Monday, September 22, 1997 Upbeat sounds of ska carve niche in
music mainstream TRENDS: Reggae-flavored genre loses underground
status as popularity rises
By Tim Yun
Daily Bruin Contributor
After years of toiling in the underground/independent record
scene, it appears that ska music has finally arrived, finding its
niche in the music world.
With bands like Save Ferris, No Doubt and Sublime consistently
selling records and appearing on Billboard’s album and radio
charts, ska has quickly become a popular form of music among people
across the nation.
"I don’t think it’s going to be a flash in the pan at all," says
Tazy Phillips, host of UCI’s Ska Parade radio show. "I think that
it’s going to stick around for a long while."
Unlike the wave of dark grunge music that preceded this ska
explosion, ska consists of more upbeat and lively tones, frequently
created using an extended brass section in its songs.
"The upbeat nature of ska music is a breath of fresh air
compared to the heavy sound of grunge," Phillips says.
The cultural move away from the angst-filled, guitar-heavy songs
of Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails and the gravitation toward the
bouncy, brass-filled harmonies of ska reflects a prevailing
attitude of the times.
"There also is a socioeconomic factor involved," Reel Big Fish
trombonist Grant Barry says. "In happy times, people want to hear
happy, upbeat music."
Phillips agrees. "The reason why ska has so much commercial
viability is that the upbeat nature of the music appeals to the
kids today.
"I think that KROQ’s decision to put Sublime’s ‘Date Rape’ (a
satirical 1995 hit) on their playlist really propelled ska into
popular culture and opened the door for all of the other bands such
as No Doubt and Save Ferris," Phillips continues.
"Date Rape" hit No. 1 on KROQ’s playlist and remained at the top
for three weeks. It was also the No. 1 request for an additional
six months.
However, the happy music had help from a not-so-positive story.
"It’s tragic that only after Brad Nowell (the lead singer of
Sublime) passed away did Sublime really set the stage for this huge
influx of ska music into the mainstream," Phillips adds.
Ska music itself has a detailed history which can be traced back
to the roots of jazz, punk and Jamaican dance music. Earlier ska
bands, such as The Specials and The Uptones, developed the distinct
"two-tone" sound which revolutionized the ska genre and helped
spark the development of the new variations heard today.
However, the predecessors of current ska bands never
materialized past cult/underground status in the United States and
quickly died out.
The current variation of ska, also known as the "Third Wave," is
a late-’80s/early-’90s revival of earlier versions of the music,
involving such bands as the Voodoo Glow Skulls and The Toasters.
Many popular bands such as The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Save Ferris
and Reel Big Fish are strongly influenced by earlier bands and –
according to Phillips – jazz, punk and reggae.
Ska bands like Fishbone borrow these combinations and sounds
from many different genres of music to produce a distinct, yet
familiar rhythm.
"We use this mixture of various types of music as part of our
suit," Fishbone lead singer Angelo says. "It’s what gives us such a
diverse fan base."
Fishbone’s hit, "Party at Ground Zero," was one of the first
songs to expose the public to the genre known as ska.
For many bands, the sudden popularity of ska music is long
overdue. For years, they have played in relative obscurity, in
hopes that one day they might become multi-platinum bands.
Perhaps the most dramatic case involves the pop-friendly band No
Doubt. Contrary to popular belief, the band did not stumble upon
overnight success. Formed in 1987, the band suffered countless
financial setbacks and rejections by record labels. A decade later,
their record "Tragic Kingdom" became a multi-platinum hit.
"A lot of bands went through a lot of hard work, and now they
are reaping the rewards," Phillips says.
The current boom of ska has not only meant success for many new
bands, but has also created a huge surge in public interest.
Once-underground bands like Rancid and Less Than Jake have made
videos for MTV and garnered extended airplay on major U.S. radio
stations.
If the current trend continues, ska music may have a strong
foothold on the record charts for years to come. MERCURY
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones hail from Boston, Mass. The ska
band’s latest single, "The Impression that I Get," has received
frequent airplay. Mojo Records
"Turn the Radio Off," Reel Big Fish’s latest album, includes the
hit single "Sell Out." The Orange County band is now touring the
East Coast.