Album Review: Large And In Charge by Deal's Gone Bad
Alright, so here’s the deal—Large And In Charge by Deal's Gone Bad is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2005, this record blends pop/rock, reggae, ska, and indie vibes into something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s like a time capsule from an era when third-wave ska revival was still cool (and trust me, it was cool). The band pulls off a mix of genres with swagger, making it clear why they’ve got fans in both the US and Russia.
Now, let me break it down for ya. This album has some real bangers, but two tracks stand out to me personally: “Dollar Down” and “Mad at the World.”
“Dollar Down” kicks things off with this infectious energy—you can’t help but tap your feet or bob your head. The horns are tight as heck, thanks to Danny Boy, Phil Ohst, and Nate Braddock bringing their A-game on sax and trumpet. There’s just something about how Brian Garibaldi’s vocals ride over the punchy rhythm section that hooks you instantly. It’s upbeat but not overly polished, which gives it character. You know what I mean? Like, it doesn’t feel fake or forced—it’s raw enough to remind you these guys are having fun while they play.
Then there’s “Mad at the World,” which hits different. If “Dollar Down” is all high-energy party vibes, this track leans more introspective. The lyrics hit hard without being too heavy-handed, and the organ work by Aret Sakalian adds this moody layer that sticks with you long after the song ends. Plus, Mike Corcoran’s drumming keeps everything grounded, even when the emotions start running wild. Honestly, it’s the kind of song that makes you wanna stare out a car window during a road trip while pretending life is a movie montage.
One thing I gotta give props to is the production quality. Rick Barnes did a killer job mixing and recording this thing. Every instrument pops exactly where it needs to, and nothing feels drowned out. Even little details, like Judy Higgins’ graphic design and Rob Hostetter’s artwork, add to the whole vibe of the album. It’s cohesive, y’know? Like everyone involved really cared about making something special.
And hey, shoutout to Dave Simon on guitar and Brian Garibaldi holding it down on bass and vocals—that dude does double duty like a champ. Speaking of champs, whoever thought putting “Dirty Old Town” on here was a genius move. Covering a classic folk tune with ska flair? Bold choice, but it works.
So yeah, Large And In Charge isn’t perfect, but maybe that’s why I love it. It’s messy in the best way possible, kinda like your favorite pair of beat-up sneakers. Listening to it feels less like hearing a band perform and more like hanging out with old friends who don’t take themselves too seriously.
Oh, and here’s a random thought—if this album were a person, it’d probably be the guy at the party telling funny stories no one asked for but everyone secretly loves. Weird analogy? Maybe. But hey, that’s Deal’s Gone Bad for ya.
