of Let's Face It, it then goes into the classics Do Somethin Crazy, He's Back and one of my favorite Bosstones songs Devil's Night Out. With this live album they also breathe new life into songs such as Dr.D, Howwhywuz Howwhyam, Cowboy Coffee, and Where'd You Go. All of which are highlights of the album. Songs such as Kinder Words, Hope I Never Lose My Wallet, and Hell of a Hat also sound just as good live maybe even better than their studio recordings. Other songs from Let's Face It include the title track, Rascal King, Noise Brigade, Royal Oil, and their hit single, The Impression that I Get. The band sounds very tight on the live album, as any band would after touring for months at a time. Honestly the one low point of the album is the song Royal Oil, I'm just not a fan of that song, I actually think it's one of the worst song's they've ever recorded. The album ends on a great note also with The Impression that I Get, the classic Someday I Suppose (also featured in the movie Clueless), and the short Lights Out, which features the band members going back and forth singing to each other, definately a highlight of the live album. Live from the Middle East is definately worth the money, of course nothing will ever capture the essence of the Bosstones live but this cd comes extremely close, you should definately check them out if you get the chance to. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AFDX
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

More Noise and Other Disturbances
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 1991)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Reviews (14)

One of the best small venue bands EVER!!!
I have been listening to the Bosstones for about 13 years maybe 12.I have seen them live countless times.From large venue (Horde tour, Warp Tour) type festivals to club shows.If they ever play a club near you jump at the chance to go. Don't skip to see them on a large stage, just don't get all hyped up it will be a let down.Nothing to do with the Band they sound great, just not the same type of atmosphere as the club gigs.

The last time I saw them was I believe 2000 or 2001 at the 9:30 Club in D.C. (great venue by the way)One of the best - not quite as good as when they were younger but still one the best shows ever for that size of a club.

More Noise and Other Disturbances is a good album, but Live from the Middle East really captures the energy and feel of a live Bosstone show.I really have a hard time listening to their studio albums.On a one to five rating More Noise and Other Disturbances gets a 5, while Live from the Middle East would get an 8 on the same rating scale.Absolutley the best, off the chart.

If u don't know who the bosstones are kill yourself now!
I started listening to the bosstones when Let's Face It came out and even though it's an amazing album More Noise and Other Disturbances is the kind of album that you will play again and again and again.Every bosstones full length has it's own sound and this is no exception as all the tracks are catchy but also make you think at the same time.If you've only heard some of their more recent stuff you'll be glad you picked this up. It is a little short but who wants an album thats over an hour long and sucks?There's no bad tracks on this album so get it now!

Perfection
This album is the most perfect Bosstones album, though I liked "Devil's night out" (and need to buy a new copy), it was quite rough. This one, just great. Picture it's fall 1994. You are a loser working in a factory, sitting in your sweet 1993 Candy Apple Red Nissan Sentra, and you make every person that walks by your car hear "Doctor D", and you play that album for every person you take to the fast food joint on break. Resitance is futile!! Ska is better than alt-rock on the radio.You must comply!!! Love the Ska!!Love me!!! Also, if you want to turn somebody onto ska, please play "I'll drink to that" after, well, they have a drink. Frat-boy fun!! ... Read more

Asin: B000000ESP
Sales Rank: 25767
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska Revival    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Don't Know How to Party
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 May, 1993)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Reviews (13)

Classic!!!!
This album is a CLASSIC. I'd even rate it as one of the top 50 albums of the nineties--easily (if not in the top 20). I still remember when this first came out--everyone complained of it's hard-rock/metal sound (mostly insular rude boys/girls, who in reality were musical elitists), but to me it was brilliant. Nate Albert is amazing in mixing so many different styles of guitar playing into one. The lyrics are great and the song-writing is great. BUY THIS ALBUM!

Great band - bad album
I'm a huge BossTone's fan and this was the last one to buy for my collection but I was VERY DISAPPOINTED!No wonder the used copies are dirt-cheap.Very little ska influence in this one :(

Unbelievable
This is one of the best albums I own. If this did not have "A man without" and "What was was over," it would be a perfect cd. Songs like "Don't know how to party," "Holy smoke," and "Anything goes" show just how incredible the Bosstones are. This cd is absolutely phenomenal. The horn section is really tight, Nate's inventive guitar playing is obvious, and Dicky's voice is at a pefect growl. Buy this, you couldn't possibly regret it. ... Read more

Asin: B000001DYU
Sales Rank: 74754
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska    5. Ska Revival    6. Ska-Punk    7. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Pay Attention
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 May, 2000)
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Editorial Review

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' Pay Attention is crippled by its 16-track length. Although the album clocks in at an average length of 51 minutes, clumps of filler tracks make the listening experience seem even longer. This is a shame because a few of the tracks show that the 'Tones are more than distilled-ska manufacturers. "The Skeleton Song" swoops down with driving horns and a well-placed xylophone, punching its introspective lyrics straight into that part of the brain that nets catchy songs; an anthemic bridge only furthers infernal internal "make it stop!" repetition. Also, "Riot on Broad Street" shows the Boston-based eight-piece adding some south-of-the-border spice to the mix. Alas, anonymous songs that sound like they were cribbed from the band's earlier releases dominate the affair, as do head-scratchingly banal lyrics such as "If you stay down too long, you can sometimes lose your grip." Indeed. --Jason Josephes ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (63)

Say What You Will...But This is Fantastic
So okay, this cd is a bit more mellow as far as the Bosstones type of music is concerned- but it doesn't mean it's bad!When I'm in a melancholy mood, I can continue my Mighty Mighty Bosstones playlist with this cd.
There are only a couple of bad songs...'High School Dance' is just okay and the songs 'All Things Considered', 'So Sad To Say' and 'Allow Them' seem to all sound around the same...but each one is still enjoyable.Besides those four songs (and please remember- they are STILL good songs), let's see what songs I can think of at the top of my head that are just fantastic: The Skeleton Song (absolutely amazing!), Temporary Trip (a fun, fast-paced song with a driving chorus), Bad News and Bad Breaks, Where You Come From, The Day He Didn't Die (this cd is worth it alone for THIS song), Finally, She Just Happened- this cd is wonderful.Sure, it may not be like any of the other bosstones's albums...but let me tell you- that doesn't mean it's not good.And 'good' is an understatement...this cd is amazing.

My Favorite CD Of All Time!
Wow!Lyrically this has to be one of the best CDs ever written.This album is full of morals about everyday life and it gives off a very positive message to the listener as well.I was going through some pretty tough times and I happened to stumble across this CD in my storage unit and figured that I haven't heard it in a while so why not.I took a long car ride and listened to the whole album all the way through and really learned a lot.I have to say, in all honesty, this album really gave me a whole different outlook on life and it really lifted my spirits.

Musically, this album is very upbeat, like everything else the Bosstones have ever done but at the same time it is probably the most mellow CD that they have ever put out.I feel that Dicky's voice was slighty over produced on this one, I prefer the harshness of his voice due to the fact that I usually listen to metal, hardcore, and screamo.

I also figured that once Nate Albert departed that it would be near impossible to find a guitarist that could even come close to his unique style and they did.Lawerence Katz is amazing, a very good addition to the band.

Overall, I think this is by far the best Bosstones album ever recorded and Dicky's song writing really shows how much he has matured by giving up the whole partying frat boy image.Good work guys!

Kris

Best Bosstones Ever
I don't have the slightest idea what the Amazon reviewer is talking about. To put it simply, if you're a Bosstones fan, or even just a fan of Ska, buy this album, you'll love it.

if you thought that Ska was what 'No Doubt' was, then yeah, you probably won't appreciate it, move on to the next trend... ... Read more

Asin: B00004SSTB
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Ska   

Devils Night Out
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 February, 1992)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

Before they became the dapper sweethearts of alternative radio, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones were turning out an unholy ska-punk racket on the influential indie label Taang! Records. Devil's Night Out is the finest consummation of this partnership, highlighting the band's penchant for spitfire horns, jagged rhythms, and singer Dicky Barrett's diabolical growl. Included in this package are old mosh-pit favorites "Hope I Never Lose My Wallet" and "The Bartender's Song." While their fashion sense has improved over the years (the picture on the back cover of Devil's Night Out reveals Bermuda shorts and baseball caps worn backward), their music hasn't sounded as raw or vital since. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (15)

if i could give six i would!
this is the bosstones greatest cd ever!it was the first one i ever heard and to this day remains the best...i enjoy their other stuff and own almost every album but this remains my personal fav...not just by them but my favorite ska album!
highly reccomend this to anyone!

