Happy National Ska Day, everyone! That’s right, today we’re commemorating everyone’s favorite Afro-Caribbean-turned-suburban-American horn orgy, ska music!
And, by the way, there’s no point in Googling “National Ska Day,” because it’s a real thing, and has been for a long time. But even if it wasn’t — you have no way of proving it.
Alright, let’s get this brasstravaganza started, shall we? First off, let’s take a moment to acknowledge ska roots. Sure, we’re told there’s something involving black people in England or whatever, but how boring is that?
You remember Rocky “Spit Valve” McGill from Pasadena? Now that guy was a musician. He could burp the ol’ tubes like it was nothing, and back in the ’80s was the first person to checkerboard his own Chuck Taylors with a Sharpie!
…OK, look. We can tell some people are skeptical about it being National Ska Day. But just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. For example, where were you on Hangul Day: The celebration of the Korean alphabet? That’s what we thought. Or how about another zany one, like Hanukkah: the “festival of lights?” Yeah, we didn’t know about that one either, but the point is that we did the research so you don’t have to!
Seriously, don’t do the research.
Anyway, back to the celebration. How dope is that cover of “Take on Me” by Reel Big Fish? Who knew history could be so cool? Our boy Toby’s ska-punk octet covered that cover at the Jarvis County talent show back in 2009 and, man, was it historically relevant and worthy of remembering on this very real holiday.
For real, stop trying to debunk National Ska Day, because there’s literally no way you can. Can’t you let us just have this? Besides, there’s already Edge Day, and we all know how boring that shit is.
For the last time, if you keep this up, you’re not getting invited to our party next month on Vaporwave Eve.