The Music: Brought to you by the Anger Parade and Braces and Laces

A Brief Introduction to Mod Revival

2008-05-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Mod subculture, having suddenly and violently appeared in England during the early 60s, began to fade by the end of the same decade. The culture became fragmented, some adherents going on to become the initiators of the Skinhead culture, while others were drawn to the pyschedelic elements of the Mod Scene. By the 1970s, Mods had largely disappeared.

Like many of England's youth subcultures, Mods reemerged at the very end of the 70s and early 80s. Although the new generation were drawn to the soul, r n b, and ska/reggae of their predecessors, the new Mods were also drawn to punk, not unlike the newly re-emergent Skinheads of the same period.

Lately I have been listening to some of this Mod-era punk music, and I have mixed feelings about what I'm hearing. I'll begin with what is arguably the most famous and most important of the Mod revival bands: The Jam (pictured on the right.)

The Jam became noteworthy during the 77 period, but from the start they had a different sound and look altogether. The Jam, compared with most 77 and Oi! bands, were polished in sound and production. Their look was that of early 60s fashion, as opposed to boots and braces or leather and patches. In the City is a fantastic album. The songs are catchy and have an edge, but are not aggressive like, say, the 4-skins. Their later albums have some great songs as well, although as their career progressed they made a few crappy numbers as well. Overall, the Jam are an amazing band whose sound was unique at the time, but heavily influenced the future Mod revival bands that would soon appear.

The Purple Hearts, (pictured on the left,) are another of the better-known Mod revival acts. Originally formed as a punk band under a different name, the Purple Hearts appeared around the same time the Jam were becoming famous.

Musically, the Purple Hearts' sound, as with many other revival bands, is like a less aggressive version of the Jam. That being said, their songs are catchy as hell. They tended to make music that could be described as "power-poppy", but they definitely derived their sound and attitude from punk music at large. A few really good songs make this band memorable, but one can begin to see a pattern here. As the Mod revival style of punk music became more distinct, it also became much less aggressive. The bands began to adopt a poppier sound as time went on, often to the point where it becomes difficult to listen to.

Other bands with a good sound include the Chords, who played a stripped down, dirtier kind of Mod revival, at least initially. This band went a little softer as time passed. Secret Affair is another band that stands out from the rest. The Killermeters are an excellent Mod band, and they tended to have an affinity for the older style of Mod music. Their repertoire included r n b influenced music and 60s covers.

Today there are a number of bands all over the world who play late 70s/early 80s revival-style music. One that I have personally seen is a band out of the Bay Area called the Odd Numbers. Not bad, but not really that great either.

That about raps up my (not so) brief introduction to Mod revival. There is some great music from this time period, but beware! A great deal of really shitty, really uninspiring bands with no edge were part of the same movement. Try to listen to some of this music before you purchase anything, but know that you are missing out if you don't listen to at least of these bands!

Career Criminal

2008-02-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Austin based Carreer Criminal is a skinhead band that has me stumped. I haven't had an opportunity to see them live yet but I plan to. They have a pretty typical oi sound, maybe I'll leave any real discussion about the finer points to someone else...

Amalgamated

2008-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Amalgamated is the kind of stuff spun down at Lovejoys on Sunday night if you are ever interested. The kind of stuff that goes well over Adult Swim playing on the TV just above the girl with the busted eye who you are afraid thinks you're interested just because John Kruk is helping Carl cut off his nipples.

Bankrupt

2008-02-01T10:29:00.001-08:00

Bankrupt is a pop punk band from Hungary. I can't say its really my thing but it could be a lot worse. If anything their stuff starts to grow on you if you listen to it for to long. Thus is the curse that is pop punk.

video for "come around"

P.O. Box

2008-01-27T09:47:00.000-08:00

More rock than ska, P.O. Box brings a harder sound to your punk ska reminiscent of Voodoo Glow Skulls. I can't say I listen to this stuff as much as I used to but it still has a place despite what we old jaded sacks say.

www.pobox-band.com

Streetlight Manifesto

2008-01-27T09:34:00.001-08:00

Streetlight Manifesto is what I call "Sarah-ska." Fast paced, third wave, slightly whiny ska is something she has always enjoyed. If you enjoy bands like Buck O Nine or Catch 22 you'll get a kick out of Streetlight Manifesto. Its good stuff if you aren't a ska purist or don't feel like crying over your ex...

streetlightmanifesto.com
Invader Zim - Streetlight Manifesto - Everything Goes Numb video?

