D.C.'s Pietasters are one of the most underrated local bands in any genre of music. They frequently tour nationally with The Slackers and other top ska acts, but their loyalty to the Baltimore/DC area makes opportunities to see them a frequent treat. Though a traditional ska band by nature, The Pietasters stand out for shows emphasizing partying, drinking, and enjoying life, rather than the reverence and self-consciousness of most other traditional ska acts.
They even have a sizable following among frat boys. However, while they're partying on stage, they're also playing well-written songs with impeccable musicianship.
The retrospective "1992-1996" highlights this duality. The three CD set includes the groups, first four albums, The Pietasters, Oolooloo, Strapped Live and Comply.
The first three records are the source for most of their fan favorites and Strapped Live shows off the spirit of the group's live shows.
However, the real buzz amongst fans is the nine unreleased songs that make up most of the third CD. Here, the old-school ska fan will be more happy than anywhere else.
The Pietaster originals are not drinking anthems, but pleasant low key numbers dominated by the band's excellent horn section. But the frat-boys return for three covers: War's "Why Can't We Be Friends?", Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" and The Burial tune "Sheila."
Though longtime Pietasters fans might be turned away at the prospect of buying four albums all over again, fans of the band's later work would do well to get this snapshot of the beginning of The Pietasters' drunken genius.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.