Heavy Petting
Moon Ska Records
Ever since it formed in 1976, Bad Manners has been on top of the international ska scene. In that time, the band has released 14 albums and seen a share of chart success in its native England. With the release of Heavy Petting, Bad Manners continues to exhibit its stranglehold on the ska scene.
Bad Manners' style has been called "ska n' b," a mix of ska and rhythm and blues. This unique style is what sets the band apart from the pack. On Heavy Petting, Bad Manners stick to the traditional formula, while mixing in a healthy dose of reggae. Rather than detracting from the power associated with its sound, this addition helps Bad Manners to be more diverse and interesting than ever.
Heavy Petting is an album full of great cuts for the listener who wants to hear interesting music, and stay away from punk. "Randy Scouse Git" and "Liverpool and Birmingham" are the two most ska-inflected songs on the album, both reminiscent of other great British bands--the Specials and the Beat.
If rock-and-roll ditties are what you crave, lend an ear to "Black Night" and "Feel Like Jumping". Bad Manners is also capable of playing the skillfully crafted slow song. In this category, Heavy Petting weighs in with the track "Down Berry Wood".
As so many bands today feel that the only way to create a powerful sound in ska is by adding elements of punk, it is refreshing to hear Bad Manners play intense rhythm and blues-infused ska.
Heavy Petting is an album full of wonderfully fun and interesting songs, and while it is destined to be ignored by mainstream ska enthusiasts, it is probably the best thing going.
--Brian Gettler