Michael Franti and Spearhead

2008-01-27T09:29:00.001-08:00

Meg first introduced me to Michael Franti and Spearhead. As much as we fought in the end, the woman would occasionally come up with some real gems musicwise. I'm a big fan of the tracks "I Know I'm Not Alone" and "Rock the Nation" so you should take the time check those out. Honestly the music as a whole is very solid and a little more uplifting then the kick in the ribs stuff I usually listen to.

www.spearheadvibrations.com
I know I'm not alone video

The Slackers

2008-01-26T08:30:00.001-08:00

The Slackers are one of the great ska bands of our times, often overlooked, but damned good. I've been a big Slackers fan for quite a while now and I'm excited as all hell to get a chance to see them live. Unlike a lot of the early third wave bands, the Slackers really kept with the roots of the music drawing heavily from reggae and soul. When you listen to one of their albums you feel like a smarter, more sophisticated person afterwords.

Video for "Have the Time"
www.theslackers.com

Channel One

2008-01-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to see Channel One while I was in San Antonio to see the Toasters and Deals Gone Bad. While still a young band they definitely had some promise. Amber got really sick of the "Boss" but he is sort of the Flava Flav figure of the band. By god he threw glitter! I don't care if they end up disconnecting his guitar from the amp, but he stays!

Their MySpace Page

Mustard Plug

2007-10-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'm getting old lets face it. This isn't your fathers ska, and by father I mean mine, at least not the stuff I grew up with. I enjoy the new Mustard Plug sound and I enjoy the album immensely. Check it out but you'll be disappointed if you expect tracks reminiscent of "I Want the Mustard" and "Thigh High Nylons."

www.mustardplug.com
Video for "Mr. Smiley"

Chris Murray

2007-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Chris Murray has been around fro what seems like a lifetime. Depending on the day or in most cases the track, I either love Chris Murray or feel he is a little overrated. I'm fickle what can I say? Chris Murray plays an acoustic soulful reggae that few can compete with. I'm not sure if I would go see him in person but I own enough of his stuff to attest that I'm a fan.

http://www.chrismurray.net/
Video for "Home"
Video for "RockSteady"

Buck-O-Nine

2007-10-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

Buck-O-Nine is a ska band that I have listened to for far to long. I'll be honest I sorta fell off the band wagon after the album "Twenty-Eight Teeth" but recently Sarah told me to check out their new stuff. It is really amazing how different it is to me from those early songs such as "My Town." While not everything on there new album sounds like "Less than Comfortable" its still worth checking out.

www.buckonine.com
Video for "My Town"

The Broadsiders

2007-09-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Broadsiders are your average skinhead band calling Dallas, Texas home. Most of their members are pretty young but overall they have a pretty good sound. I am hopeful that I will have an opportunity to catch them live sometime in the near future.

The Pietasters

2007-09-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

It hasn't ever been a real secret to people that I love the Pietasters. I mean theres a couple cats named Maggie Mae to testify to that. A certain ex walked off with "Oolooloo" which I consider to be their best album. I felt the albums around the "Willis" time were a little flat and I stopped following the band. Their new album "All Day" is really something special. It's hard to describe how very different their sound is and how much it has evolved over time. If you have a dollar or two to waste PLEASE download their single "So Long." I promise you will not regret it!

there are a lot of videos on youtube but I can't say any of them are really worth watching unless you are a fan of show footage.
http://www.thepietasters.com/
http://www.pietasters.net/

Criminal Intent

2007-09-13T18:20:00.001-07:00

Criminal Intent is a tough as nails oi band from New Jersey. Thats all I have to say about that. If you wanna hear more about it you have to ask the cops 'cause I'm invoking my right to avoid self incrimination.

Offensive Weapon

2007-09-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Offensive Weapon not to be confused with the British band Offensive Weapon of the early eighties, is a hard hitting oi band from New York. They sound way too polished not to be on a label but I guess god works in mysterious ways. Regardless I'd be thrilled to get to see them live but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Strong Island Bootboys

2007-09-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me anything about the Strong Island Bootboys 'cause I don't know. Unless you wanna know if they rock because they do. Basically they sound a lot like Crosshair or any of your basic garage oi bands. But hey, that ain't all bad.

Youth Brigade

2007-09-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Youth Brigade is just another kick ass punk band sitting on the BYO label. I mean there are a lot of them. Youth Brigade has been around rocking the scene for longer than I have been alive so I guess I'll give them some credit for that.

