Medium Rare
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones · 2007
40 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk
An energetic blend of ska and punk, infused with witty lyrics and rich brass instrumentation that captures the band's signature sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Meaning — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its catchy chorus and relatable themes about self-reflection and understanding one's place in life.
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Don't Worry Desmond Dekker — A nod to reggae legend Desmond Dekker, this song showcases the band's ability to blend genres while delivering an infectious groove that honors their influences.
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So Many Ways — With its upbeat tempo and engaging lyrics about life's complexities, this track highlights the band's knack for combining fun with thoughtful commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic ska-punk with strong brass elements but lacks some depth for long-term engagement.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
- Brass instrumentation features prominently throughout, often layered with guitar riffs and driving percussion, creating a dense sound texture.
- Several tracks utilize call-and-response vocals between the lead singer and backing vocalists, enhancing the lively ska-punk feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- celebratory anthems for gatherings
- steady pacing for focused listening
- uplifting vibes for daily inspiration
- short bursts of energetic fun
Maybe skip if you
- seeking slow, introspective tracks
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a six-year hiatus, showcasing the band's signature energy.
- Career context
- Released on December 18, 2007, Medium Rare marked The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' first studio album in six years, following their 2000 release, Pay Attention. By this point in their career, the band had already established themselves as pioneers of the ska-core movement but were looking to reconnect with their roots while exploring new musical ideas.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Less Than Jake· Reel Big Fish· Streetlight Manifesto
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This List 4:21
- 2 The Meaning 2:34
- 3 Don't Worry Desmond Dekker 3:38
- 4 To California 3:11
- 5 The One With the Woes All Over It 2:59
- 6 So Many Ways 2:36
- 7 A Reason to Toast 2:58
- 8 Who's Fooling Who? 2:33
- 9 Katie 3:09
- 10 This Time of Year 2:17
- 11 Chocolate Pudding 3:01
- 12 Is It? 2:52
- 13 Favorite Records 4:36
What to play next
Pin Points and Gin Joints
2009
Continues the energetic blend of ska and punk with engaging themes.
A Jackknife to a Swan
2002
Sets the stage with similar energy and sound before 'Medium Rare'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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