Ska Education and Discussion

[POINTLESS5448]

do you have them on slsk?

[Iron Bug]

Yes.

username = I Was On A Mountain

[CombatRock]

Are the Mighty Mighty Bosstones still together, if they broke up why?

[KingOfSka]

Are the Mighty Mighty Bosstones still together, if they broke up why?

As far as I know, they haven't broken up, but they're not together either. They're more on this seemingly indefinite hiatus. One of them had a baby, and a couple others had "professional oppertunities" like going on tour with other bands. Everyone kind of went off and did their own thing.

That's the impression that I get.

[DaveToopes]

Nice pun!

[CombatRock]

As far as I know, they haven't broken up, but they're not together either. They're more on this seemingly indefinite hiatus. One of them had a baby, and a couple others had "professional oppertunities" like going on tour with other bands. Everyone kind of went off and did their own thing.

That's the impression that I get.

That was a good pun, hahah.

So the chances of me ever seeing them live is probley slim?

[maco]

Ahhh, when I said "the height of fashion" I was reffering to a sweeping frindge, tight jeans and two-tone slip-on Vans. And because someone tells them that two-tone is "ska", they suddenly love ska... etc.
oo misguided scene kids....

[Iron Bug]

So I've been listening to Hepcat all day. So good.

[Special Brew]

I posted in the suggestions thread, but it's not working too well.

Anyone got suggestions of some swingish or really groovy ska music? I was suggested The Slackers, but I didn't like them too well.

I think I'll post this in the Other Music thread as well, to maximize my responses.

[Moon Flavor]

So what do you guys think of Mu330? From what I remember, a lot you weren't too big on most third wave, but they're pretty original for what they do....so....yeah...

[Iron Bug]

I posted in the suggestions thread, but it's not working too well.

Anyone got suggestions of some swingish or really groovy ska music? I was suggested The Slackers, but I didn't like them too well.

I think I'll post this in the Other Music thread as well, to maximize my responses.
You'd probably like Hepcat, very trad and danceable.

[KingOfSka]

So what do you guys think of Mu330? From what I remember, a lot you weren't too big on most third wave, but they're pretty original for what they do....so....yeah...

Mu330 is awesome. There was this one point during the summer where all I was listening to was Crab Rangoon.

That was a good pun, hahah.

So the chances of me ever seeing them live is probley slim?

Very slim. Unless they have some sort of reunion tour.

[Moon Flavor]

The only MMB I really like is Let's Face It. The rest are too "rawk and roll" for me...and the singing get's annoying.

[KingOfSka]

The only MMB I really like is Let's Face It. The rest are too "rawk and roll" for me...and the singing get's annoying.

Dicky Barrett is not annoying. He's godly.

[Moon Flavor]

Dicky Barrett is not annoying. He's godly.
Eh...he probably just smoked too much...

[Iron Bug]

You probably just dont have good taste. MMB rule.

[Jessizzle]

So, I saw chris murray, and it was pretty much the greatest thing ever.
He came on stage playing rock steady, then just said he would play as long as they would let him ( he was on last) and would play what we told him to.

[Ghostfire3]

That's awesome! I wish more bands would do that.

[POINTLESS5448]

how long did he play?

[Black Ink]

:eek: Leaked Keasby Nights 2! Score.

[Liebensaft]

Old N00z!!!!

[Ghostfire3]

Pwn.

[Vismund Cygnus]

http://www.internationalskacircus.com/

I just started getting into ska, and I've only been to one show before. I'm so excited.

[Ghostfire3]

I so wish I could go to that. Many good bands are playing at that.

[AIRIC]

The guy who books ska shows around here sits down once a month and says: "Which bad band have these kids all ready seen 12 times, and don't want to see again? I've got it, I'll book Catch 22 again"

So we got another generic ska fest kind of like ska brawl. Everyone is trying to recreate ska is dead. Catch 22 who are awful, Big D who rule live, Mustard Plug who I don't like, and the Flatliners who I've never heard. I'll go anyway.

[KingOfSka]

The Flatliners are good Eric. I have two albums on slsk.

[Liebensaft]

Big D are a damn good show. I've never seen Mustard Plug or heard the Flatliners.

[Jessizzle]

Eric, you relize The Flatliners ARE from toronto. And One of my favourite bands, therefor they cannot be good.

[Liebensaft]

Oh yeah. Stay home Eric.

[The Chemist]

What ska is on the Warped this year?

[Iron Bug]

It depends on where you live, and I dont think they've posted a bunch of bands up yet. Maybe 20 or 25.

[KingOfSka]

What ska is on the Warped this year?

The Aquabats, who aren't coming to Canada. And Big D & The Kids Table. There are probably a few other bands, but those are the only two I know as of yet.

[Skidmark Steve]

Up The Ska!

[Liebensaft]

So The Aquabats are definitely on it? Oh god, I love the Aquabats.

[AIRIC]

The Aquabats was probably the worst show I've ever seen.

EDIT: Fear Before almost topped that, but then I found out Bear Vs. Shark were playing and that show ended up being fantastic.

[Lukeh]

What are you talking about?! What happened to make them so bad? (Besides their stupid un-superhero-like Nike sponsorship)

[Liebensaft]

It's a shame the show was bad. Their albums are awesome. So catchy and funny.

