2018 had a number of great albums, all of which I couldn’t list here, but after careful consideration, these are my top 20, none of which are listed lightly. See which ones you’d have picked out and maybe find some new music to check out. Continued →
For those of you who braved the crowds on Black Friday, you probably heard Christmas songs playing on the PA overhead. I put together a Spotify playlist of Christmas songs that my wife and I enjoy this time of year to share with all of you.
The folks at SMLXL Vinyl are pressing the classic O.C. Supertones album “Supertones Strike Back” on RED Vinyl for the first time in over two decades. Get yours on sale for just $20 right here. SKA SKA SKA!
So a few months back, a Christian deathcore/hardcore band from Matamoros, Mexico took the scene by storm with their message of faith, hope, and love that comes through Christ our Saviour. That band was My Place Was Taken. What seperated them from others doing the like is that their lyrics are all in Spanish. Continued →
The highly anticipated new album from well seasoned punk rock veteran, Ethan Luck, is out now. The album is jam packed with memorable choruses, bass heavy delivery, and a warm, inviting horn section that will keep you entertained for hours. This 10 track album was funded by fans through Kickstarter with a lot of us getting the vinyl version among other incentives. When I say “Buy it” I don’t mean that lightly. It is my full intention to persuade you, the reader, to drop what you’re doing and support true independent music by purchasing the album. SMLXLVinyl is stocking the album for those that missed out on the crowd funding campaign. More info can be found below. Just think of it this way, if you enjoyed the sounds of that 2004 OC Supertones album “Revenge of the OC Supertones” (that Ethan Luck helped write and played on) then you’re going to love this. Just take the more somber, introspective, and kick back songs of that record mixed together with some Interrupters, Rebelution, Hepcat, and The Dingees, to get an idea of the sounds found within. The production is top of the line and the musicians featured are definite pros (ex-members of OC Supertones, The Ws, and more). Ethan has been in so many bands in the past 22 years or so that it would be tough to document each involvement. Demon Hunter, Relient K, The Dingees, Value Pac, Project 86, OC Supertones, Pax, etc etc. Thank you Ethan for making the album you were always meant to create. Now all of you go give this as listen!
10 years ago seems like it has passed within an instant. Some of these albums listed below are forgotten hits and some are still being played today. This list are my recommendations and mine alone. Feel free to disagree with my selections. Check out some of these now “classic” albums from the year 2008, below. The Best of 2008: 10 Years, A Look Back. Brave Saint Saturn as #1?
Some awesome people have come together to make an awesome movie and dare I say, it looks AWESOME! Seriously, a lot of us here in Southern California grew up with this Ska stuff and these influential bands truly had something remarkable to say not to mention the actual music that set a precedent for what was to come. This new film called “Pick it Up – Ska in the 90’s” is currently being filmed and will document everything cool that took place during the heyday of Third Wave Ska in the 90’s across the country. There will be interviews with all the big ones like Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, No Doubt, Save Ferris, Dance Hall Crashers, Hepcat, Buck O Nine, The Toasters, Fishbone, as well as members of Five Iron Frenzy and The O.C. Supertones. The makers of this film have launched a kickstarter to fund the process and make it something HUGE. Heck, maybe even a theater premiere could happen if enough people contribute to this campaign. Click here for the campaign. You can watch a few clips below. SKA SKA SKA! #SkaLives
Today is release day for an album I am really excited to share. This ska-pop-punk-core (whatever you want to call them because they defy all definitions) from the state of Illinois called Must Build Jacuzzi have put together an insane collection of songs assembled in an album known as “Last Place”. Continued →
Ethan Luck is a veteran. This seasoned musician and songwriter has been playing on albums for more pretty much all of his entire adult life. He has worked with nearly everyone from Pax (before the ‘217’), Project 86, The Dingees, Value Pac, OC Supertones, Demon Hunter, Relient K, recently as touring musician with Kings of Leon and of course his solo work. This new album will continue some of the more “punk” aspects of his last few solo releases and aim the focus directly at Ska and Reggae sounds, incorporating them in his punk rock aesthetic. If you enjoyed his work in the past and are hungry for the next wave of ska to hit, then definitely check out his campaign right here and join with the many others supporting this true comeback in the making. From the sounds of this first demo I can already tell that the album is going to be an enormous hit and reach both new and old fans alike. With this current interest in revitalizing the “ska” scene from people like those hosting the Back To The Beach Ska Fest (this weekend) and SuperNova International Ska Festival, to those putting together a documentary on 90’s ska, all those classic bands making a comeback like Save Ferris, and the next generation of bands like Must Build Jacuzzi, the scene is ripe for the next wave!
