Before I get into the actual review of this comp album, I think it’s important to understand why it exists in the first place. The founder of Ska Punk International, Chris Reeves, lost his mother to cancer five years ago. Ever since then, he and his family have done something in her memory. Coming up on the five year anniversary of her passing, Reeves wanted to step things up a bit and find a way to help people.
Enter Songs for Moms.
What started off as a fun idea to feature some cover songs on the Ska Punk International Podcast, grew in size significantly. Seven weeks ago, that idea snowballed into the idea of doing a benefit comp. You read that right. This comp album went from crazy idea to finished product in seven weeks. This is a testament to the dedication and love from Chris Reeves. It also clearly demonstrates just how much of a community the modern ska scene is. When someone needs help? You find a way to make it happen. The fact that 15 bands were able to get a finished cover song to Reeves in less than seven weeks really is something.
So, now that Chris Reeves had the idea, it was time for implementation. The concept for this compilation is brilliant. The hook here is that each song on this album is a cover of a song Mom would like (hence the name Songs For Moms). And, believe me when I say it, the bands involved knocked it out of the park with song selection. The Bandulus even provides a thoughtful original ska track.
Judy Garland? Check. Madonna? Of course. Sinead O’Connor? Hide your pictures of the Pope. Garth Brooks and En Vouge. Yes! It really is the best of the best when thinking about those adult contemporary tracks Mom would be listening to.
Things get started with Kmoy’s interpretation of “Over the Rainbow.” In terms of arrangements, Kmoy opts for an acoustic rendition. Doing so sets the tone of the album well. Even though it’s filled with international and domestic ska and ska punk bands, hearing this song acoustically portrays an appropriate level of reverence for the inspiration for this comp’s coming together. The song is just absolutely beautiful. From there, the bands get going with a little more of what a ska fan would be expecting. Kmoy isn’t the only selection that blurs the lines with a little splash of diversity thrown in for good measure.
The diversity that exists on the comp evolves even further after Kmoy’s opener. There’s also the electronica/chiptune hybrid of En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind.” The master of hyperska himself, Eichlers, gives us an emo, trap, chiptune, ska hybrid, that is made even more impressive with the vocal work on the song. Philadelphia’s Catbite even does a soulful and dirty-sounding blues/ska fusion on their Sister Rosetta cover. We even get some dreamy low-fi indie pop when Megawave covers Phil Collins.
Another standout on the comp is Skaxdad’s cover of “The Dance.” For those unfamiliar with the original, it’s probably the most famous track from Garth Brooks. That means, it’s a tall order to take on, but Skaxdad (alter ego of Jacob from Young Costello) knocks it out of the park. Vocally, he has a mix of the bratty mid-’90s pop punk days and the country twang going on. You can also hear some pain and emotion in his voice. It’s definitely one of those songs that makes you stop and think about your life, and those who are no longer in it any longer. His lower tempo ska song really hits home on the need for retrospection. It’s just beautiful.
It also wouldn’t be a Ska Punk International comp without some international flair. On Songs for Moms, that is provided by Buena Suerte, Jacob Zelman, and Common Sense Kid.
Fifteen bands playing fifteen gems for moms everywhere. It’s actually the first time in a while that I’ve actually enjoyed mom songs. Each contributor took songs and made them their own. There’s such a wide range of ska variations on this album as well, that folks will like the musicality of what the artists did just as much as the actual cover. Plus, you get to decide how much you pay for it.
Because it’s a charity comp filled with cover songs, you can name your donation price on the comp’s bandcamp page. All of the money raised from the purchase of this amazing comp goes directly to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. As I mentioned above Chris lost his mother to cancer, so donating this money will help bring release and aid to those in need. This is a worthy compilation for a worthy cause, so I think it’s a great idea to throw some money into the virtual hat and get some money over to that charity!
It’s amazing Chris has the time to work on this comp with everything he’s got going on in his life, but I’m glad he did. Ska Punk International is just getting started. Mark my words. Comps are a great introduction to the label as well, so it’s a win-win for everyone! Also, given that this is “Volume 1” of a comp series paying tribute, and he only had seven weeks to get it ready, Volume 2 is going to be just as, if not more, epic than Songs For Mom Vol. One.