You may very well be aware that ska punk was all the rage in the 90's, especially on the American West Coast. Artists such as Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake were probably the biggest names on the circuit as third wave ska reached its peak in the late 1990's. But believe it or not, the genre is not dead. There are still plenty of ska punk bands in existence, and this article will give you an insight into some of the finest albums by these bands to be released in this decade.
10.
Mad Caddies - Just One More
Release Date: 11th March, 2003
Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Like the majority in this list, Mad Caddies released a number of albums in the 1990's, including probably their most well known songs and most critically-acclaimed album (Duck and Cover). After their 2001 release, Rock the Plank, which divided many fans, this was the album to put the band back on track. Featuring their signature punk with horns sound, combining this with latino (Just One More), hardcore (Contraband), and melodic sing-along anthems (Drinking for 11, Good Intentions), this record appealed to fans old and new.
Track Picks: Leavin' / 10 West / Game Show
9.
Streetlight Manifesto - Somewhere in the Between
Release Date: 13th November, 2007
Label: Victory Records
The long awaited follow up album to their 2003 instant classic, Everything Goes Numb, SITB brought more of the same super high tempo ska that Streetlight fans had come to love. While in many peoples opinion, not as strong as their debut, it's not to say this is a bad record by any standards, in fact some of the songs are downright the best that SM have written. The album was a lot more polished then EGN and the instrumental section was undoubtedly improved. The songs come thick and fast, there are no slower songs to break it up, it's mile a minute stuff, and it's fantastic.
Track Picks: We Will Fall Together / Somewhere in the Between / The Recieving End of It All
8.
[spunge] - Room for Abuse
Release Date: 9th October, 2000
Label: Sucka-Punch Records
Although ska punk never made it big in the UK, there were a number of important names that emerged from sunny England. Bands such as Capdown and King Prawn and more recently the King Blues have tried to keep the scene alive, but probably the biggest success story was that of [spunge]. Still producing records to this day, Room for Abuse, their 2nd studio album, was where they started to gather some steam. Looking at the track listings, there are 2 stand out tracks. The first is a cover of "Santeria" by legendary American ska/reggae band Sublime, and the second a cover/remake of "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley, a cover which the Marley family themselves gave the band permission to cover and alter the words. Spunge were never going to win any awards for originality, but there are 16 songs on this album, all of which have their charm.
Track Picks: Live Another Day / No Woman No Cry / Ego / Nothing to Hide
7.
Reel Big Fish - Cheer Up!
Release Date: 25th June, 2002
Label: Mojo Records
Everyone who knows ska punk, knows Reel Big Fish. They pretty much mastered the genre with 1996's Turn the Radio Off. Maybe including this album in a list of ska punk albums isn't right, seeing as their is very little punk on this album. It's certainly more straightforward rock but still maintains the horns that make RBF what they are, that being incredibly awesome. It may be slower tempo but with songs such as Ban the Tube Top and Where Have You Been? on the record, you probably won't care.
Track Picks: Ban the Tube Top / Where Have You Been? / A Little Doubt Goes a Long Way
6.
Jesse James - Mission
Release Date: 2nd May, 2003
Label: Golf Records
Probably the most unrecognisable name on this countdown, Jesse James were a London-based ska punk band that formed in the early 00's. This is their first album that managed to get them noticed, and when you hear it, you'll see why. It's a crime that a band that can produce songs this good couldn't make it big (the band split up in 2007). Do them and yourself a favour and check it out.
Track Picks: Six Minutes / First Day on a Brand New Planet / Growin' Up
5.
Mustard Plug - In Black and White
Release Date: 11th September, 2007
Label: Hopeless Records
The seventh studio album, you'd think Mustard Plug would know what they were doing, and they do. In all truth, their last 2 releases, "Pray for Mojo" and "Yellow #5", were pretty poor compared to their earlier work. Following a long four year break, the band released this record, and it's clear they, like many ska punk bands in the 00's, have grown up. The album is darker and more mature, yet somehow still maintains the catchy hooks and humour the band had become known for.
Track Picks: Hit Me! Hit Me! / Copasetic / Real Rat Bastard
4.
Capdown - Pound for the Sound
Release Date: 11th September, 2001
Label: Household Name Records
Breaking onto the scene at the end of the 90's, Milton Keynes based Capdown really brought something new to the table. Combining the horns of ska and fiery vocals of hardcore, Capdown are unlike any other band out there, and this album is the best example of their work.
Track Picks: Faith No More / What Doesn't Kill You... / Pound for the Sound
3.
Less Than Jake - Anthem
Release Date: 20th May, 2003
Label: Sire Records
At the time of writing, this is Less Than Jake's best selling album, and it's hard to see anything topping it. Much poppier than LTJ's early releases, this album managed to appeal to the mainstream and the majority of old fans as well. The singing switches between Roger and Chris regularly, which keeps it fresh all the way through. The trombone and saxophone are as prominent as ever, providing the melodies to all the songs. It's catchy, it's happy, it's ska punk played to perfection.
Track Picks: Look What Happened / The Science of Selling Yourself Short / The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out
2.
Big D and the Kids Table - Strictly Rude
Release Date: 20th March, 2007
Label: Side One Dummy
I can find many flaws with this album, and indeed Big D in general. Their music doesn't really break much new ground, I've never really been a fan of singer David McWane's voice and they produce some really dodgy songs but somehow I love them and I love this record. It's the perfect summertime record, all the songs are happy and bouncy and make you want to get up and dance, and isn't that exactly what ska is all about? Answer: Yes, yes it is.
Track Picks: Steady Riot / Shining On / Raw Revolution
1.
Streetlight Manifesto - Everything Goes Numb
Release Date: 26th August, 2003
Label: Victory Records
Anyone who is surprised at this being number 1 needs to go and take a good look at themselves, or a good listen to the album. Streetlight Manifesto were already big even before they had released a song. Tomas Kalnoky, the genius behind perhaps the best ska punk album of the 90's (Catch 22's Keasbey Nights) and the Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution project, recruited a new band, hand picking from Catch 22's original line up and the finest New Jersey had to offer, and produced this masterpiece.
It's very rare that you find an album that you instantly fall in love with, but the first time I put this on I was captivated from start to finish. It's almost flawless from beginning to end. There are no stand out bad songs and this makes it incredibly hard to pick out favourites. The instrumentals are spectacular, the drums are lightning fast perfection, the vocals come at you at 100mph yet can still be deciphered, allowing you to hear the picture perfect lyrics that Kalnoky has constructed. They especially stand out in the 6 and a half minute epic "A Better Place, A Better Time", which provides a positive anti-suicide message.
In a decade of good but fairly unspectacular music, especially in the ska scene, Streetlight managed to pull off something special. They are almost unquestionably the best 00's ska band, and this is almost unquestionably the best 00's ska album.
Track Picks: Everything Went Numb / Point/Counterpoint / A Better Place, A Better Time
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