Ska Boom Stories - Gangster Fun Influence The Sound of Midwestern Ska Punk

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/booksMore than most American ska bands, Gangster Fun were a product of their home. In a matter of decades, Detroit went from being one of America’s most prosperous cities to one of its most distressed. And during the 80s and early 90s it was in the midst of a battle for its own soul. Though Detroit was going through some incredibly tough times, its residents developed a dark sense of humor as a coping mechanism. That black, absurdist humor is part of what makes Gangster Fun’s songs and their chaotic live shows so memorable and the band so important for its contribution to a uniquely American version of ska. They also directly influenced the formation of two leading American ska punk bands -- Mustard Plug and The Suicide Machines. 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