#32: Third Eye Blind

So what's it gonna be? Are you real to me? Or are you non-dairy creamer?

Continuing along is Third Eye Blind, who if this was done when I was in 8th grade would be right next to Linkin Park at the top

Wiki Says: Third Eye Blind (sometimes abbreviated 3eb) is an American alternative rock band formed in the early 1990s in San Francisco. The band's current line-up is Stephan Jenkins (vocals, guitar), and Brad Hargreaves (drums, percussion). Guitarist Kryz Reid and bassist Abe Millet have replaced the departed Tony Fredianelli and Arion Salazar respectively, though their official status in the group has yet to be announced.

After the success of their eponymous debut album in 1997, the band released one more album, 1999's Blue, before guitarist Kevin Cadogan was released under controversial circumstances. In 2003, the band released Out of the Vein. In 2008, the band released the digital EP Red Star. After a six year hiatus from releasing a full length album Ursa Major was released on August 17, 2009. A fifth album, Ursa Minor, is currently being work on as well.

The band is best known for the singles "Semi-Charmed Life", "How's It Going to Be", "Jumper" and "Never Let You Go", as well as other popular songs such as "Graduate", "Motorcycle Drive By" and "Wounded".

Romo Says: Well, it seems Romo didn't have much personal input on this post about them.

Discovery: Third Eye Blind (1997)

Blue (1999)

Out of the Vein* (2003)

Ursa Major (2009)

Ursa Minor (2011)

*Best album

Other Releases: Burning London: The Clash Tribute (1999)

Red Star EP (2008)

Favorite Songs: 10. Semi-Charmed Life

9. Misfits

8. Can You Take Me

7. Don't Believe a Word

6. Blinded

5. Graduate

4. Non-Dairy Creamer

3. Sharp Knife

2. Faster

1. Danger

Years Active: 1993-Present

Seen Live: Two times (2007 Sayerville, New Jersey. 2008 Loyola!)

Third Eye Blind is better than what people know of them ("Semi-Charmed Life" and "Jumper", both songs I like very much). Their best two albums (by acclaim and their own opinions) are their two most recent which most people have never heard. If you like their older stuff, maybe the newer songs aren't for you as it is different, but not too much. I do like how recently they have had much more attitude in their music. Songs like "Danger", "Don't Believe a Word" and "Non-Dairy Creamer" are much more political, showing that 3eb is more than a pop-rock band.

Up Next: A band that had only one album, but are one of the more influential punk bands of all time

#AL AL (33): NOFX

We want our fight we want our thugs, we want our burns we want our drugs. Where is the violent apathy? This fucking record's rated G

Next up is NOFX, the masters and jesters of punk rock

Wiki says: NOFX is an American punk rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1983 in Los Angeles. The band was formed by vocalist and bassist Fat Mike and guitarist Eric Melvin. Drummer Erik Sandin joined them shortly afterward. In 1991 El Hefe joined to play lead guitar and trumpet, rounding out the current line-up. The band rose to popularity in 1994 with their album Punk in Drublic which was certified gold.

NOFX has released 12 studio full lengths, 15 EPs, and many 7" singles. The group has independently sold over 6 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful independent acts of all time. The band also aired their own show on Fuse TV entitled NOFX: Backstage Passport

Discovery: Maximum RocknRoll (1987)

Liberal Animation (1988)

S&M Airlines (1989)

Ribbed (1991)

White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean (1992)*

Punk In Drublic (1994)

Heavy Petting Zoo (1996)

So Long and Thanks for All the Shoes (1997)

Pump Up the Valuum (2000)

The War on Errorism (2003)

Wolves in Wolves' Clothing (2006)

Coaster (2009)

Other Releases: Two live albums

22 EP's or 7" albums

45 or 46 Songs that Weren't Good Enough to Go on Our Other Records" (2002)

The Greatest Songs Every Written (by us!) (2004)

Rock Against Bush Volume One (2004)

The Longest EP (2010)

BYO Split Series Vol 3 with Rancid (2002)

The Decline (1999)

Favorite Songs: 10. Dinosaurs Will Die

9. The Separation of Church and Skate

8. Soul Doubt

7. Idiot's Are Taking Over

6. Jaw, Knee, Music

5. Stickin' In My Eye

4. All Outta Angst

3. Bob

2. Linoleum

1. The Longest Line

Years Active: 1983-Present

Seen Live: 2 time. October 2008 (Baltimore, Maryland), July 2009 (Oceanport, New Jersey)

What is there to say about NOFX that hasn't already been said. They're both fantastic and hilarious both recorded and live. Hell, the notes in their album booklets make me laugh. They know when to be serious (founding Punkvoter.com), Responsible (creating Fat Wreck Chords), and how to party (everything else). Check the live video, front left of the crowd. You'll see the Yankee hat....

Up Next: A band that is pretty much the direct opposite of NOFX

#34: Bedouin Soundclas

Rude boys don't cry, we realize. Dry your wet eyes, cause rude boys don't cry

Back to back Canadians with Bedouin Soundclash, who will probably have at least 5 videos I post since I won't be able to narrow them down to favorites.

Wiki Says: Bedouin Soundclash is a Canadian band currently based in Toronto. Their sound can be described as reggae...The band's current lineup consists of vocalist and guitarist Jay Malinowski, and bassist Eon Sinclair with Sekou Lumumba on drums. Their debut album, Root Fire, released in 2001 also included djembe player Brett Dunlop. Patrick Pengelly played drums for the band until recently. The band met while attending Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The band released their second album, Sounding a Mosaic, in 2004. The album's single "When the Night Feels My Song" was the band's breakthrough single on Canadian radio, charting #1 on 102.1 The Edge CFNY and gaining airplay on commercial radio stations throughout Canada in the summer of 2005. The band released their follow-up record Street Gospels on August 21, 2007.