[AIRIC]

What are you talking about?! What happened to make them so bad? (Besides their stupid un-superhero-like Nike sponsorship)


I'm not sure. The tour was Aquabats, Phenomonauts, and Epoxies. All 3 bands just bored me I guess.

[Iron Bug]

When I saw them it was great.

[KingOfSka]

Yeah I've heard really good things about The Aquabats. I've heard they have super-villains come out and fight them on stage and stuff.

[Iron Bug]

They do, the whole thing goes on like a saturday morning cartoon show, commercials and all.

[ThisUserIsAPipebomb]

I want to see Aquabats more than any other band right now. I have been looking out.


Lame that Aquabats/Phenomenauts show didn't come by me.

[Liebensaft]

They're definitely near the top of the list of bands I wanna see. Along with Against Me!, Streetlight Manifesto, and some kind of Choking Victim reunion. Or a DK reunion with Jello. The latter is laughable.

[ThisUserIsAPipebomb]

Wow, Aquabats website says they'll be going on tour in May/June with....





DUN DUN DUN



STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO!!!!




Can you say best show ever?

[Liebensaft]

No way! They updated it!? They must have done it today since yesterday it was full of old news.

[Liebensaft]

Hahaha. "This Better Work, Or We Are Dead" tour.

[ThisUserIsAPipebomb]

Yeah, that's going to be amazing

[KingOfSka]

The Aggrolites are going to be on that tour too. Damn. It better come to Vancouver.

[AIRIC]

I've seen Streetlight twice all ready :cool:

I wish I could trade in my 3 Catch 22 shows for 1 more Streetlight.

[Henrik]

I wish Streetlight, aquabats, suicide machines or just a good skaband, even catch 22, would come to Denmark. The only "big" skaband comming here sometimes is Reel Big Fish.

[POINTLESS5448]

ate the aquabats/streetlight going to come to south florida?
is this for sure?

[ThisUserIsAPipebomb]

ate the aquabats/streetlight going to come to south florida?
is this for sure?No tour dates have been announced.

[DuckinFutch8]

uggh, I wanna know if they're coming here now!!

ah...

damn it...

[Liebensaft]

I left them a very menacing myspace comment saying they had better come to Philadelphia with Streetlight Manifesto, or I'd send a robot programmed to kill awesome ska bands after them.

Genius, amirite?

[Shtein]

It's flawless...

[POINTLESS5448]

I left them a very menacing myspace comment saying they had better come to Philadelphia with Streetlight Manifesto, or I'd send a robot programmed to kill awesome ska bands after them.

Genius, amirite?
do bands actually reply to comments?

[Liebensaft]

Nah. Not unless they're local, or don't have a lot of friends.

[POINTLESS5448]

didnt think so.

[Henrik]

teenage bottlerocket do sometimes... Pretty cool I think.

[spuck]

um, this seems like as good a place as any to ask....

I desperately want a checkered baseball cap. Just a regular baseball cap that is ENTIRELY checkered, anyone know of some kind of uber ska site that might have something like that, or any site for that matter?

[sketchyjoe]

Through the magic of Google I found this. (http://racechex.com/chexstuff/page11.html)

Or you could just buy a white or black one and modify it.

[spuck]

yeah, i found that site too, but the checkered baseball cap is leather, which i wouldnt want. The junior/toddler hat is PERFECT, except size wise that is.....

yeah, i think a white hat and a fabric marker is gonna be the way to go....

or maybe covering a hat in checked fabric somehow

[KingOfSka]

Through the magic of Google I found this. (http://racechex.com/chexstuff/page11.html)

Or you could just buy a white or black one and modify it.

That Stove Top Hat is bada'ss.

[sketchyjoe]

That Stove Top Hat is bada'ss.
That what's thought when I found the page as well.

[Shelvey]

or maybe covering a hat in checked fabric somehow

Yeah, I just took a checkered bandana and sewed it around one. Works well.

[DaveToopes]

I like the painters hat.

[POINTLESS5448]

they have checkerd fedora hats at journeys. i think thats what its called.

[KingOfSka]

I have two fedoras. They rock.

In other news, tomorrow I am going to listen to every single thus-far released Slackers studio album.

Better Late Than Never (1996)
Redlight (1997)
The Question (1998)
Wasted Days (2001)
Close My Eyes (2003)
International War Criminal (2004)
Peculiar (2006)

I'm sure theres an EP or two I'm missing in there, but that pretty much covers my listening material for tomorrow.

[Flagjacket]

I can never find good fedoras that are cheap :(.

[Henrik]

I have two fedoras. They rock.

In other news, tomorrow I am going to listen to every single thus-far released Slackers studio album.

Better Late Than Never (1996)
Redlight (1997)
The Question (1998)
Wasted Days (2001)
Close My Eyes (2003)
International War Criminal (2004)
Peculiar (2006)

I'm sure theres an EP or two I'm missing in there, but that pretty much covers my listening material for tomorrow.
What's the best one? I only have the question, favorite song: HAve the time.

I've heard that the specials' best studio album is their s/t. But where can I buy it? I can't find it anywhere.

