Slackers, The

***The Question is a crucial cornerstone in the history of NYC ska/reggae legends, The Slackers, and an essential album in the collection of any fan of the band or the multiple genres they effortlessly fuse together. Originally released in 1998, The Question marked the third LP in three years for the band, and the immediate follow-up to their breakthrough album, Redlight, from the previous year. The album was written and recorded amidst a nonstop schedule of touring and live performances, as well as frontman Vic Ruggiero's major creative hand in Rancid's album Life Won't Wait, released earlier that same year, on which he played organ, piano, percussion, and guitar, receiving co-writing credits on much of the record. All of the above contributed to cementing The Slackers' place at the forefront of the 90s ska revival in the US & worldwide, as well as their reputation for being one of the most authentic bands paying respect to the roots of the genre (one of the album's dedications is to the late Skatalites founding member, Tommy McCook). With so many more eyes and ears tuned in, the band rose to the occasion and delivered on the high expectations. Selections from this record, including "Have the Time," "Keep Him Away," and "Face in My Crowd," became staples in the band's live set and fan-favorites, with "Have the Time" still often receiving honored placement as a set-closer or encore nearly 25 years later.