Discovery: Root Fire (2001)
Sounding a Mosaic (2004)*
Street Gospels (2007)
Light the Horizon (2010)
*=best album

Other releases: Look at all the Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime (2005)

Favorite Songs: 10. Shelter
9. Shadow of a Man
8. Rude Boy Don't Cry
7. When the Night Feels My Song
6. 12:59 Lullaby
5. Until We Burn In the Sun (The Kids Just Want a Love Song)
4. Gyasi Went Home
3. Waiting for My Ruca (Sublime Cover)
2. Wall Fall Down
1. St. Andrews

Years Active: 2001-Present

Seen Live: One time (September 2007, Baltimore)

I first heard Bedouin Soundclash on the Warped Tour 2005 Compilation. It was a hot summer and the song "Gysai Went Home" (video below) was a nice reggae tune to keep me staying cool. They to this day continue to relax me, especially on hot days. Their new album for this year will in all likelihood move them far up this list. Enjoy the many videos below.

Up Next: "White Trash, Two Kikes, and a Spic" (Their words, not mine)

#35: The Flatliners

What do you do when doing what you love gets you no where

Taking a break from studying to return to this countdown with number 35, Canada's own Flatliners.

Wiki Says: The Flatliners are a punk rock band from Richmond Hill and Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Since their formation in 2002, The Flatliners have been a growing influence in the Toronto punk/ska scene as well as other areas of the Greater Toronto Area. They are currently signed to Fat Wreck Chords and Stomp Records (Canada). As well, they won the inaugural, annual "Best Band Ever" award given by the Edmonton Vinyl Blog DigitalIsDead. The small publication has also named their third LP, "Cavalcade" the front runner for their annual "Record Of The Year" award for 2010.

Discovery: Destroy to Create(2005)
The Great Awake (2007)
Cavalcade (2010)

Other Releases: Ska is Dead (2007)
All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash (2008)

Favorite Songs: 10. Liver Alone
9. What the Hell Happened to You?
8. Monumental
7. Liver Alone
6. Count Your Bruises
5. This Respirator
4. Shithawks
3. Fred's Got Slacks
2. Eulogy
1. July! August! Reno!

Years Active: 2002-Present

Seen Live: 3 Times
November 2006 (Montclair, New Jersey)
November 2008 (Baltimore, Maryland)
March 2009 (Baltimore, Maryland)
**August 2010 (Washington, D.C.)

I first heard The Flatliners on the late, great Fungus 53 on XM. I saw them open for Against All Authority (same show I discovered Time Again at) and liked them, but didn't love them. Once I heard them on the Ska Is Dead compilation I started to really get into them. I like all three albums about equally, but the most recent two have had more songs that stand out in my mind. Oh, and "Fred's Got Slacks" is named after the amazing Will Ferrell SNL skit.

Up Next: More Canadians!

Favorite Fictional Bands

Now a little bit past the halfway point so I figured I'd give a little salute to my favorite fictional bands from various TV shows. They're in no order, but still all great to check out.

Duke Silver (Parks and Recreation)

Duke Silver is the stage name of Rob fucking Swanson. He was born ready.

Mouse Rat (Parks and Recreation)

Mouse Rat has gone over many changes over the years. The most obvious of these changes are the names. Other names have included Scarecrow Boat, Malice in Chains, Punch Face Champion, Flmaes for Flames, The Andy Andy Andys, Andy and the D-Bags, Crackfinger, Department of Homeland Obscurity, Fourskin, Puppy Pendulum, Possum Pendulum, Penis Pendulum, Radwagon, Jet Black Pope, Muscle Confusion, Just the Tip, Fiveskin, Threeskin, Angel Snack, Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Everything Rhymes with Orange, Nothing Rhymes with Blorange, Ninja Dick, God Hates Figs, Teddy Bear Suicide, and Radwagon. Without their front-man, Andy Dwyer, they are known as Rat Mouse and they are terrible.



Scrantonicity (The Office)

Scrantonicity (and Scrantonicity II) are a sting cover band who used to be a Steve Miller Band cover band known as "Jokers and Tokers"

Jeffster! (Chuck)

Jeffster! is probably my favorite band on here. Why? They're just awesome. They do covers of all kinds of songs, and have been known to play weddings and Comic-Con, as well as spoil government conspiracies.









Creation (Freaks and Geeks)

Playing different late 70's/Early 80's rock, Creation never really got anywhere. Their one booking for a house party was cancelled due to a car crash.


Dr. Funke's 100% Natural Good Times Family Band Solution (Arrested Development)

Dr. Funke's 100% Natural Good Times Family Band Solution used the power of folk music to tell about new "wellness supplements" and their side effects. They do not like they use of the wood block.


Motherboy (Arrested Development

Motherboy was a heavy metal band that rocked pretty hard in the 80's. they are not associated with the mother-son convention. I am legally obligated to make this distinction.


The Worthless Peons* (Scrubs)

The Worthless Peons have evolved much over the years. They have been known to a capella versions of cartoon theme songs, commercial jingles, sitcom theme songs, and others.



*The Blanks are a real band, but they appear in Scrubs as The Worthless Peons

Cool Cats (Scrubs)

The Cool Cats are an airband who fought the king but the king won. After admitting wrong doings they continued to rock on.