Great Ska-core
Best Bosstones album ever.Dicky's gravely,ripping vocals adds to the great combination of punk and ska.Best album out there.Devil's Night Out and Haji are two of the best songs on this cd,although this cd can be listened the whole way through with out skipping any tracks.

Devil rocks
This album is great. Bosstones really know how to play good music. most of the songs are really good, do somethin crazy is the best! I also really like the beginning of 'Hope I Never Lose My Wallet'

get this one, you'll love it ... Read more

Asin: B000005ZB4
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska Revival    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Let's Face It
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 March, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Virtually an institution after a decade on the scene, Boston's finest ska band continues to deliver an extreme adrenaline rush on its fifth album, which was produced by Paul Kolderie and Sean Slade. The metal edge in the Bosstone's particular brand of skacore comes further to the forefront this time, while songs such as "Noise Brigade" and "Royal Oil" rank among the catchiest they've recorded. And Nate Albert continues to carve out a new role for the guitar in ska-influenced music. Jim Derogatis ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (88)

Sweet!
This cd is friggin' awesome. If you like the Bostones or ska or rock buy this cd. It rules!

Let's Face It!
Quite possibly the essential ska album to own.The Mighty Mighty Bosstones outdid theirselves on this album.From tracks 1-5, they are all amazing ska songs.
1) the Noise Brigade- 10/10- this song is an amazing first track and really sets the fun, fast-paced drive of the cd.
2) the Rascal King- 10/10- extremely catchy lyrics make this song astounding and great horns leave this song ringing in your ears.
3) Royal Oil- 10/10- sending a great message about staying off drugs and a laid back beat with an unbeatable chorus, Royal Oil is certainly regal.
4) The Impression That I Get- 10/10- if you haven't heard this, you need to buy this cd!
5) Let's Face It- 10/10- Probably the most overlooked song by the Bosstones, Let's Face It has sweet bass, awesome horns, and a great message- extremely fun!
Now, from track 6-12, things get a bit more harder and this is where the guitar really shines.
6) That Bug Bit Me- 10/10- Super awesome guitar and just extremely powerful, this song can be exciting for anyone.
7) Another Drinking Song- 9/10- this track slows things up a bit...and sets the dark mood for the rest of the album.However, don't walk away from it just because it may be too dark...the chorus livens up and you'll find yourself singing it for days!
8) Numbered Days- 9/10- the bass seems to be the driving force in this song, and wow does it work.
9) Nevermind Me- 9/10- a pretty darned neat chorus makes this song memorable.
10) Break So Easily- 10/10- the transition between dark and light-heartedness makes this song a complete gem.
11) Desensitized- 10/10- Fast, furious, and ultimately kick butt.
12) 1-2-8- 10/10- quite possibly the most catchy chorus ever, as the verses are pretty hardcore and dark, then this bouncy chorus comes in and THIs will definitely be sung for days and daaays!
So come on, just GET THIS CD!It's absolutely fantastic and shouldn't be passed up.Besides, the Bosstones could use your support.

MMB Strikes Again
After hearing "The Impression That I Get" I knew i would greatly enjoy this album. The cool thing is you don't even need to listen to much ska to enjoy this album because many of the songs have a nice punk rock edge.

