Ska Boom Stories - How The Uptones Impress Joe Strummer & Influence Rancid

Welcome to Ska Boom! Stories, which is the audio companion to my new book Ska Boom: An American Ska & Reggae Oral History now available for pre-sale through DiWulf Publishing.  The first 500 pre-orders get a rare 80 minute all USA ska mix CD courtesy of DJ Chuck Wren of Jump Up Records.  Click here to order: http://www.diwulf.com/booksIn this episode I highlight the story of The Uptones from Berkeley, CA. If any city in the US was open to the message of 2 Tone it was Berkeley.  The city was steeped in a progressive vibe and the members of The Uptones came of age in the 70s when the city was on the frontline of anti-Viet Nam war protests.  Berkeley was also fairly moderate income wise and racially mixed in the 70s.The Uptones took the Bay area by storm in the mid 80s catching the ear of Joe Strummer of The Clash who praised their sound and message and influenced Tim Armstrong  (Operation Ivy, Rancid) to cover one of their songs and work with members of the band on writing songs for and recording on several Rancid albums.Please note: The music clips included in this podcast fall under the “Fair Use Doctrine” as defined by Section 107 of the Copyright Act. The law allows for use of music clips for purposes of criticism, comment, and news reporting.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices