Various Artists – “Return of American Skathic” – The Midwest Strikes Back! CD – (JUMP006 – OUT OF PRINT)

The fourth volume in this hugely successful Midwest ska series, “Return of American Skathic” storms into 96 with an over-powering collection of 26 new ska bands (NONE appearing on previous Skathic CDS). Midwest Ska is growing at an alarming rate, with larger audiences and more bands playing than every before. And it’s not just a “2-Tone” revival, Midwest ska is more diverse than anywhere else, and this comp depicts this range with 60’s traditional jazz ska (Adjusters, Articles, & Space Heaters), Continue reading Various Artists – “Return of American Skathic” – The Midwest Strikes Back! CD – (JUMP006 – OUT OF PRINT)

SUSPECT BILL – “Bill Me Later” CD – (JUMP005 – OUT OF PRINT)

Minneapolis’ ska giants release their debut disc, which is the ska world’s first CD PLUS: it includes a 7 MINUTE LIVE VIDEO! While many talk about going back to the roots of Jamaican ska, SUSPECT BILL does and takes the music back even further — to the roots of jazz itself — big band style with all the brass, glamour, style, and swing that entertained America between the wars. SUSPECT BILL’s big horns have been compared to top U.S. bands TINY HAT ORCHESTRA and the CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES, and yet they create a sound all their own: a superb mix of chilling minor melodies, powerful horn Continue reading SUSPECT BILL – “Bill Me Later” CD – (JUMP005 – OUT OF PRINT)

PARKA KINGS – “23 Skidoo” CD – (JUMP004 – OUT OF PRINT)

The Parka Kings play a straight, up-tempo modern ska whose only gimmick is that they concentrate mor e on getting together some good songs rather than seeing how many genres they could cram into their act. Big ‘ol horns, a solid keyboard-bass-drums rhythm section, and solid production values make thi s one dependable disc. When they smooth out on a swingy jam like “Alone”, the urge to dance moves me. –Noah Wildman, Moon NYC Store Manager, printed in Sound Views Continue reading PARKA KINGS – “23 Skidoo” CD – (JUMP004 – OUT OF PRINT)

Various Artists – “Death of an American Skathic” – Midwest Ska’s Forgotten Past – (JUMP003 – OUT OF PRINT)

The third in this popular Midwest ska series, returning hot on the heels of American Skathic 2–More Ska From America’s Breadbasket, which garnered acclaim from writers/DJ’s worldwide for exposing new bands doing many styles of ska. Alternative Press declared in their August ’95 issue “smart comps like these only increase the music’s visibility: smart people like you should be buying them” after noticing the disc’s CMJ College Radio chart power during the spring. In Chicago, American Skathic 2 Continue reading Various Artists – “Death of an American Skathic” – Midwest Ska’s Forgotten Past – (JUMP003 – OUT OF PRINT)

Various Artists – “American Skathic Vol. 2″ – More Ska From America’s Breadbasket – (JUMP002 – OUT OF PRINT)

The second in a extremely popular Midwest ska series, returning hot on the heels of American Skathic–A Portrait of Midwest Ska Past & Present, which garnered tremendous criticall acclaim from writers and DJ’s worldwide including Billboard and Alternative Press. Locally, the American Skathic CD was a focal point in two Chicago Tribune articles (inc front page of Tempo October 7, 1994), received a full page piece in New City Magazine, and generated two near capacity shows at major indie rock club Metro. Alternative Press called it “fast, slow, weird [and] wonderful. American Skathic Continue reading Various Artists – “American Skathic Vol. 2″ – More Ska From America’s Breadbasket – (JUMP002 – OUT OF PRINT)

Various Artists – American Skathic Vol. 1 CD – (JUMP001 – OUT OF PRINT)

Following in the footsteps of successful regional U.S. ska compilations like Mashin’ Up The Nation, Skaface, California Ska-Quake, New York Beat, and Ska Gone South, Jump Up! Records released American Skathic to expose the world to the wealth of ska music that has existed in the Midwest since the early 80’s. American Skathic’s 20 bands span the years 1981-1994, and dispelled the common belief that American ska exists only on the East & West coasts. American Skathic–A Portrait Continue reading Various Artists – American Skathic Vol. 1 CD – (JUMP001 – OUT OF PRINT)