Podcasts by Hornpod: A Ska Podcast

Hornpod: A Ska Podcast

A podcast by ska fans, for ska fans. Each episode we discuss something related to the ska scene and decide which albums belong in the ska canon.

Further podcasts by JJ Loy and Matt Wixson

Podcast on the topic Musikrezensionen

All episodes

Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
038 - The Christmas Ska Canon from 2023-11-23T05:59

It's Christmas time again! Yes, again. Some folks were disappointed that nothing was added to the Ska Canon in the last episode. We're fixing that with a self-proclaimed Christmas Ska e...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
037 - Bluebeat Christmas from 2023-11-04T15:33:39

JJ and Matt are in a Christmas mood, so we've brought on Jesse Wagner (The Aggrolites) and Eitan Avineri from Western Standard Time to talk about their new record, Bluebeat Holiday. It's...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
036 - Bebop and Rocksteady from 2023-08-28T04:59

Guests, James McDonald, I-Peace Unikue and their band Eastern Standard Time are playing Supernova Ska Festival 2023!  More than that, they’ll also be backing up Sister Nancy and Dr. Ring-Ding! Listen

Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
035 - On Bartok's Path from 2023-07-10T12:01:48

JJ and Matt are joined by Victor Rice and Kristoph Toth to discuss their new project, Heritage: On Bartok's Path, which combines ska with traditional Hungarian folk songs. A true ska visiona...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
034 - Ska Jamaica's Way from 2023-06-05T12:30:18

The Prizefighters are a Minneapolis band who really studies Jamaican music. This has led them to be picked to back living Jamaican legends including Stranger Cole, Patsy Todd, Roy Panton, Yvonne...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Film Club 04 - Dance Craze (1981) from 2023-05-07T02:14:56

It’s the 1981 documentary that captured the energy and excitement of the ska scene during the height of the 2 Tone movement in Britain. Featuring electrifying live performances by bands like The...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Offbeat 003 - The Optix of Doom Regulator from 2023-04-04T19:29:51

Here's a special episode to address the recent announcement of an Operation Ivy reunion by way of the new band, Doom Regulators. Or should we say, Bad Optix? Whatever they're called, we&...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Film Club 03 - Shella Record (2019) from 2023-04-03T16:11:23

In this episode of Hornpod Film Club, we review the 2019 documentary, Shella Record: A Reggae Mystery. Directed by Chris Flanagan, the film tracks his decade of searching for the soulful siren f...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Film Club 02 - Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) from 2023-03-06T05:00:25

In this episode of Hornpod Film Club, we explore the 1997 hit movie, Grosse Pointe Blank. Starring John Cusack as a hitman attending his high school reunion, the film blends action, comedy, roma...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Film Club 01 - The Harder They Come (1972) from 2023-02-06T05:09:15

Hornpod Film Club 01 The Harder They Come (1972)

It’s the story of a Jamaican country boy who comes to the big city with dreams of becoming a Reggae star but ends up exploited by the musi...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
033 - 2022 Year In Ska from 2022-12-30T05:00:14

JJ and Matt welcome Cody Freedom, curator of the Spotify-complete-ska-release-playlist every year.  Together, we reflect on a year in ska and we compare our Top Ten lists.  

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
032 - Ska Music For Pop People from 2022-12-12T11:27:59

JJ and Matt are joined by many guests tonight as we explore the pop side of ska. First, Agent Jay of The Slackers and Ali and Danny of Stop The Presses call in talk about their new album, Got It...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
031 - Ska's Fallen Genius from 2022-11-14T05:00:41

JJ and Matt are joined by Adam Reeves, creator of the forthcoming biography of The Skatalites' legendary trombonist Don Drummond.  Drummond's creative genius helped shape ska music in its e...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
030 - Hornpod Ska-Jazz Revue from 2022-10-10T03:59:37

Jazz is one of the major musical elements of Ska, so what's the deal with Ska-Jazz?  JJ and Matt sit down with the Jazz experts of Westbound Train to help us break it down.  Westbound'...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
029 - Full Speed Ahead from 2022-08-19T04:59:53

Way back in Hornpod episode 001 JJ and Matt told you how they defined ska. In this latest episode, they're putting it to the test! 

 First we sit down with Dan Lord and Adam Gut...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
028 - Chawalaleng Special from 2022-06-27T04:00:26

Coolie Ranx returns, and he's brought former Oingo Boingo bassist, John Avila! John brings stories about producing Boingo, Reel Big Fish and of course, The Pilfers Chawalaleng. 

