New York City's the Toasters released their debut Skaboom in 1987, long after the emergence of 2-tone but well in advance of the third wave's peak. Skaboom remains a novel record, one that sounds like it was recorded in an aluminum can catapulted into outer space, evoking the energy and exploratory bent of groups like the Specials and the English Beat while retaining its American-ness. But the band's best-known contribution to the genre is still scene paean "2-Tone Army"—probably the most fun ska got before it literally turned into comedy music.

by Morgan Troper