If you haven’t seen the awesome new lyric video from Must Build Jacuzzi for their song “3rd Out of 3 Ain’t Bad” then click here and check it out. The site Already Heard also has a track by track breakdown of every song on the new album “Last Place” that will release this Friday through IVM. Continued →
SMLXL Vinyl is back with another awesome pressing. This time it is the well loved (well at least by me anyway) Five Iron Frenzy album “Electric Boogaloo 2” and it is currently available in 2 color options (Black and Yellow Splatter limited to 300). Continued →
Any of our readers going to be in the great state of Colorado around June 1st? Well don’t miss out on this FREE Five Iron Frenzy show at Levitt Pavilion on June 1st. Details below.
Hey, who could use a little more ska in their life??? We all could! So, check this out, Croatian ska band, October Light, released a new audio track called “No Good” of a new album they’re in the process of recording. Continued →
Check out this really cool 2018 sampler from NoiseTrade featuring 16 songs from the IVM catalog, most of which are recent. The only two tracks missing are Heart Like War “What We Do” and No Lost Cause “Slow It Down”. Head over over to NoiseTrade right here and download this awesome sampler for free. Continued →
Some of the best news of the week is that the long awaited ska(core)pop-punk album from the Illinois based band – Must Build Jacuzzi, is finally here. “Last Place” is available for pre-order over at this link via bandcamp (includes instant download of the new song ‘3rd Out of 3 Ain’t Bad’) in Digital, CD, and Tape formats. Or you can order from the IVM Storenvy page and pick up some other merch while you’re at it (storenvy purchases do not include digital downloads). This insanely awesome new album straddles the line between melodic pop-punk with harder skacore mixed in. It’s like that perfect balance between heavy and light. You’ll love it guaranteed. You’ll be able to download this album instantly on April 27th via Bandcamp and other digital networks. CDs will ship on or around April 27th.
I am so thrilled to announce the new song “Slow It Down” from New Jersey based punk-ska band, No Lost Cause. This song is quite a ride and packs a powerful punch. The song was recently mastered by the talented Sef at Simpul Studio and the song features Dango of Amber Pacific on drums. If you’ve been missing quality punk rock with a “ska” touch then look no further than No Lost Cause. The song will be made available on all Digital networks this Friday through Indie Vision Music. Check out the song below in a special soundcloud stream.
I am proud to welcome No Lost Cause to the IVM family of artists. A teaser clip for a new No Lost Cause song titled “Slow It Down” can be heard below. Final mix/master of this new song will appear next month on all digital networks and you can check out the new NLC full length out this summer on IVM. Follow NLC on facebook here.
Check out this brand new lyric video for “Swing Set Summer” by Must Build Jacuzzi. The band will drop their new full length release, “Last Place” in February on IVM. Lyric Video can be found below.
Awesome news courtesy of Indie Vision Music (sorry, self promotion here). Both singles by Must Build Jacuzzi and Light The Way (2 Songs) are now available for streaming/purchase via all Digital Networks. Head on over to your favorites like iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify, and so many more to give these songs a spin. Continued →
We have two great song premieres to offer today and the first is by Illinois based ska pop-punk band, Must Build Jacuzzi. Check out the song “Swing Set Summer” below. The song will appear on the band’s forthcoming album “Last Place” due out in early 2018 on Indie Vision Music. Recommended for fans of: We Are The Union, Four Year Strong, Suburban Legends, Streetlight Manifesto, Five Iron Frenzy, and Less Than Jake. Song will be live on all digital networks within the next week.
