200 avsnitt • Längd: 80 min • Veckovis: Tisdag
Checkered Past is the #1 Edmonton-based Ska History podcast. Every two (tone) weeks siblings Celine and Rob dig in on a different ska band covering their history, impact and catalogue. Expect a lot of jokes, culture discussions and of course, ska-based puns. Great for new, lapsed and casual listeners of the genre as well as fellow Skaficianados!
The podcast Checkered Past: The Ska’d Cast is created by Checkered Past. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
ACAB... and that includes Sting and the other two guys! On this episode of Checkered Past, Joey and Rob dig in on the ska/reggae sounds of New Wave darlings The Police! They run through the bands brief 7 year, 5 album history from their very punk rock beginnings to their world beat explorations to finally their sophisti-pop blockbusters. All the while trying to determine just how Ska and Reggae they truly are!
The Roast of Checkered Past is coming up! If you want to poke fun and take a swipe at your favorite hosts, send your audio or text file to [email protected]
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Theme Song: TromBonus by Keelan
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
It's Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast's 200th episode special! And what better way to celebrate than to do what all music, movies and video games do... with a shot for shot remake! Rob, Celine and Engineer Joey sit down to redo their debut episode on Save Ferris using the exact same notes from the first time. On the journey they reminisce about their first episode, how the podcast has changed and whether or not their thoughts on Save Ferris remain true to today.
The Roast of Checkered Past is coming up! If you want to poke fun and take a swipe at your favorite hosts, send your audio or text file to [email protected]
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Theme Song: OAO by Mad Bomber Society
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
What better way to come down from a bracket about Ska Standards than by exploring the rich musical history of Jamaica? Rob, Celine and Joey sit down to run through the music of the Carribean from the regional folk music it started from to the copious subgenres of reggae to its wide-ranging international influences. We wouldn't be a Ska History podcast without a little Ska History!
Spotify Playlist
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey Theme Song by Keelan Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
The Trojan War concludes with the final week of classic Jamaican Ska! For both the semi-finals and finals, CPSC welcomes back long time collaborator and Ska Punk International proprietor, Chris Reeves! After he catches up the crew on the label and his thoughts about the bracket thus far, they eliminate 2 more songs to get the final 2 matchup. Who will take crown? Which song is truly the greatest Ska Standard of all time? PLUS: The Return of the Checkered Rob Invitational!
Spotify Playlist
Madness March predictions are closed! Follow the bracket here
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Theme Song by Keelan and Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
The Trojan War continues into Round 3 for another week of classic Jamaican Ska! For the next 4 matchups, CPSC welcomes back return guest Kayleigh of KMoy and Catbie! Kayleigh catches Rob, Celine and Joey up on her busy year of music and touring along with her thoughts on the current state of the bracket. Then the foursome digs in on the next few match ups to determine the Final 4!
Spotify Playlist
Madness March predictions are closed! Follow the bracket here
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Theme Song by Keelan and Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
The Trojan War continues into Round 2 for another week of classic Jamaican Ska! For the next 8 matchups, CPSC welcomes back return guest Javi aka El Homie of the Marijuana Brass! Javi catches Rob, Celine and Joey up on his life, musical projects and his first thoughts on the bracket. Then, the foursome dig in on the next 16 tracks advancing 8 more into Round 3 to get ever closer to determining the greatest Ska Standard of all time!
Spotify Playlist
Madness March predictions are closed! Follow the bracket here
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Cutman Theme Song by Keelan and Joey Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Madness March is upon us with another 32 song bracket to crown a winner! This time its to determine the greatest Ska standard of all time! In Round 1 Part 2 Joey, Celine and Rob eliminate 8 more songs of classic Jamaican Ska to advance to Round 2 making some tough, enraging and probably wrong calls.
Spotify Playlist
Madness March predictions are closed! Follow the bracket here
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Theme Song by Keelan and Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Madness March is upon us with another 32 song bracket to crown a winner! This time its to determine the greatest Ska standard of all time! In Round 1 Part 1 Joey, Celine and Rob eliminate 8 songs of classic Jamaican Ska to advance to Round 2 making some tough, enraging and probably wrong calls.
Spotify Playlist
Madness March predictions are closed! Follow the bracket here
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Theme Song by Keelan and Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
It's finally back! Part 2 of the historical deep dive into Rob's second musical passion: Power Metal! He welcomes back co-host Maz and first timer Engineer Joey to break down the early German scene built around the Big 4, Noise Records and a whole lot of schtick. They go through three major parts from the formative late 80s to the prolific early 90s before ending in the mid-90s when the second wave was just about to come. Keep it true!
Spotify Playlist
Make sure to check out Celine and Maz's ska/punk band Femmes Voyous
Madness March predictions are open! Vote your bracket here
Hosts: Rob and Maz Engineer: Joey Editor: Cutman Theme Song by Martin Davies Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the episode no one asked for! Checkered Past is back to determine again if a big radio rock band was indeed formerly a Ska band. This time around it's about alt-metal balladeers, Hoobastank! Rob and Engineer Joey listen to the entirety of the band's allegedly Ska debut record Basketball Shorts before progressing through their catalogue to find out what career trajectory they had.
Madness March predictions are open! Vote your bracket here: https://challonge.com/thetrojanwar
Hosts: Joey and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Theme Song by Keelan
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
We welcome once again all Skalestial Beings for a trip through the Skasmos! Celine and Michi aka the Baby Witches return for another skadjacent episode of all things mystical and magikal. On this episode they welcome musician Maz (Femmes Voyous, Ratt Posion, Rekt Betties, Power Pod) to dive into her tarot and witchy past. After readings, listener questions and an astrological update, they discuss the different kinds of witches and decide... Which Witch.
Madness March predictions are open! Vote your bracket here: https://challonge.com/thetrojanwar
Hosts: Celine and Michi
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Theme Song by Mike Diglo (Mega Infinity)
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
IT HAS RETURNED and this time Checkered Past is going WAY BACK to do a very Old School bracket! In the pre-show for the upcoming bracket, Rob, Celine and Joey start with a little poo talk before diving into all the songs that didn't make the cut. What is the tournament this time? Did Rob cut the wrong songs? Will the listener be enraged?
Vote your predictions here: https://challonge.com/thetrojanwar
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Theme Song: OAO by Mad Bomber Society
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hear this episode's Playlist!
CPSC finishes its three part January Primer Series with a shallow dive on the fastest genre with an upright bass: Psychobilly! Celine, Rob and Joey run through its history from its first wave in the wake of punk in the UK, to its proliferation in continental Europe in the 80s and 90s to its explosion in North America in the early 00s.
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Theme Song: Keelan
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hear this episode's Playlist!
CPSC continues its three part January Primer Series with a shallow dive on the angriest unplugged music of all: Folk Punk! Rob and Joey run through its history from its history with protest music, to its brief foray in the 77 punk scene to its explosion in the 00's!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Theme Song: Keelan
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Mega Michi and Adam the Ska Mailman
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hear this episode's Playlist!
Nice! We are kicking off our three part January Primer Series with a shallow dive on Ska's 90's sibling, Swing Revival! Rob, Celine and Joey run through its history from the classics that inspired the genre, to its flash in the pan success on pop radio all the way to the club filling Electro Swing of the modern era.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Theme Song: Keelan
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hear this episode's Playlist!
The year is over and that means it's time to countdown the listener voted best episodes of CP/SC for 2024! In the second part Rob, Celine and Joey run through numbers 5 through 1 while sharing thoughts and behind the scenes stories on each entrant. Make sure you listen to Part 1 first to hear episodes 10 through 6!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The year is over and that means it's time to countdown the listener voted best episodes of CP/SC for 2024! In the first part Rob, Celine and Joey run through numbers 10 through 6 while sharing thoughts and behind the scenes stories on each entrant. Tune in next week for numbers 5 through 1!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE SKABADOOK!
In this year's Skaliday episode, the Skabadook finds himself in the woods trying to get one up on JigSka... only he gets more than he bargains for! There's past foes! Movie parodies! Songs? Oh yeah... it's a musical! Spend the holidays with Checkered Past and some scripted insanity as they fully ruin your childhood!
Chris Reeves is The Skabadook
Engineer Joey is L. Pf
Checkered Rob is Jigska
Checkered Celine is Skaba Yaga
Keelan is Freddy Gruber
Mega Michi is Elskaba
Common Sense Kid is Skanta Claus
Written, Produced and Edited by Checkered Rob
Call the troops cause here's a scoop for you! Checkered Past welcomes back Adam the Ska Mailman to dig in on the costumed superheroes of The Aquabats! First, Adam chats with Rob, Celine and Joey about his new project Lab Brats, his epic TikToks and even... potatoes! Then, the crew digs in on The Aquabats from their satirical early days to their blockbuster successes (with a very famous person drumming for them) to their confused, new-wave influenced fare in the early 00s. Tell you mom, tell your dad!
Make sure to vote for your Top 5 favorite episodes of 2024: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2LTJ77J
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Time once again to pop sugar tabs from disembodied heads! Checkered Past digs in on the maybe Ska, maybe not Ska debut album of CanCon band Pezz (different Pezz hardcore punk fans!). Rob and Engineer Joey dig in on the bands one and only record, Watoosh! blind listening from front to back. Then, Rob pulls the rug out and reveals who the band would become and listens to their far more popular modern iteration. This one may surprise you! Or not!
Host: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
By popular demand CPSC is moving up a fan favorite segment to a full length episode in a new series: Label She's The Bomb! For the first iteration Checkered Past welcomes Tennessee Ska-Punkers Stuck Lucky to talk about Community Records! Will and Jonsy start by discussing their Checkered Past, the origin of the band and swap stories from the Dark Ages. Then with the Checkered Past Crew they dig in on Comm Recs key early releases including the proggy hardcore of Fatter Than Albert, the political Ska Punk of Public Access and the emotional heaviness of A Billion Ernies. It's all capped off with a discussion on Las Cabriolas and a game of The Name Game 3.0.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Back by popular demand our favorite Skacore-respondent (who is also a dog), Maxi Taxi is on the ground at The Fest 22 in Florida to interview concert goers and bands on the ground for another patented series of Back Alley Interviews. Hear interviews with Plastic Flamingos, Hans Gruber and the DIe Hards, Flying Raccoon Suit and more while Rob, Celine and Joey listen and discuss from the Skankatorium in Edmonton.
Host: Rob, Celine and Joey
Skacore-respondent: Maxi Taxi
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Checkered Past is crossing the pond once again to get in touch with our Wildstyle! Rob, Celine and Joey welcome Barney Boom of the one and only Sonic Boom Six to dissect King Prawn! First, Barney discusses his checkered past, the origin of the band and the uniqueness of the London Ska scene. Then, the foursome dig in on King Prawn from their anarcho-punk origins to their ska'd-up breakthrough to their only kind of accessible pre-hiatus record all the while discussing what makes their genre-bending approach so distinctly British.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's going to get VERY Boston on this week's CPSC! The crew heads back to the dark ages to shallow dive the ska-influenced tracks of street punkers, The Have Nots! First, Joey picks it up with his recent spat of Faux Doubt shows, then him and Rob dig in on The Have Nots from their not-quite-rancid ska debut to their minor scene hit to their angry-Springsteen second album. Grab a scally cap and get to stompin'!
