Artist: Bad Manners Album: Mental Notes

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Mental Notes by Bad Manners: A Throwback to Ska Music

Ska music originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and eventually found its way into mainstream music in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. Bad Manners, a British ska band formed in 1976, became one of the most popular bands of the genre in the UK. Their debut album, Mental Notes, released in 1980, received critical acclaim and continues to be a fan-favorite. In this post, we will take a critical look at Mental Notes and explore what makes it a classic in ska music.
Mental Notes consists of 11 tracks and opens with the lively beat of Walking in the Sunshine. The song sets a cheerful tone for the rest of the album, with its trumpet and saxophone arrangements, as well as the lead singer's soulful voice. The album's most popular song, Lip Up Fatty, has become a ska party anthem and is guaranteed to get people dancing. The lyrics are humorous and relatable, telling a story of indulging in one's favorite food and drink.
One of the most innovative parts of Mental Notes is the use of brass instruments. This element is what sets ska music apart from other genres, and Bad Manners' use of it in the album is masterful. Wooly Bully has an upbeat, infectious melody, led by a robust horn section, while Special Brew is a slower, more soulful tune with a prominent trombone accompaniment. The use of brass instruments in Mental Notes creates a captivating atmosphere and helps to highlight the band's unique sound.
Aside from their use of brass, Bad Manners also incorporates rock and roll and punk influences into their music. The track Just a Feeling is a prime example of this blend of genres, featuring distorted guitar riffs and a hard-hitting drumbeat. The band's punk influences can also be heard in the aggressive energy of Inner London Violence, contrasting with the more mellow and cheerful tracks on the album.
As with any album, Mental Notes is not without its flaws. The lyrics of some songs feel repetitive and simplistic, while others feel dated and borderline offensive. Fatty Fatty contains lyrics that could be seen as promoting body shaming, and Monster Mash uses insensitive language that could be considered offensive to those with disabilities.
Despite its shortcomings, Mental Notes remains a classic in ska music history. Bad Manners' unique sound and innovative use of brass instruments have solidified their place in the genre, and there are plenty of tracks on this album that are worth revisiting. While some may argue that the album has not aged well, its place in the ska canon cannot be denied. Mental Notes is a testament to a golden era of British ska and is an essential listen for any fan of the genre.