Checkered Socks

The Skatalites are one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of ska. They have released numerous studio, live, collaboration, and live albums throughout the many years together and have played for years, with band members coming and going, some longer than others. And they are still releasing new albums and going on new tours.

And now, the sounds of the Skatalites are being played by a powerful big band filled with some of the top musicians of today.

Western Standard Time (named in honor of “Eastern Standard Time”) has just recently released a new album, ”A Big Band Tribute To The Skatalites“. This album features 10 of the Skatalites top hits with an amazing big band sound and feel.

Check out the studio promo below for more information about “A Big Band Tribute To The Skatalites” and to hear Western Standard Time’s big band take on “Guns of Navarone”.

I’ve been a big fan of Chris Murray for some time now and I think his music videos capture the sound and feel perfectly. His newest music video for “We Do The Ska” is no exception. I love the flashback to the early days of ska in the video. Enjoy!

Who says vinyl is dead?!  Probably the same crazy people that say ska is dead!  Proving that neither is dead, one of our friends here at Checkered Socks Ska, Rad Jose (23min of Ska), is putting together a sweet subscription club of 7″ records by 6 fresh, newer bands around the country.

The basic premise: starting in July, you will receive 2 7″ records, every other month. Six bands are signed up and have already been recording tracks. The only thing left is for people like you to help support these bands and this project.

If you’re interested [and I know I am] you can jump over to the “The Big Ska Gamble!” kickstarter page and read up on the details and make your donation! If you’ve never heard of or used kickstarter, it is a great web site which helps projects build funding before the project takes off.

Bands involved:

• The Action League – ska/punk from San Luis Obispo, CA
• Do It With Malice – ska/metal/hardcore punk from Buffalo, NY
• The Georgetown Orbits – ska, reggae and dub from Seattle, WA
• Lockstep – reggae punk from Indianapolis, IN
• The Shifters – rocksteady from Washington D.C.
• Stop the Presses – ska/surf/punk from Miami, FL

Hey everybody! This cool little band, Murphy’s Kids, just released a new video to their song “Hands On”! Give it a listen below!

Recently, Sammy Kay (Formerly of the Forthrights) posted a new tune by his new band Sammy Kay and the Fast Four and I have decided I must share it with all of you. If you haven’t heard the song yet, give it a listen and pass it around. I’ve been a big fan of The Forthrights since I first saw them and I’m super excited to hear the new sounds SKFF will be bringing. Check out “Sweet Misery” on SoundCloud now!

http://soundcloud.com/sammykayandthefastfour/sweet-misery