Host: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Back for his annual appearance on Checkered Past is the Hyperska Superstar, Eichlers! To kick the episode off he catches Rob and Joey up on his new album Ike World, his various other projects and his new, shocking, musical obsession. Then, the trio dig in on the Ska discography of Mest from their Ska-punk indie days to their pogo punk breakout to their smash records in the 00's. Unlike Ike's last appearance, are the facts real on this episode? Tune in to find out!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Checkered Rob's Birthday comes but once a year, and always a round the spookiest season. Engineer Joey has decided HE will make the games and is ready to surprise Rob and Celine for a special games-only episode... but both are missing! Enter Jigska and his nemesis The Skabadook who have their own torturous plans but were thwarted by another new Ska Serial Killer on the scene. The games are flipped on their head as Joey pits the three against each other to seal the fate of the Skanking Sibs! It's the third Oops All Games Skalloween Spooktacular!
Host: Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's another Ska Pod crossover! CP/SC welcomes on In Defense of Ska book author and podcast host, Aaron Carnes to discuss Mike Park's The Chinkees. First, Rob and Joey did a brief pick it up before talking to Aaron about his Checkered Past, the new edition of his novel and the early days of his podcast. Then the trio dig in on The Chinkees from their post-Pickle origins to their touring years as part of Asian Man Records to their brief reunion in the studio. It's all capped off with the return of Question the Answers!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Time for a companion piece to CP/SCs Blue Meanies episode... a primer on the Ska scene in the American Midwest from 1990-2010! First, Celine regales Rob and Joey with her trip to Italy before the trio run through 15 tracks of the weird, the trad and the punk. Rob builds the playlist focusing on the scenes in Chicago, Detroit and Chuck Wren's Jump Up Records. Expect tracks from Hot Stove Jimmy, Gangster Fun, Deal's Gone Bad and more!
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Checkered Past heads to Illinois to talk about the TV Smashers themselves: Blue Meanies! For the discussion they bring along return guests Aaron, Eric and Justin of Western Mass genre band: PWRUP! They talk about local shows in Edmonton, Eric's Checkered Past and the angular Chicago music scene before diving into the meanies from their stoner, jam band roots to their million-mile-an-hour heyday in the 90s to their strange major label finale in the 00s. Its all capped off with an equally high speed game of Get Thrashed!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's time to take a breather from the Heptember bracket to dig in on another dark ages Ska cult classic, Zox! Rob and Engineer Joey do a quick pick it up before digging in on Zox's 00's discography from their ska heavy first album to their Side One Dummy sleeper hit to their indie rock inspired final album. Oh and they have a violin!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The quest to determine the greatest Reel Big Fish cover song finishes with return guest and podcaster extraordinaire, Jordan Morris! The CP/SC crew kicks off with a quick pick it up before chatting with Jordan on his new graphic novel Youth Group, Christian Ska and 90s YA Horror Comedies. Then, Rob, Celine, Joey and Jordan all dig in on both the Semis and the Finals to crown the ultimate winner. PLUS a return of the Checkered Rob Invitational and RBF round of Big Five!
Follow along with the Heptember Bracket all September long at www.challonge.com/heptember2024
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Reel Big Skirm-ish Theme Song: Keelan
NEW Here For The Bits Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The quest to determine the greatest Reel Big Fish cover song continues with first timers, Bad Mary! The CP/SC crew kicks off with a quick pick it up before chatting with Bad Mary on the formation of their band and their new EP Better(er) Days. Then, Rob, Celine, Joey, Amanda and Mike all dig in on the next 4 matchups of songs whittling down to the semifinals in preparation of next weeks finale.
Follow along with the Heptember Bracket all September long at www.challonge.com/heptember2024
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Reel Big Skirm-ish Theme Song: Keelan
NEW Here For The Bits Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The quest to determine the greatest Reel Big Fish cover song continues with fan favorite guest, Devon Kay! The CP/SC crew kicks off with a quick pick it up before finding out what's new in the world of Devon Kay and is Ska-djacent project The Solutions. Then, Rob, Celine, Joey and Devon all dig in on the next 8 matchups of songs whittling down to the quarterfinals. Its filled with hot takes, upsets and no shortage of ties!
Follow along with the Heptember Bracket all September long at www.challonge.com/heptember2024
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Reel Big Skirm-ish Theme Song: Keelan
NEW Here For The Bits Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the continuation of the annual Heptember bracket! This year, CP/SC is on the hunt to determine the greatest Reel Big Fish cover of all time, pitting 32 songs in mortal combat. In Part 2 of Round 1, it's just the Checkered Past Crew as they run through the final 2/3 of the bracket, eliminating tracks as they go. They go on Vibrato Watch, discuss the bands style-emulations and decide on the songs they think will go the distance
Follow along with the Heptember Bracket all September long at www.challonge.com/heptember2024
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Reel Big Skirm-ish Theme Song: Keelan
NEW Here For The Bits Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the debut of the annual Heptember bracket! This year, CP/SC is on the hunt to determine the greatest Reel Big Fish cover of all time, pitting 32 songs in mortal combat. In Part 1 of Round 1, it's just the Checkered Past Crew as they run through 1/3 of the bracket, eliminating tracks as they go. They also discuss the Heptember Miracle, lay the ground work for the next 4 weeks and discuss what it is they are looking for in an ideal song.
Follow along with the Heptember Bracket all September long at www.challonge.com/heptember2024
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Reel Big Skirm-ish Theme Song: Keelan and Joey
NEW Here For The Bits Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
If you're still walking on sunshine then this episode is for you! Rob and Engineer Joey sit down to do a full blind listen of the first two albums by modern metallers Ice Nine Kills! Both have only heard the Reel Big Fish song and are going in completely unaware as they listen to the entire Pop-Punk-Ska years compilation and INK's official debut, Last Chance To Make Amends. All the while they comment on the bands evolution, their love of a schtick and their long hard journey to superstardom.
The Heptember 2024 bracket is open to determine the greatest Reel Big Fish cover of all time at www.challonge.com/heptember2024
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hot off their Top 10 episode of 2023, Joystick returns to continue chatting about the one and only Voodoo Glow Skulls! From the airport on their way to a tour of the UK, Bex and Duck share their thoughts on the crowdstrike crash, mall shopping and bad tattoos before diving into VGS for a second time. They discuss the bands next era from their funk and hiphop influenced Symbolic to their ripping Victroy debut Steady As She Goes to the muddier Addicion. After, in the studio, Celine, Rob and Joey check whats in the news and play The Mascot Game.
The Heptember 2024: Reel Big Skirm-ish bracket predictions are open! Get your thoughts in at www.challonge.com/heptember2024
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Heptember is BACK for 2024! Rob, Celine and Joey sit down to prepare for another month long bracket to determine the best song by a band! In the pre-show they go through this year's band's side projects, other bands and the songs that didn't make the cut to mentally prepare themselves for the upcoming challenge. Which band will it be? Which guests will storm out in anger? Which song eliminations will cause listeners to fly into a violent rage? Tune in to find out!
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Don't be scared by the title! In light of the controversies surrounding Bosstones singer Dicky, Rob makes an impassioned plea to reconsider the scene contributions of the bands legacy. First, Rob and Engineer Joey pick it up with a conversation about he carnival and IMAX movies before doing a shallow dive on the Coles Notes history of MMB from their heavy metal early days to the coining of the term Skacore to their blockbuster success. All the while, Rob plays clips, shares some historical context and champions the real stars of the band from Joe Gittleman to Johnny Vegas to Ben Carr. Let's call it: IDOMMB!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's a very special episode of Checkered Past! On this episode we invite in the man who was the first ever to wear the famed Banana Suit and dance at Ska shows: The Real Banana Man H! He walks through the early days of the scene, his business making banana juice cleanses for celebrities and his tragic relationship with Jackfruit. Then, he brings with him the original recordings of famous Ska songs with their original banana themes still intact. It's all capped off with a fruit themed game of Build-a-Band Workshop.
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob
Special Thanks: NPR Skanking Department
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
What is Post-Third Wave you ask? Why it's a subgenre coined by Checkered Rob of course! It's a regional Ska-Punk boom that existed between 1999 and 2005 after the death of mainstream Ska and before the advent of the true Dark Ages. It consisted of bands that were in high school or college, made rough studio recordings and were highly influenced by the Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake and the Bosstones. This primer is for those that remember the days of Winamp, Limewire, Myspace, Soulseek, Turn Up the Ska Radio and the mammoth Still Standing Compilation.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hey elitists from the internet! Checkered Past is finally tackling one of the most requested subject bands: Big D and the Kids Table! To help with the discussion, Rob, Celine and Joey welcome Saxton of Prog Ska Midwesterners, Runaway Ricochet! They dig into Saxtons history with Ska, the evolution leading to their new record Diminishing Returns and the various influences that went into it. Then, they all dig in on Big Ds early era from the party atmosphere of their debut to the in-your-face Ska Punk of their follow up to their biggest record of all.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Take a deep breath, cause we are heading to the Mile High City to drink, fight and play the bagpipes! That's right CP/SC is talking about Dark Ages Ska-Punksters, The Potato Pirates! Rob and Engineer Joey kick off the episode with a rare sports talk and the hockey atmosphere of Edmonton. Then, they dig in on the Potato Pirates' ska discography from their bagpipe heavy early days to their punk-and-dgaf middle period to their modern anthemic sound.
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the third part of a three part series detailing Checkered Past's trip to SPI Fest 2024! On the third episode, it's a return of the fan favorite back alley interviews from SPI Fest 2023. This year the featured interviews include The Marijuana Brass, Bad Mary, The Ska Mailman, PWRUP and The Best of the Worst plus some very special drop in guests. PLUS, Rob is solo in studio to do bumpers and is subjected to rapid fire questions from the discord in a reversal of fate.
Hosts: Rob
Engineer: Joey, Arianne and Rob
Editor: Joey and Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
It's the second part of a three part series detailing Checkered Past's trip to SPI Fest 2024! On the second episode we play our Day 2 Live performance featuring The Ska Mailman and Mega Infinity along with a Getting Witchy with Michi, games and some audience questions! Then we move to the studio where Rob and Engineer Joey discuss the second day of the fest, the epic afterparty and the sightseeing day around CT.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey and Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
It's the first part of a three part series detailing Checkered Past's trip to SPI Fest 2024! On the first episode we play our Day 1 Live performance featuring The Skabadook and Common Sense Kid along with banter, games and some audience questions! Then we move to the studio where Rob and Engineer Joey discuss the lead up to the festival, the trip from Canada to the US and everything that went down on the first day!
Things are about to get irie as CP/SC tackles the low energy vibes of Reggae Rock! Rob and Joey do a quick pick it up on bicycles before going through the mainstream rock meets reggae scene from its creation in the early 80s to the wide spanning influence of Sublime to its surprisingly vast fanbase in the modern era. All the way they play a game to guess how many streams the songs have on Spotify.