[ThisUserIsAPipebomb]

I like that stove top hat!

The painters hat is pretty cool too, but everything else is just kinda meh.

[KingOfSka]

What's the best one? I only have the question, favorite song: HAve the time.

I've heard that the specials' best studio album is their s/t. But where can I buy it? I can't find it anywhere.

Have The Time is awesome. Personally I think The Slackers best album is Better Late Than Never, or their newest one Peculiar.

You could always buy The Specials S/T on InterPunk.

[Henrik]

Nope, interpunk doesn't have it.
They only have titles called: best of, stereo typical, To much to young (another best of), concrete jungel an a best of split with fun boy three.

[POINTLESS5448]

I can never find good fedoras that are cheap :(.
super target has some cool ones for like 15 bucks.

[DaveToopes]

Oh dear....

Prepare to be reprimanded for your spelling.

[Brain Toad]

suuper target hjas some cools ones fgor like 15 bucks,

Holy ****, what were you being ****ed by when you typed that?

[DaveToopes]

porbabley a alefant.

[KingOfSka]

:lol:

[Jessizzle]

That was the most pointless post ever chris
GET THE **** OUT OF MY THREAD!

[POINTLESS5448]

haha sorry guys.... i was a bit drunk yesterday.

[DaveToopes]

A little?

[POINTLESS5448]

yeah. it was fun.... until i started making drunk calls.

[Jessizzle]

skanking moose! lolololol
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v302/PSG/IMG_0832.jpg

[Iron Bug]

D'amn Greatful Dead influences on everything these days....

[AIRIC]

We got the Aquabats, Aggrolites and Whole Wheat Bread. Dislike the Aquabats and their live show. Never heard the Aggrolites. Love Whole Wheat Bread. I'll be going just for them.

[Ghostfire3]

We got the Aquabats, Aggrolites and Whole Wheat Bread. Dislike the Aquabats and their live show. Never heard the Aggrolites. Love Whole Wheat Bread. I'll be going just for them.

I got the same bands coming my way too. I'm not a big fan of The Aquabats and I haven't heard much of Whole Wheat Bread's stuff (are they good?). But The Aggrolites are an awesome reggae band, so I might go for them.

[KingOfSka]

Eric The Aggrolites f'ucking rock, check them out. Nick has their album Dirty Reggae on slsk. Get it from him.

[Jessizzle]

I have it also. Soo amazing.
I cant wait for that show.

[Danger Bird]

I just learned there's a county in my state called Skamania.

[POINTLESS5448]

sweet. i bet they ironically have a ****ty ska scene.

[Danger Bird]

sweet. i bet they ironically have a ****ty ska scene.
Yeah, it's in rural washington:eek:

[asdf]

Some band someday will be named Skamania County.

[Danger Bird]

They'd better.

[AIRIC]

I got the same bands coming my way too. I'm not a big fan of The Aquabats and I haven't heard much of Whole Wheat Bread's stuff (are they good?). But The Aggrolites are an awesome reggae band, so I might go for them.

I really don't like the Aquabats. Their live show doesn't make up for their crappy music. I downloaded an Aggrolites cd but am yet to listen to it. Whole Wheat Bread really are sweet. Really Blink182'ish, but better. I know that sounds bad, but trust me they are good pop punk.

[Jessizzle]

oh baby, you're here!

[Henrik]

I'm going to have a project in school about the three ska waves. Therefore I need 1 song for each wave to represent them. I not quite sure what to choose, do any of you have some suggestions?

[POINTLESS5448]

damn, i havent seen this thread in a while.
if i was doing a project, for first wave you got to put a skatalites song. rude boy dreams is a good one. you could go with bob and the wailers but that would just be too easy. for second wave you have to put the specials. third wave i dont know. theyres too many songs. dont put any ska like choking victim type ska put something like big d and the kids table.

[Henrik]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'll use some Specials in second wave. Don't know which song yet though.
I don't know that many 1st wave bands.

[Ghostfire3]

Definitely go with The Specials for 2nd Wave. They are the definitive 2nd wave ska sound.

[Liebensaft]

For first wave, obviously, I'm assuming your going with something by the Skatalites. Can't go wrong with anything of theirs, really.

For second wave, since it seems you're headed for The Specials, I'd try "Little Bitch" or "A Message to You Rudy."

Third wave is wide open. Operation Ivy would probably be best.

[Brain Toad]

Use Desmond Dekker or Prince Buster for 1st wave.

[Jessizzle]

I have the complication " Ska masters of the 20th century" best album i own, I suggest every ska fan pick it up.

[711]

I have the complication " Ska masters of the 20th century" best album i own, I suggest every ska fan pick it up.

Whats it got on it?

[POINTLESS5448]

Use Desmond Dekker or Prince Buster for 1st wave.
yeah desmond dekker is good. funny too.

[Henrik]

If skatalites or Desmond dekker, which songs then?

[Catchthe22]

Less Than Jake - Johnny Quest would be a good all around 3rd wave ska song. Also you could compare the differences between the 1st and 2nd wave by doing Prince Buster's Al Capone and then the Specials' Gangsters which is a cover of Al Capone.