My Favorites include "Noise Brigade","The Impression That I Get", "Let's Face It","The Rascal King", and "Break So Easily".
Although the song "That Bug Bit Me" is a bit of a let down to most fans, almost all the other songs will make you happy. So if your feeling down and need to get happy then i suggest you buy this album. You'll be glad you did. ... Read more

Asin: B000001ERG
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska    5. Ska Revival    6. Ska-Punk    7. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Ska-Core, The Devil & More
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 January, 1994)
list price: $6.98 -- our price: $6.98
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Reviews (7)

Great little number, but don't pay too much for it
Simply put, if you like other Bosstones stuff, you'll definitely like this album.Someday I suppose is a fun tune to start it off, and Think Again, Lights Out, and Police Beat, none of them very long, are harder rockin' songs.

Simmer Down, a cover of a Bob Marley tune, is more relaxed as its title implies.It's a nice change of pace for the usually very-intense Bosstones.

The last two songs, Drugs and Kittens and I'll Drink to That, were recorded live at a concert in Boston, on December 2, 1992.It has some banter with the crowd at the beginning and end, and if you wait a long time (almost 25 minutes) after it ends, a hidden track will start playing.The hidden track is a moderately-paced song about getting older - I see why it's bonus, since it doesn't really fit in with the other songs on this EP.

Overall, a great little EP - don't pay too much for it, and you will definitely not be disappointed.

Some good ska core from the BossToneS
A good example of ska core. This EP shows the excellent range of the Bosstones with songs like "Someday I Suppose" and "Think Again," an excellent cover. One of my favorite songs on the EP; theBosstones add a nice horn section into this hard-core song. The live songsat the end are an excellent addition. Watch out for the hidden song"HowWhyWuz,WhoWhyAm." It's a different sound than LFI, but anyBosstones fan should really like this excellent EP. The other covers are"Police Beat, Simmer Down" and "Lights Out"

PS."Drugs and Kittens" is another version of "Drunks andChildren"

ska core? more like CORE
I don't know if they have sold out or if they're just having a lot of fun.This album doesn't compare to the hardest songs on Don't Know How to Party. If your looking for the up-beat sound found on other Bosstonesrecordings look somwhere else. ... Read more

Asin: B000001DY8
Sales Rank: 78047
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska    5. Ska Revival    6. Ska-Punk    7. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Where'd You Go?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 July, 1994)
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Reviews (5)

For hardcore fans only.
The first track is a great MMB track.The Bosstones have added their unique sound to the covers on the rest of the album.You will probably only enjoy these tracks if you are a big Bosstones fan.Either way, pickup the rest of their full length albums before getting this EP.

GEAR!!!
This EP just... well... rocks!"Where'd You Go?" and "Do Something Crazy" are two of the Bosstones' best songs, but if that was all this had to offer, then you ALMOST might as well just pick up"More Noise..." and "Devil's Night Out" (two great CDs,BTB).But it's the three covers that make this EP great.If the cover of"Enter Sandman" doesn't display how phenomenal the rhythm sectionof this band is, then check out the speed metal cover of "SweetEmotion".(And if you don't find the concept of a speed metal coverof "Sweet Emotion" irresistable, maybe you should seek help.) And"Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" shows what Van Halen could have beenif they'd had an ounce of soul and rhythm to go with their technicalvirtuousity.Beyond just changing the tempos, they added lyrics (somehowlingly funny) and put together innovative arrangements to give the songsa very distinctive Bosstones edge.Of course, the two originals aredifferent than the album versions, too (I did say "ALMOST"earlier). Just buy this thing!

100% Bosstones
this cd is sooooo cool!!dicky barrett has the sexiest voice!i love the b'tones version of 'enter sandman' by metallica.i'm surprized i haven't worn out the grooves of this cd i've listened to it so much.it's worththe money and more so buy it whether you love the btones like me or loveska! ... Read more

Asin: B000000ERS
Sales Rank: 90330
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska Revival    5. Ska-Punk    6. Third Wave Ska Revival   

Question the Answers
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 October, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (24)

The beginning of the end
This album broke many mainstream listeners to the MMB in 1994. Unfortunately, these younger listners must not of heard the real MMB albums prior, which are much more fun, energetic, and skacore.This album contains overproduced, sappy, depressing songs made for commerical audiences leaving behind the better days of the MMB. All the elements of a band selling out are here: a hit single, a slow ballad (ska style), and a cleaned up polished look for MTV. All of the TANG MMB albums are worth buying with More Noise being my favorite.I can't imagine what type of person would actual enjoy listening to tracks on this album like "pictures to prove it" or "jump thru the hoops" or what the band was thinking when they recorded these slow and uninspiring songs.THis album led many hardcore fans to leave the band as live shows lost thier energy and posers began touting this album as great.What a sham.The best song on this album "dogs and chaplains" is a third time remake of a classic first appearing on Devils Night Out on TANG.

