Concept albums belong to bands like The Beatles, The Who and Pink Floyd.

So what I’m about to say might shock you. Less Than Jake’s album “Hello Rockview” belongs in the same category.

Now I know what you’re going to say. “But Ben, ska music isn’t deep, it’s all about girls, booze and skanking the night away!”

Well, for the most part, you’re right. But every once in a while, a ska band will wake up from its hazy world and get in touch with its deeper side. Luckily for us, “Hello Rockview” is one such occasion.

The album, which focuses on coming of age, is filled with so many great songs. But the one track that stands out for this skanker is “Nervous in the Alley.”

A catchy trombone melody kicks open the track; at the same moment, a drum beat gets your body jumping up in the air. Before you know it you’re in the middle of circle, skanking!

As the lyrics calmly ask what you would do if confronted in an alley, raise a fist or shut your mouth, the track suddenly picks up from its happy-go-lucky tune into an aggressive punk song via the drum roll.

And that’s when the chaos begins.

Gone are the skank circles, and in come the circle pits. The song continues to build up, until as suddenly as it begins, it’s over.

And there you are, left in a sweaty mess, T-shirt stuck to your body, still yearning for more ska.

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