The Briefs

2007-09-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Briefs were recommended to me by some guy I met in Seattle while I was at the grocery store... On the strength of that I am now reviewing a band I can't believe I haven't come across before. Overall their sound reminds me of some of the indie rock I enjoy meets the Dead Kennedy's. It really isn't that bad of a mix. I can't see myself running out and buying an album but I'd definitely go see them if they came through.

http://www.klotografie.de/
video for "stuck on you"

Rancid

2007-09-03T08:32:00.001-07:00

Rancid isn't really worth reviewing, I know. It seems like everyone likes 'em. There is a video from a drunk night long long ago where I am attempting to explain why I hate Rancid but am having a hard time doing so. In my personal opinion most of Rancid's stuff is just mediocre except for that ever popular "Out Comes the Wolves" album. That makes me old and outdated. I do like "fall back down" off of "indestructible" does that make me less of a hater?

http://www.rancidrancid.com/
video for "Bloodclot"
video for "Fall Back Down" **crappy audio...**

Mad Caddies

2007-08-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

One of the original bands from the Mope-a-thon album that never was, the Mad Caddies helped me lay on my floor and worry my roommate most of last summer. They are one of those bands I keep waiting for them to make it big. They are really very soulful but at the same time pretty fun. A great band all the way around.

http://www.madcaddies.com/
Video for "leavin'"
A live video for "drinking for 11"

Ryan Scroggins and the Trenchtown Texans

2007-08-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

While just saying Ryan Scroggins and the Trenchtown Texans is a mouthful they have a good sound and I really enjoy their instrumentals. I have heard from a couple of guys I know that these guys are really bad ass live and a cool bunch of folks. Unfortunately I have only heard a few tracks so I am with holding judgement at this point. I definitely feel that there is some real upside here, just give it time to mature.

Bomb Town

2007-08-20T17:13:00.000-07:00

My god this is bad. Usually I try to at least find some nice things to say when i write these things. Hmm. Let me think... NJope. Nothing. Bomb Town is just another crappy ska bad that has popped up on my radar for no real reason. Bleh.

http://www.bombtownnj.com/

Deal's Gone Bad

2007-08-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Deal's Gone Bad plays the kind of ska yopur parents and maybe even your grandparents can get into. With soulfull lyrics and a sound that is reminiscent of the oldies station their sound is really something unique. I haven't decided just how much I like Deal's Gone Bad, but they are definately a good band worth checking out.

http://www.dealsgonebad.com/news.php
Their video for "Moving On"

Hub City Stompers

2007-08-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hub City Stompers put the steel toed boot back in ska. With songs about kicking ass and fucking fat girls what else could a man want. AND, if that wasn't enough they do it in as tasteful manner as possible to a smooth reggae beat. They are still touring but I haven't had much luck finding a date that they'll be up in the pacific northwest. So for now I'm stuck watching their videos online...

http://www.hubcitystompers.com/
Click here to see their videos

Inspecter 7

2007-08-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Inspecter Seven is one of my favorite ska bands trailing only the Toasters and Skoidats. They played through much of the 90's but called it quits a while back. They mixed a lot of different sounds from early ska to oi messed it in such a way that created a very danceable sound. Or drinkable in my case. There are several videos on youtube but the sound quality is a little rough. Still they might be worth a check.

Check out Inspecter 7's videos:
Chatterbox, Sharky 17, the game, sleeping with the enemy

Brass Knuckle Boys

2007-08-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

As far as I know it the Brass Knuckle Boys aren't playing anymore but I'm out of the loop sometimes so, well, yeah... I was fortunate enough to have seen them a couple times and have a really kick ass demo they put out with an Iron Cross on the cover. They are definitely some kick ass working class rock and roll if I've ever heard it.

Check out an old video of theirs

Roustabouts

2007-08-01T14:06:00.001-07:00

The brother band of sorts to the Doozers. They called it quits sometime after 02 but they were never the same after they kicked Chris out. My father recently found this album on Amazon for me that has some of their later stuff on it. Its defiantly good working class rock and roll, its a shame theres not much stuff of theirs. There are several demos and sort Cd's they produced and used to hand out to their friends. Unfortunately an ex of mine walked off with probably my favorite demo of theirs. Easily one of the best bands I've ever heard live.

