Bro, Mc Devlin and Mc McKinney

and either MC Frontalot or MC Paul Barman > both of them

what's yer point?

this is the best thing Lars has done since the first ep

Report  
Hasheesh (August 31, 2010)

MC Paul Barman is sooooo good.

did the yellow power ranger die?

is the blue ranger gay?

Is the purple Teletubby gay?

am I gay?

Report  
dlangl4 (August 30, 2010)

winner for the week

9/10

Haha, agreed on the 9/10.

Report  
shark-e (August 31, 2010)

Any pointers for my next work?

dont think of ska as something that you are ashamed to admit you liked and think of it like the cartoons of your youth. they were fun then, but you grew up. now you only watch/listen to them when youre reminiscing.

im slightly disappointed i never heard and ridiculous double bass in their old stuff

appropriate

Ah, you can always count on "ska" "fans" to mistake the merest hint of anything minutely ska-related as something of considerable quality and depth, even a subtle mockery/parody of the genre such as this video. Perhaps the American ska scene would have lasted longer than it did if their prepubescent fanbase didn't have a blindly rabid devotion to everything that came in black and white checkers...

I don't *mean* to be bitter and cynical whenever there's a ska-related news story posted here...it just...*happens*. Hopefully understandably so(?).

Report  
boobthemusicindustry (August 30, 2010)

so basically, you're just the man.

Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)

Not really...more of an asshole.

Sorry about that. :/

Report  
BarleyPat (August 31, 2010)

The man that gave you the hula-hoop (and the yo-yo)?

Report  
istapledmyfoot (August 31, 2010)

buck o fucking nine!

Report  
skajester (August 31, 2010)

That's a Joe Jackson song. Hush.

Report  
istapledmyfoot (September 1, 2010)

ska owned! just looked up the joe jackson version.

Report  
thegimper (August 30, 2010)
Oh how blind the MC Bat Commander and Suburban Legends must have been to participate in this mockery! The joke is on all us ska fans but only MC Lars is in on it.

Also, the video is my favorite not only because of the numerous ska references but also for the quality editing.

And god forbid I enjoy something because it's fun.

As far the "Ameircan ska scene lasting longer"... compared to what? You're saying I'm dying for my bands to be on MTV and Top 40 radio? Right now it's better to be a ska band than at any other in America. All the influential 3rd wave ska/punk acts are still touring (RBF, LTJ, MMB) you can still catch popular acts from the 80s (English Beat, Fishbone occasionally The Specials) and there's an entire crop of new great ska bands (The Have Nots, Bomb the Music Industry! We Are The Union, Streetlight Manifesto).


show rest of commentOh how blind the MC Bat Commander and Suburban Legends must have been to participate in this mockery! The joke is on all us ska fans but only MC Lars is in on it.

Also, the video is my favorite not only because of the numerous ska references but also for the quality editing.

And god forbid I enjoy something because it's fun.

As far the "Ameircan ska scene lasting longer"... compared to what? You're saying I'm dying for my bands to be on MTV and Top 40 radio? Right now it's better to be a ska band than at any other in America. All the influential 3rd wave ska/punk acts are still touring (RBF, LTJ, MMB) you can still catch popular acts from the 80s (English Beat, Fishbone occasionally The Specials) and there's an entire crop of new great ska bands (The Have Nots, Bomb the Music Industry! We Are The Union, Streetlight Manifesto).

Also don't use "ska" "fans" in quotes. It makes you come across as a pretentious douche with no credibility.
Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)

Ah, yes, who better to pay tribute to ska music than a rapper and two ska bands WHO NO LONGER PLAY SKA MUSIC? How is this song NOT a parody? The people who praise this video/song are no doubt the same people who thought Weird Al Yankovic's "Horoscope" was the best ska song of 1999.

As for the rest, I'm only going to assume you weren't alive long enough to compare ska in 1994 to ska in 2010. Yes, some - if not many - bands may still tour, but hair and fingernails do continue to grow long after death. It's only a matter of time before they stop.

Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)

That pretentious metaphor may be a bit more confusing than I meant it to be: ska is dead, period. The parasites that feasted upon its body (Reel Big Fish and the like) will continue to thrive for a bit longer, but, hopefully, they too will perish and life can begin anew.

Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)

And to make said metaphor even MORE contrived: Streetlight Manifesto and BTMI! are more like the mold or maggoty goodness that forms on the toes of ska's corpse...they may carry minuscule traces of ska's putrescent juices deep within, but they're their own ungodly, disgusting mess.

Report  
BarleyPat (August 31, 2010)

Not that you don't have some solid points, but next time, try to not have the Cherry Poppin' Daddies among your favorite bands when you go off on this rant.

Report  
regreteverything (August 31, 2010)

BAM.

Did you catch his all-too recent review of the CPD best of? Me thinks he doth protest too much.

Report  
Skibz777 (August 31, 2010)

Hey, I'll stand by 'Kids on the Street' as one of the best indie punk albums of the 1990s 'til I die. Just be glad PunkNews doesn't let me express my love of the dozens of other incriminatingly shitty bands I hold near to my heart.

Report  
thegimper (August 30, 2010)

Actually the two newest Suburban Legend songs have been ska albums and the album they're currently working on is supposed to be nothing but.

Also, out of the two latest songs released by The Aquabats one was also a ska song. And you cannot say that they no longer play ska. Now their last release only had one ska track on the album. That would be an accurate statement. But it's not like they completely cut off all their ska tracks or shy away from it during their live performances (I'm looking at you Rx Bandits).

I was 9 in '94. It was a solid time. Fox had some great Saturday morning cartoons.

Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)

Ah, I knew that you were going to be throwing statistics at me left and right, even though "The Aquabats have recorded TWO ska songs in the last decade!" is a not the best counter-argument.

I can't see this song as anything other than a subtle critique - a playful ribbing, if you will - at the third wave ska scene, just as The Aquabats! recorded the subtle ska jab "Ska Robot Army" (and that their official bio now reads that - AND I QUOTE - "they never set out to be a 'ska' band"), and Suburban Legends were intentionally over-the-top in their flamboyancy. Truthfully, there's no two better bands to choose if one was going to poke fun at the scene/genre.

Report  
scarysmurf (August 30, 2010)

Opinions, everybody seem to has them.

Report  
scarysmurf (August 30, 2010)

Has them..

Yeah, fuck it. Ill stick to it. Im majoring in ebonics.

Report  
coffee_kid (August 31, 2010)

Not lolspeak?

Report  
thegimper (August 30, 2010)
Um, yes there is... clearly you've never seen a local ska band.

Yes, The Aquabats "never set out to be a ska band" but they certainly didn't shy away from the scene. There was a brief time around the release of "Charge" (an album I love, btw) that the MCBC felt really awkward and uncomfortable about being "ska" and tried to break away from it. But he's come to accept and embrace the bands roots and their rise to popularity within the ska scene.

This happens to a lot of ska bands, Rx Bandits, The Hippos, The Impossibles (etc...) Hell, even Dan of RBF said that Aaron didn't think the band wanted him to write ska songs anymore when they were recording "We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy."

And SL was never "over the top in their flamboyancy." For what they were trying to be they were dead on in their flamboyancy (Which is/was a combination

show rest of commentUm, yes there is... clearly you've never seen a local ska band.

Yes, The Aquabats "never set out to be a ska band" but they certainly didn't shy away from the scene. There was a brief time around the release of "Charge" (an album I love, btw) that the MCBC felt really awkward and uncomfortable about being "ska" and tried to break away from it. But he's come to accept and embrace the bands roots and their rise to popularity within the ska scene.

This happens to a lot of ska bands, Rx Bandits, The Hippos, The Impossibles (etc...) Hell, even Dan of RBF said that Aaron didn't think the band wanted him to write ska songs anymore when they were recording "We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy."

And SL was never "over the top in their flamboyancy." For what they were trying to be they were dead on in their flamboyancy (Which is/was a combination of ska + N*Sync style boy band).

