Back with a New Batch

During the 1990s ska revival, there were basically two categories of bands in New York: those whose style was more informed by reggae (e.g. the Stubborn All-Stars) and those who were more strongly influenced by soul and R&B (e.g. the Toasters). As their name would suggest, the Stubborn All-Stars were something of a New York ska supergroup: led by singer, songwriter and horn player King Django (a.k.a. Jeff Baker), the band also featured the brilliant bassist Victor Rice, saxophonist David Hillyard, and guitarist Agent Jay. This is their best album, its highlight the churning sufferer’s anthem “Tired of Struggling” (accompanied by a brilliant deejay cut featuring Jack Ruby Junior).