The Music Blog of the Infonistacrat!

When I think of the genres that have influenced modern rock the most, I think first of the blues, and then I think ska. A direct line can be traced directly back from much of the best music of today to ska from the fifties, sixties and seventies. The magic seems to have really happened when ska came to the UK, where it was fused with punk and the second wave of ska, 2 Tone, started. From there, it’s popularity exploded, and soon people all over the world were skanking to the lively beats of this fusion. In the US, the 80’s spawned third wave, with bands like The Toaster, Sublime, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and the ska inspired No Doubt. By the time of third wave, ska shared little with the original, or roots, ska from the early days.

Todays playlist has some of the best of roots and 2 Tone ska on it. While it might not be for everyone, I think it is interesting to listen to, if just hear the music that influenced to bands of today. What you see below are some of the greats of roots ska, as well as some 2 Tone bands playing in root style. The highlights that must be listened to in my opinion are the Clash’s version of Rudy Can’t Fail, Laurel Aitken doing the blues standby Hey Bartender, Desmond Dekker and the Aces doing It Mek, and the awesome Derrick Harriott doing Derrick!, in which he impersonates his girlfriend in the Chorus. Give it a listen, and then continue reading if you want to explore more!

If you really want to hear more roots ska, the you need to get the Trojan Ska Box Set series. Trojan has done some fine work in cataloging and releasing the finest of roots ska. On their box sets you will find the true masters of this genre.

If you simply want to read more on ska, then the following links should get you started:

• Ska For The Skeptical - The music links for this post are from this site. It is a great primer for the uninitiated.
• Wikipedia Entry for Ska - From here, you can follow links to the other two waves of ska as well.
• Allmusicguide Entry - If you know allmusicguide, then you know the quality you will find here. If not, check it out, you will be hooked!