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@ Jarvjitsu
2025-02-22 09:20:42
Music history in a nutshell…Anyone appreciate ska and/or Ska Punk? There’s a neat history behind this particular music and how it evolved.
Mid/late 60s, Jamaican ska was booming thanks to the likes of Desmond Dekker, Skatalites, Wailing Wailers. The influence of this music eventually morphed into Rocksteady and Reggae with its slowed down tempo and heavy bass lines. However, the upbeat tempo of ska made its way to the UK where the Jamaicans intermingled with the punks.
This lead to the late 70s “2 Tone” era encompassing a sharp/punchy energy to the mix.
The punk influence was in full effect with high energy upstrokes fueled by a desire for social change and racial unity (Ie. Selector, The Beat, Specials).
Enter the third wave: Orange County, CA in the mid to late 90s. Building off previous influence, the third wave ska movement kept the high energy of its predecessors but was highly influenced by their particular flavor of punk intertwined with the OC hardcore/skate scene (Reel Big Fish, No Doubt, Aquabats)
I really enjoy all waves of ska, including ska punk. It’s cool to give respect to the origins of sound - Where it came from
and where it will go.
I frequently listen to Jamaican ska, but tonight I revisited a classic 90s Ska Punk album:
“Hello Rockview” by Less Than Jake.
Despite origins in Fla, it’s an all time favorite of mine and a definitive album of the era. Front to back, it’s a fun nostalgic trip back to a time and a place. It’s grounded in youthful undertones mixed with punchy
anthemic horns, guitars and catchy lyrics. As a kid being wrapped up in the skate/snow scene, it definitely had an influence.
It’s fun to trace the history of that particular sound all the way back to 1960s Jamaica. The common thread is there despite the radical change in sound. If the below doesn’t suit you - try some classic 60s ska. Taste the origins, then revisit to sense the commonalities.
Anyway - Hello Rockview:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2F9QXXQKnqqyzI1u4UK1Ss?si=5ifpUjDqQ0KVoaIbcXdTZQ
#Ska #LessThanJake #Music #History #2Tone #HelloRockview #SkaPunk