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
027 - A Coolie Ranx Visit from 2022-06-09T04:59:11

JJ and Matt are joined by genuine ska celebrity, Coolie Ranx (The Toasters, The Pilfers) to talk about dancehall attitude, improvising live and committing to ska long-term.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #09 - Plague Doctor with Larry McDonald from 2022-05-13T04:00:11

Legendary percussionist, Larry McDonald joins us to discuss his latest collaboration with Dave Hillyard of The Slackers.  Dave and Larry have been making music together for decades as the R...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #08 - Sunlight Songwriters Addendum from 2022-04-15T04:00

JJ and Matt are joined again by all six members of the Slackers for more conversation about the band's new album, Don't Let The Sunlight Fool Ya. This time the focus is on the songwriting and th...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #07 from 2022-04-01T04:00

The Slackers' brand new album, Don't Let The Sunlight Fool Ya will drop on April 15th- but we're here with a track-by-track preview of the record.  Dive deep with JJ, Matt and the members o...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
026 - A Long Island Takeover from 2022-03-17T04:00

It's a takeover!  Jimmy Doyle and Sean McCabe straight up infiltrate Hornpod HQ and do their own episode- all about the Long Island ska scene.  They are joined by JT Turret of ASOB and...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
025 - Hell of a Hat from 2022-02-03T05:00

JJ and Matt sit down with the author of the new book, Hell of a Hat The Rise of 90s Ska and Swing, Kenneth Partridge.  And don't you know it, we have opinions on 90s Ska and Swing.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
The Still Stubborn Special with King Django from 2022-01-17T05:00

King Django, founder of Stubborn Records has been working with our own, Matt Wixson on a very special compilation the past year, and they are joining us to reveal the details of this monumental ...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
024 - 2021 In Ska from 2021-12-28T05:00

JJ and Matt reflect on a year in ska- the trends, the music, the memories.  Join us as we compare Top Ten lists and throw a few more ska-mpilations into the canon.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
023 - Still Standing from 2021-11-25T05:00

JJ and Matt look back to time when the 3rd Wave had crashed, but the ska scene carried on. Joined by the legendary founder of Jump Up records, Chuck Wren, we discuss a massive compilation design...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
022 - Compilation Crazy from 2021-10-06T03:26:09

The ska compilation: a perfect way to discover new bands and new labels. For many, a SKAmpilation album was their entry into the ska world. JJ and Matt sort through some of our favorite ska comp...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
A Celebration of Lee "Scratch" Perry from 2021-09-30T04:00

In August 2021 reggae pioneer Lee "Scratch" Perry passed at away at the age of 85. We gather with Emch and Larry McDonald of Subatomic Sound System, Scratch's bandmates during his final decade, ...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Supernova Stories 04 - Adam "Flymo" Birch from 2021-09-14T04:00

In anticipation of Supernova Intl Ska Fest 2021, JJ and Matt chat with the artists and fans who are putting on the festival.

In the final episode of this miniseries, we're joined by trump...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Supernova Stories 03 - Rude Girl Revue from 2021-09-13T04:00

In anticipation of Supernova Intl Ska Fest 2021, JJ and Matt chat with the artists and fans who are putting on the festival.

This time, we've got one of the most anticipated acts of the u...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Supernova Stories 02 - Tim Receveur from 2021-09-07T04:00

In anticipation of Supernova Intl Ska Fest 2021, JJ and Matt chat with the artists and fans who are putting on the festival.

On this episode, we're joined by one of the founders of Supern...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Supernova Stories 01 - Greg Lee from 2021-08-31T04:00

In anticipation of Supernova Intl Ska Fest 2021, JJ and Matt chat with the artists and fans who are putting on the festival.  

On the first episode, we're joined by Hepcat frontman, ...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
021 - Traditional Ska Punk from 2021-08-12T04:00

JJ and Matt welcome Marc Wasserman back to the show to discuss the notion of traditional-ska-punk. Is it real? Can we even agree on what it is? Does it belong in the canon?  We answer these...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
020 - Mashin Up The Nation from 2021-06-28T04:00

JJ and Matt enlist the expertise of fellow ska scholar, Marc Wasserman to shed light on a seldom-discussed era of ska history- the 1980s.  Marc tells stories from his new book Skaboom! An A...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #06 from 2021-06-04T04:00

Berlin Studio Days

Slackers saxophonist, David Hillyard, sits down with Slackers fans, Matt Wixson and JJ Loy, to comb through rare songs and alternate takes from the band's thirty-year c...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #05 from 2021-05-21T11:39:38

Boss Medication

Slackers saxophonist, David Hillyard, sits down with Slackers fans, Matt Wixson and JJ Loy, to comb through rare songs and alternate takes from the band's thirty-year care...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
019 - Funky Fire from 2021-05-07T04:00

Back in Hornpod episode #005 Matt and JJ examined the sounds and styles of the emerging reggae sound sweeping Kingston in the late 1960's. But that isn't the end of the story. Those early funky ...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #04 from 2021-04-29T16:00

The Making of Peculiar

Slackers saxophonist, David Hillyard, sits down with Slackers fans, Matt Wixson and JJ Loy, to comb through rare songs and alternate takes from the band's thirty-ye...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #03 from 2021-04-16T04:00

2001-2003

Slackers saxophonist, David Hillyard, sits down with Slackers fans, Matt Wixson and JJ Loy, to comb through rare songs and alternate takes from the band's thirty-year career. Hi...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #02 from 2021-04-02T04:00

More Wasted Days

Slackers saxophonist, David Hillyard, sits down with Slackers fans, Matt Wixson and JJ Loy, to comb through rare songs and alternate takes from the band's thirty-year car...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Things I Can't Forget #01 from 2021-03-19T04:00

