The Chinkees

With ska gaining mainstream traction in the U.S. once again, we put together a list of 64 essential ska albums from 1964 to present, with albums released during each of the past seven decades by artists from all over the world.

The 9-hour, 181-song playlist includes songs from all across ska's long, rich history -- from its origins in Jamaica to some of today's best DIY ska bands -- and it also includes ska-adjacent songs by The Beatles, Vampire Weekend, Weezer, Pixies, and more...

As Aaron Carnes gears up for the release of his 'In Defense of Ska' book, he's been doing an accompanying podcast. He's interviewed tons of notable ska musicians, plus members of some bands you might not expect to go as deep into ska as they do, like Joyce Manor and Thou. Here are some excerpts from those episodes and some quotes from Aaron, co-host Adam Davis (Omnigone, Link 80), and the bands themselves...

A ton of good ska and ska-punk records came out in 2020. Here are 18 -- plus some non-album singles and honorable mentions -- that we highly recommend.

Bad Operation -- the new ska band with members of Fatter Than Albert, PEARS, and more -- tell the story of how this band came to be, the meaning behind their ”New Tone” ska label this band's specific influences, and more...

Musician and journalist Aaron Carnes (Flat Planet, Gnarboots) is releasing his book 'In Defense of Ska' in 2021. Ahead of that, we're debuting the 'Ska Is Dead' chapter which focuses on Jeff Rosenstock's band Arrogant Sons of Bitches, and we spoke to Aaron about his book and about why ska needs defending...

Government Issue, The Chinkees, Broadway Calls, The Bombpops, Toys That Kill, River City Rebels and more also appear on the benefit compilation.

Ska and ska-punk are thriving right now, thanks to a community of great bands with fierce DIY ethics and equally fierce politics. Here's a look into the scene, including interviews with the musicians and labels who are shaping it...

Boris live albums and rarities, Mikey Erg demos, a Hot Snakes rarity, a William Tyler EP, unearthed Hop Along songs from 2005, a Jason Isbell live album, Hedwig's John Cameron Mitchell, three huge compilations, and more special releases out for Bandcamp Friday...

Here's how Operation Ivy, The Clash, The Specials, Bad Brains, Elvis Costello, The Suicide Machines, and more inspired The Chinkees' first EP in 18 years...