Far Out Magazine bemoans the effect of U.S. 3rd wave ska
Calling it ‘an insult to the genre’, Far Out (a UK online culture website) writer Ben Forrest makes it clear that third wave ska, and particularly U.S. third wave ska has no place in the history of the genre. Starting his article rightly pointing out the long and illustrious legacy that Ska has created that is still felt today, he goes on to claim that 3rd wave presents the beat as some kind of novelty music.
Citing examples like Reel Big Fish and The Aquabats to support the article, it seems to ignore the many many great ska bands that came out of that era, some of which are still around today producing great Ska (and personally, I like Reel Big Fish too!). Bands like Bim Skala Bim, The Toasters, Less Than Jake, Let’s Go Bowling, and many MANY other U.S. bands who produced great Ska around that time seem to be completely ignored.
I would never deny the right of anyone to have an opinion, we’re all entitled to one but to dismiss an entire section of a genre based on one or two bands that you clearly don’t rate seems lazy and bereft of any serious research or knowledge.
In my opinion (and even I’m allowed one), U.S. ‘third wave’ ska and ska-punk plays a very important part in the history of the Ska genre, and there are Ska bands around the world today that probably wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for third wave. Just because some of it was fun, rather than spreading a social or political message, does not mean it should be dismissed. Great music is great music and sometimes you just want to dance!
One positive aspect of the article is that it sowed the seed for some great online comments, many of which were even less informed than the article itself.
My personal favourite, on the Supernova Ska Festival Facebook page, by someone we’ll call ‘Mark’ (because that’s his name) commented:
“Ska ended in 1966, everything since then is tribute or parody, with 99% of bands falling into the later category.”
I mean, I have never heard such an ill-informed opinion since Mickey Mouse gave his opinion on the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
You can read the full article on the Far Out web site here:
Why third-wave ska was an insult to the genre (faroutmagazine.co.uk)
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