Up next: Resuming the countdown with Canadians

#36: Fishbone

Ivan, Johnny, Ian, everybody come along cause our nations need to hear us, time to sing a new war song

Next up are Fishbone, who after 40 years still put on bad ass shows

Wiki Says: Fishbone is an American alternative rock band that plays a fusion of ska, punk rock, funk metal and more. The band was formed in 1979 in Los Angeles by John Norwood Fisher (bass, vocals), with his brother Phillip "Fish" Fisher (drums); Angelo Moore, who sometimes uses the stage name "Dr. Madd Vibe" (vocals, saxophones ranging from sopranino to bass, and theremin); Kendall Jones (guitar); "Dirty" Walter A. Kibby III (vocals, trumpet); and Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals). The group came from the same Los Angeles scene that spawned Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction, and are probably best known for their 1991 single "Sunless Saturday"

Discovery: In Your Face (1986)

Truth and Soul (1988)

The Reality of My Surroundings (1991)

Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe (1993)

Chim Chim's Badass Revenge (1996)

Fishbone and the Familyhood Nextperience Present: The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx (2000)

Still Stuck in Your Throat (2006)

Other releases: Look At All the Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime (2005)

Favorite Songs: 10. When Problems Arise

9. Skank N' Go Nuts

8. Lyin' Ass Bitch

7. Date Rape (Sublime Cover)

6. Cholly

5. Skankin' to the Beat

4. Unyielding Conditioning

3. Alcoholic

2. Party At Ground Zero (Favorite song #63)

1. Ma and Pa (Favorite song #55)

Years Active: 1979-Present

Seen Live: One time (February 2010)

Fishbone blew me away when I saw them live. Angelo still tore it up on stage, jumping around and doing flips, really made the show a great experience. I only got into them this past year, so I'm sure they will continue to grow on me.

Up Next: Canadians!

#37: Street Dogs

Guns are indiscriminate

Next up are the Street Dogs, up and coming stars on Hellcat Records

Wiki Says: Street Dogs are a punk rock band originally from Boston, Massachusetts. The band's current line-up includes Mike McColgan, former lead singer of Dropkick Murphys, Johnny Rioux, Marcus Hollar, Tobe Bean III and Paul Rucker.

Discovery: Savin Hill (2003)

Back to the World (2005)

Fading American Dream (2006)

State of Grace (2008)

Street Dogs (2010)

Favorite Songs: 10. The General's Boombox

9. Kevin J O'Toole

8. Mean Fist

7. Guns

6. Elizabeth

5. A State of Grace

4. Free

3. San Patricios

2. Into the Valley

1. Two Angry Kids (Favorite song #75)

Years Active: 2002-Present

See Live: Once (Warped Tour 2008)

If you know anything about the Street Dogs, you can tell I only have one of their albums. Still, that one is so good that they're so high up on this list. I like to think that I'll have more to say about them in the future after I listen to them more and appreciate them more.

Up Next: Time to get Funkay

#38: The Taj Motel Trio

Darth Vader, he's the man

Continuing along with The Taj Motel Trio, who list under 'Former Members' "Too many to name"

Wiki Says: The Taj Motel Trio is a ska-punk band from Habersham County, Georgia. The band formed in 1997 and has released three full-length albums, and one EP. They have performed alongside Streetlight Manifesto, The OC Supertones, The Pietasters, Mustard Plug, Big D and the Kids Table, The Planet Smashers, The Toasters, Catch 22, Coolie Ranx, King Django, Dr. Ring Ding, The Voodoo Glow Skulls, Westbound Train, The Slackers, Bon Jovi, and many more.

Discovery: Up Beat Evolution (Year unknown)

The Taj Motel Trio Feels the Force (2000)

Life of the Party (2003)

Part of the Problem (2007)

Other releases: Pretzels and Beer for Santa

Favorite Songs: 10. Happy Trail

9. King of the Wasted Time

8. My Girl (Temptations Cover)

7. Vader

6. Purple 15

5. Spanish Holiday

4. She's Mad

3. L.R.H.G. 2000

2. OaOaO

1. T.T.M.T

Years Active: 1997-Present

Somehow never seen them live

I first heard TTMT on purevolume years ago and liked what I heard. A couple years later I got their album, "Life of the Party" and fell in love with it. Later they followed that up very well with "Part of the Problem". They have always struggled to be active with members always coming and going, but still are together in some sense. The last time they were supposed to come to Jersey they had to cancel the show. I hope I one day see them.

Up Next: Irish people!

#39: Rancid

It opens like the cover of an old Bible...And out come the wolves

The first band to start with an Al is Rancid, the punk legends

Wiki Says: Rancid is an American punk rock band from Albany, California, formed in 1991. Founded by Matt Freeman and Tim Armstrong, both of whom previously played in ska punk group Operation Ivy, the band is credited along with The Offspring and Green Day with helping to revive mainstream popular interest in punk rock in the United States during the mid-1990s.

Rancid includes Armstrong on guitar and vocals, Freeman on bass and vocals, Lars Frederiksen on guitar and vocals, and Branden Steineckert on drums. The band was formed by Armstrong, Freeman, and former drummer Brett Reed, who left the band in 2006 and was replaced by Steineckert. Frederiksen joined Rancid in 1993 when the band was searching for a second guitar player.

To date, Rancid has released seven studio albums, one split, one compilation, two EPs, a series of live online-only albums, and has been featured on countless compilations. The band rose to fame in 1994 with their second album, Let's Go, featuring the single "Salvation". In the following year, Rancid released their highly successful album ...And Out Come the Wolves, which produced their best-known hits "Roots Radicals", "Ruby Soho" and "Time Bomb", and was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA. Their next three albums, Life Won't Wait, Rancid and Indestructible were also critically acclaimed, but not as successful as ...And Out Come the Wolves. Rancid's latest studio album, Let the Dominoes Fall was released in June 2009.

Discovery: Rancid (1993)
Let's Go (1994)
...And Out Come the Wolves (1995)
Life Won't Wait (1998)
Rancid (2000)
Indestructible (2003)
Let The Dominoes Fall (2009)

Other Releases: Rancid EP (1992)
Radio Radio Radio EP (1993)
BYO Split Series, Vol. 3 with NOFX (2002)
Rock Against Bush, Vol 2 (2004)
B Sides and C Sides (2007)

Favorite Songs: 10. Olympia, WA
9. 7 Years Down
8. Dead Bodies
7. Hooligans
6. Hyena
5. She's Automatic
4. Sheena Is a Punk Rocker (Ramones Cover)
3. Journey To the End of The East Bay
2. Time Bomb
1. Junkie Man

Years Active: 1991-Present

Never seen them live

Rancid is, in my mind, the ultimate punk band. They, like the Clash before them, can play any style of music and play it well. Their frontman, Tim Armstrong, appears with 6 bands on this countdown in some form or another. I may only have two of their albums, but that is soon to change I'm sure.

