Jimmy Cliff once explained that ska, which originated in Jamaica in the 1960s, was upbeat because it was born during the period of Jamaican independence from British rule, so people were in the mood to celebrate. It was slowed down and evolved into rock steady and found its African roots, spirituality, and political voice in reggae.

Ska itself went through its own evolution when the Brits merged it with punk and then the rest of the world embraced it during an era called Third Wave Ska in the late 1980s.

Just in time, it seems, when most people need some joy in their lives, Bad Operation, a New Orleans band, has revived the fun and the absolutely dance-ready beat to get fans of the style up skanking. It starts strongly on “Perilous” as lead vocalist and guitarist Dominic Minix sings, “Is there anything you need? Let the music set you free,” with a true to the genre inflection in his voice. Another essential to many ska enthusiasts is the inclusion of a trombone that stems from early ska pioneers the Skatalites. Daniel “D-Ray” Ray makes good use of the instrument and also mans the keyboards on the opener and the next cut, “Bagel Rooks.”

Several cuts, including “Siren’s Call” and the more modern tone of “Baby in Arms,” offer a change of pace and dynamics. There’s no holding back Bad Operation however and the band jumps back into the harder edged “Fish Out of Water” complete with Robert Landry’s pounding drums. The compatible group is rounded out with guitarist Brian Pretus and bassist Greg Rodrigue, both of whom add backup vocals.

Bad Operation, which is filled with all-original material from the pen on Dominic Minix, provides a welcome return of ska in New Orleans and the kind of album that stands up to repeat playing especially when one needs a lift.