But for you ska peaked when The Impossibles and Skankin' Pickle were still on the scene. You never got over them breaking up and refused to accept that the genre could get any better or continue to grow. Instead you sit at home, remembering the good ol' days of The Blue Meanies and bitterly sit at home scathing anyone who enjoys a genre that continues to be fun.
Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)
You don't have to tell ME about The Aquabats...I have 30+ shows fit snugly under my autographed Classic-style belt. Despite what they say, The Aquabats were undeniably a "true" ska band back in the day, started by guys who openly loved ska music (and continue to play ska music in GOGO13), but now The Aquabats try to disavow that part of their career by saying they were just "poking fun at the scene", which fans know is pure BS. Can't blame 'em. I don't think they're going back to their ska "roots", though. At least I hope not...the whole reason I became a rabid Aquacadet was because of "Charge!!" and "Floating Eye". I haven't listened to "Fury" for years. In my opinion, they're far better now than before.

SL, now, WERE intentionally over-the-top. That's not a *bad* thing, that's their schtick. One could view it as a type of joke, somewhat like what The 'Bats are now

show rest of commentYou don't have to tell ME about The Aquabats...I have 30+ shows fit snugly under my autographed Classic-style belt. Despite what they say, The Aquabats were undeniably a "true" ska band back in the day, started by guys who openly loved ska music (and continue to play ska music in GOGO13), but now The Aquabats try to disavow that part of their career by saying they were just "poking fun at the scene", which fans know is pure BS. Can't blame 'em. I don't think they're going back to their ska "roots", though. At least I hope not...the whole reason I became a rabid Aquacadet was because of "Charge!!" and "Floating Eye". I haven't listened to "Fury" for years. In my opinion, they're far better now than before.

SL, now, WERE intentionally over-the-top. That's not a *bad* thing, that's their schtick. One could view it as a type of joke, somewhat like what The 'Bats are now purporting to have done back in the '90s. Doesn't make them less of a ska( punk) band, but, again like The 'Bats, over time they grew into a different type of music that fits them a lot better than ska did.

Both bands have strong roots in the Orange County ska scene, but neither of them took the music or scene very seriously, and neither have a predominant focus on playing *ska* music anymore. If MC Lars had some kind of background in ska or recruited a band like Reel Big Fish for the backing music, it could be seen as a genuine loving tribute, but as it stands, all the elements point to a parody. Perhaps a loving parody, a love like how one loves an ugly dog, for instance, but a parody nonetheless.

Second part will be answered later.
Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)
I may be guilty of a wee bit of braggadocio, for...well, see....you are...several years older than myself. So, no, I was not around for ska in 1994, either. Yes, I'm an idiot, but my sentiments remain unchanged:

True: my tastes in ska music more or less peaked around 1998 (I have no issue with the Top 40 bands of that time, AT that time), but all I've ever done is *HOPE* the genre could get better and continue to grow. Instead, it's regressed, and in a way that neither contributes to the distortion-less Toasters-y third wave I grew up on (and enjoy the most, as the skinny ties in my closet would suggest), or in the more experimental and genre-bending vein of groups like Fishbone, Pickle, Slow Gherkin, Meanies or even fuckin' Oingo Boingo. Here in Orange County, time froze and it seems like nobody's been able to take 'Turn the Radio Off!' out of their Sony Walkmen.<

show rest of commentI may be guilty of a wee bit of braggadocio, for...well, see....you are...several years older than myself. So, no, I was not around for ska in 1994, either. Yes, I'm an idiot, but my sentiments remain unchanged:

True: my tastes in ska music more or less peaked around 1998 (I have no issue with the Top 40 bands of that time, AT that time), but all I've ever done is *HOPE* the genre could get better and continue to grow. Instead, it's regressed, and in a way that neither contributes to the distortion-less Toasters-y third wave I grew up on (and enjoy the most, as the skinny ties in my closet would suggest), or in the more experimental and genre-bending vein of groups like Fishbone, Pickle, Slow Gherkin, Meanies or even fuckin' Oingo Boingo. Here in Orange County, time froze and it seems like nobody's been able to take 'Turn the Radio Off!' out of their Sony Walkmen.

I'm a pro-evolution kind of guy: I listened to both 'Fluent in Stroll' and 'Strictly Rude' a few weeks ago and was blown away by how excellent they were. And, I have to admit, I do like Streetlight, but only when they're NOT tethered by the limitations of their "ska" label...when they bust out the jazz and folk influences, they're REALLY good. How is it that these two bands, revered as they are among those who wear the checkered Vans, have absolutely NO impact on how young ska bands write music? Why do these bands all still look to the tired pop-punk-with-horns formula? I support Big D and Streetlight, and any new bands that want to push the boundaries of what ska music is capable of (though still sticking to the basic musical structure of the genre, which is where I exclude Streetlight)...for the most part, it's the fans that are bringing it down.

Of course there's a part of me that pines for the days of yesteryear (that I was never present for), when there were ska bands in every major city, DIY ska 'zines available at the local record shop where you picked up your special orders for Moon Records albums, and if you weren't wearing a suit...well, you just weren't cool enough to go see the Dance Hall Crashers open for Undercover S.K.A. and Let's Go Bowling at Skippy's Brew-n-Stew. Yeah, those were the days........I think.

There's another part of me that's just burnt out on the mass of REALLY shitty ska bands living in the same city as I do, but most of my bitterness is driven by sadness rather than cynicism. The only bands that are showing to carry on "ska" music and drive its legacy are either punk-ska bands or experimental "post-ska" bands like Streetlight. Diversity was ska's prime quality in the '80s and '90s and a large reason as to how it accumulated such a massive, worldwide following, but nowadays, "ska" shows in the US that aren't either punk shows or orthodox reggae shows are hard to come by. When Bad Manners, The Toasters or Big D break up, where will I find that kind of music again? BTMI and Streetlight certainly won't help when I feel like dancing. Hell, if *Streetlight* breaks up, where am I going to find THAT kind of music again? What ska bands are there today that you can point at and say "THAT is the future of ska music", or "THEY are going to be the next ______", or "THERE is a band of great musical substance"? What bands are there supporting ska as a whole? Skankin' Pickle started a label. The Toasters started one, and helped organize ska festivals (as do Mustard Plug) and made ska newsletters. When was the last time Orange County had a ska festival? Months and months ago, and they're usually sponsored by the Ska Parade, who don't even play ska music anymore (or even EXIST anymore, I think). If it's not up to the bands, it's up to the fans: street team, organize events, blog/podcast about ska, BUY albums, GO to local shows, do ANYTHING...at least LISTEN to more ska music. How many self-proclaimed "ska fans" these days have not even heard of Moon Records? Or Jump Up Records? Maybe even Asian Man? When I discovered ska, I couldn't get enough of it, I looked at it ALL...these days, kids seem to download a few RBF albums and use their money to buy checkered Vans and suspenders. I'm not even exaggerating there. That's what's really put me out of favor with contemporary ska, a complete lack of motivation to play anything that hasn't been proven as profitable. No growth, no betterment. Just annoying "ska fans" (read: "punk fans who have Reel Big Fish on their iPods") who never fail to show a shocking lack of ignorance and unintentional disrespect towards a genre they supposedly love.

It's not a matter of me wanting to hear the music *I* want to hear, it's a matter of wanting to hear *ska* and preserve ska culture
(preserving '80s/'90s ska culture, that is...I'm sure there are PLENTY of pretentious trad fans who'd want to tear me to shreds much in the way I'm doing to third wavers right now). I was in Canada a few months back for the Victoria Ska Fest, and it was AWESOME. As they had never experienced the mainstream burst the US did, their scene and local bands continued to evolve into something totally unique and modern, though unquestionably ska. Some of their local bands had members that looked like they were in high school, yet they were all doing exciting, original takes on ska, influenced by everything from worldbeat/afro-funk to Clash-y punk and surf rock. If those oyster-suckin' Northies can do it, why can't So Cal? WHY CAN'T THE WHOLE COUNTRY?! Come on. The American scene is dead. It's in a slump, at least. Just because a good handful of bands from the genre's heyday continue to tour isn't a sign of vibrancy. KC & The Sunshine Band is still touring, that must mean disco is just as strong as ever!

