A Jackknife to a Swan

AMG Review of A Jackknife to a Swan

Kurt Morris
All Music Guide

After working on their ska sound for approximately two decades, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones have released A Jackknife to a Swan, which is unfortunately a day late and a dollar short. With a sound that can best be described as Smash Mouth meets ska, this 13-song album primarily consists of upbeat party songs for a good time. Yes they're fun, happy songs, good tunes to put on at a party for background music, but if ska is going to reinvent itself and be relevant as a genre, it's really got to learn how to utilize more than just the jangly guitar and punk leanings. The Bosstones had their chance and did fairly well for about a decade, but these eight fellows aren't doing anything to make exciting and creative music. Anyone can do the first part, but it takes intelligent musicians to combine the two. Somewhere along the way, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones lost their edge. As with much music, the debate comes down to fun music versus intelligent music. It's hard to criticize someone for wanting to enjoy life and their music, so in the end it comes down to what camp you side with. If you're one for a laid-back ride, A Jackknife to a Swan -- although not as good as some of the work from the Bosstones' heyday -- is probably for you. But if you're looking for sharp, unique music, you'd best look elsewhere.