I am very excited and thrilled to announce that the first song off of the upcoming full length “Last Place” by the Illinois based Ska-Punk band, Must Build Jacuzzi, will be premiering right here on Friday morning. Make sure to check IVM and give a listen to this new track, I know you’re going to love it (and them). Continued →
In celebration of their upcoming full length release “Last Place” , due out in February 2018 on Indie Vision Music, you can download Must Build Jacuzzi’s 2016 Ep “Chugz and Nugz” completely free via bandcamp here. Listen below. Fans of Ska-Pop-Punk will love this band and their catchy upbeat music. Get ready for all kinds of awesome when “Last Place” drops in 2018. The band’s first single will be released very soon and will stream right here on IVM as soon as it is ready. Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!
Indie Vision Music is proud to announce the signing of Peoria, IL. based ska-pop-punk band, Must Build Jacuzzi to their growing roster of energetic, punk rock focused bands. Must Build Jacuzzi to Release “Last Place” on Indie Vision Music February 2018. Album to Be Available on CD/Tape/Digital and available through IVM Here (pre-orders launching November) Must Build Jacuzzi have been playing together for several years and released an ep late last year titled “Chugz and Nugz” (listen below).
Formed in a whirlpool of musical influences in central Illinois cornfields, Must Build Jacuzzi runs rampant with a wild live show and a unique take on the ska/punk genre. With influences from bands like Five Iron Frenzy to The Chariot and beyond, MBJ gives their all into their music, playing fast and fun for anyone who will hear them. To truly understand, ditch your inhibitions, jump in the pit, and start dancing!
Yep, the list you’ve all been waiting for (not really) is finally here. Feel free to offer up some laughs and critical remarks for the music I listened to the most 20 years ago. You’ll notice a heavy T&N presence and I just couldn’t help myself. There were a lot of albums and releases I found myself spinning back then and still getting plays today. I think that’s where this list falls in place, it’s the albums that had the longest lasting impact with me and had a catchy sound that I just couldn’t get enough of. I ride more on the commercial, melodic side of the market rather than all that arty ear splitting noise rock ;) I created a special Spotify play list that you can find near the end of the article. Some of these titles are out of print and only available in YouTube form so enjoy those unheard hits within the article. Remember kids, “some” of these releases may not have the best language so if you get queasy at the thought of dirty words from the general market (do we still use the word ‘secular’?) bands, you may want to skip those parts. So check out my faves below and don’t forget to check out “The Best of 2007” list which can be found here. Hop in your time machine and let’s get ready to party like its 1997!
It truly is bittersweet news I report to you today. The much cherished Christian ska-punk band O.C. Supertones have launched their (Final) LIVE 2 Album + Last Show on Video. You can order it right here in two different versions (Audio or Audio + Video). Continued →
Check out the brand new A Broken Line song titled “Teeth”. This energetic and raw punk/ska song showcases a talented band on the rise and makes for a unique listening experience not heard from a Christian band in years. Check them out and give this song a listen.
Five Iron Frenzy have just announced two upcoming California shows with those classic glam-punks, Squad Five-0. Shows will take place on October 13th in San Francisco at The Social SF and October 14th at The Roxy in Hollywood. Both shows will feature SQUAD FIVE-0, back in action after nearly a decade of hiatus. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10am. More info below.
The O.C. Supertones are finishing up work on their final Live recording which will be called simply, “Live Vol. 2”. It was recorded and filmed at their final show on June 3rd 2017. There is also going to be a film to go along with it. It was a great show and a wonderful farewell to a band whose ministry has touched many across the globe. I am sure this recording and film will combine all the best elements of their final show and make it an unforgettable listening experience.
Mikee Bridges (Sometime Sunday, Tragedy Ann, Tom Fest Founder) is putting together a “Tom Fest Family Reunion” for this September up in Stevenson, Washington. He has posted a crowd funding campaign on IndieGoGo to raise funds for this very special festival and to keep admission completely free. Find out more and contribute to the campaign right here.
The show this past Saturday night was an incredible experience. It was bittersweet in the fact that they put on a fantastic, entertaining, and emotional show while at the same time effectively ending their more than two decade career as a band. Continued →