I'm not "anti-fun". There's no rule that says ska has to be "fun" and "sunny" and "zany" and "a candy-colored rainbow of happy trumpets". It's just that I don't gleefully suck up everything ska-related as if it were some kind of life-giving ambrosia. All ska bands are not created equal. Just because I hate RBF and their particular brand of brass-tinged pop-ska doesn't mean I'm waging a war against happiness and other equally pleasant emotions. I want to dance to The Toasters, not mosh to Reel Big Fish. I want to skank rhythmically to The Planet Smashers and Bim Skala Bim, not pump my fists and flail to Streetlight Manifesto. You know why? Because I...am a ska fan. That's what I DO. I put on my tie and I dance. I don't "mosh" or "thrash" or run around in a little circle. I don't want any hardcore punk in there, I don't want any pop hybrid...I don't need no countryman fiddle, I just need that real cool sound: SKA. Not "ska punk", SKA. Try proving that's still going strong, and maybe I'll be less of a prick (though don't count on it).
Report  
Skibz777 (August 30, 2010)

The abridged version of the post above:

"I don't care much for ska-punk".

Report  
Tudor (August 31, 2010)

I think Ska is fucking stupid.

But you sir need a hobbie. Unless this is your hobbie, in which case, carry on.

Report  
dlangl4 (August 31, 2010)

Some people actually like lengthy arguments or discussions.

In fact, there's nothing wrong with a contested discussion.

Report  
drkenzington (August 31, 2010)
Skibz, I gotta ask: If the "gimper" was 9 in 1994, and is several years older than you (as you stated), then how the fuck did your taste in ska music hit its peak in 1998? What were you, 8? 9? A ska Doogie Howser? Kind of a funny statement dude.

You're right: Ska, as it stands now, is on life-support in the American music scene. Enthusiasm is low, and I agree with you that looking into the future, there aren't many bands that come to mind (if any) as potential torch bearers.

Still, I'm hopeful. I was at the shows in 94,95, 96, 97, blah blah, blah (Issac Green and the Skalars, Hepcat, Mobtown, Skinnerbox, Skatalites, Let's Go Bowling, Pie Tasters). I enjoyed them then and I enjoy them now (just saw Hepcat and the Bosstones here in LA the other week). There are still young bands out there who have a love for the music, it just needs to grow and

show rest of commentSkibz, I gotta ask: If the "gimper" was 9 in 1994, and is several years older than you (as you stated), then how the fuck did your taste in ska music hit its peak in 1998? What were you, 8? 9? A ska Doogie Howser? Kind of a funny statement dude.

You're right: Ska, as it stands now, is on life-support in the American music scene. Enthusiasm is low, and I agree with you that looking into the future, there aren't many bands that come to mind (if any) as potential torch bearers.

Still, I'm hopeful. I was at the shows in 94,95, 96, 97, blah blah, blah (Issac Green and the Skalars, Hepcat, Mobtown, Skinnerbox, Skatalites, Let's Go Bowling, Pie Tasters). I enjoyed them then and I enjoy them now (just saw Hepcat and the Bosstones here in LA the other week). There are still young bands out there who have a love for the music, it just needs to grow and they need support. Nice shout out to the Planet Smashers by the way.

Don't get me wrong though. I'm not sitting around praying for a revival like a butt rocker at the Rainbow room is praying for a hair metal comeback. Revival or not, I've got my CD's and If I work hard enough for it, can find small shows to fill the void.

As for MC Lars, I just like to think that he might of been a fan of that mid 90's ska era as well. I think this was his way of expressing a little nostalgia.

Finally, two more things: First - Destruction by Definition is a great ska punk album. Secondly, I'm down to start a ska band when you are and get this motherfucking scene back to life.
Report  
Skibz777 (August 31, 2010)

Once again, my many paragraphs of embarrassing, rambling gibberish is condensed into short, precise sentences by people much smarter and rational than I. Either I need to think before I write or hire a translator. :/

I meant that the *type* of ska music that I listen to/connect with/am passionate about peaked around 1998, not my own personal relationship with ska, which started a few years later. I have the tendency to live in a past I wasn't present for and take things a lot more seriously than I should...I think even Bucket or Tazy Phillips would tell me "dude...just settle down". It's more my strong tendency to rant than some insanity-driven passion for ska. I do so love to rant...