Up Next: Back to the unknown bands with one of the hardest working small ska bands I can imagine

#40: The Miasmics

It's awfully cold for an April night

Next up we have The Miasmics, the primary reason ska had popularity in Verona which would one day result in my taste in music.

Myspace says: The Miasmics were a 6(sometimes 7,) piece band from northern NJ. They play an eclectic mix of ska, rock, funk & reggae that continues to win over fans of all ages, while strong musicianship and an 8-year history of playing together make them one of the finest live bands around. In 2003 they placed 2nd overall out of 192 bands to earn a top slot at the Skate & Surf Festival in Asbury Park, NJ. Later that year they were featured on the 4-disc ska compilation entitled "Still Standing", which is receiving lots of good reviews and also features songs by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Buck-o-Nine, Forces of Evil, Let's Go Bowling and lots more. After over a year of hard work, the band has just recently released their 2nd full-length album, "You Just Gotta Trust It", which was recorded with ska legend King Django at Version City studios and is without a doubt their strongest musical offering to date. Additionally, the band was invited to join a date of this summer's Warped Tour. In addition to miasmics.com, please check out our
PURE VOLUME

Discovery: Let's Go Get Em! (2001? somewhere around there)

You Just Gotta Trust It (2005)

Other Releases: Ska: Still Standing (see above)

Favorite songs: 10. Leaders

9. Face Mask

8. Slow Down

7. Dreamer

6. It's About Time

5. Maybe I Should Go...

4. Trapped

3. Losin' It

2. April Night

1. Hell Froze Over

Years Active: Late 90's-2006

Seen Live: At least 6 times in various places in north Jersey between 2002 and 2006

The Miasmics were the scene of Verona, New Jersey, ska for a long time. They were one of the more successful of the local ska bands to be around in the early 2000's, and what they accomplished is all listed above in the myspace section. Check them out, and also check out the work of their new projects including The Defending Champions and Stephanie White and the New Jersey PhilthHarmonic

Up Next: A band who have had a bit more success of the past couple years.

#41: Pepper

We're on the road see, we're not on MTV. And when we get there we won't shave our heads of be fags like Creed

Continuing along, Pepper comes in at 41. I went to go see them in Virginia on Friday. We didn't get their until well after their set was over. It was a bit of a disappointment.

Wiki Says: Pepper is a rock band originally from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. They play a mix of reggae, dub and rock...The band released their fourth album (and major label debut) entitled "No Shame" on October 3, 2006. It features production from Nick Hexum of 311, Tony Kanal of No Doubt, and Sublime producer/ Butthole Surfers member Paul Leary. A music video was shot for the single "No Control".

Romo Says: Pepper has a number of songs that are provocative to say the least lyrically, such as "Point and Shoot" and "Give it Up", but most of these tend to fall flat. Contrasty, it's the subtle yet well-put together songs, such as "Back Home" and "Ashes" where Pepper exceed.

Discovery: Give'n It (2000)

Kona Town (2002)

In with the Old (2004)

No Shame (2006)

Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations (2008)

Pepper (2010)

Favorite Songs: 10. Rent

9. Tongues

8. Wet Dreams

7. Ho's

6. Your Face

5. Rent

4. Too Much

3. Office

2. Ashes

1. Sitting On the Curb

Years Active: 1997-Present

Seen Live: 2* Times. July 08-Asbury Park, NJ

October 08-Towson Maryland

Missed but attended July 2010, Virginia

Pepper are a better band then they present themselves. As Romo said, the songs people like most kind of suck. They're very good at playing reggae with mixes of punk and rock. I hate the people who go see them live. I don't smoke pot and they all do. I know reggae and they don't. It is upsetting because it makes me not inclined to see them live.

Next Up: A band no one reading this has ever heard of!

#42: Madness

Well listen, Buster! You better start to move your feet to the rockinest, rocksteady beat of Madness. ONE STEP BEYOND!

Next up are Madness, the most successful of the British 2-tone ska bands of the 70's and 80's.

Wiki Says: Madness are a British pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, which formed in 1976. In 2009, the band have continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although their lineup has varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-1970s 2 Tone ska revival.

Madness achieved most of their success in the early to mid 1980s. Both Madness and UB40 spent 214 weeks on the UK singles charts over the course of the decade, holding the record for most weeks spent by a group in the 1980s UK singles charts. However, Madness achieved this in a shorter time period (1980–1986)

Discovery: One Step Beyond...(1979)

Absolutely (1980)

7 (1981)

The Rise & Fall (1982)

Keep Moving (1984)

Mad Not Mad (1985)

The Madness (1988)

Wonderful (1999)

The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 (2005)

The Liberty of Norton Folgate (2009)

Favorite Songs: 10. Tomorrow's Just Another Day

9. Michael Caine

8. Our House

7. My Girl

6. Madness

5. House of Fun

4. Embarrassment

3. Night Boat to Cairo

2. Baggy Trousers

1. One Step Beyond

Years Active: 1976-1986, 1992-Present

Never seen them live

Not too much to say about Madness. If you were from England you'd know them. They're like their Bon Jovi, if Bon Jovi had a long hiatus. The cool thing about Madness is when they had their first reunion show in 1992 the dancing that came with the first song managed to cause an earthquake. The video of the that song is below, along with that same song's real video and the video of a song people may know.

Up Next: A band I went to go see last night but was late and missed

#43: Linkin Park

When the paper's crumpled up it can't be perfect again

Back from the All Star Break with Linkin Park, who would easily be number one if this was done 8 years ago.

Wiki Says: Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries. Its following studio album, Meteora, continued the band's success, topping the Billboard 200’s album charts in 2003, and was followed by extensive touring and charity work around the world.[2] In 2003, MTV2 named Linkin Park the sixth greatest band of the music video era and the third best of the new millennium behind Oasis and Coldplay.