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the leather year of Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast! For this very special episode, Celine, Rob and Joey welcomes long time guest Kayleigh of KMoy and first timer Javi of The Marijuana Brass for a long form interview. They cover a range of topics such as the state of New Tone, their individual journeys in a DIY scene and the culmination of hard work that led to SPI Fest 2024. It's a very different CP/SC experience!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Things are about to get hyper as CP/SC tackles the high energy mania of Japanese Ska Punk! Rob and Engineer Joey do a pick it up about pinball before diving into the world of J-Ska from the mid-90's to the modern day. They go through its Third Wave influenced beginnings to its proliferation on MySpace to its penetration into the Japanese mainstream all while carving out its own unique sound and niche.
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
CP/SC concludes its thrilling Ska-ified Dungeons and Dragons real play with this the final episode! Large-oh Hotstepper, Xena Stefani and Whydthey Clocksard face their final challenges to save their idol from the clutches of a devious fiend. A Battle of the Bands! A Final Boss! Bathrooms! It's truly a finale to remember!
Go back and listen to episode 0 and 1 to get all the background you need!
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Dungeon Master: Keelan
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Do the Pod Kung Fu Checkerheads! Checkered Past is diving into dark ages Canadian Ska darlings, The Salads! Rob and Engineer Joey kick off with a quick talk on video games and U-hauls before digging deep on this fascinating success story of a musical group from their funk-metal-ska beginnings to their crunchy party records to their final, laid-back era. Put this pod in your ears if you're feeling alright!
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The Ska'd-venture begins on another CPSC Dungeons and Dragons Realplay! Rob, Celine and Joey take their erstwhile band and characters to see their favourite musician perform when something unexpected thrusts them into adventure. There's flying imps, devils and maybe even a bong. How will Whydthey, Large-oh and Xena ever survive?
Go back and listen to episode 0 to get all the background you need!
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Dungeon Master: Keelan
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Anata mo watashi mo POCKY! Checkered Past is digging in on the international Dark Ages Ska hit, OreSkaBand! To help, they welcome their Skassociate Producer and label magnate, Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International! Chris talks a bit about sports before going through whats new with the label and what people can expect from SPI Fest 2. Then, Rob, Celine, Joey and Chris dig in on OreSkaBand from their bubblegum teen beginnings to their arena rock superstardom to their highly experimental, yet still accessible, modern period. It's all capped off with a game of Word The Salads!
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
CP/SC is selling out! Rob, Celine and Joey do a Dungeons and Dragons real play with friend and theme song creator, Keelan as Dungeon Master. In this, the session 0, the CP/SC crew craft their characters, delve into the world and do a first draft encounter in preparation for their first full adventure! It's DnD with a Ska twist! Tune in April 30 and May 7 to hear Parts 1 and 2!
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hope you didn't skip leg day cause its about to get heavy! CP/SC heads to the clam pizza capital of the world to dig in on cult darlings, The Flaming Tsunamis. To help discuss, they welcome back third timer Chris Ruckus and to talk about his new anime/ska/metal group Mutiny. First they catch up with a discussion on The Jinx, the Station Fire and what Chris has been doing since his last appearance. Then, Rob, Celine, Joey and their guest breakdown the entire TFT discography from their hard to find Ska Punk years to their horror-themed heaviness to their always surprising musical experimentations. It's all capped off with a spitfire game of Turning Otaku.
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Gay Rude Boys Unite as CP/SC digs in on the impassioned micro-genre of Crack Rock Steady. Rob, Engineer Joey and Editor Arianne open up the episode with a quick check in before diving in to the scene thats all about ACAB, recreational drug use, mental health and communal living. They go through the genres history from its origins with Choking Victim/Leftover Crack to the various side projects born of them to the many bands influenced by them. They also get in to the complexities of the scene, its controversies and the question of Art vs. The Artist.
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Arianne, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The Two Tone-ament concludes with the semi-finals and finals! The greatest Two Tone records single is crowned with Rob, Engineer Joey and first time guest Eevie Echoes! First, Eevie recounts her Checkered Past, the impetus of her new band The Locations and her history with Two Tone Ska. Then, the trio eliminate songs until they crown the ultimate victor! BONUS: The Checkered Rob Invitational plus a wild card entry and another round of Skarmen Skandiego!
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Bracket: www.challonge.com/madnessmarch2024
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The Two Tone-ament nears its inevitable conclusion with the penultimate episode! This week we invite Andy B of Andy B and the World (plus so many other UK Ska-Punk projects). Andy talks about his Checkered Past, skate punk and morning routines before digging into the next 4 matchups. The CP/SC crew advances the quarterfinals before capping off with a game of Skarmen Skandiego based on the book The Two Tone Story.
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Bracket: www.challonge.com/madnessmarch2024
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The Two Tone-ament continues as the CPSC progresses the second round of the bracket to determine the greatest 2 Tone Single of all time! To help, they bring along fan favourite guest Esteban Flores of Matamoska, Catbite and Out of Control Army! Esteban catches the crew up on what he's been working on, new fatherhood and upcoming festivals before diving into the next 8 matchups, eliminating half the songs along the way.
CP/SC will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest 2 in Connecticut May 17-18! Tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Bracket: www.challonge.com/madnessmarch2024
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The Two Tone-ament continues with the second half of Part 1! In this episode the CP/SC crew eliminate another 8 songs from the bracket in an effort to crown the greatest Two Tone Single of all time! First they do more BookTalk before delving into the match-ups all while discussing whether or not the winning song need to be Ska at all! Tune in on all March long to see the tournament continue!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Bracket: www.challonge.com/madnessmarch2024
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Madness March is BACK and this time CP/SC is going to determine the greatest Two Tone Records single of all time! In Round 1 Part 1, Robby Radiation, Celynval Golding and Joey Dammers pit the first 16 singles in head to head battle to lead into Round 2. They also ask the immortal question... does it have to be Ska to win?
Tune in all March long to see how the tournament progresses! The bracket is at www.challonge.com/madnessmarch2024
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Why DON'T you play some Ska? Checkered Past presents their third ska primer, this time heading across the pond to explore Ska in the UK from 1998 to 2020. Rob and Engineer Joey chat a bit about movies and AI before delving into the UK's storied history with Ska after Two Tone from the street level Ska Punk of Citizen Fish and Capdown to the dub/reggae /hip hop vibes of King Prawn to the cheeky ladiness of [spunge] and all the bands they influenced along the way.
Check out the Canadian Ska and Patchanka episodes for more Playlist-style Primers!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Special Thanks: Common Sense Kid for vetting the playlist
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
NEW MERCH: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Melodica Gang rise up! Checkered Past's favorite guest, Common Sense Kid is back and this time he isn't on a bracket! So in order to celebrate this momentous occasion he sets his sights on one of the most influential Ska Punk bands of the UK, Capdown! There is lots of talk about beans, CSK's performance on the 2023 Best Ofs, and where he's at in his music journey. Then, the foursome dig in on the brief career of Capdown from their humble beginnings to their indie ska-punk hits to their final, more polished era. It's a big juicy, craig-y episode!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
The Two Tone-ament bracket is open for predictions at
www.challonge.com/madnessmarch2024
NEW Yum Yum More Ska merch available at www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's that time of year again... Madness March! Every year Checkered Past runs a bracket of 32 songs eliminating each until a winner is crowned. The pre-show is all about the side projects, solo projects and other hustles associated with the subject of the bracket. What is the theme for 2024? You will have to listen to this episode to find out!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
NEW Yum Yum More Ska merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Bracket: www.challonge.com/madnessmarch2024
It's the debut of a new Checkered Past spinoff podcast, PowerPod! Rob of the CP/SC crew welcomes Edmonton musician and singer-songwriter, Maz as his co-host to begin a multi-part history of an infamous musical genre: Power Metal! In the first episode, they go through the history of hard rock and heavy metal and how it eventually shaped into what we now know as Power Metal by the end of the 80s. Keep It True!
Make sure to check out Celine and Maz's new band Femmes Voyous
Hosts: Rob and Maz
Engineer: Celine
Editor: Cutman
Theme song written by Martin Davies
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Don't worry about that metalhead in the parking lot, Checkered Past is talking about the legendary Chicago Ska Punk band Slapstick! But rather than just talk about the band themselves, Rob and Joey go through the infamous Slapstick Family Tree and discuss the many offshoots, derived bands and side projects that all splintered off. It's a fascinating slice of Chicago punk history!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Remember as a child when certain TV shows would come on and you'd hear some upbeats and it wasn't until you were an adult that you realized that it was Ska? Checkered Past Remembers! Rob and Engineer Joey play a series of television clips in which Ska was mentioned, played or dunked on as a joke... mostly the latter! It's a discussion on Ska's place on popular culture as well as the moments when the reference was in jest, in love or even mean-spirited. It's basically a Checkered Past Clip Show!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's that time of year again! Rob, Celine and Engineer Joey countdown the best episodes of 2023 as voted by the listeners! In the second installment they go through episodes 5 through 1 all while playing clips, reminiscing of the past year and giving the listeners a peak behind the curtain on how the podcast comes together.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassoicate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's that time of year again! Rob, Celine and Engineer Joey countdown the best episodes of 2023 as voted by the listeners! In the first installment they go through episodes 10 through 6 all while playing clips, reminiscing of the past year and giving the listeners a peak behind the curtain on how the podcast comes together. Tune in next week for episodes 5 through 1!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassoicate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Another year and another Holiday Special from CPSC! This year, Engineer Joey is preparing for the episode when Evil Chris interrupts to enact a plan of such malice to upend all of Ska as we know it! Joey is then thrust into an adventure across the Multiverse of Ska (re: Skaltiverse) with only his magic Vape Pen to restore order and get back to his original timeline. It's Engineer Joey in the Skaltiverse of Madness!
Listen to last year's semi-scripted Holiday Episode as well! Skaldiay Skanktacular 2022: Skarooge!
Hosts: Engineer Joey
Editor: Engineer Joey
Engineer: Engineer Joey
Villain: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Cameos by Common Sense Kid, Chipzen Zolsa and the CP/SC Crew
Written by Rob
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Don't watch your 10... watch your back as Checkered Past digs in on highly influential Canadian Ska band, The Kingpins! In this special episode, Engineer Joey takes over hosting duties with Celine as they welcome returning guest, The Ghost of Ska Past to do some much needed Ska history! First they catch up the listener on Ska Past's Checkered Past, how he came to pass away and how he became the beleaguered spirit he is today. Then, the trio dig on the Kingpins from their spy-ska debut to their traditional sophomore album to their way-ahead-of-its-time New Wave-Ska third album. Then, Rob returns to do a game of Guess That Horn and answer some birthday Question the Answers! It's not your average CP/SC!
Listen back to the 2022 Skaliday Skanktacular to hear Ghost of Ska Past's previous appearance!