Report  
Spartakus (August 31, 2010)
"As for MC Lars, I just like to think that he might of been a fan of that mid 90's ska era as well. I think this was his way of expressing a little nostalgia."

This, for sure. I'm about the same age as MC Lars (a year younger) and this video is like watching a time capsule of the crucial music for the 90's ska kid. Yeah, it's still missing a good chunk, but it gets the point across by focusing on some of the most key, gateway bands of the era. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I watched it!

I do agree that the scene has been rather stagnant the past few years regarding new bands and innovation in the scene. It is sad that just about every young ska band tries to emulate RBF initially, and that's been a conundrum I've wondered about for years. There's so many other elements to draw from that it just doesn't make sense. Then

show rest of comment"As for MC Lars, I just like to think that he might of been a fan of that mid 90's ska era as well. I think this was his way of expressing a little nostalgia."

This, for sure. I'm about the same age as MC Lars (a year younger) and this video is like watching a time capsule of the crucial music for the 90's ska kid. Yeah, it's still missing a good chunk, but it gets the point across by focusing on some of the most key, gateway bands of the era. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I watched it!

I do agree that the scene has been rather stagnant the past few years regarding new bands and innovation in the scene. It is sad that just about every young ska band tries to emulate RBF initially, and that's been a conundrum I've wondered about for years. There's so many other elements to draw from that it just doesn't make sense. Then again, the scene was even more stagnant and sad between about 2001 and 2003 before it started experiencing another revival. Heck, at that time, ska bands couldn't even tour without the aid of some popular screamo or pop/punk band. At least now they're able to go on tours with other bands of the ska genre.

The Ska Is Dead 7" series that's slated to start mailing any day now (hopefully!) seems like a step in the right direction of giving ska fans old favorites paired with some exposure of some younger, newer bands on each release. Hopefully this does something to start stirring things back up again. It would be nice if some of the bigger ska bands would start taking some of these smaller ones out on tour more often, too. A lot of the ska tours in the last year or two have been awesome, but rarely do I get presented with a new band on any of them.

Skibz, you're an awesome dude and I always enjoy reading your posts here and on the 'bats board, but I would recommend you take the advice of the planet smashers and "cool your jets." haha I know you have an extreme dislike of RBF-styled ska and want to see the scene grow beyond that, but I'd say you're going about it the wrong way. You're insanely/impressively knowledgeable of a scene/era you didn't even get to participate in and it's great you're able to help preserve that. However, people don't react too kindly to the negativity. Scenes flourish on positivity and comaraderie. Perhaps you should switch methods from "AACCKKKKK I HATE RBF POP/PUNK/SKA YOU KIDS ARE EEEDIOTS!!!" to "hey, you like this song/band? You oughtta check out _____" You sorta do this in your rants, but in a way that almost makes even me cringe at the mention of the bands, and I'm a fan of the ones you mention. It's kinda like how people get pissed off at religious nuts for shoving their beliefs down their throats, you're only ever gonna get the same reaction.

Well, that was way too long... Basically, this song rules and is a pretty good method of getting some of the key bands that opened my awareness to the world of ska out to a younger crop of kids and I think it rocks.

Report  
skibzsucks (August 31, 2010)

I agree let's swear off the zany/happy/fun/sophomoric punk ska and listen to the Planet Smashers. Shall we start with Super Orgy Porno Party or Pee In The Elevator?

God forbid there's a fucking thread that deals with a minutiae of ska without you contradicting yourself and making yourself look fucking retarded.

Why don't you just say this "I like what I like and everything else is awful and I'm better than you for not liking what you like even though I like a lot of what I say I don't like. Also look at my penis and tell me it's large." I think that sums up your sad existence.

Report  
KungPowza (August 31, 2010)

Did you create this account just so you could jab at skibz? Sheesh...

Report  
Skibz777 (August 31, 2010)

The Planet Smashers aren't "ska punk". There's no guitar distortion in their music. They're pure, Toasters-style third wave. That's what I like about their music. Duh.

