The Gipsy Hill cover

The Gipsy Hill

Big D and the Kids Table · 2002

29 min · 11 tracks · ska punk

A frenetic blend of upbeat ska rhythms and punk energy, laced with humorous lyrics and a youthful exuberance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Check List Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Evil Girl / Angry Girl — This track captures the band's playful yet biting humor, addressing themes of relationships with a catchy chorus that showcases their signature ska punk sound.
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    Scenester — With its sharp critique of superficiality in social circles, this song stands out for its insightful lyrics paired with an infectious melody that resonates with listeners.
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    New England — A standout closer, this track combines reflective lyrics about identity with an upbeat tempo, perfectly encapsulating the album's overall spirit and energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The Gipsy Hill showcases energetic ska punk with varied tempos and engaging vocal dynamics, appealing to its niche audience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a fast tempo with upbeat horn sections, while the fourth track introduces a slower groove that contrasts sharply.
  • Several songs feature call-and-response vocals between the lead singer and backing harmonies, creating an interactive feel.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • brief bursts of energetic fun
  • sharp lyrical wit throughout
  • for group sing-alongs
  • quick, punchy listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • seek slow, contemplative vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped solidify their reputation in the ska punk genre during the early 2000s.
Themes
New England identity· scenes of superficiality
Career context
Released in 2002, The Gipsy Hill is Big D and the Kids Table's third studio album, following their well-received album Strictly Rude. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place within the ska punk scene, gaining traction through energetic live performances and a growing fanbase. This album marked a step towards greater lyrical maturity while maintaining their signature sound.

Tracklist

  • 1 Check List Start here 2:26
  • 2 Evil Girl / Angry Girl 3:00
  • 3 Wailing Paddle 3:36
  • 4 Great Song 3:25
  • 5 Those Kids Suck (T.K.S.) 1:27
  • 6 Apologies 2:04
  • 7 What The Hell Are You Going To Do? 0:13
  • 8 Find Out (Damaged and Destroyed) 2:43
  • 9 Scenester 4:31
  • 10 The Difference 2:36
  • 11 New England 3:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata