Did The Slackers Perfect Ska Music in 1997?
Some analysts will scoff at the notion that ska music could’ve been perfected by an American band such as The Slackers. However, if you put in their release, “Redlight” from 1997 into your record player, you will realize that the band not only took elements of ska, they mixed in valuable potent elements of jazz, punk, reggae, and even a little calypso into a melting pot of music that you cannot deny is simply divine. Like a fine wine, even though I hate wine, this record has found a home in the hearts of underground music fans. “Redlight” was a nice companion piece for me , but I didn’t hear it until around 2006. As far as these types of records are concerned, you have to go back in time to a different place. At the time, as Reel Big Fish, and the swing craze hit, bands like The Slackers and others got a major push into the mainstream. That didn’t last too long though, as you barely hear Reel Big Fish’s “Sell Out” on alternative rock radio any longer. In fact, if you are using the...