Report  
Skibz777 (August 31, 2010)

Also, my penis is relatively small.

Report  
usernamessuck (September 1, 2010)

I am a huge effin' ska fan and I have nothing black and white checkered. You are mistaking scenesters for fans.

But that's besides the point, I'm sure you're perfect and not pretentious and the most punk rock commenter on this site!

Report  
Spartakus (September 1, 2010)

I'm not entirely sure where or when the backlash on the checkered stuff happened... I guess ever since it started becoming more mainstream outside of the ska genre (my first recollection of such was Avril wearing checkered wristbands). You can't really judge a fan based upon whether they're wearing checkered Vans or not. I'm a huge ska fan as well and love checkered stuff as well, but that's mostly just due to my sheer interest and love of the genre and its history, including the "fashions" or whatever you wanna call it.

I mean, if you wanna talk about widespread, stereotypical, scenestery fashion within a genre, let's talk about all the bearded, flanneled org-core fans. I wonder when the backlash on that is gonna start around here? (hopefully soon) haha

Report  
rhynomcgrath (September 1, 2010)

maybe hot topic will start carrying beard trimmers.

so you got into the fashion because everyone else was doing it errr you wanted to look like they looked errr the history? no judgement, we were all young once. its when you are in your 20s and you still look like a clown without make up when you have to take a step back and think about the decisions you have made.

Report  
Spartakus (September 1, 2010)
You're right, the traditional "ska outfit" of a suit and tie sure looks like a clown without make-up on... What was I thinking?! (granted, most kids that wear this don't know how to wear a suit yet and find rather ill-fitting ones and do look kinda goofy... But then, there are a lot of grown men that still don't know how to get a suit fitted properly)

I'm 27 and have been into ska since the 7th grade. I grew up in a fairly urban school where nobody listened to ska, so it's not even the aspect of "trying to look like everybody." You just come to appreciate certain looks when you're into that culture. You're exposed to it quite a bit and it appeals to you. Nothing wrong with that. You can't tell me that your interests don't come into play into any aspect of your clothes. If you've got a band shirt, then it's happened. If you've ever looked at

show rest of commentYou're right, the traditional "ska outfit" of a suit and tie sure looks like a clown without make-up on... What was I thinking?! (granted, most kids that wear this don't know how to wear a suit yet and find rather ill-fitting ones and do look kinda goofy... But then, there are a lot of grown men that still don't know how to get a suit fitted properly)

I'm 27 and have been into ska since the 7th grade. I grew up in a fairly urban school where nobody listened to ska, so it's not even the aspect of "trying to look like everybody." You just come to appreciate certain looks when you're into that culture. You're exposed to it quite a bit and it appeals to you. Nothing wrong with that. You can't tell me that your interests don't come into play into any aspect of your clothes. If you've got a band shirt, then it's happened. If you've ever looked at a band and thought "hey, they look pretty cool" then you're guilty of at least thinking of it. Bands and fans have always and will always use fashion as part of their form of expression.

I don't quite think you're getting what I meant and perhaps you only have the "zany" idea of how some 3rd wave ska kids dress. I'm not even saying I try to dress ska, I just appreciate a lot of the style of ska bands over the decades. Nobody looks at the specials and thinks "man, those guys look like clowns without makeup on!"

Ska music has traditionally been dancing music, and when people went out dancing, they'd dress up. It changes over the years, and it got extremely exaggerated with the 3rd wave, but I never saw anything wrong with it. For me it comes down more to the styles of British ska bands. There are some pretty high quality brands that have been a part of the ska scene since the 2nd wave that are worn by more than just ska kids.

But hey, when you're young and just want to dress up for shows or whatever reason, I say go for it. It's fun. You might look like a goofball whilst doing it, but that's half the fun, right?
Report  
rhynomcgrath (September 1, 2010)

Ok, nothing wrong with that. I did alway hate to see the kids that drress up for the shows. Come as you are, as I would see you on the street. Don't put on a costume. (More for the punk, ska/punk scene. I understand the suit thing) I have many band shirts, but music didn't get me into wearing t shirts, I just like supporting the bands I like. Ya, the zanny thing killed it for me. I get its not the whole scene but its out there.

Report  
spartakus (September 1, 2010)
Yeah, I always just figured have fun with whatever you do. I understand the whole concept of just showing up as you would just coming in off the street, but I also understand wanting to put some effort into it, too. Myself, I tend to just wear jeans, older shoes, and a tshirt, since I tend to like to dance and perhaps get in the pit at shows. No use in wearing something I care too much about that could just get ripped or something. If it wasn't so darn hot at most shows around here, I wouldn't mind wearing a nicer shirt or something if I felt like it, but that's rarely the case.

But yeah, I think my main point before was that unless your mom dresses you or something, it's rare that somebody doesn't ever put any thought into the clothes they buy, and that often translates into whatever their interested in or they want to portray about themselves and

show rest of commentYeah, I always just figured have fun with whatever you do. I understand the whole concept of just showing up as you would just coming in off the street, but I also understand wanting to put some effort into it, too. Myself, I tend to just wear jeans, older shoes, and a tshirt, since I tend to like to dance and perhaps get in the pit at shows. No use in wearing something I care too much about that could just get ripped or something. If it wasn't so darn hot at most shows around here, I wouldn't mind wearing a nicer shirt or something if I felt like it, but that's rarely the case.

But yeah, I think my main point before was that unless your mom dresses you or something, it's rare that somebody doesn't ever put any thought into the clothes they buy, and that often translates into whatever their interested in or they want to portray about themselves and/or what occasion they have to buy it for, of course.

Dude. What about Super Rad?

unless your in your late 20s or 30s, i dont think you could really feel the pain of the death of good 90s ska. i'm not talking about the bosstones and rbf (although i do enjoy their music).

Report  
rhynomcgrath (September 1, 2010)

agreed, i always hated the black and white crap, and everyone who thought skanking was cool. the hats were dumb too.

Report  
Spartakus (September 1, 2010)

So basically, you stopped liking ska during the first wave (as long as nobody was wearing a pork pie or fedora)?

Report  
rhynomcgrath (September 1, 2010)

not at all. i dont care for the "style" of the stereotype "ska guy". i dont really care for anything from the ska scene that isnt considered ska/punk (musicly). it just seemed silly to me. it was an obvious phase. any time hot topic locks onto your scene, you are going to regret wearing those clothes. but keep kicking ass rude boy or boys......i dont know how many are left. maybe they are like the jackolope, you always see pictures of them, but never the real thing and your pretty sure they never really existed in the first place. the japanese think those guys look silly. on that note, who the hell wants to wear that gear the people that go to swing clubs (not the sex ones) wear? have you ever seen one of those guys? people make me laugh.

Report  
rhynomcgrath (September 1, 2010)

p.s. i never really took the time to learn what 1st 2nd and 3rd wave ska encompassed. i have to admit, i just didnt care. i just trusted my ear. if i liked it, i would fill out the mail order and wait 2 weeks.

Report  
Spartakus (September 1, 2010)

Ah, ok. If your idea of ska is just punk with upstrokes or horns, I can see where you're getting all those misconceptions then. (don't get me wrong, I love ska/punk a whole heck of a lot, too. I'm just one of those people that loved the ska genre and have looked into a lot of it's history in all the years I've been into it.)

Report  
Spartakus (September 1, 2010)

Although I am rather confused about how you could know the pain of the death of good 90's ska yet also seem to dislike a good portion of the genre (much of which encompassed good 90's ska).

Report  
rhynomcgrath (September 1, 2010)

I guess the way I'm using the word good is far too objective. Link 80, slapstick, the impossibles, jeffries fan club, mustar plug, spring heeled jack, and the hundreds of others I saw quit/fade away/die/etc.

only two people on this website care about ska. and now they're fighting about it.

Report  
mill83 (August 31, 2010)

If two ska fans fight in the woods, and nobody gives a fuck about their argument, does it ever really happen?

Report  
rhynomcgrath (September 1, 2010)

they should just skank fight. i think its like brake dance fighting, only it just ends up looking like they cant dance or fight.

I wonder if Bucket was in on this too...

Yay ska!