Album Reviews

Still haven’t recovered from the Mighty Mighty Bosstones breaking up two years ago? Well, here’s some good news for you. While his former bandmate Dicky Barrett spends his time between playing with The Defiant and scouring the skies for vapor trails, the Bosstones’ Bass Fiddleman Joe Gittleman is set to release his first solo album, ‘Hold Up,’ later this week via Bad Time Records.

The album packs 12 sun-drenched songs that brim with feel-good vibes. With help from his friends in Big D, The Pietasters, Sammy K, and more, the songs that make up the album see Gittleman's digging through his favorite elements of ska, reggae, and punk. What that sounds like? During the album’s strongest moments, it’s pretty much the logical continuation of the Bosstones. At other times, you still end up with breezy ska tunes that are a lot better than what can be found on the latest Mad Caddies album. 

In case this isn’t enough Joe Gittleman for you, make sure to check out Joe’s new band The Kilograms, who released their self-titled debut EP earlier this year. That project includes Sammy Kay, Mick McDermott (Joan Jett/ex-Bouncing Souls), and J. Duckworth.

Hold Up track listing:

1. Plastered In The Rafters
2. Glimmer
3. Hold Up
4. Red Polaroid Eyes
5. I Shoulda Known
6. There or Thereabouts
7. No Reaction
8. Treadmill
9. Fool Heart
10. Chores
11. Asked Politely To Leave
12. For The Love of Gino Mader