[Jessizzle]

Whats it got on it?
Desmond Dekker
Max Romeo
Toots and the maytals
Mille Small
Bob Marley
the Skatalites
Alton Ellis
The Upsetters
Price Buster
Owen Gray

[POINTLESS5448]

Less Than Jake - Johnny Quest would be a good all around 3rd wave ska song. Also you could compare the differences between the 1st and 2nd wave by doing Prince Buster's Al Capone and then the Specials' Gangsters which is a cover of Al Capone.
less than jake would probably be the worst representation of third wave ska. **** you.

[Iron Bug]

less than jake would probably be the worst representation of third wave ska. **** you.
Harsh. Use Link 80 or The Bosstones

[AIRIC]

I love Link 80.

[FauxApathy]

Big D and the Kids Table - greatest 3rd wave band, In my own opinion. Not a bad song on their latest cd.

[AIRIC]

They're a pop-punk band with horns though!

[Brain Toad]

I love Link 80.

One of the few 3rd wave bands I still like.

[TentativeDecisions]

They're a pop-punk band with horns though!

Lol. Some lady asked me if I liked ska last night. I said yes.

[Catchthe22]

less than jake would probably be the worst representation of third wave ska. **** you.

Woah woah. Wooosaaa wooosaa. Take a breath there buddy.

LTJ had some good ska stuff from Pezcore, imo. Dont let your opinions over run your character.

[Henrik]

They're a pop-punk band with horns though!
Yeah, not many offbeats.

And to my assignment in school I'm probably going with Desmond Dekker - Israelites, The Specials - Little Bitch and haven’t decided the 3rd wave yet, it has to be something that shows the punk in ska.

[Johnny Quest.]

Yeah, not many offbeats.

And to my assignment in school I'm probably going with Desmond Dekker - Israelites, The Specials - Little Bitch and haven’t decided the 3rd wave yet, it has to something that shows the punk in ska.

Maybe some Keasbey-era Catch 22, Suicide Machines, or Op-Ivy.

[Jessizzle]

I dont really consider Operation Ivy to be ska.
For 3rd wave, I would go with Reel Big Fish.. Just because, thats what most 3rd wave bands sound somewhat like. I dont know who had the "rbf" sound first, but its pretty much a template for other bands.

[SantaDuJuan]

I would totally consider Op Ivy to be the best example of Ska/Punk.

[POINTLESS5448]

use some suicide machines stuff from destruction by definition.

[Henrik]

Good idea, but it would be best if the song had horns.

[POINTLESS5448]

true true.

[comptonassrobert]

Catch 22-What Goes Around Comes Around is really punk influenced and has a great horn section.

I'm not partial to the new singer at all though.

[Johnny Quest.]

Catch 22-What Goes Around Comes Around is really punk influenced and has a great horn section.

I'm not partial to the new singer at all though.

Yeah, I really like that song, it probably has some of the strongest horn lines they've done (including Keasbey). Jeff Davidson did a great job. A lot better than new Catch.

[Henrik]

Actually that song is just as good as some of the keasbey stuff. Without doubt their best post-tomas song.

[FauxApathy]

They're a pop-punk band with horns though!


You Lost, You're Crazy is a great ska song off of their new album.

The First Suicide Machines cd is an awesome ska cd... I dislike most of their newer stuff, A Match and some gasoline is alright.

Edit: "Good idea, but it would be best if the song had horns."

Vans Song?

[Johnny Quest.]

You Lost, You're Crazy is a great ska song off of their new album.

The First Suicide Machines cd is an awesome ska cd... I dislike most of their newer stuff, A Match and some gasoline is alright.

Edit: "Good idea, but it would be best if the song had horns."

Vans Song?

Hey Ska? That would be a decent example of third wave ska.

[gastery6]

If you live in the Toronto area try catching the ska party hour on right now on 89.5 on your radio dial.

[Jessizzle]

If you live in the Toronto area try catching the ska party hour on right now on 89.5 on your radio dial.
It airs every tuesday, 6-7. CUIT. Best radio hour..

" if skip has to pee, its worth the fee!"

[POINTLESS5448]

hey jess im going to be up there from july 14 - 23 in ottawa and montreal are there going to be any good shows. i want to go to one since im missing streetlight and rancid.

[super_minty]

does anyone have any tips for ska singing?

[Liebensaft]

Say "hep hep", "pick it up", or "yeah" a lot.

[AIRIC]

hep hep

[POINTLESS5448]

there is no such thing as ska singing its singing theres ska bands with all types of singers.

[the-UK-ska-scene]

Yeah I mean check these guys out, this is a local band from by me, the singer doesn't have a 'typical' ska-punk voice at all, I guess he's going for more of a Chris Batstone/Suburban Legends approach, and I think it's awesome...
http://www.myspace.com/speakingoflosers

[coheneran]

Do you know what this weekend is? That's RIGHT! It's the London Skafest weekend, hosted by the Underworld! Unfortunately, the greedy poseurs organising it won't let me make a patch stall because I will be "cutting in on their turf", so that means I can't get in for free! What's a rudeboy gotta do to see some skankin's round here?

[Jessizzle]

hey jess im going to be up there from july 14 - 23 in ottawa and montreal are there going to be any good shows. i want to go to one since im missing streetlight and rancid.
Both have good shows normally.
http://www.myspace.com/skattawa for all ottawa ska shows.

