If you’re old enough to remember when Ray Bans and Reeboks were the hot fashion accessories, ties were thin, parachute pants were obligatory, and Square Pegs was the best show on television — then you probably remember the music trend called “Ska”.
A blend of Jamaican rhythms, screaming horns and punk attitude, Ska was cooler than pop, more sophisticated than punk, and rocked out large without the need for big hair. (Note: Yes, kids, that is a “chunky and spunky” Sarah Jessica Parker in the lower right of the photo!)
I’ve been missing bands like The Toasters, Madness and Fishbone for years and feared that the Ska trend had run its course.
So what does all this have to do with Casual Friday on My Cool Job? Well, it turns out that Ska is apparently alive and well in Las Cruces, New Mexico and being performed on a regular basis by The Casual Fridays.
I’ve just spent a delightful 20 minutes listening to the music on their MySpace page, and if you miss the Ska days like I do, then I highly recommend that you give them a listen!
And if you’re too young to remember Ska the first time around:
a) You’re in for a treat, because it’s infectiously fun music; and
b) I’m jealous!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
MY COOL JOB 
I was kind of a Madness fan, I must admit. But the Ska trend itself didn’t do much for me.
Everyone has their own taste, and that’s just fine. But in my particular case, there was a span of about ten years when I was completely incapable of cleaning my house without listening to The Toasters or The Specials.
Mostly I guess I just miss the 80s sometimes…
I remember seeing a Madness Cover Band in London called “One Step Behind”.
You gotta love that SKA music 🙂
I also remember not finding a toilet and peeing in some bushes with 500 other guys who couldn’t find a toilet either, but that’s another kettle of fish.
planetross, you’ve summed up exactly what the Ska experience was all about. LOL been there, done that (or at least watched people with the right equipment do that…)
Oh, and welcome back from vacation!