1996-2000

Slackers saxophonist, David Hillyard, sits down with Slackers fans, Matt Wixson and JJ Loy, to comb through rare songs and alternate takes from the band's thirty-year career. Hi...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
018 - Freedom Sounds from 2021-02-13T05:00

In this long-overdue deep dive, JJ and Matt are joined by ska-jazz musician and aficionado Rich Graiko (Westbound Train, the Attractors, Void Union) to discuss the origins, output, and ongoing l...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
017 - Best of 2020 from 2020-12-31T03:36:42

JJ and Matt compare lists of their favorite ska/reggae albums of 2020. Then they consider a couple albums for the Ska Canon that seemed to predict a resurgence of 2-Tone influence in ska-punk

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
016 - Rude and Reckless from 2020-12-04T15:47:41

JJ and Matt are joined by Obi Fernandez (Westbound Train, the Inevitables) to just totally nerd out about the Slackers, a favorite of all three. This is part one of two, and covers the period of...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
015 - Songbirds from 2020-11-07T04:31:39

JJ and Matt are joined by author Heather Augustyn to discuss often overlooked women in ska and reggae history. Then they consider some notable records for the canon.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
014 - My Very Own Flag from 2020-10-18T05:00

JJ and Matt are joined by Vinnie Fiorello (The Inevitables, ex-Less Than Jake) to discuss how ska is received outside of the ska scene, and also talk about his new ska supergroup and book.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
013 - Soundbwoy from 2020-09-26T04:00

JJ and Matt trace the origins of modern EDM back to 1960's Jamaica and then see how it has fed back into ska over the years. Then they consider some albums for the Ska Canon.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Hornpod Offbeat 002 - A Salute to Toots from 2020-09-19T16:33:46

In this special episode JJ and Matt pay tribute to Frederick "Toots" Hibbert, of Toots and the Maytals, who passed away on September 11, 2020.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
012 - Open Season from 2020-08-25T04:00

JJ and Matt chat about supergroups and all-star combinations in ska music, and consider some albums that fit the theme for inclusion in the Ska Canon.  

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
011 - Rudeboy Style from 2020-07-28T05:00

JJ and Matt look at toasting, chatting, and dancehall in the ska scene. Then, keeping to the theme of the episode, consider some albums for the Ska Canon.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
010 - Ska'd For Life from 2020-05-28T10:51:49

JJ and Matt take a closer look at ska puns and portmanteaus, and tell you which are the good, which are the bad, and which are just plain ugly. They then consider a few examples of wordplay band...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
Hornpod Offbeat 001 from 2020-05-04T18:03:51

Hornpod Offbeat is a new occasional series where JJ and Matt stop talking about ska and start talking about other things they like. Consider it bonus content. In this mini episode the boys have ...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
009 - Take Her To Jamaica from 2020-04-25T04:00

JJ and Matt consult a real expert to discuss mento, the Jamaican music that preceded ska, and discover that maybe it's wrong to link one to the other. They then consider which essential mento co...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
008 - Do Somethin' Crazy from 2020-04-03T04:00

JJ and Matt take on the past and present of skacore with the help of their first guest contributor, Jimmy Doyle (the Fad, the Forthrights). Then a few skacore albums are considered for the Ska C...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
007 - Soul Revival from 2020-03-17T12:10:30

JJ and Matt praise their favorite soulful ska and reggae singers throughout history.  Possible inductees into the Ska Cannon include two records from the soul-ska movement of the mid-2000s....

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
006 - Nobody is Special from 2020-02-25T18:18:27

JJ and Matt take a close look at the Specials, a band that redefined ska for decades to come. Then they consider some Specials albums for the Ska Canon.

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
005 - Tighten Up from 2020-02-12T00:04:58

JJ and Matt head to the late 1960's to look at the earliest music of the emerging genre called reggae. What's the difference between this music and the Jamaican styles that came before and after...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
004 - Best of the Decade from 2020-01-07T20:56:06

JJ and Matt look back at the 2010's and discuss which ska albums stand above the rest. Will any of these newer records be worthy of the Ska Canon?

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
003 – Pick It Up! from 2019-12-17T05:00

JJ and Matt discuss the new documentary Pick It Up!: Ska in the ‘90s, and in particular reevaluate their thoughts on the role of Reel Big Fish. Then they consider six – SIX! – big albums from th...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
002 – In The Mood for Ska from 2019-11-28T05:00

JJ and Matt discuss how their respective spouses feel about the music they both love. Then they pit two Mephiskapheles albums against one another in a head-to-head showdown for Ska Canon glory: ...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
001 – Is This Ska? from 2019-11-28T05:00

JJ and Matt discuss what should and should not be considered ska. Who’s definition is broader and who is the “gatekeeper”? Then they consider two albums for the Ska Canon from artists who were t...

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Hornpod: A Ska Podcast
000 – An Introduction from 2019-11-28T05:00

JJ and Matt talk about their personal histories with ska, JJ as a radio host and Matt as a musician. Then they discuss their first candidates for the Ska Canon, considering bands from their home...

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