Ska History
2 Tone - A Look Deeper
2 Tone has become synonymous with ska, but as time progresses its meaning has been obscured to many who did not experience the label’s impact firsthand between its inception in 1979 and its fall in 1985. Beyond the (often abused) clichés of the logos and the suits, lies a wealth of great music and a fascinating history.
Having collected the label’s discography, I endeavor to share with you hear some of its wonderful offerings beyond the two pervasive, classic first LPs from the Specials and the Selecter that have come to overshadow the rest (a self-titled LP and Too Much Pressure, respectively, for the uninitiated).
May 1st Show Now 21+
This show has now been made 21+ with BYOB.
We apologize to those under 21 who were looking forward to it, but for this show going the 21+ route makes the most sense in terms of making the numbers work. Besides, with a sweet show the following week, you should be able to get by.
The reason behind this is that the 941 Theater has changed its alcohol policy after having faced some recent abuses at some other shows. This is in no way refelective of PhillySka or the bands on this lineup. It is a new policy for all shows in an effort to keep the venue from being shut down, especially now that it will be watched a little more closely.
Sadly, all ages shows with BYOB will no longer be permitted there. Shows can either be all ages with no alcohol, 18+ with alcohol provided centrally by the promoter to those of age, or 21+ with BYOB.
Summer 2008 Releases
The great ska releases just keep on coming. You will find plenty to tempt you including a new Vic Ruggiero (Slackers) solo album, Chris Murray, Mr. Symarip, New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, and more.
Click through for the full list!
Ska Labels - Ska' Records
Though it may have been short-lived, Britain's Ska' Records is certainly worth some exploration. Its founder, Roddy Moreno is a well known figure in the skinhead community. While living in New York City, he established the Skinheads Against Predjudice (SHARP) movement in response to the growing number of rascits attempting to hijack the image and culture.
Most of the releases on the label stem from Moreno's time in NYC with all but one band (his own) being American. His goal appears to have been to bring the new third wave sounds across the ocean to expose them to the British market.
All of the releases on the label received very small pressings and have become very difficult to find, particularly in the United States. Some never got released by a domestic label.
Click through for the discography...
Ska Labels - Liquidator
Liquidator is a label and distro out of Madrid, Spain with a focus on the traditional ska and reggae sounds. So far it has released a total of 29 albums, singles, and EPs. If you are into the trad sounds and have not yet checked this label out, you have been missing some great music. Most of the artists are Spanish, but most of it is very accessible to an English-speaking audience.
What you will find is a collection of some of the best ska and reggae that Spain has to offer as well as material from some of the legendary Jamaican artists that have remained very popular there.
Click through for the discography...
Ska Labels - Black Butcher
Black Butcher is a lesser-known ska label out of Germany which is an imprint of Mad Butcher Records. It continues to release its own albums along with European distributions of albums originally released by other labels such as our own Jump Up Records. The bands found on Black Butcher hail primarily from Europe, the United States, and Australia.
The label is perhaps best known (or should be) for its on-going Skannibal Party compilation series. These feature ska bands from all over the globe. Some more well known than others. There are few new bands to fall in love with on each release. So far 7 volumes have been released and an 8th volume is in the works.
Click through for the discography...
PhillySka Enters 2008
2008 marks the third for PhillySka.com. Our mission to support the city's ska scene continues and we are proud to do so. This year we plan to expand our website coverage and of course to keep the shows coming. Please get involved in our community and encourage others to do so as well.
If you are interested in becoming a PhillySka.com staff member, we would love to have you. We are looking for people to help on just about all levels including (but not limited to) writing, photography, promotion, and even booking. The one major requirement is that you must be reliable and committed to getting the job done. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
From all of us at PhillySka.com, we wish you a great new year with plenty of great ska-related memories.
Ska Labels - Grover Records
Germany's Grover Records label has the distinction of being one of the most active and the most recognized European ska label that is still active today. Founded in 1993, the label offers up a very strong selection of reissues, distributions, and unique releases. It quickly took its place to fill the large niche for ska in the region as it took on not only the role of record label but also of concert promoter as well as a large mail-order service. 3 sub-labels have also been formed to serve other generes: Elmo, Vinyl Only Records, and BFS.
If you are a ska fan, then you are bound to find plenty of music to love from Grover.
Click through for the discography...
Ska Labels - Do The Dog
Do The Dog is a UK-based label that today is one of the primary outlets for the country's ska bands. It was founded rather unintentionally in 1996 by Kevin Flowerdew when he released the Rude Vibes compilation to celebrate the publication the 50th issue of his ska zine entitled Rude. The compilation consists of some of his favorite bands that had been covered in the zine and was only intended to be a one-off project. However, the process got Kevin hooked and he deceided to continue release ska.
Since there were very few outlets for up and coming talents in the UK, Do The Dog took on the task of giving them a place to be heard in the UK along with exposure around the world. The label offers the full range of ska sounds, so there is a little something for everyone.
Click through for the discography...
Ska Labels - Jump Up Records
At 14 years old, Jump Up Records is among the most long-standing, active ska labels in the US. Its beginings in Chicago were humble and the operation remains that way to this day. The label has become a fixture in the American ska scene and a time capsule for the Midwest ska scene of the 90s.
Chuck Wren founded the label in 1993 in order to compliment his WNUR radio show with the American Skathic compilation of Midwestern ska, which was expanded into a series with 3 further installments. He then turned to releasing full-length albums from the region's rising ska stars (with a few non-ska exceptions). The label's 40th release in 2000 marked a shift in focus away from solely the Midwestern scene and towards the global ska scene.