Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Ska history part 6 of?: Post Mainstream

As the the 90's gave way to the year 2000 the curtain had lowered on mainstream exposure of ska and it went back to the dedicated scenes from which it had emerged. Following its loss in popularity some of the most popular ska bands during its period of success chose to just change there sound and give up ska (Gold Finger, No Doubt, etc.) while others continued to play just without the benefit of radio airplay and television exposure. Though mainstream interest had passed the scenes from which ska had burst forth in the US remained strong having grown during the mainstream period. Regardless some people refer to this as the the time when third wave ska died, much like the way punk rock was said to have died.

                                           This song by Reel Big Fish sums it all up pretty well
                                                      Reel Big Fish - Down in flames

23 comments:

  1. I remember in the late 90's, a lot of ska lovers were jumping ship to follow the neo-swing movement. I tried to balance the two, but for a while bands like The Cherry Poppin' Daddies and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy won me over. A lot of them had ska lyrics with a swingin beat, and were pretty damn good...

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  2. I suppose at times like those you find out which bands are in it for the love of the music. Sometimes it can lead to some good music coming out but it's sad to see things just die like that.

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  3. funny how some bands change just to get more publicity. it drives me crazy, but i guess anything for money.

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  4. It sucks when bands completely change their direction for money and marketing =(

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  5. Agreed with thenitefalls! Dont sell out!!

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  6. It's a bit shit if they just changed direction because it wasn't popular anymore rather than musical progression.

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  7. Yeah, I agree with thenitefalls.

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  8. well, Ska is very marketable, upbeat and joyful.

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  9. This music reminds me of the music in those DBZ fighting games.

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  10. The combination and use of instruments impresses me. I wish I could play that well on the guitar!

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  11. Quite a big ska fan, and enjoyed your post. I'm not really into the bands such as Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish, but, of the current bands, I like The Skints and Sonic Boom 6. I think they've got some great tunes. Good post though!!

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  12. Yeah, they sell out, it happens and it sucks.

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  13. It is too bad some of the ska bands became sell outs. I do like Reel Big Fish though!

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  14. Woah. SO weird to hear the difference over time. Great post!

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  15. I love ska. You should check out the song off the beavis and butthead soundtrack by rancid and the stubborn all stars called "I wanna riot"

    SIQ POST BRO!!!

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  16. I followed the swing stuff. and i still like goldfinger.

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  17. Wow, didn't know Ska had a lot of waves!

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