If you thought ska was a one-trick dog, you need to get your hands on a copy of this excellent compilation of UK ska acts from the past 30 years. This sampler was assembled by Martin Stewart, organist for the (aptly-named in this case) skanksters The Selecter. The first track alone -- The Selecter's "California Screaming" -- will destroy any bogus preconceptions you have as to what ska sounds like. The form you know is there, but the epic interpretation (complete with big synth orchestra hits à la Yes and fiery guitar licks à la Van Halen) is bold and unique (and from the early '80s! It sounds groundbreaking even today!) and deserves applause for pushing the genre forward. Other premier tracks are the three mellow, sugarsweet ballads by Judge Dread ("Molly", "Tammy" and "(Hey There) Lonely Girl") and Laurel Aitken's funk-oriented jam, "Sexy Boogie". Ska has received a bad rap from some lately as bland, suburban impersonators have tried to commandeer its form. Fortunately, compilations like this one are out there to remind all of us that ska can still be as vibrant and diverse a musical style as any other.