Syracuse Ska Forum

I'm working on a little project and I'd appreciate everyone's input.

I'm compiling a list of influential ska artists. I'd like to see who all you think I should include. Obviously, all the big 60s artists should be there, as well as all the big 2-Tone artists. But then it gets really debatable, doesn't it?

Some thoughts:
Fishbone
Toasters
Slackers
Operation Ivy
NY Ska-Jazz Ensemble
Leftover Crack
Mephiskapheles
Voodoo Glow Skulls
Reel Big Fish
Less Than Jake

Feel free to dispute any of those or add your own ...

Sublime?

Magic Goat?

Seriously though, how about No Doubt? They used to be a ska band and they definately helped push the third wave to mainstream. Perhaps Mustard Plug or the Pietasters too?

For new bands it's ALWAYS Catch 22. ALWAYS dammit.

I was thinking No Doubt too, but I thought I might get hopped on badly enough for mentioning Sublime. I didn't think I should mention No Doubt, but I agree that they should fall into this category.

Why is Sublime a problem? Maybe I'm missing something.

No Doubt is an interesting problem in this subject, because while they're influential in getting ska better recognized by the mainstream, have they really inspired any ska bands? I'd be more than curious about that ...

It's all too often that people are talking about ska and Sublime gets mentioned and everyone plays the "Sublime wasn't a ska band" card. Not that I feel that way, but I've seen it happen too much.

I think No Doubt has definitely played a roll in getting people into ska. They, like reel big fish and less than jake, are sort of like a gateway drug. I'd throw Sublime into that category as well.

And, um, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones?

Take Leftover Crack off the list, and replace with Sublime.

I agree with most of your list. In New England maybe yuo could add Ska KIng Crab or even Spring Heeled Jack as being influential for a few years.

That's what I was thinking.

And I don't necessarily agree with it, but a lot of bands list Mustard Plug as an influence.

Oh, what about Skankin' Pickle?

i'd add:

skatalites,
desmond dekker,
the english beat,
the specials,
skankin' pickle
let's go bowling [i read an article recently from 97 where the slackers mentioned toasters and lets go bowling being the 2 most influential bands at that time]

for a lot of more recent bands, definitely the band "pain." they're one of those bands no one seems to know about except other people in bands. bursting mosquitos, skarmy of darkness, the phenomenauts, the epoxies i've talked to all these bands, ska or not, about pain and they're a huge influence.

link 80 to me...but probably not to anyone else
same with the boston band the goonies, but i don't think they were ever even signed.


and instead of leftover crack i'd go with choking victim.

Common Rider.

Oh man, Let's Go Bowling is amazing.

And I've only ever heard one Pain song and I liked it, haven't been able to track down anything else though.

How abaout the Suicide Machines. I see and hear lots of bands playing(or trying to) play that ska and punk blend. I know they and Op Ivy are similar but SM is soo much heavier, and at the same time can have finesse.

I really disagree with that. I don't think they're very influential at all- if anything, they're heavily influenced by Op Ivy (for obvious reasons).

And the Suicide Machines too are heavily Op Ivy influenced. I don't really see them being the real impetus behind certain bands. If bands are influenced by TSM, they are indirectly (and probably more so) influenced by Op Ivy.

I'm not too sure how influential Skankin' Pickle were. I'm pretty sure they and LTJ kind of went hand in hand. But, if Skankin' Pickle is being considered, I think that Slapstick probably should be thrown into the conversation too.