[the-UK-ska-scene]

Do you know what this weekend is? That's RIGHT! It's the London Skafest weekend, hosted by the Underworld! Unfortunately, the greedy poseurs organising it won't let me make a patch stall because I will be "cutting in on their turf", so that means I can't get in for free! What's a rudeboy gotta do to see some skankin's round here?

Dunno but did you head down tonight? Was pretty cool, but I left before The Beat got on. I only got my backstage pass in time for The Big, which sucked a bit! But it was cool.

If anyone was there do they know who the second band was? Weird.

[coheneran]

Dunno but did you head down tonight? Was pretty cool, but I left before The Beat got on. I only got my backstage pass in time for The Big, which sucked a bit! But it was cool.

If anyone was there do they know who the second band was? Weird.

How did you get a backstage pass!? Will you be there tommorow? Can you get me in for free?

[comptonassrobert]

Alright guys, I've been a ska fan for some time now but I've always strayed more towards the serious Streetlight Manifesto-esque epic ska songs, but I just caught wind of the song Jeremy by Big D and the Kids Table and I'm in love. So I'm lookin for some more songs like that are pure fun

[coheneran]

Skanksters - Duckie is one of the funnest ska songs I know.

[asdf]

Planet Smashers - super orgy porno party.

[Catchthe22]

The Forces of Evil and Reel Big Fish are fun ska bands.

[Henrik]

Listen to early Aquabats, funniest ska around, and pretty good too.

[comptonassrobert]

Thanks for the first two suggestions, I'll have to check them out. I already listen to The Aquabats (saw them on monday :cool:), Reel Big Fish and Forces of Evil.

EDIT: Coheneran, can you send me the Skankers song? I can't find it.

[coheneran]

Thanks for the first two suggestions, I'll have to check them out. I already listen to The Aquabats (saw them on monday :cool:), Reel Big Fish and Forces of Evil.

EDIT: Coheneran, can you send me the Skankers song? I can't find it.

No problem, what is your email?

[comptonassrobert]

No problem, what is your email?

comptonassrobert@yahoo.com thanks :)

[super_minty]

if you want funny ska, try the mad caddies. I love monkeys!

[ibanezman575]

ska sucks by propagandhi is a good song for you guys

[comptonassrobert]

The Mad Caddies are amazing.

[coheneran]

I sent you the song dude.

[POINTLESS5448]

the rudiments - martians dont skank
"keep your suit on. remember theres no air around here."

[sketchyjoe]

The Rudiments are my favourite third wave band.

[POINTLESS5448]

hell yeah!
also,
desmond dekker - fat man, humpty dumpty
its first wave but i was cracking up when i heard humpty dumpty
:lol: <- like that

[Henrik]

The rudiments are quite good actually. And Martians don't skank is and awesome song.
Mad caddies have an awesome trumpeter.

[!aaa!]

NoFX sound kind of ska-esque on a lot of their songs like Bob, 180 degrees or Murder the Government. Is that stuff actually considered ska?

[comptonassrobert]

I sent you the song dude.

Thanks man

[Brain Toad]

The Rudiments are my favourite third wave band.

Rudiments and Link 80 are the only 3rd wave bands I think I still like. Link 80 more so.

[AIRIC]

Link 80 are a really good band.

[POINTLESS5448]

i forget who said it but it was so funny. it was like they tryed to get their name to be as close to blink 182 as possible or something like that. i dont remember how it went. hopefully someone knows what im talking about.

[Matt?]

link 80 are maybe the only ska band i really like

[the-UK-ska-scene]

How did you get a backstage pass!? Will you be there tommorow? Can you get me in for free?

Ah sorry man I got rid of my computer just hours after I made that last post! I got backstage cus I know the dudes who organised the shows over the weekend and I was taking pictures for some zines. It was sweet having backstage for the second day, so many bands I love playing. Except I've met them/know them already, so I couldn't be star struck or anything ... ah shame.

[pedro durruti]

I've been listening to a lot of punk lately

[coheneran]

I am so going to start writing for DogmaNet. I hear they give out press passes like a (tries to find suitable but funny simile), a, meh. They give them out.

[coheneran]

I've been listening to a lot of punk lately

That's very peculiar.

[comptonassrobert]

I am so going to start writing for DogmaNet. I hear they give out press passes like a (tries to find suitable but funny simile), a, meh. They give them out.

What is a press pass?

[Liebensaft]

An all-access pass given to members of the press (people from the media, like newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio stations) at big events.

[the-UK-ska-scene]

Ah some people call press passes just guestlist places at any kind of events small to large (but most of these are to review the show, and they aren't access all areas). You'll also hear about people getting photopasses, which are usually guestlist places which also enable them to take pictures (usually access-all-areas at most venues). It's easy enough to organise yourself a pass like this, just email the band or promoter, and explain to them who you are writing for and they will usually set you up. If the band is bigger, you'll have to email the tour manager or PR to get this permission, but as long as you're direct and polite they're usually happy to help.

