Search - Slackers :: Close My Eyes

Weaker production makes for better Ska

Marc A. Coignard | Denver, CO United States | 01/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought I had reviewed this album when it came out, but apparently no. I hadn't listened to it in a while until a couple days ago, and I was stunned that I hadn't had in my CD player in so long. Chances are, this is the best Slackers album since Redlight, and although musically it is far and away different, the touch and feel of the albums are more similar to each other than The Question or Wasted Days.



Orignally, when I the albums came out, I felt that The Question was one of the best albums I'd heard by the Slackers. Years later, The Question hasn't really stood the test of time with me. Redlight, on the other hand, which I payed little attention to after its first year, is once again becoming a favorite of mine. Why the change, and why did Close My Eyes suddenly peak its head out and thrust itself back into my active CD collection? I blame production. Redlight and Close My Eyes have a certain feel to them that reminds me of listening to some of those Trojan Reggae/Ska comps that feature poorly produced songs that were recorded in crummy studios in an under-developed country 30 to 40 years ago--and thats how I like it to sound. Although the production isn't as bad as those, the feeling it gives seems more throwback and less like its trying to compete with modern ska tracks by more "mainstream" ska bands of the nowadays. The Question, on the other hand, suffers from being rather un-even and overproduced. Apart of me thinks too many songs were thrown on that one in order to make an album that us fans would one-day call "their best," which I had done myself for some time. But, I feel like the Slackers are at their best when they dim the lights, allow cigarette and pot smoke to cloud the microphones, and drink heavy rums while recording albums. Its a bar-room, downtown type of Ska that is lost these days. I've always said that Hepcat is my favorite Ska band, but since that band is no longer, The Slackers are the ones for me--they're still out there, doing their thing, and doing it the best. May they continue to tour, hitting the dive bars and getting drunk on stage, and may they continue to produce traditional style (sound and production) Ska that hasn't been handled properly by any one else in years. Thank you Vic and company for keeping Ska alive."

A Ska Classic

Seth Antona | Slate Hill, New York United States | 05/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album blew my mind when I first listened to it. The Slackers are in my opinion the best 3rd wave ska band playing 1st wave ska and rocksteady. This album covers all styles and the band pulls it off without a hitch. A must have for any ska fan."

A Near Perfect Ska Landmark!

Rodney Sell | Pembroke Pines, FL United States | 11/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am an avid reggae/ska fan, listener and enthusiast...the latest offering from the Slackers is as near a perfect ska recording you will find. I am a big fan of their "Question" release, but "Close My Eyes" hits the sweet notes that rootsy ska fans wanna hear. Smokin', ska/groovy bass lines puctuate the majority of the laid back/catchy selections. Mr. Victor and mates have definitely mastered the art of laying down the right combo of catchy lyrics, drop dead bass lines and sweet brass backing up the recipe. Hopefully other modern ska bands will pick up the recipe and run with it (Hepcat, etc.) Try playing this recording and then listening to a classic Laurel Aitken ska selection while sipping on a tequila and lime and you'll be picturing coconut trees blowing in a warm ocean breeze. Enjoy and thank you Slackers for helping me chill and enjoy the sweeter things in life like sweet, sweet ska music! I am now off to lay under my own coconut tree and watch the palm fronds sway to the beat."