Crosshair

2007-08-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Crosshair was a skinhead band from Texas a few years back. I was lucky enough to see them several times. They even saved my necks in a roundabout way at the Warped Tour back in '01. I also have a very early demo of theirs which is still good to pop in occasionally. Recently a friend sent me another demo that I wasn't aware existed they released with their full track set. I haven't found any information on them for a while so I'm guessing they're done but I'll keep looking for something to share.

Vanilla Muffins

2007-08-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Vanilla Muffins are no doubt different than anything I had heard before. Pioneers of the sound called Sugar Oi, the Vanilla Muffins really took me by surprise. Think of your traditional oi bands meets synth pop. For the most part they sing about all those things we hooligans love. It is one of those bands that if you enjoy oi you need to take the time to listen to just so that you can say that you have.

http://www.vanillamuffins.ch/Home.html

Flogging Molly

2007-08-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am a Flogging Molly snob. I'll admit it. I act like I know every song they wrote before they got big and I was their only fan. That's crap and we all know it. Still it was hard when I noticed frat boys wearing their shirts. That aside I recently sat down and listened to some of their new stuff. Maybe its a little more polished, but I reluctantly admit it isn't all bad. In fact you might even say its good. You might, those words won't be coming out of me. After all I'm a proud proud man.

http://www.floggingmolly.com/
link to their video "Drunken Lullabies"

The Scotch Greens

2007-08-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Scotch Greens are definitely a force to be reckoned with. They have a solid sound and indiscernible lyrics that every great band has. They are so good I actually gave my two dollars to Itunes just to have 'em forever. Thats a rarity, because I am a cheapskate. No one likes a scrooge but I can safely say everyone likes the Scotch Greens.

As one Johnny Courage put it: "It simply amazes me how hard you motherfuckers rock. My face is melted a little bit more every time I listen." Now that is a testimonial!

http://www.scotchgreens.com/
link to their video "Professional"

The Killigans

2007-08-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

With a sound VERY simular to early Flogging Molly the Killigans are on the scene. I'm having a hard time thinking of anything to write other than they sound so much like Flogging Molly. I know one individual that would say that Flogging Molly and that whole sound is just a complete rip off of the Pogues. At which point I would roll my eyes and continue on with whatever I was saying.

http://www.thekilligans.com/

Big D and The Kids Table - Little Bitch (Montreal)

2007-07-31T18:04:00.001-07:00

There are about a dozen different videos for this song of varying quality. Man, It looks like fun...

Feautured Artist: Big D and the Kids Table

2007-07-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

It is rare for a Ska band to have made it as long as Big D and the Kids Table has. I've never heard a bad word about one of their shows, not to say it doesn't happen I mean we all have our bad days, all the same they haven't fluked into success. They are just plain good. I picked up a comp they were on about seven years ago and I was hooked. Even for those of you who don't dig on the whole punk ska thing, give 'em a chance, you won't regret it.

If you can try and track down their cover of "Little Bitch" by the Specials. It's to die for!
http://www.bigdandthekidstable.com/pages/

Grown at Home

2007-07-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm tired of black shirts with colorful ties. I'm tired of bad hair. I'm really tired of shitty lyrics. Grown at Home have your average ska punk sound and not to be mistaken for Homegrown. The lead singer bugs me. I really like the music itself, just not when that guy speaks/sings/whines. egh...

http://www.grownathome.com/

Goldblade

2007-07-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

Now here is a band. A band's band at that. Goldblade makes me want to drive fast, drink hard, and fuck the neighbors wife all at the same time. Which would seem to just be asking for trouble. Goldblade has been around for a number of years and have an extensive catalog of music. Good for me, bad for my neighbors...

http://www.goldblade.com/
link to Goldblade's video "Psycho"

Flip The Switch

2007-07-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Flip the Switch is good, fun ska band. They're one of those bands that would be a lot of fun to see live. A lot of bands have strayed from that Skavoovie and the Epitones kind of sound, but they do it well. Whats weird was that when i lived in Moscow I used to see their stickers on the signs downtown... hmm...

Baked Fresh Daily

2007-07-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Baked Fresh Daily is the kind of ska band that this old man appreciates. They have a really good late third way sound that enjoy. They sound like something that you would see on a Asianman comp, but really good. Not to say that Asianman was bad... I'm just saying theres a lot of crap out there but Baked Fresh Daily has risen above that.