I have no moral problem with getting guestlist for bigger bands who are getting a lot of airplay and are gonna sell out events, such as Gogol Bordello or Flogging Molly or something like that. But I do have a big moral problem for doing this for smaller gigs and bands (some people don't). I don't like the idea of short changing my favourite bands, or good-natured promoters, who might not even make their own money back because of people like me not paying door price.

So for smaller events, I usually buy a ticket then ask for a access-all-areas photopass anyway, then you have a clear conscience and the enjoyment of getting a good view for your pictures (and hanging out with your friends backstage if they're playing the show).

[coheneran]

I don't like paying for music at all, unless it is a benefit event. In the case of skafest, I would have had no qualms about stealing petty money from the organisers either. It turns out I couldn't make a patch stall because the organisers didn't want anyone else selling stuff, and they used all the stall space for themselves. ****ing monopolisers.

[the-UK-ska-scene]

Was that a serious post? If so, if you wanna pay £750 + VAT for the Underworld for 3 nights, then about £1000 for a couple of old touring bands, + money for all the other bands, so you can make some money off your stall, go ahead. Cus that's the outlay the Flowerdews had to put out, I don't blame them for trying to make back all the money they could through only sticking their stalls + band merch up.

And if you don't like paying to see bands then get ready for your favourite bands to stop paying, cus it's people like you that mean they can't tour anymore.

[coheneran]

Hardly. I know loads of musicians who tour and when they gig they only ask for donations. I have never gone to a show without giving something to the musician, but if it's "pay or don't see the band", I would rather not see the band.

And as for the Underworld's fees, that's just a plain rip-off. They rip off the bands and they rip-off the audience. There are plenty of places in London (some with a dancefloor that's bigger than the Underworld's) that will let bands play for free, for example RampARTS.

[the-UK-ska-scene]

Yeah and The Square, and that warehouse in Seven Sisters, or out of London places like the Roundabout in Wycombe that's free, or like Bradford where the 1in12 costs £25 to rent for the night. Stuff like that. But if you wanna get a cheap actual venue in the middle of London, that's not a squat (and you never can be sure whether a squat will still exist if you're organising a gig in advance), you're pretty screwed. The closest you'll get is like the Walthamstow Central, Tufnell Park Dome, or maybe Elektrowerkz (although I don't know what they're charging nowadays and you'll have to fit in around goth club nights), and it's always a bit of a gamble because people just don't want to spend ages travelling and then maybe getting lost.

Bands that ask for a donation work at a loss, have to hold up real jobs at home, tour more sporadically. Obviously bands who do that, I appreciate and support how I can, but I don't think all bands should be made to do that. There's a lot of honest bands out there who will show up and play for petrol money, but say if you're organising a gig in Bradford and you want a London band to play, plus a couple other bands, and renting out the venue with a sound guy, that's gonna cost you about £150. You're gonna have to get about 40 people through the door paying £4 each just to pay the bands, otherwise they'll get jaded, call you a bad promoter, and never show up again.

Of course there's loads of local bands who'll play for free at parties or squat gigs or whatever, that's noble and they obviously just do it for the love of playing. But if they ever want to travel anywhere they'll have to charge a bit. It's naive to think that bands can travel all over the place just on the love of their fans, and that they don't need money to fill the tank or grab some food sometimes.

I just think it's unfair to take free tickets to see small bands at venues that blatantly cost a bit to rent unless the publication you write for is big enough (pretty much just Punktastic, Last Hours, maybe Play Dead) that you're definitely gonna influence enough people that they can make their money back.

I suppose it depends on how much you value live music. To me, I'd rather go see a band live than hear them on CD, so I'll carry on spending tons of money going to see them, cus I want them to carry on playing.

[coheneran]

I think all artists should be supported by their community, and while of course I don't see that happening now or any time soon, I don't see the current situation as reason enough to let go of that principle, because that's pretty defeatist. Just because venues like the Underworld are popular and host a lot of the bigger bands doesn't mean that we should let them dictate how this "business" is run. What we need in this here indy scene is a collective that'll organise gigs based on mutual aid, not on the need to make money.

[Catchthe22]

If you dont think the price of a show is worth it, dont go because things will fix themselves. I dont know if you have ever taken a course on Economy but it is a good time.

[Henrik]

I can't stop searching for good stuff on youtube.
I found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BQARCc5azc&search=the%20specials
The Specials playing A Message To You Rudy. Damn they were awesome live. Look at the bass player, he's hillarious.

[Ghostfire3]

I can't stop searching for good stuff on youtube.
I found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BQARCc5azc&search=the%20specials
The Specials playing A Message To You Rudy. Damn they were awesome live. Look at the bass player, he's hillarious.

I <3 The Specials. Probably my favorite ska band.

[Henrik]

They really were awesome. I only have the s/t though. Are the other albums as good?

[the-UK-ska-scene]

I got the s/t cus it was going for a few quid on 12" in some shop, and by the tracks it seemed like the best one, and I think I got another on CD (actually it might just be the s/t again, haven't listened to it...). But yeah that vinyl's in perfect condition for an old skool thing, such a good album.

[Ghostfire3]

They really were awesome. I only have the s/t though. Are the other albums as good?

No, the other albums aren't as good as the s/t. But that's not to say that they're necesarily bad.

