Hopeless Records
2005
Masterpieces: 1991-2002
About This Album
Write catchy songs. After ska, after punk, after three different bassists and over a thousand shows, that's still Mustard Plug's three-word mantra. Masterpieces: 1991-2002 is the group's official history and highlight reel, but it also reaffirms what they've always been about. The liner notes include song descriptions written by original members Dave Kirchgessner and Colin Clive. But while they talk about writing in the style of their heroes, or tackling the occasional tough social message, they always admit it's the singalong choruses or relentlessly happy ska rhythms that endure. And in this they cannot be faulted. You can't accuse them of loafing off, either. Mustard Plug were around when everyone but the dedicated hated ska, especially its more raucous ska-punk hybrid. Later, when the third wave movement really took hold, they represented the Midwest. And finally, after No Doubt's platinum ascendancy and the ska scene's return to its underground berth, Mustard Plug washed their yellow jackets and kept on going. Masterpieces includes all the fan favorites -- "Beer (Song)," "You," "Mr. Smiley." (The latter still suggests a horn-y version of Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Enough" for some weird reason.
Track List (try tracks 1,4,6,12,17 and 19)

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