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Since reforming 20 years ago, the founders of ska have toured internationally to great acclaim. The band is not what it was, since leading lights Roland Alphonso and Tommy McCook are no longer with us, but the tour bus keeps rolling along with old schoolers like original vocalist Doreen Shaffer and saxophonist Lester Sterling now onboard. Recording in Paris in 2001 between tours, the band lets it rip in the studio, playing live with few overdubs. The production has that warm analog feel that gives From Paris a classic sound even if it is new. Tastefully, the album also balances such classics as "Guns Of Navarone" and "River To The Bank" with such excellent new songs as "Lester’s Mood" and "Glory To The Sound." Like many artists with lengthy careers, the Skatalites compete with themselves when they record. And while there’s an endless stream of excellent reissues and collections, this satisfying album is a document of the band in the 21st century. --Tad Hendrickson