Ska in Time: A Truncated Intro

Aight. No one likes the word Ska. ‘Cept me and some dudes that still wear pork pie hats and get crazy looks as they walk down the street. That doesn’t mean that the genre’s invalid. It’s not. Ska has as rich a heritage as any other western music, it just took the spate of pretend bands from the ‘90s to ruin it for everyone. Those guys, obviously, have the right to appropriate what they want from wherever, but to masquerade around the world and eventually make it impossible for other ska-related acts to get real gigs is shameful. There’s nothing to do about it now, but listen to some of these here discs and you’ll hear/see what I mean.

The Skatalites – Stretching Out
These dudes started it all. And even if Stretching Out was recorded in ’83 after the band had been broken up for almost two decades, the tracks here are all superb. That, of course, is due to the fact that all involved in the Skatalites were in possession of some crazy musical talents. The classics are all here and somehow the fidelity is pretty good considering the year it comes from. So cop it quick and start your learning.

The Specials – Self Titled
Easily the strongest UK acts to get into a ska fever, the Specials even boasted trombone player Rico Rodriquez, formerly of the Skatalites. At least half of what’s represented on this Elvis Costello produced album (yes, you read that correctly) is some sort of cover, whether the melody or lyrics or both. But it’s done so well as to not make a damned bit o’ difference. The follow up would be as good, but in a completely different way.

Hepcat – Right On Time
The first of Hepcat’s Hellcat released albums, this might be the California group’s smoothest disc. There a few short skits to break things up, but honestly, it’s not needed. Right On Time is Hepcat going full tilt into ska, reggae, soul a bit of salsa. Not considered a classic, it should be. And one day it will be when no one’s privy to short, sporadic tours up the west coast.

The Toasters – Dub 56
Honestly, the only reason the Toasters are on here is because of what Bucket’s done for the genre in the States. And really, there just might not be a scene to speak of with out him. The Toasters don’t have an album that’s good all the way through, but Dub 56 gets close. Kinda. Coolie Ranx being on here has a good deal to do with that. Unfortunately, after the release of this album, he would leave the Toasters to start the Pilfers. And while that band had its moments, there was as much punk and hard rock in there as ska. The world already has one Fishbone and one Bad Brains making it a bit unnecessary.

The Slackers – SEE HERE
The first post I tossed up here was about the Slackers’ catalog. Go read it. Not infallible, but as close as US ska bands would get – apart from Hepcat.