Sound: 1989-1992 (also known as "The Old Record") is your average ska record. The unique factor in this case, however, are the two female vocalists, Elyse Rogers and Karina Denike. Their duel singing is the saving grace of Dance Hall Crashers. Another outstanding aspect of the album is the horn line. In some ska bands, they are on center stage, but in this case, they blend subtlety into the mix. The other sonic qualities are average, with some exceptions. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: As said before, the duo of female vocalists are a fine addition to the Dance Hall Crashers. Their voices sound as if they were made for the world of catchy ska. They also have a above average variety of topics, such as "State of Mind" implies problems in the American infrastructure, while "Java Junkie" deals with addiction to caffeine. Drastic juxtaposition, right? // 8
Impression: After leaping over the crater of ska mediocrity, "The Old Record" scratches and claws at the ledge, trying to hoist itself high, but it's just stuck in a stalemate. So now it's in the thin zone of "slightly above average". Not to say it's a bad record; it's not. It's just not outstanding. It doesn't want to make me go out and join a ska band, like other records do. // 7
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