Having adapted the nu metal and rap metal genres to a radio-friendly yet densely-layered style in Hybrid Theory and Meteora, the band explored other genres in their next studio album, Minutes to Midnight, which was released in 2007. The album topped the Billboard charts and had the third best debut week of any album that year. The band has collaborated with several other artists, most notably with rapper Jay-Z in their mashup EP Collision Course, and many others included on Reanimation. Linkin Park has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and have won two Grammy Awards.

Discovery: Hybrid Theory (2000)

Reanimation (2002)- Other Artist collaborations of Hybrid Theory songs

Meteora (2003)

Collision Course (2004)- Six remixes with Jay-Z songs

Minutes to Midnight (2007)

A Thousand Suns (2010)- Unreleased

Other releases: (As artist: Hybrid Theory) Hybrid Theory EP (1999)

"It's Goin' Down" (2002) with The X-Ecutioners

Favorite Songs: 10. Forgotten
9. Crawling
8. Breaking the habit
7. Numb
6. H! Vltg3
5. Kyur 4 Th Ich
4. 1 stp Klosr
3. In the End
2. Pushing Me Away
1. Papercut

Years Active: 1996-Present

Never seen them live

As I said, if this was middle school, Linkin Park would be #1 on this countdown (of about 10 artists), Hybrid Theory and Meteora would be my two favorite albums, and "Pushing Me Away" would be my favorite song. But as time progressed, I lost my enjoyment for Linkin Park. I love their Reanimation album, but hated Collision Course, probably because Reanimation had multiple artists as opposed to just one rapper. By time Minuted to Midnight had come out I had stopped following the band closely. Despite that, their early stuff I still love to this day. The mix of hip-hop and rock sits very well with me. I wish more people knew their remix stuff and their songs from back before they were called Linkin Park.

Reading this over, that above paragraph didn't quite do justice. Hybrid Theory was one of the most important albums of my life. The first time i saw the video for "Crawling" on MTV (ha!) I thought, "I think I'm going to really like this band". Sure enough, I started loving them. I have mp3 files from way back before Hybrid Theory was ever going to happen. I have songs from their old bands. Linkin Park was excellent, and I have no regrets as to how much I liked them back in the day.

Up Next: The Nutty Boys of London!

MLB Mid Season

Couple day break from the music countdown due to a final/paper this week and the All Star Game.


Back in April, I made my pre-season predictions for both The American League and The National League. Well it is now the All Star Break and time to see how I've compared.

Brian Actual
1. Yankees Yankees
2. Red Socks Rays
3. Rays Red Socks
4. Orioloes Blue Jays
5. Blue Jays Orioles

1. White Sox White Sox
2. Twins Tigers
3. Tigers Twins
4. Royals Royals
5. Indians Indians

1. Angels Rangers
2. Mariners Angels
3. Rangers A's
4. A's Mariners

1. Phillies Braves
2. Braves Mets
3. Marlins Phillies
4. Mets Marlins
5. Nationals Nationals

1. Cardinals Reds
2. Brewers Cardinals
3. Cubs Brewers
4. Reds Cubs
5. Astros Astros
6. Pirates Pirates

1. Dodgers Padres (WTF?)
2. Rockies Rockies
3. Giants Dodgers
4. D Backs Giants
5. Padres D Backs

As you see...not the best predictions this year. But it is only the break, still 3 months to go!

Side note: In my bet with Romo about the standings I have 8/30 teams in their right places. Romo has 10/30. So I only owe him 2$ if the season ended today. Silver lining!

#44: Goldfinger

I see their lips move, but all I hear is shit

At 44 is Goldfinger, who were forever banned from Late Night With Conan O'Brien after flipping him over their shoulders following an in-studio performance

Wiki says: Goldfinger is a Los Angeles pop punk/ska punk band that formed in 1994...Since the band began, Feldmann has become a vegan and animal rights supporter, as can be seen briefly in the music video for "Open Your Eyes". They also donated the song "What Gives You The Right" to the Southern Animal Rights Coalition benefit CD, "Until Every Cage Is Empty", as well as writing the song "Free Kevin Kjonaas", an animal rights prisoner, known as the most involved individual in the SHAC 7. He also advocates and supports the Animal Liberation Front.

Discovery: Goldfinger (1996)

Hang-Ups (1997)

Stomping Ground (2000)

Open Your Eyes (2002)

Disconnection Notice (2005)

Hello Destiny (2008)

Other releases/contributions:

• Darrin's Coconut Ass Live (1999)
• Soundtracks for: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, Gran Turismo 3, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, Burnout Revenge, Burnout Legends, Andy McDonald's Skateboarding, ESNP X-Games Snowboarding, SSX On Tour, Shaun White Snowboarding, Not Another Teen Movie, Europtrip, The Waterboy, Dead Man on Campus
• Featured in Reel Big Fish's music video for "Sell Out"
• "The Innocent" with Good Charlotte and Mest

Favorite Songs: 10. How Do You Do It?
9. San Simeon
8. Just Like Heaven (The Cure cover)
7. 99 Red Balloons (Nena cover)
6. Here in Your Bedroom
5. If I'm Not Right
4. This Lonely Place
3. Superman
2. Handjobs For Jesus
1. Get Up

Years Active: 1994-Present

Never seen them live. I would have, but I woke up the morning of the show at noon on my friend's floor. I didn't plan on driving down the shore that afternoon

Goldfinger only narrowly survived being a product of the Summer of Ska in 1997. Following the genre's fade away, Goldfinger switched to a more trendy form of pop-punk. The result was a pretty bad "Open Your Eyes" in 2002, and a really bad "Disconnection Notice" in 2005. Right around then, they also released a "Greatest Hits" album that really did them justice. It was clear in the bio notes that they were much happier back in their earlier days, and a change soon came. 2008's "Hello Destiny" was a return to ska and punk, and is where some of the better songs came from.

Up Next: Another mainstream successful band, and one you'd be a little surprised to see so high up on my list

#45: Fatter Than Albert

I can't see a peaceful face for miles. All my friends are gone, and I think I'm ready to go home

Next up are Fatter Than Albert, who I only started listening to last summer but they have impressed me that much.

No Wikipedia Page

Myspace says: This six-piece ska powerhouse started building its empire in high school. Now twenty-somethings, the crew (West Bank born and raised), grew up with a steady diet of jazz, reggae, and hardcore punk, and thrives with constant tours, sweat ethic, and a DIY attitude. - Alex Woodward, Gambit Weekly

Discovery: Erin's Runaway Imagination (2006), AWESOME album name
The Last Minute (2008)

Favorite Songs: 10. Slap!
9. Fatter Than You
8. 100$ Headphones
7. Everybody Else
6. Late Nights at the Hawthorne Hotel
5. Fever and Chills
4. Better Sleep
3. Not Tonight
2. Am I Really That Ugly?/Volpi's Song
1. Erin's Runaway Imagination (#19 favorite song)

Years Active: 2004-Present

Seen live: One time, July 2009, West Long Branch, New Jersey

Fatter Than Albert was quite the find of last summer as they opened for the Flaming Tsunamis at their farewell show. From New Orleans, FTA put on one of the better shows I've seen, and with their music being free at communityrecords.org i suggest you check them out.

Up next: A band who takes their name from James Bond

#46: The Toasters

Til I met you girl I was just waiting to get old

Next up are The Toasters, who have had so many members in nearly 30 years that only one of the guys pictured above are still in the band.

Wiki Says: The Toasters was one of the first American bands in the third wave of ska, and may be the longest active ska band in the United States, although singer Robert Hingley is the only original member still in the band.

They have released nine studio albums, most of them on Moon Ska Records. The Toasters experienced a small degree of commercial success in the late 1990s due to the popularity of third wave ska in North America. Their song "Two-Tone Army" is also the theme song for the Nickelodeon show KaBlam! (credited as the Moon Ska Stompers) and they recorded background music in many TV commercials, including for America Online and Coca-Cola. Their song "Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down" appeared in the pilot episode of the animated series Mission Hill. They still perform around the world, and in 2007 they celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a new studio album, One More Bullet.

Discovery: Skaboom! (1987)
Thrill Me Up (1988)
This Gun for Hire (1990)
New York Fever (1992)
Dub 56 (1994)
Hard Band for Dead (1996)
Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down (1997)
Enemy of the System (2002)
One More Bullet (2007)

Favorite Songs: 10. Underground Town
9. I'm Running Right Through The World
8. New York Fever
7. Weekend in L.A.
6. Night Train to Moscow
5. Thrill Me Up
4. Underground Town
3. Sitting On Top of the World
2. 2-Tone Army
1. Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down

Years Active: 1981-Present

Seen live: 3 times. September 05 in Asbury Park, NJ. Baltimore in November 08 and 09

The Toasters (well, their lead singer Bucket) have kept the USA ska scene alive all these years. He has made his own labels and put out a 64-band North American ska compilation that ranges from bands like The Miasmics from Verona, to The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. While Wikipedia has over 30 former members listed, they've been able to continue and always make good music and good live shows. You'll know the video I posted from Kablam! on Nick from back in the day.

Up next: My favorite new band of 2009, with a great name

#47: The Superspecs

Look around, check out me, the greatest pimp from New Jersey

After a day off the countdown continues with The Superspecs, straight out of Bergen County, New Jersey

Wiki Says: no entry

Myspace says: Straight outta Jersey, The Specs are a six-piece flamethrower of rock energy. With the urgency and attitude of punk, the melodic sensibilities of pop, and enough rock riffs to rock your face clean off, The Specs form a sound that represents what they love, and not the current trend of the week (fleeingthescene.com).

Discovery: Project H.A.N.D.S.O.F.F. (2002 maybe?)

Burning the Bandwagon (2004)

Declaration of Independence (2005, as "The Specs")

Favorite songs: 10. More Emo Then Thou

9. Take Me Down

8. Porno Paradise

7. White Russian

6. Listen Up

5. I Thought I Knew You

4. Dr. Evil Ska

3. Freak

2. Up and Down

1. Pimpin' in N.J.

Years active: 2000 (something)-2007

Seen live:
Twice. Montclair, NJ. Both in 2005

The Superspecs, yet another band to cause me frustration on this list. The Superspecs were essentially 3 bands. The first made "Project H.A.N.D.S.O.F.F." in the early 2000's and that is hands down 8 of the best songs I have ever heard. If it wasn't so short it'd be at the top of my favorite album list. Hell, it's so good, it is essentially the only reason that this band is on the list at all. Then in early 04 came "Burning the Bandwagon", and pretty bad follow up that featured less horns and more emo/crap punk as that was the fad then. Then they became The Specs (for legal reasons they claimed), and the Superspecs were no more. Both horn players also sang. The album had no ska, and was all just emo punk almost. The were booed off from their CD release show in New Jersey by the few fans who stayed to see them play. But, alas, that first album is so good, that it on its own gets The SUPERspecs this high on the countdown. No videos on Youtube for this occasion, sorry.

Next Up: Another opposite, a ska band that has succeeded one way or another for 30 years.

#48: No Doubt

You wanna catch a peek but they look at you like you're such a freak

Next up is No Doubt. You wouldn't be surprised I like them if you heard their first three albums.

Wiki Says: No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California, formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album, No Doubt (1992), failed to make waves. The band's diamond-certified album Tragic Kingdom helped to launch the ska revival of the 1990s, and "Don't Speak", the third single from the album, set a record when it spent sixteen weeks at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart.

Following this the group released its next album, Return of Saturn, four years later. While a minor success commercially it could not match the success of their previous album and underperformed both commercially and critically. Fifteen months later, the band reappeared with Rock Steady, which incorporated reggae and dancehall music into their work. The album was primarily recorded in Jamaica and featured collaborations with Jamaican artists Bounty Killer, Sly and Robbie, and Lady Saw. The album produced two Grammy-winning singles, "Hey Baby" and "Underneath It All".

