Hey you! My name is Thomas “TomSka” Ridgewell and welcome to TomSka’s Top 10! A series
where I introduce you to my favourite things because I have such a high opinion of myself
that I think even my personal preferences are worth vlogging about. Today I’m going
to be introducing you to my all-time favourite albums!
Now my favourite genre of music is ska music, specifically third wave ska, which I’d describe
as a threesome between reggae, punk, and swing. Guitars striking on the off beat, a walking
bass line, blaring horns. To me it’s the sound of a happy soul… with attention deficit disorder.
Because of this you might assume that my top 10 favourite albums would quite heavily feature
ska music but… Don’t worry. It’s only 8 of them. Let’s get to it!
Starting us off strong at number 10 is the first ska album I ever heard and bought: Cheer
Up by Reel Big Fish. I was introduced to this album and subsequently the entire genre of
music by an old webtoon way back in 2004 and instantly knew this was my new favourite thing.
It’s crisp, it’s pop-y, it’s accessible, it’s fun… It’s my standard for ska music.
At number 9 however we have a very different type of ska album: Permanent Revolution by
Catch 22. Released on my 16th birthday, I think of it more like an exhibition than an
album. It tells the story of Leon Trotsky, a Marxist revolutionist, through song. The
instrumentals are complex and intense and the lyrics are powerful.
8th we have The End Is Near by Five Iron Frenzy, a Christian ska band. Growing up I never really
clocked just how much they name drop Jesus Christ in this album but putting that aside
the music is phenomenally moving. It’s heartfelt and punchy; surprisingly aggressive; but also
super upbeat at points. A lot of Jesus though…
Coming in at number 7 - holy shit, not a ska band - it’s Take Off Your Pants and Jacket
by Blink 182. Get it? Take off your pants… and jack it… It’s sophisticated humour.
If Linkin Park is the sound of your parents getting divorced then Blink 182 is the sound
of puberty and skateboards. This album is full of memorable, catchy, pop-punk numbers
which cover pretty much everything relevant to a teenage boy. Gross.
Taking that pop-punk and fusing it with ska we have number 6: Hello Rockview by Less Than
Jake. I discovered this album thanks to - I shit you not - Digimon: The Movie (incredible
soundtrack). This album is incredibly fun and catchy as all hell. The punchy pop-punk
stylings twinned with a tiny horn section works so well and if you don’t agree then
I don’t like your face.
For number 5 we have My New Obsession by I Voted For Kodos. Yes, this band is named after
a Simpson’s quote. While IV4K are another ska-punk band they have an exciting addition
to their sound… A moog synthesiser. The sci-fi-sounding synth alongside their angsty
lyrics creates a thoroughly enjoyable auditory experience… For your ear holes.
4th we have No Self Control by The Planet Smashers. This album features a record number
of personal favourites for me. The music is upbeat and fun but doesn’t come off as too
stressful and manic. It’s a very agreeable ska album which is unsurprising given that
they’re Canadian. Thank you, Canada.
Pulling the rug from under you once again we have another non-ska album with number
3: Rockin’ The Suburbs by Ben Folds. Ben Folds is one of my favourite artists and I’d
describe his sound as punchy powerful pop piano… pmusic. This album starts of strong
and ends strong with some great tunes that you’ll never get out of your head.
And also I had a fight with Ben Folds on Twitter once... So, whoops.
Cranking up the fun with number 2 we have Heads Are Gonna Roll by The Hippos. Much like
I Voted For Kodos, The Hippos implemented a moog synthesiser into their music and created
this brilliant psychedelic, ska-punk, fun time sound. Every song sounds like a fun day
out at the beach but the beach is made of Skittles and I’ve just realised I have no
idea how to describe music… What am I doing?
Before we get to my number 1 favourite album of all time I need to shout out the honourable
mentions which didn’t quite make it onto the list. Consider these further reading…
Or further listening…
Freefall Felix - Meltdown Big D And The Kids Table - Strictly Rude
The Aquabats - Charge!! Dr Octopus - This Time We Fight
Jonny vs. the Ninjas - Jonny vs. the Ninjas Scott Bradlee - Historical Misappropriation
Watsky - All You Can Do Stepdad - Ordinaire EP
Evanescence - Fallen Mad Caddies - Just One More
Also an extra special honourable mention to a collection of songs which, while technically
not an album, I have listened to more than any other music ever and that is the original
Auto Tune The News series from The Gregory Brothers. I can unashamedly quote every line
from every single one of these songs. Because I'm a nerd.
Right! It’s time for number 1. My all time favourite album. Spoiler: It’s ska. Everything
Goes Numb by Streetlight Manifesto. The album, this band, this frontman is just… Amazing.
They produce the richest, most powerful, most complex and orchestra sound out of any band
I’ve ever loved. Everything about their sound and their music is just… Intense.
It’s honestly just… So good. Please listen to it. Just please just do that. Thank you.
Okay! Those were a bunch of my opinions. I really hope I’ve inspired you to go out
and listen to some new music because if you feel half as excited listening to this stuff
for the first time as I did then… Happy feels.
Thanks for watching and thanks for listening. TomSka out.