One of the greatest things about living in Southern California is being where the ska/punk scene is constant. Lots of bands come and go, but the memories still live on in the hearts of many fans. I'll give you the scoop on the bands I've come to know and love.
*Jeffrie's Fan Club*
This is the first band I went to see. I discovered them on the "Hey Brother! Can You Spare Some Ska?" CD, shortly after discovering RBF. Me and 2 other friends ventured out to Pomona to see the guys live, and it was such a great night! They were just as great as I thought they'd be, and I've seen them many more times after that 1st show. I met and spoke with most of the guys, except for 2. All of their CDs are really good, and were even better live. Unfortunately, the band broke up in early January, but had a final show which was wonderful, yet sad. It made me a little misty-eyed, believe it or not.
*Codename:Rocky*
This is another band I got to know from my very 1st show in Pomona. I especially love Dan (lead guit/voc.) and Bill (trumpet), because they're both really hot and nice guys. They were the first band I went in a mosh pit for, so they'll always be special to me. They have 1 CD out so far, but in a few weeks they'll have another one out. I sugguest you buy it! They do a cover of "Just Like Heaven" really good too.
*Pharmaceutical Bandits*
These guys are incredible. They have 3 CDs out now, and they're all good, but the latest one does sound a lot different than their first. One of their coolest songs makes fun of a slutty girl. They also have some sad and somewhat political songs mixed with their sound. The guys are neat, and very fun. Rich, the trombone player, is especially cool.
*Save Ferris*
These guys and Monique are very, very awesome. Luckily, you can catch them on KROQ once in a while. They have 3 CDs out, and are in the movie "10 Things I Hate About You" during the prom scenes. I've seen them a least 5 times, and they put on a great show. Sometimes Monique gets a little too freaky for me though.
*Goldfinger*
I've only seen them three times, but they are fucking great, both live and on CD. They too have deep and silly songs for you to wiggle and mosh along with. I believe they have 4 CDs out, and I have all except for 1. They do a cover of "Just Like Heaven" also, but actually, 1 of their CDs is all cover songs. They are a lovely mix of punk and ska, but I'd say they're punk for the most part. Along with Reel Big Fish, these guys are definitely worth checking out, if you haven't already.
*Mad Caddies*
These guys are sorta "skacore". I've seen them twice and they are very fucking good. They have 3 CDs out, but I've only heard the first 2. They have a music video that plays on Punk O Rama (on KDOC public access TV) once in a while. It's hard not to get worked up when you hear their music.
*Buck O Nine*
This band has been around for 10 years! I've seen them a couple of times, and they can definitely make you skank! They do a cover of a Misfits song, "Teenagers From Mars", and a cover of "Pass The Dutchie". They don't play too often anymore, but if you get the chance to see them, don't even think about passing it up!
*Green Day*
Well I'm not quite sure if they're from California, but they probably are, and they're really good. They've been around for 10 years too, and have 5 CDs out. I have 2, but have heard some of the remaining ones. I've never seen them live, but I've heard good things about their concerts. Someday I'll see them, but until then I'm happy listening to their CDs.
*The Jeff Tucker Extravaganza*
This band is really cool and very good to hear or see live, but they recently have changed their name and added a new player (hence a slightly different sound). What's really nice about them is that they're very generous. If you go on their website, you can get a free CD sample of their music! And the 2nd time I saw them, they had free shirts for anyone who was at that show. Their merchandise is very reasonably priced anyways though. They have one full length CD out, a summer sampler CD, and are also on the Bad Religion tribute CD called Along the Way.
*One Hit Wonder*
This band has 2 CDs out, but I only have the 1st one so far. They don't play around OC very often, but I've seen them 3 times. They are pure punk, and are very lively musicians. Definitely not for your KOST listeners. If you get a chance to hear or see them, I recommend you do so!
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