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Can't You See That I'm Addicted?
"No one says when they grow up they wanna be an addict, but I wouldn't have it another way."
- Spring Heeled Jack
The word "addict" definitely has a bad rap, often being associated with drugs or alcohol. But what about being addicted to something good, like music? Most of us at HT and you guys who shop at our stores share this addiction. After all, Hot Topic is "everything about the music." Though everyone has different tastes, the love for it connects us all.
Hi, my name is Angie and I'm addicted to ska music.
For those who don't know, ska originated in Jamaica in the late 50's, even before reggae. Since its birth, it has undergone many changes, but the music is generally characterized by a walking bass line, guitar accents on the offbeat, and usually has horns. Most people refer to it as "happy horn music." Although it sounds happy, the lyrics cover a wide range of themes, from love to anger and even politics.
I, like most people back then, was introduced to ska when No Doubt hit the mainstream with Tragic Kingdom, but it wasn't until Reel Big Fish released Turn The Radio Off that I fell completely in love. There was just something about the horn riffs and the bouncy quality that drew me in. Maybe it's simply because I'm a cheerful person and for the most part ska is cheerful. But unlike most people during that time, my love for the music did not fade away when ska wasn't mainstream anymore. It only grew. There was no turning back for me and I have since become a ska-loving monster! Most of my CD collection consists of ska bands. I've been to a ton of ska shows. Even if I just hear the word "ska" I immediately perk up. I can't really describe the feeling that comes over me when I listen to this lovely music. It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Although most people would say that ska is dead now, there's a lot of evidence to prove otherwise. Bands like Less Than Jake, RX Bandits, Reel Big Fish, The Slackers, Mustard Plug, and Buck-O-Nine are still constantly touring and releasing albums. HT even sells some of these albums! I skimmed the music section on the site and came across The Toasters, Big D And The Kids Table, and Mad Caddies albums for sale. We even carry compilations that feature ska bands. Music is played all day at HQ, and a few weeks ago the Reel Big Fish live album was heard over the speakers. I could hardly contain my excitement! Let's just say that it was hard to concentrate on work that day. So even though HT concentrates on metal, punk and hardcore music, there are still hints of ska all around!
Lately, there have been major releases in the mainstream like Lily Allen and Tim Armstrong (also for sale at HT), that have a touch of ska in their own flavors of music. Lily Allen is mostly pop, but you get a sense of the ska in her bouncing, carefree songs. Rancid front man Tim Armstrong is no stranger to ska, and the influence is easily heard on his first solo album, A Poet's Life.
I'm not writing this to convert anyone. I learned a long time ago that it's almost impossible to get people to like ska if they don't already. So I'll just love it for the rest of you. Like I said at the beginning about being addicted, if you love a band or a certain type of music, don't be afraid to be passionate about it. You won't find a rehab for people addicted to music!
Angie
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