Ska
Trad ska, 2 Tone, rocksteady, and third-wave horns — the most danceable bins we've got. Ska vinyl at Wax Trax.
Ska Vinyl Records
Ska is impossible to listen to sitting still, and that's the entire point. The original Jamaican ska of the early '60s (the Skatalites the touchstone) sped up the offbeat into pure joy; the UK's 2 Tone movement (The Specials, Madness) fused it with punk energy and an anti-racist message that still resonates; and the third-wave revival sent the horns roaring across the '90s. Three waves, one irrepressible upstroke. We keep the bins stocked and the energy high.
What You'll Find Here
Traditional Jamaican ska, rocksteady, 2 Tone, and third-wave ska-punk — on LP and 7-inch. Sits right alongside our Reggae & Caribbean and Punk sections, which share more DNA than some fans admit. Bring your dancing shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the "three waves" of ska?
First wave: original '60s Jamaican ska. Second wave: the UK's late-'70s 2 Tone movement (The Specials, Madness), fusing ska with punk. Third wave: the '90s mostly-American ska-punk revival. All three live here.
What's the difference between ska and reggae?
Ska came first and is faster, with a brighter, horn-driven offbeat; reggae slowed that rhythm down and got deeper and more spiritual. Same Jamaican family, different tempos.
Is there overlap with punk?
Big time — especially the 2 Tone and third-wave eras. If you love punk's energy, the ska bins will treat you well.