No Doubt released the compilation The Singles 1992–2003 and box set Boom Box in 2003, both of which contained a cover version of the Talk Talk synthpop song "It's My Life". Frontwoman Gwen Stefani launched her solo career the next year with several collaborations, including bandmate Tony Kanal as well as Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes, while guitarist Tom Dumont began his side project, Invincible Overlord. During its career, the band has won two Grammy Awards and sold 28 million records worldwide to date. The band embarked on a US national tour throughout the summer of 2009.

Discovery: No Doubt (1992)

The Beacon Street Collection (1994)

Tragic Kingdom (1995)

Return of Saturn (2000)

Rock Steady (2001)

TBA (2010?)

Other contributions: A Very Special Christmas 3 (1997)

Burning London: A Tribute to The Clash (1999)

The Singles 1992-2003 (2003)

Rock Against Bush volume 2 (2004)

Look At All the Love We've Found: A Tribute to Sublime (2005)

Favorite Songs: 10. Comforting line

9. Brad New Day

8. Paulina

7. Spiderwebs

6. Oi To the World (Vandals Cover)

5. Excuse Me Mr.

4. Hateful ft. Billy Idol (Clash Cover)

3. DJs (Sublime Cover)

2. Sixteen

1. Total Hate 95 ft. Bradley Nowell from Sublime

Years Active: 1986-Present

Never seen them live

No Doubt is received very differently amongst punk/ska fans. While they are, without question, the biggest band to make it out of the ska scene from the mid 90's, they did it by going to a much more pop-oriented way. But that doesn't really bother me. Their ska isn't amazing, but it is really enjoyable. In their older days they had a big "fuck you" attitude, and they still know where they came from. They still play live with horns, play both their old punk/ska songs, play punk/ska covers, and go pretty wild on stage.

I could not decide which music video and which live video I wanted to go with. So, I instead decided to post several of both since they really capture No Doubt's whole career. First is a music video from their first album (No Doubt), then one of their biggest hits from their first successful album (Tragic Kingdom), then a cover of a Vandals song from 1997.

For the live videos I have them from Warped Tour in 1995 with Bradley from Sublime (WHICH THEY PLAYED LAST SUMMER ON TOUR), covering the Beatles in 1997, covering Sublime in 2009, and playing a song from 1997 in 2009.

Up next: A band that couldn't be further from No Doubt in terms of success

#49: Long Beach Dub Allstars

Well I've woken up in too many beds with girls I didn't know

Just cracking the top 50 are the Long Beach Dub Allstars who came along following the end of Sublime

Wiki Says: The Long Beach Dub Allstars were a dub reggae/ska/rock band formed in 1997 and disbanded in 2002.

Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh met in childhood (in 1979) and later started their first garage punk band, consisting of drums, bass and vocals. They later formed Sublime with Brad Nowell. The Long Beach Dub Allstars (LBDAS for short) were founded after Nowell died in 1996 of a heroin overdose (frequent contributors to Sublime including Michael "Miguel" Happoldt, Todd Forman, and "Field" Marshall Goodman are also members of the band).

Eric Wilson says, "We will never replace the greatness that Sublime did or what Brad has done." The band was originally a 10-piece and they recorded their debut recording called Right Back, which shortly after completion in 1999 saw the departure of three members. Their second album, Wonders of the World was recorded and released in 2001. It featured "Sunny Hours" featuring will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas.

In 2002 rumors that the band had broken up began to surface. Apparently the band had taken a hard-drug-free vow and some of the band's members had broken this vow, which caused Bud Gaugh to quit and join Eyes Adrift with Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Curt Kirkwood of Meat Puppets. Gaugh was also playing with Kirkwood and Michael Happoldt in the band Volcano.

Eric Wilson, Trey Pangborn and RAS-1 formed Long Beach Shortbus with former Slightly Stoopid and temporary Sublime drummer, Kelly Vargas (later replaced by Damion Ramirez). Jack Maness and Opie Ortiz formed Dubcat, with members of Hepcat. Shortbus has had slightly more success than Dubcat, though the latter has yet to release an album.

Their feel-good song "Sunny Hours" was used as the title track for the sitcom Joey.

Discovery: Right Back (1999)

Wonders of the World (2001)

Other contributions: Take Warning: Songs of Operation Ivy

Favorite Songs: 10. Lies

9. Life Goes On (Featuring Chali 2na)

8. Lonely End

7. Rosarito

6. Listen To DJ's

5. Saw Red (She's Mine)

4. Take Warning-Operation Ivy Cover

3. Sunny Hours (Featuring the Black Eyed Peas)

2. Rolled Up

1. My Own Life

Years Active: 1997-2002

Never seen them live

Following the end of Sublime, Long Beach Dub Allstars picked up where things left off, and were able to make diverse songs featuring some of the more famous names in punk, reggae, and hip hop. Most Sublime fans have never heard of them, which not only proves that they are fraudulent fans, but is unfortunate because all that LBDA brought to the table. Since their break up, Bud and Eric (original Sublime members) have gone to form Sublime with Rome, their current act who are touring in Baltimore next weekend, but I will not be going.

Up Next: Without question the most commercially successful band on this list

#50: I Voted For Kodos

I'm not old school but I still wear my Chucks

1/3 into the countdown we get to I Voted For Kodos, who I got into an online dispute with. Oh, and I'm going to start to take parts from Wikipedia to make them better for this

Wiki Says: I Voted for Kodos (often abbreviated IV4K) was a ska punk and pop punk band, signed to Snapdragon Records.