Hosts: Engineer Joey and Celine
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Cutman
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the annual CPSC Year-End wrapper and this year we decided to do something different... we went to our socials and the Checkerheads to get a list of favourite random stuff of 2023 and we spin a wheel to determine which one we answer! Along the way, Celine, Rob, Engineer Joey and Editor Arianne select a few non-Ska songs that they liked in the year.
Voting for our Best Of 2023 is now open! Click on the link to choose your Top 5 episodes of the year! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TW8BYNN
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Website: www.checkeredpast.ca
Is Sugar Ray Ska? In order to answer this earth shattering question, CPSC welcomes back thirdtimer, and HyperSka Superstar, Eichlers! But first, Ike catches the crew up on his last year, his tour of Japan and what new music he's listening to. Then, Rob, Celine, Engineer Joey and Ike dig in on the entirety of Sugar Ray's career with a focus on the larger than life exploits of lead singer and bon vivant, Mark McGrath. You might say... the story is unbelievable.
Check out Eichlers past episodes with No Doubt and Sublime!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Engineer Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Cutman Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the best fest with the number that doesn't match its year! Once again CPSC has enlisted a trusty Checkerhead to put boots on the ground at another major festival to do some patented Back Alley Interviews! Our Skacore-respondent this time is our resident talking dog, Maxi Ska Taxi who asks inane questions to both concert goers and musicians alike. Rob and Engineer Joey listen to the shenanigans in the Skankatorium while playing songs by some of the bands that performed. The Fest is an annual punk rock festival in Gainesville FL that brings in all manner of fringe punk acts and the 21st edition was another massive success!
WARNING: If you have aural sensitivity you may wish to skip this as the audio from the festival is understandably lo-fi. Otherwise, it's pretty darn funny!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Skacore-respondent: Maxi Taxi (@maxiskataxi on X)
Editor: Joey
Engineer: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast for an additional 15 minutes of content in audio and video
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Who do voodoo we do?! Checkered Past finally digs in on legendary Riverside Skacore band, Voodoo Glow Skulls! To help with the discussion they welcome Bex, Andy and Duck of the one and only Joystick! But first, they dig in on Duck's checkered past, how Bex and Andy joined up with Joystick! and the group's new firebrand EP, Dwell! Then, Rob, Celine, Joey and Joystick! discuss Voodoo Glow Skulls from their backyard start in the 1980's to their massive success on Epitaph and their career all the way through the 90s. Its all capped off with a game suggested by a Checkerhead Patron!
Bex and Andy were passed guests for different bands! Check out Bex's episode on The Techniques and Andy's two part appearance discussing Mu330 with his other group Flying Raccoon Suit!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Engineer Joey Editor: Arianne Engineer: Joey Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
You wanted more Back Alley Interviews and you got 'em! Rob and Celine interview a bevvy of guests live from The Catbite show in Edmonton! From the studio they share stories from the show, play music from the bands that played and bumper each interview with typical CPSC nonsense. Guests include Ben from Minivandal, Nina aka Yours, Sincerely, KMoy and Chris, Brit and Tim of Catbite! Cut my life into pieces...
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Rob
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This one's for the kids of the mulitculture! Checkered Past heads over to Manchester to deep dive on the genre defying discography of Sonic Boom Six! To help in the discussion they welcome back Michi and Diglo of equally genre-defying band Mega Infinity! First, they discuss their new record, the differing music style that define their music and even Pokemon! Then, the Megafriends, Rob, Celine and Engineer Joey sink their teeth into SB6's entire discography from the take-no-prisoners punk of their early sound to the EDM and Metal of their middle period to their disco-meets-Ska freedom of their modern sound. No games this time, just an extra long Time Skachine!
Listen to Mega Infinity's first appearance on our Streetlight Manifesto episode as well Michi and Celine's spinoff podcast Witchy With Michi on the CP/SC feed!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Engineer Joey
Editor: Arianne
Engineer: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's October again and time for another Halloween Special! To celebrate, Celine and Joey plan on surprising Rob for a birthday celebration! They have invited guests a plenty to share in the magic but unfortunately, Rob has disappeared yet again. Instead, an old friend shows up to enact his vengeance from last year but unfortunately, he gets more than he bargained for when a figure from his past shows up to steal the show and turn the tables. It's another game-filled, song-filled Skalloween Spooktacular!
There's a bit of lore with this one: revisit the Skalloween Spooktacular 2022 to get caught up!
Hosts: Celine and Joey
Special Guests: ??? and ???
Editor: Joey
Engineer: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Listen, Checkerhead, Listen! Checkered Past digs in on the brief but explosive history of one of East Coast Ska darlings, Skavoovie and the Epitones! To help break the band down, Rob and Joey welcome Carmela of off-kilter East Coast skasters, Sgt Scag! Carmela talks about her checkered past, trip-hop and the triumphant return of Scag with their new album. Then, the trio dig in on Skavoovie from their ballroom dance debut to their Summer of Ska classic to their hail mary pop album before disbanding and the turn of the millennium. Its capped off with a game of Long Term Album Titles.
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Did CP/SC make it down to the biggest Ska festival of the year? Well, no, but we did enlist our special Skacore-respondent Chipzen Zolsa to put boots on the ground for Checkered Past's patented Skanzo journalism! Rob, Celine and Joey listen back to the antics as Chip interviews festival goers, musicians and promoters at the Supernova International Ska Festival in Virginia plus listen to some tunes by some of the festival performers! It's capped off with a space-themed game of Build-a-Band Workshop!
WARNING: If you have aural sensitivity you may wish to skip this as the audio from the festival is understandably lo-fi. Otherwise, it's pretty darn funny!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Skacore-respondent: Chipzen Zolsa (@el_normie on X)
Editor: Joey
Engineer: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast for an additional 15 minutes of content in audio and video
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Take a little ride on Checkered Past to continue the three part exploration of legendary New York Ska institution The Toasters! Rob and Engineer Joey welcome back Ska wunderkind, KMoy to break down the early 90s era of the group. First, Kenny catches the CP/SC crew up on their last year, tell several more tour stories and talks about their evolution as a keyboardist and songwriter. Then, the trio break down the middle era of the Toasters from the back to basics skank of New York Fever to the vegas-style exuberance of Dub 56 to the rock oriented Hard Band For Dead. The episode is capped off with a game of Two Tonne Discography.
Go back and listen to Part 1 to get caught up on the Time Skachine!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Stop pretending you're a superman and start listening to Checkered Past! Rob, Celine and Joey breakdown the entire discography of Ska-sometimers, Goldfinger! They listen to tracks from their early SoCal days to their more political departure to straight punk to their modern supergroup personas. All the while they talk about the podcast frenemy, Feldy and their differing opinions. #SmashMouth2
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast for an additional 15 minutes of content in audio and video
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
What better way to decide the greatest NOFX song of all time then with the biggest cast of guests yet? Rob, Celine and Joey welcome 80% of Western Mass Skacore band PWRUP! Justin, Gary, Aaron and Jeff discuss their checkered pasts, the impetus of their band and their new singles and album on Ska Punk International. Then the whole cadre dig in on the Semi-Finals and Finals of Punk In Bracket to crown a champion with a couple twists and surprises along the way! The episode is topped with another round of Skarmen Skandiego continuing NOFX's history via the book Hepatitis Bathtub.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Follow the matchups at www.challonge.com/punkinbracket
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast for an additional 30 minutes of content in audio and video
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
It's the Quarterfinals of Punk In Bracket: the month long tournament to determine the greatest NOFX Ska song of all time! To judge the next 4 matchups, the CP/SC crew invites along Chris Graue aka Lo(u)ser to progress the next batch of songs to the semi-finals! First, Chris catches up the CP/SC crew on his live show since his SPI Fest set, his checkered past and his various projects working with NOFX. Then after eliminating another 4 songs, Rob unleashes a game of Skarmen Skandiego based on the epic bio, Hepatitis Bathtub.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Follow the matchups at www.challonge.com/punkinbracket
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast for an additional 30 minutes of content in audio and video
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
After a grueling two week first round, CP/SC is ready for Round 2 of Heptember 2023: Punk In Bracket! To progress the next 8 matchups to determine the greatest NOFX Ska song, the gang welcomes back perennial second rounder, Common Sense Kid! Craig catches the crew up on his US excursion, his first live shows and what's in store for his future. Then the foursome, eliminate another 8 songs to progress to the quarterfinals! It's all capped off with a Fat Wreck themed game of Where In LA is Skarmen Skandiego!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Follow the matchups at www.challonge.com/punkinbracket
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Punk In Bracket marches along as CP/SC continues their odyssey to uncover the greatest NOFX Ska song of all time! In this second part of Round 1, Rob, Celine and Joey work to eliminate another 8 tracks to lock in the songs that will progress to Round 2. Along the way they discuss weird music videos, create the genre of "Hyperbilly" and figure out whether a certain song is cringe or not.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Follow the matchups at www.challonge.com/punkinbracket
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
It's time for another bracket and this Heptember, CP/SC is pitting 32 NOFX Ska songs against each other to determine the greatest of all time! In Round 1 Part 1, Rob, Celine and Joey blind listen to the first 16 tracks to move to Round 2. They discuss what they look for in a NOFX ska song, cultural non-appropriation and self deprecation all while making questionable choices in which songs progress.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Follow the matchups at www.challonge.com/punkinbracket
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Handds up, fists high, headphones on, volume up! Checkered Past is ready to tackle the one-and-done Ska of Toronto's The Flatliners! In this TromBonus, Rob and Engineer Joey break down the Flatliners debut Destroy to Create, their B-sides and their change in styles over the years. They also touch on the bands live show, their current stance of Ska and Joey's "history" with the band.
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Heptember: NOFX brackets are open! Get your predictions in at www.challonge.com/punkinbracket before Round 1 drops August 28!
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Men die as dogs die Checkerheads! CP/SC welcomes back Ska keyboard phenom, Esteban Flores to run through another batch of records by legendary Ska band, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra! Rob welcomes guest co-host, Skassociate Producer Chris Reeves to dive in to the bands late 90s fare, from the city pop of Tokyo Strut to the vocal-based Arkestra before finishing with the international hit Full Tension Beaters. Along the way, Esteban regales with tour stories, anime and his future projects before finishing with a game of Kanpai or Uso.
Go back and listen to Parts 1 and 2 to get caught up on the Time Skachine!
Hosts: Rob and Chris
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Another year, another glorious Ska-Punk song bracket to enrage the Checkerheads over! This year, the CP/SC crew pits 32 songs by Ska-sometimesers NOFX in a head to head March Madness bracket to crown the ultimate NOFX ska song! For the pre-show, Rob, Celine and Joey go through NOFX's history from their Epitaph beginnings to their political years to the modern day on Fat all while exploring their various side projects!
Brackets are open! Get your predictions in at www.challonge.com/punkinbracket before Round 1 drops August 28!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Honk honk calling all Canadian Geese! Checkered Past welcomes return guest Ben of Saskatchewan skasters Minivandal to continue their discussion on The Mad Caddies! Ben catches Rob and first time co-host Arianne on what his band has been up to, the journey through COVID in creating their new album Fuel Me Twice and how he defines his genre of "Skalternative". Then, the trio get down on Mad Caddies going through their punkified album Rock the Plank through their smash hit Just One More to the gritty Keep It Going. Capped all off with a special CanCon edition of Question the Answers!
