New on JUMP UP, second in a 2 part 7" single series promoting the brand new DR RING DING album SKA-VAGANZA. Full color pic sleeves from Chema Skandal designed to fit as one big picture. A side is "DANCING WITH THE FAT MAN'S WIFE", and the flip is "IT DON'T MEAN IT'S OVER". Excellent 60s vocal ska!"
"If you were tuned into the more traditional frequencies of the 90s ska scene, you know that Dr. Ring Ding and the Allstars' [Dandimite](http://www.allmusic.com/album/dandimite%21-mw0000664672) (1995) and [Ram Di Dance](http://www.allmusic.com/album/ram-di-dance-mw0002004059) (1997) were two of the finest modern old school ska albums ever recorded--in a style similar to that of The Skatalites paired with some of the greatest singers of that era, like [Laurel Aitken](http://www.allmusic.com/artist/laurel-aitken-mn0000138792), [Lord Tanamo](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Tanamo), [Stranger Cole](http://www.allmusic.com/album/bangarang-the-best-of-stranger-cole-1962-1972-mw0000692430), and a million other incredible JA vocalists (the Mango [Intensified, Original Ska 1962-1966](http://www.allmusic.com/album/intensified%21-original-ska-1962-1966-mw0000201657) and [More Intensified, Original Ska 1963-1967, Vol. 2](http://www.allmusic.com/album/more-intensified-original-ska-1963-1967-vol-2-mw0000095109) comps were like blueprints used to build this band and construct its sound).
Longtime fans will be psyched to find that the new Dr. Ring Ding Ska-Vaganza material picks right up where Dandimite and Ram Di Dance (and[ Lord Tanamo with Dr. Ring Ding and the Senior Allstars' Best Place in the World)](http://duffguidetoska.blogspot.com/2009/01/duff-archives-lord-tanamo-with-dr-ring.html) left off, with The Freedom Street Band providing an equally excellent--yet more organic sounding--backing to the good Doctor's colorful vocals.
Side A: "Dancing with the Fat Man's Lady" may remind you of one of Laurel Aitken's more upbeat rhythm and blues/ska tracks mixed with the knowing naughtiness of a song like ["Shame and Scandal."](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlqbt1PQ1ek) Everyone is gleefully indulging in their own vices/transgressions (and getting over/off on others while doing it): "While we were almost mating/the guy was masticating/Having the time of his life..." But the singer is (kind of) redeemed, since the Fat Man is the stereotypical bad guy in JA musical shorthand, so score one for the good guys (or more like, the good guy scored!).
Side B: "It Don't Mean It's Over" is a terrific rocksteady track about not being able to let go of a relationship when the other person's finished with you (but not in a stalker-y way--the singer's forgiving, still deeply in love, and holding out hope for a second chance): "It don't mean it's over/just because you said goodbye/It don't mean it's over/just because you made me cry/It don't mean it's over/just because you made me blue/I'll be standing at your door waiting for you/with flowers in my hand!" Rejection rarely sounds this good.