Their name comes from an episode of The Simpsons, "Treehouse of Horror VII", in which Homer Simpson says, "Don't blame me—I voted for Kodos." Although known for their tongue-in-cheek material (they have noted that celery is the band's official vegetable), their song lyrics have also tackled serious issues such as murder and teenage depression. Their first album, Close Enough for Ska, is considered the success story of a small independent record label, Close to Nothing, which was founded by three teenagers

Discovery: Close Enough For Ska (2001)

Not Penis Cream EP (2003)

My New Obsession (2006)

Other Releases: My Other Girlfriend Says I Have To Leave You

Favorite songs: 10. Calc Lecture Girl

9. On The Phone

8. Gunpoint

7. Where Are We Going To?

6. You Never Asked Me To

5. http://www.dumped.com/

4. Just Want You To Know

3. My Other Girlfriend Says I Have To Leave You

2. She Hates Ska

1. Todd

Years Active: 1999-2007

Seen Live: Twice. May 2005 and January 2006 in Montclair, NJ

I Voted For Kodos and I had a oddly personal relationship. I met my first girlfriend at one of their shows. I loved them, they were going strong. Then, something weird happened. They started writing new music, that was very different from their older sound. They stopped using horns, and on their Myspace they listen themselves as "Pop/Rock/Powerpop", no mention of ska. Then they were on the ballot to be voted to play at the International Ska Festival or something like that. I said to them via Myspace that I would vote for them if it was the International Pop/Rock/Powerpop festival but since they were afraid to be ska I couldn't.

Well, they actually replied. First to the message saying they took ska off as to "not scare away record labels". I then said they were doing the exact same thing that a Jersey band (coming up soon), The Superspecs (then renamed The Specs) by dropping horns and playing generic rock. This is how they replied, retrieved via my Myspace comments.

Dec 9, 2005 8:01 PM
We are not like the Super Specs (not that that would be a bad thing, because the specs rock). We still play ska, we also play some rock, and there's a ton of horns to go along with both. That's just the way it's going to be. Can you still love us?

Well, that was the end of them more or less. They stopped playing in late 06 and had a farewell show in 2007. They even said on their Myspace that they wish they could have done a farewell show in Montclair at Bloomfield Ave Cafe due to how much they were loved there. The shell of the band I loved, I miss.

Up Next: A band that only lasted for 2 albums, but more or less are back now

#51: Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution

And once again we're off to war, but I can't agree with what we're fighting for

At 51 are Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, who was at the time of their EP a Catch 22 side project but now are a Streetlight Manifesto side project.

Wiki Says: Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, or BOTAR, is a musical collective of a varying and undefinable genre which includes influences from ska, punk, classical, and eastern European music. It is composed of former Catch 22 members Tomas Kalnoky and Jamie Egan, in addition to Nick Afflitto, Marcy Ciuffreda, Rachel Goldstein, Layton Hayes, John Paul Jones, Achilles Kalnoky, Paul Lowndes, Chris Paszik, Mark Rendeiro, Dan Ross, Pete Sibilia, Shane Thomson, and Natalia Ushak. Unlike other quasi-similar bands of today, which combine primarily ska and punk, BOTAR blends in a bit of classical music, taking the form of an entirely acoustic ensemble.

Discovery: A Call to Arms EP (2001)

99 Songs of Revolution Volumes ? (TBD)

Favorite (and only) Songs: A Call to Arms

Dear Sergio (Catch 22 cover, this version later covered by Streetlight)

Here's To Life (Later covered by Streetlight)

It's a Wonderful Life

They Provide the Paint for the Picture Perfect Masterpiece That You Will Paint on the Inside of Your Eyelids (Later covered by Streetlight)

Years Active: 2001, Sometime in the near future again

They don't play live

Oh BOTAR, why did you have to make this post so confusing for the people. BOTAR released an EP as a side project with members who would go on to be Streetlight Manifesto. In the album booklet for "A Call to Arms EP", it was stated that the Keasbey Nights Trilogy was to be "Keasbey Nights" (Catch 22 in 98), "Everything Goes Numb (Streetlight in 02), and then BOTAR with "99 Songs of Revolution". Then 8 years passed with Streetlight becoming successful and BOTAR left in the dust. "99 Songs of Revolution" is in fact happening, but not as originally planned. Streetlight has 2 of the 8 albums, as will BOTAR (the other 4 coming from 2 other Streetlight side projects). It is 99 covers in total, and the first release features Streetlight covering BOTAR, who will also be in this project. So...we'll see what comes next in 99SOR Volume 2! Hell, for the video, the best I can find is Streetlight playing a BOTAR song live.

Up Next: A band named after the Simpsons who didn't suck (as badly) as Fall Out Boy or Evergreen Terrace

#52: The Descendents

I'm proud and ashamed, every fourth of July

Number 52 are the Descendents, who feature the smartest man in all of punk rock

Wiki Says: The Descendents is an American punk rock band from Hermosa Beach, California.

Thanks Wikipedia. I'll add in that lead singer Milo Aukerman has a Ph. D in biochemistry, and that the band is 3/4 of the members of ALL, who formed during their hiatus without Milo

Discovery: Milo Goes to College (1982)
I Don't Want to Grow Up (1985)
Enjoy! (1986)
All (1987)
Everything Sucks (1996)
Cool to Be You (2004)

Other notable contributions: 'Merican (2004)
Rock Against Bush Volume 1. (2004)

Favorite Songs: 10. Sad State of Affairs
9. Dry Spell
8. Everything Sucks
7. Talking
6. Thank You
5. Coffee Mug
4. Sick-O-Me
3. 'Merican
2. Mass Nerder
1. Nothing With You

Years Active: 1978-89, 1995-1997, 2002-Present

Never seen them live.

The Descendents are punk legends in their own way. They more or less invented nerd-core. Like I mentioned earlier, they disbanded with Milo went to get his Ph. D and ALL, who I don't like quite enough to make this list, was formed. They're essentially the same band with different singers, and are very close. The song in the live video, "Hope", is covered by Sublime on " 40 Oz. to Freedom"

Next up: A side project that formed from a band that was already on here and is now the side project of a band that will be coming up later