Boston Ska Pioneers Bim Skala Bim have made a large chunk of their back catalog of LPs available to fans through their Nimbit Music digital store. Fans can rest assured they’re buying directly from the band, and Nimbit is based in Framingham, MA to boot. The band advertised that their full catalog was available. I’m no expert on the band and I picked up most of their LPs on eMusic way back, but a little research confirmed my hunch that there were still some singles and EP material not available through the store. Nonetheless, there are 11 albums available on sale for between $7 and $12 an album and you can buy the tracks individually if you prefer. You could just as easily get many of these tracks from iTunes but Nimbit gives you 256 kbps mp3s and no DRM. Just head to the store and click on the “shop” tab.
For those not yet initiated, there are three free tracks available: two songs from the Mash It Up ska compilations and a previously unreleased cover of Bad Manners’ “Lorraine.”
Founded in 1983, Bim Skala Bim has released over 10 albums, the most recent of which was 2013’s Chet’s Last Call, made available through the band’s store this past August. Below is a sunny instrumental from that record with a slideshow put together by the band.
At this time, the only gigs we’re aware of are some European dates but should anything arise we’ll put them on the calendar.
Bim Skala Bim – “Summer of Ska” from Chet’s Last Call
Given that most of these releases arrived courtesy of the band’s own BiB Records, one can only wonder if Steady Earnest records are soon to follow. Also, can anyone confirm what BiB stood for? Google tells me “Best in Boston” and “Big Indie Beat.”
Further Reading