Go back and listen to Part 1 with Minivandal from 2022 to get caught up!
Hosts: Rob and Arianne
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Grab your best purple, immigrant punks! Checkered Past does a shallow dive of the Skadjacent discography of Gypsy Punks, Gogol Bordello! Celine and Rob run through their catalogue from their indie roots, to their blockbuster releases on Side One Dummy to their major label years and ending on their most recent return to the indies... all while going on tangents about fiddles, accents and "wet toe" bands.
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
You get this podcast for nothin and the jokes for free! Checkered Past finishes off their trilogy of episodes on the poster children of third wave Ska, Reel Big Fish! To discuss the band's later years, Rob and co-host Engineer Joey welcome Gary of Backyard Superheroes and the On the Upbeat Podcast! First, Gary discusses his checkered past, his long history in the New Jersey Ska scene and his connection with the Ska pods! Then, the trio go through Reel Big Fish's indie era with their bizarre Monkeys for Nothin album, the triumphant return on Candy Coated Fury and the laid back positivity of Life Sucks. To cap it off, Rob and Joey play a game of Sell Out and answer a couple listener questions.
Go back and listen to Part 1 with The Third Rates and Part 2 with Devon Kay to get caught up!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Hot off the heels of the band's new Ska playlist, Checkered Past sticks their middle fingers up at governments to talk about punk rockers Anti-Flag! Rob, Celine and Joey run through Anti-Flags discography from their street punk early days to their major label flirtations to their indie return all the while playing songs and picking into the group's flirtation with Ska. All the while the CP/SC crew go on tangents such as power metal, Audioslave and whether or Ben Franklin was a president. Also the group definitely talks about When The Walls Fall and they 100% didn't forget to load it.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
It's CanCon baby! CP/SC finally gives the card to the man and the band that started it all for Ska in Canada... King Apparatus! To help the discussion, Rob and co-host Engineer Joey welcome Courtney and Aaron of Trad-Ska band The Prizefighters! They discuss their checkered pasts, the dark ages of ska and the generally made up divide between trad and ska-punk. Then the foursome breakdown King Appartus' highly influential duo of Canadian albums then deep dive into singer Chris Murray's lo-fi acoustic trilogy from California. Every country gets a card!
Hosts: Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
The CP/SC spinoff, Witchy With Michi returns for episode 2! For this iteration Celine and her co-host, Michi (of Mega Infinity) welcome tarot reader/intuitive/spiritual translator Jenny The Mermaid Mystic! The BB Witches do Checkered Past with tarot followed by tarot readings from their guest and ending with a game of tarot taboo and listener questions.
Hosts: Celine and Michi
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Time to re-enter the Jeff Rosenstock-verse as Checkered Past dives in on the highly influential and brief run of Long Island Ska Punkers, Arrogant Sons of Bitches! To do this, Rob and Celine welcome Ilan of Indica In Decay and Sad Snack to break down the band's entire run from their rough hewn debut, to their flurry of EPs to their problem-riddled final record and the lasting influence they had on the genre. Before they do that, Ilan discusses their comic meets synth project Indica In Decay, the Long Island Ska scene and the glory of concept albums. The episode is capped off with a game of That's F**ked/You're Sh**ting Me.
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
One month of Rancid wasn't enough! The CP/SC crew this week blind listens to all 16 tracks of the influential band's 2023 album, Tomorrow Never Comes. To make it interesting, Rob, Celine and Joey prepare a secret bingo sheet for the episode to make a game within a game! Will Matt get a hardcore song all to himself? Will there be any Ska at all? Will Celine's sheet be for sure real, not at all improvised and filled out before record? Tune in to find out!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
It's the end of this pod series and I feel fine! Checkered Past welcomes back Chris Ruckus of Skacore band Dissidente to finish their discussion on The Suicide Machines! First, Rob, Celine and Chris discuss Chris' harder side, Shonen Jump manga and what's on the map for Dissidente. Then, the trio dig in on the final 4 albums of The Suicide Machines from the contentiously recorded Steal This Record to the one-two political punch of the Side One Dummy years to the most post-break up album on Fat Wreck Chords. Then its all capped off with a game of Did You Ever Have A Scalpful Of Dreads?
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
All the Centenarians stand up! CP/SC breaks off their 101st episode by celebrating their first 100! In this TromBonus, Rob, Celine and Joey field listener submitted clips of... basically anything! From songs to voice memos to skilfully edited clips the crew blind listens to 20 of these winners and reacts in real time! It answers the question: the Checkerheads are just as deranged as the podcast!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
www.checkeredpast.ca
www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
We're going to party like we're trolling Celine in 2021! Checkered Past begins the long awaited deep dive into the legendary Fishbone! To help out, they welcome Kenny and Justin of Michigan-based Ska band Poindexter. First, the Poindexters discuss their Checkered Pasts, the culmination of their new album on Ska Punk International and the changes in the Ska scene. Then, Celine, Rob, Justin and Kenny dig in on the 80s era of Fishbone from their way ahead of its time debut ep, to the scattershot album In Your Face to the cult classic Truth and Soul. All the while discussing the challenges they had of being an all black band in a white dominated scene.
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the debut episode of Celine of Checkered Past's spin off podcast, Witchy With Michi! In the podcast, Celine welcomes Michi of the band Mega Infinity to explore all things Astrology, Tarot and Witchcraft. They open with their spiritual backgrounds, compare birth charts and end with an on-air reading! It has all the Checkered Past goofiness, but now it's Celine's element!
Hosts: Celine and Mitchi Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
www.checkeredpast.ca
www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
You've been waiting for it! Checkered Past proudly presents, in honor of their 2nd year anniversary, the entire set Live From SPI Fest 2023! In addition, Rob, Celine and Joey tell about 90 minutes of stories from the trip and play supercuts of the fabled Back Alley Interviews. This is a monster episode, so buckle in! Please forgive some of the live audio... DIY amiright?
Artists Featured: Hans Gruber and the Die Hards, Lo(u)ser, Take Today, SkaxDad, Plastic Presidents and Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
The Tour Shirts are available for a limited time at www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
The entire uncut experience both on stage, backstage and in studio is available at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Remember when music players really whipped the Llama's ass? Remember when peer to peer software made Lars Ulrich cry in agony in his mansion? Well Checkered Past remembers! Rob, Celine and Joey get down and dirty listening back to the songs from the early 00's that no one properly gave credit to the correct artist and try to figure out what went wrong in the days before streaming, google and non-dialup internet. It's another MiSKAllaneous: MiSKAttributed! Take that SEO!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com [https://blendjet.com/products/blendjet-2?variant=32478639390786&ref=zencastr.ghost.io]. The discount will be applied at checkout!
C-P-S-C-P-O-D! Hail satan as Checkered Past discusses the 90’s era of jazzy ska-metal iconoclasts, Mephiskapheles! To break it down, Rob and Celine welcome their first ever puppet, Jerrell of podcast and youtube channel Puppet Perspectives! Jerrell touches on his history with Ska, the origins of his show and his puppet influences before delving into Mephiskapheles trio of albums from the two tone stomp of God Bless Satan to the jazz inflected Maximum Perversion to the heavy as hades Might-Ay White-Ay. They cap it all off with a black metal game of Keep It Trve or False Metal.
CW: Rob tells a difficult story from his childhood involving the f-slur at the beginning but it goes back to silliness 10 minutes in.
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
All the rudies get the pods in the back! Checkered Past returns to a TromBonus to finish discussing the discography of No Doubt! They discuss their albums starting in 2000 with the dark wave of Return of Saturn to the pop dancehall of Rock Steady to the under-the-radar Push and Shove. Along the way they have typical tangents like the glory of the tv show The Traitors, Dungeons and Dragons and ignant music. Sorry for the lack of Ska!
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
This episode is sponsored by BlendJet!
Use our special link CHECKERED12 to save 12% at blendjet.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
Give high fives to all the guys at Disneyland cause Checkered Past is back in the O.C. to discuss the dancing divas of disco-ska, Suburban Legends! To help out, they invite Matt Vest of fellow Ska-Pod On The Upbeat to break down the bands full length catalogue. First, Matt talks about his Checkered Past, the impetus of the Ska podcast and his deep connection to the Southern California Ska scene. Then, Rob, Celine and Matt go through the bands entire career from their post Ska-boom beginnings to their brief forays into glam rock to their elaborate stage designs. Its all capped off with a game of Disney Canon... Fire! Imagine how Celine feels about all this?
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Merch: www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Patreon: www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
BREAKING SKA NEWS! Rob from Checkered Past has been corresponding with a man simply named "Rockview" who claims to have written nearly every major Ska song from the 90s and has never received credit. Thanks to cutting edge technology and a nose for the truth, CP/SC has acquired these recordings from 1989 - 1991 and will ascertain whether this claim holds ice water or is telling another one. This is the Rockview Files: A CP/SC special presentation.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Editor: Joey
Engineer: Joey
Special Thanks: "Rockview"
www.checkeredpast.ca
www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
It's the moment we've all been waiting for... the final episode to determine once and for all what the greatest Slackers song of all time is! Who better to bring along then Ali and Danny of New York's Stop the Presses? Before that, the duo discuss their checkered pasts, Danny's Cuban journey through Ska and their new album, Got It. Then, STP and CP/SC crack into the final 4 songs and go until a winner is crowned! Once the dust settles, Rob, Celine and Engineer Joey stick around to do a bonus bracket and play a Dunia Best round of Skarmen Skandiego!
Follow the bracket at www.challonge.com/checkeredpast
Exclusive SlackBrack merch is available at www.checkeredpast.ca/merch
Join the checkerhead patreon for every episode early, uncut and ad-free at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
Weapons of Destruction? That's Rob and Celine of Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast! For the quarterfinals of Madness March 2023: The SlackBrack, the skankin' sibs invite comedian Brandie Posey on to progress four more matches to determine the greatest Slackers song of all time. Before that, the trio discuss Brandie's checkered past, reality TV binges and her podcast Lady to Lady. Then they make some difficult decisions to eliminate 4 more songs to get to the semi-finals! Then they cap it all off with a game about the bromance between Tim Armstrong and Vic Ruggiero.
Follow the bracket at www.challonge.com/slackbrack
To get every SlackBrack episode uncut and unedited (including next week's finale) sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Exclusive and limited time SlackBrack merch is available at www.checkeredpast.ca/merch. Patrons get 20% of their orders!
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International
I can say that you DO know what you're doing and you DO have the time for Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast! For Round 2 of Madness March 2023: The SlackBrack, Celine, Rob and Joey welcome three timer, Common Sense Kid to eliminate 8 more songs on a quest to determine the greatest Slackers song of all time! Craig breaks down his new album A for Effort E for Attainment (on Ska Punk International), his varied influences and what people should be listening in the UK Ska Punk scene before making some more controversial cuts on the ever-evolving bracket. The foursome cap it all of with a Larry McDonald-themed game of Skarmen Skandiego.