[ibanezman575]

ska revival isnt cool

[Henrik]

You neither:p

[coheneran]

The bands are only in it for the buck.

[Henrik]

You can't say that about the entire scene.

[coheneran]

You can't say that about the entire scene.

No, you're supposed to say: "And if you don't believe me you're a schmuck!"

[AIRIC]

Propagandhi ITT.

[Shelvey]

No, you're supposed to say: "And if you don't believe me you're a schmuck!"

But the trend will die out with any luck!
Heh.

Aaaanyway. I was wondering who here has heard of the Heatskores. I'm getting really into them right away - I'm just wondering how widespread they are.

[SantaDuJuan]

They're cool.
Pretty good songs, some pretty bad songs.

[AIRIC]

We don't talk about the Heatskores here.

[Ghostfire3]

But the trend will die out with any luck!
Heh.

Aaaanyway. I was wondering who here has heard of the Heatskores. I'm getting really into them right away - I'm just wondering how widespread they are.

And if it doesn't, that will suck!

We don't talk about the Heatskores here.

lol :lol:

[SantaDuJuan]

We don't talk about the Heatskores here.
Yeah.

[coheneran]

Jess does.

[Shelvey]

Jess does.
Jess eh? Whoo, maybe I'll get some sympathy from him!

[coheneran]

Jess eh? Whoo, maybe I'll get some sympathy from him!

Lol, noob.

[SantaDuJuan]

Jess eh? Whoo, maybe I'll get some sympathy from him!
Her, ska whore.

[coheneran]

She is the only member of the punk forum with no tits.

[SantaDuJuan]

O_o!

[coheneran]

That more a dig at punk forum members than a dig at Jess.

[Henrik]

No, you're supposed to say: "And if you don't believe me you're a schmuck!"
Dammit I didn't see that comming. And I do even know the song.

[AIRIC]

Propagandhi get on that shiz.

[Deconstruction]

I am just starting to get into ska...I love Streetlight and a bunch of local bands..Who wants to point me in the direction of some other good ska?

[coheneran]

*Points*

The Specials!

[Jessizzle]

I am the heatskores whore.
biggest fan...
Id sleep with eddy.
uh.
hit me up if ya wanna talk heatskores..cause i bet i know them better than you and have more tracks.
ps<3

[coheneran]

I thought we agreed not to talk about the Heatskores here Jess.

[Jessizzle]

NEVVER
Heatwhore for lyfffeee!

[Henrik]

I've never heard of them.. Do they have free music somewhere?

[coheneran]

Soulseek probably.

[Jessizzle]

yes
http://www.myspace.com/theheatskores or
www.theheatskores.com
Or hit up soulseek im Jessizzle
or most people in allthehubub has it.. cause i made them download it.

[Brain Toad]

And it's ****ing horrible. I think I deleted it, maybe not.

[Jessizzle]

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6746756&postcount=30
dont lie.
it was decent.

[coheneran]

Lol @ Nick's xpence.

[Brain Toad]

I had a lot of opinions that I do not have anymore. They are crap.

[comptonassrobert]

Yeah I just listened to the songs on their myspace and they are pretty shitty.

[extremecorpralpunishment]

ska is just one of those things people made up to scare little kids, like vampires and eskimos

[Iron Bug]

And intelligence.

[AIRIC]

Except ska really does suck.

[coheneran]

Ska doesn't suck man! Old ska is better than most ska is now, but it definitley doesn't suck! Of all the things I have the most fun dancing to, ska is definitley number one, with rave music coming at number two (of course, I gotta be pretty jacked up to really enjoy rave music).

[Henrik]

ska is just one of those things people made up to scare little kids, like vampires and eskimos
Everybody knows that eskimos don't excist.

[SantaDuJuan]

Ska doesn't suck man! Old ska is better than most ska is now, but it definitley doesn't suck! Of all the things I have the most fun dancing to, ska is definitley number one, with rave music coming at number two (of course, I gotta be pretty jacked up to really enjoy rave music).
If Ska bands had the same somewhat sound of Operation Ivy I'd be a new age rude boy, except with politics instead of "fun" lyrics.

I'm just tired of that 3rd wave sound, I'm sorry I think punk sounds weird when you just throw in horns and when you play a ska beat but with a distorted guitar it sounds weird to me. Maybe I just don't like Canadian Ska/Punk.

:mad:

But uh, Two Tone rules, hands down.
I don't think any band has ****ed up in that genre.

[thatscooliguess]

favorite ska bands: Mighty mighty bosstones..... real big fish

[Henrik]

Both those bands aren't that good IMO.
I do like the song Beer by RBF though.

[iam2000pounds]

The Slackers are awsome. By far my favourite ska band.

[gastery6]

http://www.nrradio.cjb.net/

It ska radio, I thought that you ladies and gents might want to chack it out.

[Henrik]

The Slackers are awsome. By far my favourite ska band.
I have had a hard time getting into that band. But Have the time is a fantastical song.

[coheneran]

Both those bands aren't that good IMO.
I do like the song Beer by RBF though.

Give me a Sub-standard Sour Citrus Fruit! Gimme Sublime!

[Pint of stella]

Madness and the Specials are the best ska bands.

