WTF is Crack Rock Steady?

WTF is Crack Rock Steady?

Author: Aaron Carnes April 9, 2025 Duration: 1:08:54
In Defense of Ska
MusicCultureSocietySociety & Culture

This week on In Defense of Ska, the crew asks a question that has been on everyone's mind: What the hell is crack rock steady? Along with author and fellow ska-enjoyer Jeff Burk, the crew discusses the subgenre in all of its glory. Listen now.

The gang tackles everything from crack rock steady's unique musical elements to its aesthetic to its lyrical approach. Along the way, they chat about the groups that helped forge the style, like Choking Victim and Leftover Crack. Don't worry, they also give some of the of the lesser-known but just as important acts their flowers too, like Public Serpents, No Cash, and Team Spider.

They also talk about the Stza problem, debate which of the bands Burk likes the most, and take a look at where the genre is now.

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.

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There's a persistent idea that ska music is just a punchline, a relic of checkerboard Vans and goofy horn sections. In Defense of Ska dismantles that notion with genuine passion and deep knowledge. Hosted by Aaron Carnes, who literally wrote the book on the subject, and musician Adam Davis, this podcast goes far beyond nostalgia. Each conversation, whether with scene veterans or curious outsiders, digs into the genre's rich history, its surprising cultural footprint, and the vibrant community that keeps it alive. You'll hear personal stories that trace ska's influence in unexpected places and passionate arguments for its artistic merit. It’s not about blindly championing every upstroke; it’s about thoughtful, often funny, and always dedicated discussions that give the music the serious consideration it rarely gets. Tune in for a refreshing reevaluation that might just change your mind about what ska has been and what it continues to be. This is a defense built on facts, stories, and undeniable love for the sound.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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In Defense of Ska
Podcast Episodes
In Defense of Ska Ep 171: Suggs (Madness) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In 1976, a couple friends got together and started a band. They called themselves the North London Invaders, but after quickly rethinking the branding, changed their name to Madness, a reference to a Prince Buster song.…
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In Defense of Ska Ep 170: Jeremy Pena (The Bandulus) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In Defense of Ska Ep 169: Save Ferris' Monique Powell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In Defense of Ska Ep 168: The Steady 45's [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:23
One of the best ska bands of the past decade is The Steady 45's, a trad ska group based out of Los Angeles. They are one of the few bands that have been able to call both LA’s lively trad ska and vibrant Latino ska scene…
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Duration: 14:47
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In Defense of Ska Ep 167: Half Past Two (Tara Hahn & Max Beckman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:32
Half Past Two have been around for almost two decades, and yet they still feel like a breath of fresh air in the ska scene. On this episode of In Defense of Ska, lead vocalist Tara Hahn and guitarist Max Beckman discuss…
In Defense of Ska Ep 166: Daraka Larimore-Hall (The Adjusters) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:11
After forming in 1995, The Adjusters quickly made a name for themselves in the bustling Chicago scene for their blend of ska and soul, as well as their intensely political edge. Over time, the group has only gotten more…

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