For a 75 minute uncut version of the episode PLUS all future SlackBrack episodes, sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast.
Official Limited Edition SlackBrack merch is available at www.checkeredpast.ca/merch. Sign up for the patreon to also get 20% of your merch order!
Follow along with the SlackBrack at www.challonge.com/slackbrack
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves
Round 1 of the SlackBrack is not over yet! The CP/SC crew continue to eliminate track after track in a no-holds-barred contest to declare the greatest Slackers song of all time. Some of the band's most popular songs go head to head including fan favourites Wasted Days, Have the Time and International War Criminal with no shortage of surprise eliminations! Plus: a King Django edition of Skarmen Skandiego!
For an 75 minute uncut version of the episode PLUS all future SlackBrack episodes, sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast.
Official Limited Edition SlackBrack merch is available at www.checkeredpast.ca/merch. Sign up for the patreon to also get 20% of your merch order!
Follow along with the SlackBrack at www.challonge.com/slackbrack
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves
Madness March 2023 begins in full as Checkered Past looks determine the greatest Slackers song of all time... it's the SlackBrack! In the first episode, Rob, Celine and Joey run through the first 16 songs seeded into a bracket based on This is Slackers from Spotify. They list out their criteria for each song, blind listen to the tracks and advance 8 songs to Round 2! They finish the episode off with a game of Skarmen Skandiego based on Slackers collaborator, Victor Rice!
Follow the bracket at www.challonge.com/SlackBrack
To get the entire bracket unedited and early, sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast'
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves
This pod will make you hard it'll make you high! Checkered Past heads south of the equator to Australia to do a shallow dive on Skadjacent Jazz Rockers, The Cat Empire! Rob, Celine and Joey go through 13 Ska and Ska-ish tracks by the prolific artist from their upbeat early days to their jazzy exploits to their more experimental later days. All the while going off topic in whatever way they see fit!
Thanks to Ben from our Discord for the suggestion! If you want to suggest a TromBonus join the Checkeredhead patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves
Put down your guns, suits and bulletproof vests, Checkered Past is going through the early years of influential Skacore band Catch 22. To help breakdown this era of third wave Ska, Rob and Celine welcome Laptop Ska musician, Nina aka Yours, Sincerely who talks about her new album on Ska Punk International, her history with Ska and gear. Then, the trio go through the Checkered Past of Catch 22 from their early high school years to all the versions of Keasby Nights before deep diving into their criminally overlooked sophomore album. It's a rare in person episode with a lot of local Edmonton lore!
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Skassociate Producer: Chris Reeves
CP/SC is performing live at SPI Fest March 10th in Austin, Texas! Tickets are available at www.spifest.org
It's been a year since Madness March 2022 when the ultimate Madness Single was picked and One Step Beyond was crowned as #1. It's time now for Checkered Past to return to these hallowed halls and crown a new champion in a new bracket... but what band will they choose for 2023? This TromBonus they announce the bracket and do a pre-show detailing all the satellite projects related to this new subject band and get ready for the ultimate showdown... SlackBrack! All March long starting Feb 28 only on Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Joey
This podcast is a band-aid for your soul! Checkered Past begins their exploration of ever-evolving Prog-Ska act, The Pharmaceutical Bandits! To help out, Rob and Celine welcome return guest Chris Reeves of Ska Punk international who gives an update on his label, his upcoming festival and the future of the scene. Then, the trio dig in on the most-ska years of Rx Bandits from their OC debut to their jump to an emo label and their first explorations of progressive music. They cap it all off with a round of Would You Rather as an ode to Comedy Bang Bang!
Checkered Past will be performing LIVE at SPI Fest in Austin, Friday March 10th! You can get tix at www.spifest.org
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Arianne
Fans of Euro-Ska rejoice! Checkered Past does a 101 course on the Mano Negra inspired pseudo-genre of Patchanka! Rob acts as Ska Professor (adjunct, no qualifications) as he showcases to Celine and Joey some of his favourite mainland Ska from the international sensations Manu Chao, Ska-P and Talco to the more niche offerings of La Ruda Salska, Russkaja and the Benuts. Its a playlist style episode so grab some headphones and enjoy!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey
Editor: Joey
Engineer: Joey
It's time to JAM! Checkered Past returns to Japan to continue their long-running series on prolific Ska/Jazz group Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra! To help discuss, Rob and Celine welcomes their home town heroes, Paint Bomb of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada! First they discuss Paint Bomb's checkered past, the impetus to start a Ska band in the prairies and their plans for the future. Then, they dig in on a trio of TSPO albums from their final days with founder ASA-CHANG to their jubilant concept album Fantasia to the feature-heavy Grand Prix. It's all capped off with a round of Big 5, CANCON Edition!
Hosts: Celine and Rob
Engineer: Joey
Editor: Rob
Not just for people who hail from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut; Checkered Past presents dark ages Swing-Ska band, Tri-State Conspiracy! Rob and Joey go track by track through the bands Ska-based offerings from their big break on the Still Standing comp, to their all-ska debut to their abrupt shift to "psycho-swing". They cap it all off with a flapper-era edition of Build-a-Band Workshop! If you don't listen their will be hell to pay!
Hosts: Rob and Joey Editor: Joey Engineer: Joey
Time to ring in the new year by ringing out the old! Rob, Celine and Joey break down the Top 10 Checkered Past episodes of 2022 as voted on by their listeners, fans and social media followers of the world! Go behind the scenes with the CP/SC crew as they break down how episodes come about and what the future has in store all while counting down the top 10 and listening to clips from those episodes. This is a great starting point for any new listener or a supersized retrospective for the Checkerheads! Thanks for a wonderful year!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Editor: Rob Engineer: Joey
Checkered Past presents the 2022 Skaliday Skanktacular! When Celine's Ska-Humbug attitude hits a boiling point, she is visited by three spirits who all attempt to win her over and re-acquaint her with the joys of Ska. Can Ska Past help show her what got her into it in the first place? Can Ska Present help show her what's great about the current scene? Can Ska Future give her the warning she needs to change her ways? It's Skarooge! The Checkered Past Christmas Carol!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Are you from New Jersey and you're proud about it? Do you love the garden state? Well Checkered Past is here to help run down the brief and might early 00's Ska-Punk act, Too Short Notice! Rob and Engineer Joey bring in Josh and Ilan from Sad Snack to break down their history with Ska, the fertile Tri-State Ska scene of the new millennium and the formation of their new band. Then, the foursome break down Too Short Notice's 5 year run from their hyperactive debut to their connection with Big D and the Kids Table to their untimely demise. No Skank Room!
Hosts: Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
Checkered Past is a bunch of punk rock losers as they celebrate their favourite tracks of 2022! Celine, Rob, Engineer Joey and Editor Arianne all pick five tracks each that they loved from the year from genres as wide ranging as Future Funk, Post-Punk, Trap, Djent and of course some SKA! It's a playlist-style episode so grab some headphones and vibe with the CP/SC crew!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Listen to this podcast; never get stung! Checkered Past welcomes University of Alberta Associate Professor of Popular Music and Music Studies, Brian Fauteux to discuss the brief but explosive career of Ska trio Common Rider. Rob and Celine dig in on Brian's history with Ska before delving in to his scholarly research with streaming and it's impact on the music scene and music libraries. Then, the trio dig in on Common Rider's history from Jesse Michael's upbringing to his post-Op Ivy life to the unexpected success of CR and their varied and wonderful trio of albums.
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
Please don't go Checkered Past! All the other pods are just... well you know the rest! Rob, Celine and Joey do a track-by-track breakdown of highly influential and short-lived 90's Ska band, Suburban Rhythm! They discuss the bands dark temperament, abnormal approach to Ska and ahead-of-its-time sound. And of course, they talk about that Reel Big Fish song.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Editor: Joey Engineer: Joey
Hell yeah! It's time for Checkered Past to return to Less Than Jake to discuss the Sire years! To help out, Celine and Rob invite Caitlin of Bumsy and the Moochers to break down the albums Anthem, B is for B Sides and In With The Out Crowd. Before that, Caitlin discusses her start with ska in Disney Channel movies, becoming more serious in the pop punk scene before returning to ska and merging her two loves together. Than the trio discuss Less Than Jake's biggest break, their 15 minutes of fame and their wind down from major labels. Then after Celine leaves, Rob, Joey and Caitlin play around of the Pez game and answer discord questions!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
Can I get a little sweet pod in between my ears? Checkered Past takes a seat at the bar to shallow dive hard-touring dark ages Ska band, Bastard Suns! Rob, Celine and Engineer joey begin by picking it up where they left off including an update on Joey's stance on dirty guitars and his rivalry with Common Sense Kid. Then, the trio run through the Ska and Reggae tracks of Bastard Suns from their Sublime-influenced beginnings to their season-themed EPs to their more pirate-styled recent offerings. With Celine's aversion to manly punk rock and Joey's aversion to celtic folk, will this band be able to win them over? As long as you have a pint, tune in to find out!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Use my special link zen.ai/checkered and use checkered to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
All English ex-pat New Yorkers come hither! Checkered Past is digging in to the history of ground-breaking East Coast Ska band, The Toasters! For Part 1, Rob and Celine welcome returning guest, KMoy (Precure Album and Catbite). They catch up with Kenny on his tours, how life has changed since his last appearance and the magic of twitter. Then, the trio dig in on The Toasters 80's years from their humble beginnings in a New York comic store to their connection with Joe Jackson to the start of Moon Ska thanks to the folding of Celluloid Records. Come on EVERYONE to this East Side Beat!
Use my special link zen.ai/checkered and use checkered to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
Good Mourning to all you Checkerheads! Rob has mysteriously disappeared for this TromBonus so Celine and Engineer Joey take over hosting duties until a mysterious stranger interrupts with a set of deadly games! Will Celine and Joey be able to save Rob from his torment? Will Celine be able to stomach this much obscure trivia? Will Joey really care? Tune in to this extra-spooky episode to find out!
Use my special link zen.ai/checkered and use checkered to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Hosts: Celine and Joey (?) Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Checkered Past is podcasting like a mother-f'ing riot! It's finally time to discuss the legendary, enigmatic and controversially influential 90's Ska band, Sublime! Rob, Celine and Engineer Joey welcome back Hyperska Superstar Eichlers to break down the Brad Nowell years but first they catch up with Ike on his latest album, his hectic touring and what's coming down the pipe for new tunes in the future. Then, the foursome talk all things Sublime from their beach bum beginnings to their genre-mashing aesthetic to the tragic death of Bradley all while breaking down their fascinating and confounding discography.
Use my special link zen.ai/checkered and use checkered to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
You got me runnin' in a cyc-a-lone Checkerheads because Checkered Past is exploring the Ska and Ska-adjacentness of Big Beat band Dub Pistols! Rob, Celine and Joey do a shallow dive through the bands discography, their collaborations with Terry "Little Man" Hall and their proliferation on Playstation soundtracks. They also veer off to talk about EDM, lasers and Celine keeps talking about a band Rob has never heard of. Thanks to Craig on the Patreon for suggesting this week's TromBonus!
