Read The Full Article on my Substack: Bass Culture
While most fans know The Specials, Madness, and The Selecter, the ska revival ran far deeper than the iconic headliners. This mix dives into the underground of the 2 Tone era—bands from Canada, the US, and the UK who embraced identical sharp suits, offbeat grooves, and social bite.
PLAYLIST
The Ammonites - Blue Lagoon
The Apollinaires - The Feeling's Gone
The Bodysnatchers - Easy Life
The Higsons - Conspiracy 7" Version
The Swinging Cats - Away
The Deltones - Running Around (No More Doggin')
The Skadows - Apache
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
The Specials - Why? (Dub)
Pushkins - I Dig A Hole (Canada 1982)
Rude Boys - Someone Else's Car (Canada 1982)
The Uptown Rulers- Tell Me Where You're At (Illinois, USA 1982)
Heavy Manners - Hometown Ska - (Chicago, USA 1981)
SLK - Walk of the Mummy (Michigan, USA 1982)
The Coventry Automatics - Rock And Roll Nightmare (John Peel Recordings)
The Insteps - Dancing (Cardiff, UK 1982)
Paul PK - Jumped the Gun 7" (1982)
Felons - Love N' Skank 1981
The Mob - Mobbed (Coventry, 1980)
Silent Q - Logical Patterns (Canada 1983)
Pushkins - Just Dancing (Canada 1983)
The Akrylykz - Spyderman (1980)