Marco On The Bass Takes A Look Back At The Year In Ska 2009

While 2009 was a hard year on most people (job losses, mounting unemployment rates, continued home foreclosures) it's going to be very hard to top when it comes to ska. There was an unbelievable cornucopia of 2-Tone era band reunions, tours, shows, books, media coverage and new albums and music to enjoy. In fact, the amount of ska related developments came so fast and furious at times, it was hard to keep up because there was so much to write about. So in that time honored tradition of looking back at the year that was, here is my top 10 Marco On The Bass ska highlights countdown of 2009:

10. The Beat Brigade Reunion

I'm happy to have played a small part in motivating the members of one the original NYC Ska bands of the mid-80's to reunite for the first time in 22 years for two shows at the end of 2009 including one at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NYC. If you missed them, the good news is that more shows are planned for 2010. Until then have a look and listen to one their best known songs 'Armageddon Beat'.

9. Bim Skala Bim reunite for first shows in 8 years

One of my favorite American ska bands of all time reform for a series of shows in Boston including one on New Year's Eve. These road warriors carried the American ska flag for much of the 80's and early 90's. Though I can't be there in person I have a request: Please play 'Jah Laundromat'!

8. The Ammonites kick-off 2009 ska band reunion fever

This overlooked band of the 2-Tone era reunited for one night and one night only with their first show in 30 years in their hometown of Brighton. They play 'Blue Lagoon', one of the most overlooked songs of the entire 2-Tone era. Never heard the song? Have a listen on the video below.

7. The Drastics record and release 'MJ A Rocker'

Chicago-based ska/reggae band celebrate the life and music of Michael Jackson with the release of 'MJ A Rocker'. The free download features a brilliant mix of Jackson's original vocals over the band's spot-on skinhead reggae covers of his best known songs. Below is their take on 'Rock With You'.

6. Neville Staple releases his autobiography

The Specials MC kicks off a heady year with the release of 'Original Rude Boy'. In a stroke of marketing genius, the book is released at the height of Specials-mania in the UK. A good read that provides a look inside the Black British experience as well as an insiders view of the break-up the The Specials.

5. Paul Williams releases 'You're Wondering Now - The Specials from Conception to Reunion'

Paul 'Willo' Williams releases the definitive history of The Specials from the early days through their reunion show at the Isle Of Wight in September 2008. Willo's exclusive access to the band members provides you the reader with an inside history of the band. Essential reading for all fans of The Specials. Below is a great interview with Willo about his book.

4. Fishbone celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2009

The band who helped develop a uniquely American take on ska announce the release of their very first official live DVD. Their is also a documentary about the band in the works titled 'Everyday Sunshine' and the band continue touring and can be seen in the U.S. in early 2010 on tour with Dave Wakeling's version of The Beat. Below is a excerpt of 'Sunless Saturday' from the the live DVD recorded in Bordeaux, France.

3. The Liberty Of Norton Folgate

Madness release an album of inspired originals which reaches #5 on the UK pop charts. A film of the same name is screened at the London International Film Festival. The band roll-on as creative and vibrant as ever and if recent UK media reports are true, may play a hand in getting The Specials and Jerry Dammers to reunite for a joint tour with The Specials in 2010. Below is an album sampler.

2. Missing Words - The Selecter Don't Reunite

Sadly, members of the most original band of the 2-Tone era were unable to put differences aside to celebrate their 30th anniversary. All is not lost though, as Neol Davies' releases an update of the iconic and classic 'The Selecter' track with 'The Return Of The Selecter'; Earlier in the year he is joined briefly by singer Pauline Black and drummer Aitch Bembridge for a short acoustic set during Holocaust Remembrance Day in Coventry. Pauline Black continues to record and perform and is preparing to release a solo record 'The Pigment Of My Imagination'. Black embarked on a 2009 World Tour (Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Argentina, Brazil) sharing the stage with Ranking Roger and Neville Staple while performing songs by the band (see video below of her performance of 'Missing Words' with The Neville Staple band in Nottingham this past May).

1. The Specials 30th anniversary reunion tour

Six of the seven original members put their differences aside to fulfill their promise as one the best live bands ever and answer the prayers of 40-something Rudeboys and Rudegirls across the UK. Roddy 'Radiation' Byers offers readers of the blog an inside view of the reunion proceedings. One question remains unanswered: Is a U.S. tour in the works? Below is a great interview with Horace and Roddy on their first impressions of the tour.



On tap for 2010:
I'm working to pull together a 25th reunion of the bands and musicians who were featured on N.Y. Beat: Hit & Run compilation released on Moon Records in 1985. More details, a date and a location in New York City to follow in the new year.

On the personal front:
The release of the long overdue CD/Vinyl 'Pure' by my band Bigger Thomas. We are wrapping up the final mix with King Django and hope to have cover art designed by a well-known artist from the 2-Tone era. The record should be available in March 2010 as a Radiohead-styled pay what you want download link on this blog as well as on other e-commerce music sites.

Please share your own Top 10 list and offer your own personal highlights for 2009.