While Goldfinger were watching James Bond flicks and Gwen Stefani was standing in line for teacups at the Tragic Kingdom, Dicky Barret and seven friends were starting a band inspired by the uberreggae movement know as ska.

"When we were younger, we were always trying to sneak into clubs to see visiting bands. We thought if we started our own band, we'd get into places for free," vocalist Barret says. "In the course of time, we actually got pretty good at the music part."

Of course, "pretty good" is an understatement when charting the career of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, who have five CDs, three EP's, 11 years of touring, an appearance in "Clueless" and a Converse commercial under their belts. Amidst all the commotion, the Bosstones focused on creating horn-filled, two-tone ska-even before the cool kids invaded their plaid, plaid world.

"The current musical climate doesn't annoy me, abuse me or affect me," Barret says. "We drew from the bands we loved, like Madness, in hopes of creating something original. Trends come and go. We stay the Bosstones."

Although the Bosstones are know for bombastic pary anthems like "Someday I Suppose," they don't mind using music as a soapbox. The serious side was most recently seen with their involvement in "Safe and Sound," a CD produced in response to the Brookline clinic murders.

"I'm not a brilliant man, but I know this isn't a perfect planet. Where's the harm in writing something that will make people think and question?"

With more drinking songs and some introspective pieces on their new album "Let's Face It," the guys aren't the least bit worried about how it will fare in the skank-friendly world.

"I think the record will do fine. I can't complain if it doesn't. I never imagined this: 300 shows a year, fans. I spend my days living in a dream."

-- MZ