Hosts: Celine, Joey and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Use my special link zen.ai/checkered and use checkered to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Oi! Oi! Oi! Gather round skins, punks and rudies as Checkered Past discusses the history and catalogue of legendary skinhead Ska band, Inspecter 7! To help, they invite New Jersey, Ska-Punk trio Joker's Republic who start by discussing their new album, getting back on the road to tour and the New Jersey scene. Then, Rob, Engineer Joey and their guests go through Inspecter 7's history from their distaste of pop-ska, their stellar musicianship and their brief 2000's reunion. Snap on those boots and braces!
Hosts: Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
www.checkeredpast.ca www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
The burning question is finally answered... Is This Ska? Rob, Celine and Joey listen to a dozen pop songs and determine if they are Ska, Not Ska or Skadjacent. Since it's a Trombonus there is a miriad of detours from horror movies to the 501 to Chainsaw Man. Then, CP/SC gets through their list of 12 artists including Paris Hilton, Vampire Weekend, Ricky Martin and some shocking surprises.
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
The day has finally come to crown the absolute greatest Ska song of all time by punk superstars Rancid. Of course the only person CP/SC could think to help determine that is keyboard wizard (and former Rancid tourmate), Esteban Flores! Esteban regales Rob, Joey and Celine with his history with Ska, the fertile Ska scene in East L.A. and his keyboard heroes before running through the Semi-Finals and Finals of the Heptember bracket. After a white knuckle battle, the foursome play a Tim-inspired round of Skarmen Skandiego followed by some listener questions.
The final bracket is at www.challonge.com/heptember www.checkeredpast.ca www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
The Quarterfinals of Heptember have arrived! Checkered Past continues their monthlong celebration of all things Rancid and Ska to determine definitively, the greatest Rancid Ska song of all time! To help with the 4 matchups, Rob and Celine welcome Amy Gabba from Toronto's Amy Gabba and the Almost Famous. They talk about her Ska origin story, how the Canadian Ska scene has changed and getting to record with heroes before eliminating the tracks down to the final four. Then, they play a Lars-themed game of Skarmen Skandiego and top it off with a couple listener questions!
Follow the bracket at www.challonge.com/heptember
www.checkeredpast.ca www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
Hooligans! Rancid? Bootboys! Rancid? And everyone else is welcome as Checkered Past continues Heptember to determine the greatest Rancid Ska song of all time! In Round 2, CP/SC welcomes past guest and Ska-Punk musician Common Sense Kid to go through Rancid's early tracks and move the matchups to the Quarterfinals. CSK talks to Rob, Celine and Joey about his new album, his history with Rancid and all things England before going through 16 tracks and 8 eliminations. It's all topped off with a game of Skarmen Skandiego and some listener questions.
Follow the brackets at www.challonge.com/checkeredpast www.checkeredpast.ca www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
Evil's my friend but Checkered Past is my BEST friend, as Rob, Celine and Joey kick off Heptember 2022 in style! All September long, the CP/SC crew will be running through every Rancid Ska Song to determine which is the greatest of all time. Round 1 is all about the band's newer tracks from 2000 to the present (with some classic tracks thrown in to keep 'em guessing). It's a completely blind listen with no guests as the hosts recount their history with the band, the criteria for what they consider a great Rancid song and of course, do far too many impressions. Follow along at www.challonge.com/heptember
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
It's time for another CPSC semi-annual song bracket and this time it's all about Rancid! Before Heptember kicks off in full, Rob, Celine and Joey sit down and comb through as much of Rancid's spin-offs, side projects and non-Ska content as they can! You will hear music from The Transplants, Devil's Brigade, Tim Timebomb and more as Checkered Past digs deep on where Rancid came from, where they are and where they're going. Tune in all September long to see which Rancid Ska song will be crowned the best off all time!
www.challonge.com/heptember www.patreon.com/checkeredpast www.checkeredpast.ca
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Editor: Joey Engineer: Joey
Another patreon-exclusive episode unlocked for the summer! Engineer joey interviews Justin from western mass, Ska/Thrash band PWRUP! They share local scenes, influences and of course, all the gear talk you could possibly want!
This episode was originally released May 13, 2022 on The Checkerhead Patreon.
Host: Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Checkerboards are the colour of our energy as Checkered Past delves deep into the lore and history of jam/funk/hiphop/metal/reggae band 311! Rob, Celine and Joey go all the way to the beginning to discuss the band's humble beginnings, their rabid fandom and their relentless work ethic. All the while digging in on 311's massive musical output, their ska-adjacentness and their revolving door of hit-making producers. Grab a hacky-sack, a blunt and your favorite board shorts and listen in!
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
From behind the paywall, Engineer Joey interviews bedroom punk and hyperpop musician Oldphone about their newest EP Hey I'm Alive and It's Cool. They also talk about touring, collaborations and of course gear, gear, gear.
This episode was originally published on our Patreon on May 20th, 2022.
Host: Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
We're not happy until you ARE happy as Checkered Past continue their discussion of Ska megastars Reel Big Fish. To help, Rob and Celine welcome Devon Kay of Devon Kay and the Solutions to break down RBF's Jive years. First, they swap some tour stories, talk about the Solution's new album Grieving Expectations and twitch streaming. Then, they get into Reel Big Fish's more polarizing years from their upbeat horn pop to their internal breakdowns to their furious final mainstream record. They cap it all off by playing a round of Sophomore Slump and answering listener questions!
There was some audio interference during the recording of this episode so listeners may experience some sound quality issues and distortion.
Hosts: Celine and Rob Editor: Arianne Engineer: Joey
Go Man Go! There's hell Taipei as Rob and Engineer Joey break down the entire track list of Taiwanese Ska Punk band, Mary Bites Kerry from their 2017 album, Look Into the Future. Before that, they pick it up where they left off discussing bass guitars, glam and rodeos. Then they get into the 10 tracks of the album going through the bands combination of Euro-Ska and J-Ska with a distinct Taiwanese flavour. Grab your favourite bubble tea and some beef noodles and dig in!
This episode was suggested by Chris on our discord. Sign up at patreon.com/checkeredpast to suggest future TromBonuses.
Hosts: Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Checkered Past is the lesser of two weevils as they explore the history of the pride of Utah Ska, Stretch Armstrong! Or is that Stretsch Armstronng? Or the Stretch Band? However you spell it, Rob and Celine need some help so they bring along the online Ska godfather, RJ Phoenix of 23Min of Ska and On the Upbeat! First, RJ talks about R/Ska on Reddit, his history building Ska's online presence and what he believes the future may hold for the genre. Then, the trio dig in on the wild world of Stretch from their beginnings in the wake of Swim Herschel Swim, their circus/swing influences and their general disdain for being career musicians. This episode will make you drool!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Editor: Arianne Engineer: Joey www.checkeredpast.ca
Checkered Past takes a break from their regular TromBonus format to do a Canada Day special and highlight the part of Canada to be most proud of: the thriving Ska scene from 1990 to Present! Rob presents to Celine and Joey tracks from some of the genres forebearers to its Stomp heyday to some of the bands making waves today! Oh Skanada!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Editor: Joey Engineer: Joey
Work hard pod hard see you in the graveyard, Checkered Past is taking a rare trip to the modern day to discuss UK's Popes of Chillitown! To do as deep a dive on this elusive group as they can, Rob and Celine welcome Felipe Rosales of Flip and the Combined Effort. They dig in on Flip's Checkered Past, his new teacher-themed EP and discuss live band hip-hop before discussing all three albums of Popes. Finally, they play three different games and answer listener questions... cause there's no manners in Ireland!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
Go Psycho! Checkered Past heads to Australia to discuss Skabilly band, The Living End and do an album by album review of their Ska tracks. Celine takes the reigns on this episode as Rob and Joey take the co-host slots in discussing the Psychobilly genre, The Living End's genre evolution and how Ska fits into the picture. Its a Psychobilly Freakout!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
A message to you Checkerhead! Checkered Past finally gets their 2 Tone talking about one of the most influential Ska bands of all time, The Specials! To break down the bands classic era, Rob and Celine welcome Tim and Brit from modern Ska darlings, Catbite! They talk about their recent tours, their new album and the changes in the Ska scene post-pandemic before entering the Time Skachine. Then, the crew get down and dirty going through the Specials trio of 70's/80's albums deep diving on the roots of the 2 Tone Ska scene, the groups tumultuous internal conflicts and their controversial break up. It's all Time Skachine so buckle up for the ride!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
Thank God there are a hundred ways to kill enemies as Checkered Past blind listens to the Ska tracks of Japanese ragga-metal band Silence Iz Mine! After quickly picking it up where they left off, Rob, Celine and Joey go through the SiM's tracks from their early 00's metal influences to their stylistic whiplashes to their modern EDM textures. Every song is a wild journey so buckle up for the Rumbling!
This TromBonus' music was curated by Ersatz on the CP/SC discord! Sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast to suggest future TromBonuses!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International does a host takeover of Checkered Past to turn the tables on Rob and Celine and ask about the last 12 months of the podcast. Then, Engineer Joey is on hand as co-host to help break down the first 3 albums of international Ska superstars Ska-P from their working class roots to their arena-filling success. All the while, Chris inverts the podcast, plays games and asks embarrassing questions all to show the CP/SC crew what it's like from the other side of the table. Thanks to all Checkerheads young and old for the one year of silliness and Ska!
The full unedited episode is unlocked in both video and audio in celebration of the anniversary at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Chris and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
Ho ho the rattlin' pod as Checkered Past heads down to Mesa Town to see what the f' is goin' down! Rob and Joey break down the Ska tracks of Arizona skate-punk band Authority Zero from their triumphant major label debut to their modern independent releases. All the while they discuss their surf and sublime take on Ska, their penchant for acoustic live recordings and all those times they sang folk songs really fast.
Thanks to echub on the discord for the suggestion! Sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon to be able to suggest future TromBonuses at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
We can't wait to tell you about our new ep! Checkered Past welcomes Chris Ruckus of Pittsburg Skacore band Dissidente on the podcast to discuss influential Ska Punkers The Suicide Machines! First, Chris recounts his formative Ska years, the realities of going to shows as you age and the unfortunate realities of pay-to-play booking. Then, Rob, Engineer Joey and Chris go through the 90's era of The Suicide Machines from their snotty early years to their Hollywood Records deal to their Beatles-influenced self titled album. They cap it off with a game of Blank and the Blanks and Chris settles the debate of what exactly makes a dumpling.
For the entire unedited and uncut 2 hour episode sign up for the True Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
Throw back your favorite alcoholic beverage and pull a comb through whatever colored hair you have, cause Checkered Past is tackling swingsters Cherry Poppin' Daddies! On this TromBonus, Rob, Celine and Joey listen to the bands Skaboy JFK compilation front to back tackling their Ska tracks from 1990 to 2009. They discuss the bands whiplash stylistic choices, their top shelf musicianship and, of course, their still questionable band name.