Darkbuster

2007-07-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

Darkbuster is an excellent band that is definitely worth checking out. A couple summers ago I wa going through a rough streak and basically the only thing that got me out of it was Darkbuster, a couple good friends, and a healthy amount of booze. They have the soul that a lot of GC5 and Social D had. At the same time there is a passion that seems lacking in music right now if you ask me. They have strong ska influence although they have more of a punk & roll sound. Darkbuster definitely deserves the Braces and Laces stamp of approval.

darkbuster.net
Link to their video "Skinhead"
Link to their video "Danny Boy"

Anger is a Gift

2007-07-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

Mikey likey. Mikey in the mood for power cords. The lyrics are a bit weak but overall they remind me of Rage Against the Machine meets Orange 9mm, little bit of funk meets a whole lotta rock. Anger is a Gift is definately my kind of drinking music, for realz.

http://www.angerisagift.co.uk/

Angry Agency

2007-07-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Angry Agency is a pretty sub par ska punk band, and I say that in the nicest of ways. I enjoy a few of their songs and its possible six years ago they would have been on a mixed tape of mine. Nowadays, well, probably not. If you are hurting on your playlist then check out "Never Give Up" it is possible that with time they grow into a pretty solid sound but I have my doubts.

http://www.angryagency.com/

Audio Bullys

2007-07-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am not a huge fan of techno or electronica or whatever they call it these days. That being said I was able to just sorta zone out and enjoy Audio Bullys. I wouldn't say they were bad by any means, but as the cliche goes, I wouldn't say they were great either. Although I still enjoy it enough to write about it... So what am I really trying to say here?

http://www.astralwerks.com/audio_bullys/default.html

Awful Waffle

2007-07-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well they didn't lie, they are definately awful. I was a little disappointed when I sat through their set and did not recieve a waffle. I was crossing my fingers that it was a package deal. Awful Waffle is just another ska gone emo band that seems to clogging my arteries these days. So pic pi pick it up and throw it away.

The Bruisers

2007-07-31T10:53:00.001-07:00

I love the Bruisers. I used to have this album but I gave it to Jason to take care of for a while. Oops. Still. I love the Bruisers. It is the kind of music that makes it worth getting up in the morning.

http://www.thebruisers.net/

Hell Beer Boys

2007-07-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

So the Hell Beer Boys are a Oi band from (not)Spain. That's basically what I got. If I hadn't spent my semester in Spanish running errands for my teacher maybe I'd know more than about twelve words of what they are saying. If you go to their homepage they have a track that cuts out about two thirds of the way through... I have managed to secure some of their songs and they are definately worth checking out especially if you're in (not)Spain.

http://www.hellbeerboys.com/menu.htm

King Sized Braces

2007-07-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have liked the King Sized Braces for quite a while its just hard to find much on them. The first time I heard them was when they did some work with the Hudson Falcons and man was that great. "These Same Streets" has become sort of my anthem for my last few weeks in Mosocw. All around its just good ole' skinhead rock and roll that like fine wine just gets better with age.

Born To Lose

2007-07-31T10:44:00.001-07:00

They may sing about sweet misery, but it's music to my ears. Born to Lose is some quality kick ass punk rock and roll. They have a couple downloads available on Myspace for those of you interested. I have to try and find some more of there stuff because the few tracks I have just aren't cutting it anymore. Any music that makes your significant other "nervous" can't be all bad right?

http://www.borntoloserocks.com/

The Next Best Thing

2007-07-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Next Best Thing is an awesome Ska band that is really worth checking out. I'm not exactly sure where this batch of quality bands came from but I'm happy I am finding them. Okay, I do. They come from Canada which at this point is turning into some sort of theme. I asked my girlfriend if she knew anything about it and she said that time stands still in Canada. If thats true theres some really valuable stuff up there, maybe even a skinny Raven Symone.

The Valentine Failures

2007-07-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

Before I knew better I used to eat paper. Paper does not absorb alcohol, nor does it hold much nutritional value. The Valentine Failures as far as I can tell are full of booze, bad haircuts, and the power to rock. Brandon (or Bombs as he is known these days) and I used to drink together a long long time ago, so that means I own 1/114 of every dollar they make. It is true, you can ask him.

The Street Dogs

2007-07-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

I love em', what can I say? The Street Dogs are reminiscent of the working class rock and roll played by GC5 and the Hudson Falcons, to name a few. With pro union lyrics and the rifs that we all enjoy, they are definitely a hit.

http://www.street-dogs.com/