Recommendation of Ska: from signature songs to popular tracks, must-hear classics

Rudy, A Message to YouDandy Livingstone

Dandy Livingstone – Rudy, A Message to You

“A Message to You” by Dandy Livingstone, a reggae musician and producer born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1943.

Dandy Livingstone moved to the UK in the late 1950s.

As a teenager, he was one of the standout entertainers in the Western Caribbean.

Take On MeReel Big Fish

Reel Big Fish – Take On Me

Many ska bands have released cover songs, and one of the most popular among them is Reel Big Fish’s “Take On Me.” It’s a cover of the single released in 1985 by the Norwegian band a-ha, which became a worldwide hit.

INDEPENDENCE SKABABA BROOKS

Baba Brooks – Independence Ska

A trumpet smoldering with Jamaica’s heat rings out, carrying the nation’s independence and swelling pride in its sound.

This classic by Kingston-born trumpeter Baba Brooks was released in 1965 as a 7-inch single on Treasure Isle.

With its powerful brass section and cheerful rhythm, it brilliantly captures the fresh breath of a Jamaica newly tasting freedom.

Hailed as a landmark of early ska that masterfully blends American jazz with Caribbean rhythms, it was ranked No.

2 on The Independent’s list of the “Greatest Ska Tracks of All Time” in 2004.

In 2012, it was also featured in a Volkswagen “up!” TV commercial, cementing its status as a cross-generational favorite.

It’s the perfect track when you want to feel bright and uplifted.

RingoThe Trojans

The Trojans – Ringo 1987

“Ringo 1987” is a track by the British ska band The Trojans, formed in 1986.

It’s a ska cover of Hibari Misora’s “Ringo Oiwake.” The song appears on their 1987 album ALA-SKA and is a must-listen for connoisseurs.

They Got To GoPrince Buster

Prince Buster – They Got To Go

Prince Buster, hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, is a legendary artist who exerted a tremendous influence during the dawn of Jamaican music.

With the unusual background of having been hired as a bodyguard thanks to his skills as an amateur boxer, Buster also possessed musical talent and soon launched an energetic career as a singer and record producer.

“They Got To Go,” released in 1962, is one of his early signature songs—sung by Buster himself—and a defining track of the formative era of ska music.

Its catchy melody and sprightly ska beat overflow with the grit and manly spirit forged by Buster’s tough life.

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History of a Boring TownLess than Jake

Less than Jake – History of a Boring Town

Hailing from Florida in the United States, Less Than Jake is one of the defining bands of the ska-core boom of the 1990s.

Since forming in 1992, these veterans have remained active in the punk scene for many years and enjoy immense popularity in Japan, regularly visiting for headlining shows and music festivals.

This track is a classic from their acclaimed 1998 release Hello Rockview, and it was also issued as a single.

True to their style—openly influenced not only by ska and punk but also by metal, rock, and pop music—this supremely melodic ska-core number is guaranteed to lift your spirits just by listening!

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Idiot BoxThe Aquabats

The Aquabats – Idiot Box

A band formed in 1994 in Orange County, California.

They are also known for appearing on the children’s TV show “The Aquabats! Super Show!”.

It’s also well known that Blink-182’s Travis Barker was a former member.