Weekly Playlist #33: 10 Essential third-wave ska songs about food

AP 301, our Warped Tour 2013 issue is out now! To give you just a wee taste of what's inside, we're bringing you this preview of the issue's final page–our famed 10 Essential section in playlist form.

Ska-B-Q (noun):a social gathering taking place outdoors where food is prepared over an open flame, and music with reggae, punk and pop influence is played exclusively.
For your summer Ska-B-Q playlist, these songs are sure to put burgers in friends’ hands and get them skanking all the way to the condiment table.

Selected By: Aubrey Welbers

THE AGGROLITES – “Banana”

When the Aggrolites answered the call from MC Bat Commander of the Aquabats to write and perform a song for his children’s television show Yo Gabba Gabba!,the self-described “dirty reggae” band cleaned up their act. “Banana”’s potassium-rich lyrics and irresistible melody sticks with kids and their ska-nerd parents alike. (Yo Gabba Gabba! Music is Awesome! Volume 3;Filter, 2011)


THE AQUABATS – “Pizza Day”

If there is a theme song for high school’s hot lunch, the Aquabats have written it. “Pizza Day” serves up a hot slice of sing-along chorus, horn arrangements and undeniable ska-punk rhythm. Thanks to these humble superheroes, pizza day will be forever known as “the best day of the week.” (Myths, Legends and Other Amazing Adventures Vol. 2;Fearless, 2000)


LESS THAN JAKE – “Hamburger Hop”

A little-known track from Less Than Jake’s rarities album, “Hamburger Hop” is a 50-second jingle singing the praises of greasy little sliders. These Gainesville ska-punk legends are making us hungry with nothing but a ukulele and an appreciation for an all-beef patty, onions, pickles and a bun. (Goodbye Blue & White; No Idea, 2008)


MEPHISKAPHELES – “The Bumble Bee Tuna Song”

One of the greatest things about the ska revival was the influx of ska-related puns in band names. The aptly named third-wave satanic-ska juggernauts Mephiskapheles are recently reunited and would do right by everyone if they put their best-known track, “The Bumble Bee Tuna Song,” an ode to the chicken of the sea, back into their set. (God Bless Satan; Moon Ska, 1994)

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES – “Chocolate Pudding”

Self-proclaimed “ska-core” pioneers the Mighty Mighty Bosstones were able to survive in a post-ska revival world thanks to their signature upbeat melodies supported by hardcore sensibilities. “Chocolate Pudding” may not be their crowning songwriting achievement, but as far as ska food songs go, it’s a pretty tasty tune. (Medium Rare;Big Rig, 2007)

If your mouth is watering to see the other half of this delectable list, pick up your copy of AP 301 now!