2021 saw the release of several skawesome books with some Uptones history all up in ’em.
Aaron Carnes‘ remarkable In Defense Of Ska is an inspired journal by a veteran musician, journalist and Ska superfan. Mr. Carnes takes the post-revival backlash (which some of us old-schoolers were blissfully ignorant of!), flips it, dissects it, and hurls it into the flaming dustbin of cultural oblivion. Indeed his stories have motivated new legions of ska kids young and old to pickitup. We applaud Aaron’s ongoing efforts as he podcasts relentlessly and embarks on an In Defense Of Ska tour! With bands, of course.
Marc Wasserman – also a lifelong ska musician and superfan – created an amazing account called Skaboom! An American Ska and Reggae Oral History. Mr. Wasserman interviewed several Uptones for a chapter on the band’s early years, and did the same with many of our fellow early-skadapters, who ran with the Two-Tone message of love and unity in the ’80s, and even before. It’s a great read from start to finish, including Marc’s recollections of his early attraction to ska, and a forward by The Specials’ “Sir Horace Gentleman” Horace Panter himself!
Lordamercy there’s a 3rd! Coming out verrrrry soon, pre-orderable now (I await mine!) is Bill Kopp‘s new chronicle, DISTURBING THE PEACE – 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave. The Uptones have a chapter in this volume as well, alongside our heroes and friends Translator, Romeo Void, Monkey Rhythm, Wire Train and numerous luminous luminaries of the late ’70s and early ’80s Bay Area scene from whence we sprang. Forward by none other than Joel Selvin. I so look forward to reading this, and by gosh, you can too.
Wishing you all a fabulous new year and safe travels, with oodles of love and unity,
-Eric Din