[coheneran]

Madness and the Specials are the best ska bands.

/puts 'Pint of stella' over my knee and spanks him five times on the backside.

What have we learned today?

[Catchthe22]

You just cant say that this band is the best and be done. You have to tack on a "I think" or "In my opinion".

[coheneran]

You just cant say that this band is the best and be done. You have to tack on a "I think" or "In my opinion".

Or "These are the only ska bands I know."

[Brain Toad]

Madness is better than most ska bands.

[SantaDuJuan]

Never got into Madness, Bad Manners is my favorite by far.

[Ghostfire3]

2 Tone > All other kinds of ska

But 1st wave comes in at a close second.

[Henrik]

3rd wave ska ftw!

[vocman]

Hi everyone.

In our local youth house, there is going to be a ska-party, and people asked me to take care of the music; Can you guys give me a list of great (famous) ska songs?
The only bands I know of are Madness, the specials, Rancid, Op Ivy and Buck-o-nine

I know there is a thread with alot of bands, but I'm looking for songs (eg don't say 'Rancid', but 'Rancid - Time bomb')

thx in advance

[Henrik]

Streetlight manifesto - Everything went numb
Choking Victim - Crack rock steady
The Slackers - Have the time
The Rudiments - Wailing paddle
The Specials - Little Bitch
Less Than Jake - Johnny Quest thinks we're selluts
Operation Ivy - Unity

I like every song mentioned above and I think they represent ska pretty good. At least 3rd wave ska...

[Lukeh]

The Skatalites - Guns of Navarone
Desmond Dekker - The Israelites
Or any song by The Skatalites, for that matter.

[Ghostfire3]

Hi everyone.

In our local youth house, there is going to be a ska-party, and people asked me to take care of the music; Can you guys give me a list of great (famous) ska songs?
The only bands I know of are Madness, the specials, Rancid, Op Ivy and Buck-o-nine

I know there is a thread with alot of bands, but I'm looking for songs (eg don't say 'Rancid', but 'Rancid - Time bomb')

thx in advance

Pretty much anything off of The Specials first album. Especially A Message To You Rudy, Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man, (Dawning of A) New Era, and Little Bitch.

I'd also recommend using some music of The Slackers

[comptonassrobert]

Catch 22-Keasbey Nights
Catch 22-Walking Away
Bruce Lee Band-Gerry Is Strong
Streetlight Manifesto-Saddest Song
Streetlight Manifesto-We Are The Few
Goldfinger-Superman
The Aquabats-Super Rad!
The Aquabats-Pizza Day
The Specials-Enjoy Yourself

IMO these songs are more accessable

[Henrik]

Who the Fu'ck are Bruce Lee band?

[Brain Toad]

2 Tone > All other kinds of ska

But 1st wave comes in at a close second.

Good opinion

3rd wave ska ftw!

Bad opinion

[Henrik]

**** you :p
The only 2 tone band i really like so far are The specials.

[Ghostfire3]

**** you :p
The only 2 tone band i really like so far are The specials.

Have you heard any other 2 Tone?

[Henrik]

I have, yes.
Bad Manners, The beat and Madness. Which bands should I give a listen also?
Or better, which albums are classic 2 tone albums?

[pedro durruti]

The Selecter

[Catchthe22]

Who the Fu'ck are Bruce Lee band?

Where have you been living? Pluto? http://www.myspace.com/bruceleeband
That song on the myspace doesnt really represent their normal stuff but it is a great song.

Actually it is understandable that youve never heard them, but they make some great stuff. It's hard to find though.


For the some popular ska songs:

Reel Big Fish - Sell Out
Reel Big Fish - Beer
Might Mighty Bosstones - The Impression That I Get
Big D and the Kids table - 51 Gardner
The Pietasters - Girl Take It Easy
The Pietasters - Shotgun Jimmy
Suicide Machines - Hey Ska


And for me to add some boost to other's suggestions...
Streetlight Manifesto - Everything Goes Numb
Catch 22 - Keasbey Nights
Specials - Little Bitch
Aquabats - Pizza Day
Aquabats - Super Rad
Less Than Jake - Johnny Quest Thinks were Sellouts

[Henrik]

Okay fair. I will give them a listen, thank you.

[Ghostfire3]

I have, yes.
Bad Manners, The beat and Madness. Which bands should I give a listen also?
Or better, which albums are classic 2 tone albums?

The Selecter

Yeah, I would recommend The Selecter - Too Much Pressure

[Brain Toad]

The Trojans - Celtic Ska

Two tone and celtic music

[Henrik]

Good, I will give them a fair chance then.

Edit: I heard the Bruce Lee band song. Sweet song but as you (catchthe22) said, it probably doesn't do the band justice since it isn't even a ska song.

[SantaDuJuan]

The Trojans - Celtic Ska

Two tone and celtic music
I'd suggest the Trojans to anyone that likes music to be frank.

[comptonassrobert]

Good, I will give them a fair chance then.

Edit: I heard the Bruce Lee band song. Sweet song but as you (catchthe22) said, it probably doesn't do the band justice since it isn't even a ska song.

they are a ska band:
http://media.putfile.com/bruce-lee-band---gerry-is-strong

probably the greatest lyrics ever written