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Oh, wait a minute! We have one more episode. Three-time IDOS guest Sammy Kay couldn’t let us walk away from the podcast without doing a proper exit interview. So this week, Sammy asks Adam and Aaron a bunch of questions about the podcast, what we think our legacy is, and gets some hot takes on ska from us.  This is for reals the final episode. Until the next final episode. And the next next final episode and the next next next… Sign up for the IDOS Patreon to support us and hear our entire back catalog of bonus and extended episodes.  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska, which was released in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Feral released on July 26, 2024.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Well, folks, this is it. You’ve made it to the end of the In Defense of Ska podcast. Nobody can say it wasn't a great four-and-a-half-year run of interviews, discussions, laughs, and hard-hitting ska journalism. Hosts Aaron Carnes and Adam Davis certainly had a blast, so join them as they celebrate the end of the series with special guest Mike Park. Listen now. Will there ever be more episodes of In Defense of Ska? It could happen, say Carnes and Davis. Though, for now, there’s not a soul on this planet that knows what the future holds. Don't cry 'cause it's over -- skank 'cause it happened. In the meantime, Carnes is working on a new book, a novel called Little Black Book of Death, as well as a few other super cool projects. Make sure to follow him on Substack for updates and insights into his creative process. He'll also make sure to make frequent updates on all of his and Davis' upcoming projects on the In Defense of Ska Patreon. Meanwhile, Davis is going to be working his ass off on more Omnigone goodness. Fans can rest easy knowing new records and tour dates are on the way. Follow the band on social media for updates. At last, In Defense of Ska leaves you by saying, “Ska Now More Than Ever.” If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are Fishbone the greatest band of all time? Perhaps. But no matter how great any single person thinks the group is, it’s a fact that Fishbone is a super important, very original band. And they still matter in the year 2025. To discuss this point, we bring on a Fishbone superfan, comedian W. Kamau Bell! W. Kamau Bell has been a hardcore Fishbone fan since the early ’90s. And he remains a fan to this day. He was also a fan when the band was less popular. He has a lot to say about their entire catalog.  This is the Fishbone conversation you’ve always wanted to hear If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Comedian Felipe Esparza may have won Last Comic Standing in 2010 and is currently touring theaters. But probably the most important thing to know about him is that he loves ska. We’re talking Madness, The Skatalites, Los Skarnales, Toots and the Maytals and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs.  We talk about all these bands with Felipe. But the group we spend the longest time on is Voodoo Glow Skulls. Felipe is friends with the group; he uses a recording of their song “Fat Randy” for his podcast theme, and he has some lore with the band. We’re talking an unaired episode of his podcast with the group, a TV show with Voodoo as the house band that never got picked up. And, Felipe’s opener, Rodrigo Torres, grew up with the Voodoo guys—he even worked at their record shop, Cheap Guy Records, for five years!  So yes, this is a funny episode with a hilarious comedian. But you may actually learn a few things about Voodoo Glow Skulls after you listen to this one.  If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There were a lot of ska-punk bands in the ’90s. Perhaps, none were more out there than Northern CA’s Janitors Against Apartheid: A wild group that played hyper-fast ska and had a singer who sang about Punky Brewster and Little Caesar’s in a demented Kermit the Frog voice. And the stage show was completely unhinged. Usually, stuffed animals were getting destroyed.  This week, we talk to the sax player (And later lead vocalist) Lodge Worster. We get insight into the band’s history, their transformation to The Adjustments, and we also discuss the punk TV script that Lodge is working on with our own Aaron Carnes. Hey!  Plus, we find out that Lodge works as a music editor on TV and film projects. So, we learn which ska songs he had a hand in editing into your favorite shows.  If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Read less Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

They said it couldn’t be done, but In Defense of Ska laughs in the face of such faithlessness. It's with great pride and honor that the crew unveils this week's episode -- a lengthy discussion and breakdown of the infamous mozzarella stick ska meme that has come to define the genre's culture across the internet. Listen now. Join the In Defense of Ska investigation team as they dive into the meme's history, its impact on ska, and its incredibly polarizing nature. Ultimately, they try to answer the grand, existential question of if the gag has been a net positive or net negative for the genre. Along the way, this journalistic masterpiece features interviews with folks like comedians Dave Thomason, Matt Lieb, and Jaime Loftus, as well as 'Ska Defender Numero Uno' Brent Friedman. Plus, the gang gets a little insight into the meme courtesy of its original creator. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Eras of ska are, in part, defined by the ska labels. This week on In Defense of Ska, the crew chats with the head of one of those labels helping make the modern age of the genre -- Chris Reeves, owner/operator of Ska Punk International. Listen now. With Reeves' business and artistic insight, In Defense of Ska explores the bands that helped the label carve out its ethos, as well as its continuing legacy. Then, hear all about the behind-the-scenes craziness that it takes to keep a ska label skanking away. Reeves also serves as the editor of In Defense of Ska. Though, while it makes for a casual and comfortable vibe, the gang doesn't linger on his excellent editing skills this go around. This is a 100% Ska Punk International conversation -- so strap in. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New Orleans had a surprisingly big ska scene in the late 2000s. This caught the attention of In Defense of Ska host Aaron Carnes after he wrote the first edition of his book on the genre (also called In Defense of Ska). Today on the podcast, Carnes recaps and re-airs a recent panel he hosted in New Orleans about the era, touching on the bands o the time, the impact of Katrina, and more. Listen now. Carnes had previously caught up with the New Orleans band Bad Operation, speaking with them extensively about the city's music. Those conversations resulted in a large added section in the second edition of the In Defense of Ska book. Now, Carnes jumps back into the topic at the Hey! Café, leading a conversation that features guests like Greg and D-Ray, Brian Funck of Thou, Travis of Tha Supaflies, Kirah of the Big Top, Hunter from Fatter Than Albert, and more. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In England, two-tone ska was absolutely huge -- but only for a brief time. By the early ’80s, the country had moved on to other sounds in pop music, and most of the two-tone bands broke up or moved on to play non-ska tunes. But in this vacuum, a band called Potato 5 formed. This week on In Defense of Ska, the band's four original members jump on the horn to chat about the unlikely story of Potato 5. Listen now. Potato 5 wasn't exactly a two-tone band, per se. They were, however, directly and profoundly influenced by The Skatalites. During their original run (which ended in 1989), they had three different lead singers: Floyd Lloyd, Spider Johnson, and the legendary “godfather of ska” himself, Laurel Aitken. Plus, they worked with Mad Professor early in their career. The gang gets into all of this and more! Additionally, the In Defense of Ska crew and Potato 5 use the band's story as a means to explore the burgeoning reinvention of traditional ska that would eventually blossom in the years following their initial disbandment. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on In Defense of Ska, the gang travels to the ska-loving country of Japan to interview the amazing ska-punk group Hey Smith. Listen to the band's singer and primary songwriter Shu and trombonist Ume (also of Kill Lincoln) chat about the band's growth, music, and more now. The In Defense of Ska crew, Shu, and Ume discuss everything from the band's origins to their most recent accomplishments, like signing to a major label and touring in the United States. Plus, Shu and Ume talk about how they wrote ska-punk jams for more than one popular anime series, while the podcast hosts try to (unsuccessfully) sneak in a question or two about Kill Lincoln. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on In Defense of Ska, host Adam Davis takes the spotlight to detail his time touring with his ska band Omnigone. The act hit the road back in March, and along the way he interviewed a whole bunch of interesting and notable characters, all in the name of seeing what life is like when you're on the road playing ska music. Listen now. Having returned from the Omnigone tour, Davis tells road stories and explores how touring in a ska band in 2025 differs from doing the same in the heyday of the '90s. He also shares interviews with folks from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Big D and the Kids Table, Suicide Machines, Jeff Rosenstock, JER, and many more. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There’s a piece of Gilman (the legendary underground venue) lore that involves a huge fight between punks and nazis in the late '80s. Thankfully and expectedly, the punks kicked the nazis' butts. So much so, in fact, that the latter never showed their faces at Gilman again. Such is the tale now used as inspiration for the new film Freaky Tales, which features the likes of Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks. On this episode of In Defense of Ska, listen to directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, as well as others with relation to the real-world event, chat about punchin' nazis. Then, the crew chats with Turn It Around director Corbett Redford for yet another perspective, as well as three Gilman punks that were there when it originally went down: Kamala Lyn Parks, George Hated, and MDC singer Dave Dictor. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

At the moment, Dubioza Kolektiv are one of the biggest ska bands in Europe. The Bosnia-based group melds ska, reggae, hip-hop, and alt-rock, fusing it all with traditional Balkan elements. This week on In Defense of Ska, the band joins the podcast to talk about their sound, their story, Eurovision, and more. Listen now. Dubioza Kolektiv chat about the time they almost made it on Eurovision, what it was like to grow up during the Bosnian War (and how they would sneak off to shows), and meeting Bill Gould of Faith No More. Elsewhere, they discuss the distinctly Balkan approach they take when it comes to their art and career. The In Defense of Ska crew also learn that the band has only been to the United States once -- something that must be rectified for the sake of American ska fans! If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla. Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let In Defense of Ska introduce you to The Chains, a new ska band out hailing from Denmark. Their sound leans heavily into traditional ska, rock steady, and boss reggae, and they put out a killer album last year, Crying on the Dancefloor. This week on the podcast, the band joins the crew to chat about the ska scene in Denmark, their new music, and more. Listen now. Ahead of their set at this year's Supernova International Ska Festival, The Chains talk through their formation and the journey to recording Crying on the Dancefloor. Along the way, they share various ska-related opinions, touch on their local scene, and share some interesting recording techniques. Plus, hear about the band's connection to RX Bandit and Link 80 member Steve Borth. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla. Donating for LA fires: California Fire Foundation Pasadena Humane Mutual Aid LA Support The Music Community - Fire Loss + Resource Tab Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on In Defense of Ska, the crew asks a question that has been on everyone's mind: What the hell is crack rock steady? Along with author and fellow ska-enjoyer Jeff Burk, the crew discusses the subgenre in all of its glory. Listen now. The gang tackles everything from crack rock steady's unique musical elements to its aesthetic to its lyrical approach. Along the way, they chat about the groups that helped forge the style, like Choking Victim and Leftover Crack. Don't worry, they also give some of the of the lesser-known but just as important acts their flowers too, like Public Serpents, No Cash, and Team Spider. They also talk about the Stza problem, debate which of the bands Burk likes the most, and take a look at where the genre is now. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!  If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.  Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024.  Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.  The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time. Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla. Donating for LA fires: California Fire Foundation Pasadena Humane Mutual Aid LA Support The Music Community - Fire Loss + Resource Tab Read less Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy