Lootin Shootin And Wailin Do The Ska by The Kingpins – A Wild Ride Through Ska and Reggae Vibes
Alright, so let me tell ya about this gem from '98 that’s been stuck in my head lately: Lootin Shootin And Wailin Do The Ska by The Kingpins. It’s one of those albums that just hits different, y’know? Coming out on Jump Start Records, it blends reggae grooves with rock grit and throws ska into the mix like a perfect musical cocktail. And yeah, it’s kinda chaotic—but in the best way possible.
Let’s start with the title track, “Lootin’ Shootin’ And Wailin’.” This song is wild. Like, imagine someone took all the energy of a street party, added some punk edge, and then threw in horns for good measure. That’s what you get here. The lyrics are raw, painting pictures of rebellion and chaos, but there’s also this weird sense of fun running through it. You can’t help but nod your head along to the beat even if you’re not totally sure what they’re yelling about half the time. Honestly, I think that’s part of its charm—it doesn’t try too hard to be polished or perfect. It feels real, unfiltered, straight from the heart (or maybe the gut).
Then there’s “Do The Ska,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a full-on ska banger. If you’ve ever doubted whether ska could still feel fresh in the late '90s, this track will change your mind quick. The brass section pops off like fireworks while the guitar keeps things punchy and sharp. There’s something infectious about how upbeat it is—it makes you wanna grab your friends, skank around the room, and forget whatever stress you had goin’ on. Plus, the chorus sticks in your brain like gum under a shoe. Days later, I caught myself humming it while making coffee. Annoying? Maybe. Catchy as hell? Absolutely.
What’s cool about this album is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they were just having fun mashing genres together and seeing what stuck. It’s messy at times, sure, but isn’t that kinda the point of ska and reggae anyway? Life ain’t always clean-cut, so why should music be?
Here’s the thing though—listening to this record now feels almost nostalgic, even though I wasn’t around when it first dropped. Maybe it’s because we don’t hear enough bands blending ska with other styles these days. Or maybe it’s just that The Kingpins nailed something special without overthinking it. Either way, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from people who aren’t afraid to let loose and make a little noise.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: if aliens landed tomorrow and asked us to explain human emotions through music, I’d hand them this album. They might not fully get it, but they’d definitely feel something.