MMB and Ska/Punk at its best!
This CD was amazing.It is probably the Bosstones best(besides Let's Face It).

Kinder Words-The opening song and I wouldn't pick any other song on the CD for the opener.With its incredible horn part and great guitar, it's truly an amzing song.

Sad Silence-Good song,I especially liked the ending.

Hell of a Hat-GREAT horn part!Its awesome how they can start soft and gradually explode into horns and screaming in this song.

Pictures to Prove It-This song is ok. Not as good as some other songs on the CD, but still a great addition to the album.

We Should Talk-Awesome song. Great proof that hard rock and horns can still be mixed together and sound great.

A Dollar and A Dream-This song is good, but its overall softness kind of breaks the mood of the rest of the CD.Still pretty good though.

Stand Off-Another great song.The trombone intro is THE COOLEST!!

365 Days-Awesome song that displays Dicky's amazing vocal talents and still has a great horn part.

Toxic Toast-If there were a list of the top 3 snogs on this CD, this song would be on it.Amazing piano and trombone solos.MMB CLASSIC!!!

Bronzing the Garbage-Great song with good vocals and trumpets.

Dogs and Chapains-Incredible song-fast paced and energetic.

Jump Through the Hoops-What better way to end the CD that with an awesome song like this.You'll be whistling this tune forever. It may be the last, but certainly not the least.

Overall, a great CD and I highly recommend it to any punk or ska fan, as it clearly excells in both areas.

How can anyone hate this?
I've bought only a handful of 'Tones albums. I bought Let's Face It and was only slightly impressed. I bought Pay Attention and was much more pleased. After hearing people say how terrible their old music was, I decided to see for myself. Question the Answers blew me away! I don't know what they were talking about when they said this was aweful.

It begins with an incredible riff in Kinder Words, one of the most catchy songs on the album. Sad Silence follows, and is a bit lighter, but the song changes tone so many times that it's hard to keep track. Next is Hell of a Hat, a favorite amongst internet fans. The song has excellent lyrics and a catchy sub-chorus. Picture to Prove It is next and is a song I usually skip, but is still a quality MMB song. We Should Talk is a psychotic piece about the lost art of communication, and is one of their most fast pased songs. Dollar and a Dream is another various toned song with a really cool casino intro. My personal favorite, Stand Off, is great not only because of the superb lyrics but for the even more superb guitars complete with short stutters weaving in and out of the chorus. Another fast song, 365 Days, is one where Dicky keeps yelling "Three Hundred and Sixty-Five" than moves on before he finishes. It's confusing, but an excellent singing technique. Another excellent song, Toxic Toast, has several saloon piano parts that add an extra bit of greatness to an already great song. Bronzing the Garbage is a moshing favorite and also a very catchy song. Dogs and Chaplains is like a mixture of every good element of the album into a conclusive piece. Jump Through the Hoops is like the P.S. and is a surprisingly cool finish to the album.

Although in the future, the Bosstones calm down their metal-tinged guitars in favor of the horns, this album commemerates their final metal-ska album before transferring into punk-ska territory. The stressed horns pounding out in unison with some creative guitar riffs touched with a precise rhythm section and topped off with Dicky's well thought-out lyrics, is what makes this album so great. Any fan of metal, punk or ska will definately love this album, but it won't appeal to the sappy media-friendly diehards out there. "Sharpest motherf---er in the joint, all other motherf---ers stop and point" ... Read more

Asin: B000001E65
Sales Rank: 30884
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Ska    5. Ska Revival    6. Ska-Punk    7. Third Wave Ska Revival