For the full 60 minute episode uncut and unedited in both audio and video, sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Megababes rejoice: Checkered Past welcomes Diglo and Michi of indie-rock band Megawave! They talk to Rob and Celine about their friendship with the Ska community, their Ska origin stories and the various influences on their debut record Rainbow Heartache. Afterwards they all dig in on the tumultuous career of 2000's Ska pioneers, Streetlight Manifesto covering their original music, their antagonistic relationship with Victory Records and their current reputation in the Ska scene.
To get the entire episode uncut and unedited in Audio or Video form, sign up for the True Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast.
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
It is the debut episode of our first spin-off podcast, Gear In Your Bedroom with Engineer Joey! It's a podcast dedicated to the DIY musician: their songwriting process, their influences and, of course, their gear! It's a journey to learn more about how someone gets the idea to write music and brings it to completion with a finished product... but with that CP/SC sense of absurd humour! In the debut episode, Joey interviews Ska-Punk musician Common Sense Kid about his early days of writing music during the pandemic and where he is at now as a full fledged songwriter.
New episodes will be released every Friday EXCLUSIVELY in the True Checkerhead tier of our patreon! Subscribe at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast and also get discord access and full uncut episodes of Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast.
Host, Engineer, Editor: Joey
I'm gonna make this milky clear, Checkered Past is breaking down pop-punk bros Zebrahead! Rob, Celine and Joey break down every Zebrahead album going through all three of their phases starting with their funk-punk beginnings to their pop punk superstardom to their metal-influenced modern era. All the while, finding and dissecting the band's attempts at Ska, their workhorse mentality and their international appeal. What will Celine say about their prolific amounts of phallic humour? Tune in to find out!
Sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon to get the whole episode uncut and unedited at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Yipee Ki-yay Mother Skanker! Checkered Past welcomes Austin-based Skacore band Hans Gruber and the Die Hards on to discuss the pride of Connecticut Ska, Spring Heeled Jack USA! First, Rosie, Kurt and Chris discuss their Christian upbringings, the music scene of Connecticut and the origin of their song No No Bronto. Then they dive into SHJ USA from beginning to end and finish the episode with a game of Where in the World is Skarmen Skandiego and answer some listener questions!
Hans Gruber's new album With A Vengeance will be released May 3rd through Ska Punk International!
To get the complete episode uncut in audio or video format, sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Rob
Grab a pizza with pineapple and a fruity punch as Checkered Past explores the one-off Dill Records cult classic, Tantra Monsters! Rob and Engineer Joey blind listen to the complete album and comment on each song while also talking about what little they know about Hawaii, fast guitar playing and the 90's obsession with funk rock.
Sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon to get the complete unedited episode including Joey and Rob playing a game of Build-a-Band Workshop!
Hosts: Joey and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
All Our Best Friends Are Checkerheads! Checkered Past welcomes the Ska Daddy himself, Five Iron Frenzy vocalist Reese Roper on to the pod to continue their discussion of Less Than Jake! Before that, they talk about the early days Five Iron, Reese's journey as a vocalist and the Christian music scene. Then, Celine, Rob and Reese dig in on Hello Rockview, Less Than Jake's separation from the majors and their sole effort on Fat Wreck Chords.
For the full, uncut, unedited interview in video format, sign up for the Checkerhead Patreon at www.patreon.com/checkeredpast
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
Now that Madness March is over, it's time for the night to feel our pod with Canada's Ska-adjacent dynamic duo Bedouin Soundclash! Engineer Joey and Rob talk about the bands heyday on the radio, beach-bum reggae and the nature of the music industry in the mid 00's. If you want some chill-dude vibes this is the episode for you!
Hosts: Rob and Joey Editor: Joey Engineer: Joey
Madness March reaches its inevitable and satisfying conclusion! To ensure the absolute best Madness single is selected as the winner, Rob and Celine invite Mike Park of Skankin Pickle, Bruce Lee Band, The Chinkees and Asian Man Records. Mike rolls through his introduction to Ska, his relationship to Madness and his definitive 2Tone rankings. Then, the trio go through the semi-finals and finals of the bracket including 2 songs brought back for redemption! Afterwards, Engineer Joey hops on mic to play a game and answer listener questions. Its a jam packed 90 minutes! Follow the bracket at www.challonge.com/madnessmarch.
Hosts: Rob, Celine and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
It Must Be Love cause you came back for Round 3 of Madness March! On the penultimate episode, Celine and Rob are joined by Middagh Goodwin of This Is Ska Radio to break down 4 more matchups on the path to deciding the greatest Madness Single of all time. This round is based on the band's prolific videos that is guaranteed to have some silliness, at least one fez and perhaps a tiny saxophone. Middagh is also on hand to bring his robust of knowledge of Madness' singles, his history in the Ska community and give CP/SC heck for their past choices.
Follow along on the brackets at www.challonge.com/madnessmarch
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
My name... is Michael Caine. At least that what YOU will be saying after you finish your midlife crisis with Round 2 of Madness March! Laptop Ska-Punker Common Sense Kid (aka Craig from Frome) joins Rob and Celine to advance 8 more matchups and offer his UK perspective to give legitimacy to the proceedings! He talks about Madness as a mainstream band, his Ska origin story and the UK Ska-Punk scene of the early 00's before giving Checkered Past the gears for their initial eliminations.
How many more upsets will there be? Follow the brackets at www.challonge.com/madnessmarch!
Stay tuned for a brand new CP/SC Patreon coming very soon!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
Madness March continues for the last half of Round 1 on Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast! Celine, Rob and Engineer Joey continue to blind listen to 16 more Madness singles in head-to-head matchups and decide the winner based on their initial impressions! Will the most popular singles make it through or will some dark horses make an upset? Stay tuned all month long to see how the bracket continues and follow along at www.challonge.com/madnessmarch
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Editor: Joey Engineer: Joey
Checkered Past is doing the unthinkable... pitting 32 songs of legendary Two Tone Ska band, Madness against each other to see which is the greatest of all time! In this first episode, Celine, Rob and Joey go through the first 8 matchups to help narrow the down the field. The theme is simply first impressions and as to be expected, there are several upsets! Tune back in all month as the tournament advances!
Follow the bracket at challonge.com/madnessmarch
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
It's time for Maximum Fun as Checkered Past welcomes podcast phenom, Jordan Morris of Jordan Jesse Go and Bubble to chat about Less Than Jake! Jordan discusses with Celine and Rob his Ska origin story as well as his thoughts on the Mighty Mighty Bosstones break-up and Less Than Jake's foray into NFTs. Then, the trio delve into LTJ canon with their college town beginnings, extreme work ethic and eventual rise to the majors. At the end, they play a round of C-O-L-L-E-C-T and answer some listener questions!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Arianne Editor: Arianne
Should you stay or should you go? Definitely stay and listen to this episode of Checkered Past! Rob, Celine and Joey talk about Joey's recent COVID adventure, Celine's accent work and their upcoming projects while shallow diving into the Ska-adjacent world of The Clash. They explore the heavy dub influences, the extravagancy of their 80s years and the concept of good-but-kind-of-boring. Checkered Past can't fail!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Arianne Editor: Joey
This pod has energy, the kind we think you really need! Checkered Past return to St. Louis to finish the history of Indie-Ska superstars, Mu330! Andrew from Flying Raccoon Suit returns and this time brings along his bandmate, Jessica to gab with Celine and Rob about their bands origins, their future and the validity of melodicas. After, they discuss the final 3 albums of Mu330 including their controversial holiday album, their critically acclaimed final album and their relative inactivity in the past 2 decades. Plus: a rousing game of What's My Worth Again? that Rob definitely kept score on. It's a great day to adopt a hiway!
Hosts: Celine + Rob Editor: Arianne Engineer: Joey
If this was Jeopardy, it would be called potpourri! Rob, Celine and Joey listen to the Ska dalliances of MC Lars, Shiloh, The Neverland Pirate Band and Weird Al Yankovic. All the while sprinkling in bits of trivia, whether the Ska actually works and mid '00s Canadian Pop-Punk. Bonus track from Joey featuring his band's attempt at Ska!
Madness March is open! Head over to www.challonge.com/madnessmarch to pick your favorite Madness singles of all time and get ready for the March festivities!f
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
Grab your banjo, your grass and your organic protein bars 'cause Checkered Past is digging in on Santa Monica Ska-Punks, Mad Caddies! For the journey they bring along Ben from Saskatchewan Ska flag-bearers, Minivandal. The trio discuss CanCon, the nature of Ska in the Prairies and fusing multiple genres together. After, they dig in on the early years of the 'Caddies including their granola lifestyles, their loyalty to Fat Mike and their ground-breaking incorporation of Dixieland Jazz. It's all capped with a round of the Vans-ity Label Game. Hope you like trumpets!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Editor: Arianne
All these podcasts are gold, only Checkered Past breaks the mold! On this TromBonus, Celine, Joey and Rob run down the Ska tracks of 90's movie soundtrack mainstays, Smash Mouth! They talk about the Guy Fieri conundrum, the mozza-stick energy of their first album and ask once and for all: "is Smash Mouth good?" They finish it all off with a beach-themed edition of Build-a-Band Workshop. By the end, maybe YOU will be a believer!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Editor: Joey
There's more than one way to pickle your Ska! On the latest Checkered Past, Celine and Rob chat with New Tone and Laptop Ska wunderkind, Kenny Malloy aka KMoy! The two talk about New York, Listmania and the joys of Newgrounds before diving into the brief but fascinating discography of Ska-Rockers, Slow Gherkin! They discuss the band's juvenile origins, their ground-breaking heyday and their unfortunate demise. Plus: a very un-ska edition of Big Five! It's long but it's strong! Welcome to 2022!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne
Ollie, grind, flip, grab and manual your way to the newest episode of Checkered Past! On this TromBonus, Celine, Rob and Engineer Joey shallow dive into the Ska tracks of Swedish Skate-Punks, Millencolin! Plus they discuss Baldos, The Matrix and Disco Elysium before playing a skate-themed edition of Build-a-Band Workshop! You don't have to be 13 years old to enjoy this one!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Producer: Joey
If you've never heard Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast before, this is your entry point! We reflect on our first year of podcasting and play 15 different clips curating from 25 episodes to give you a glimpse as to what makes our podcast special. You will hear us at our best, our worst and our funniest! It's a fun 2+ hour ride with Rob, Celine and Engineer Joey!
We want to thank all the Checkerheads out there for your support and look forward to another awesome year in 2022!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Rob and Joey Producer: Rob
It wouldn't be a music podcast if Checkered Past didn't talk about all they're favourite songs of 2021! And that's favourite with a U! Celine, Rob, Engineer Joey and Producer Arianne submit 15 of their most played songs of the year! It's not all Ska either: there's Pop, Hip-Hop, Metal, Punk, Indie and everything in between! No segments, no bits, just 60 minutes of chat and tunes! Put some headphones on and enjoy!
Hosts: Celine, Rob, Joey and Arianne Producer: Joey Engineer: Joey
Go Feet Go! Buffalo, NY Soul/Ska group The Abruptors join Celine and Rob to discuss the entire discography of the rotating super group Bruce Lee Band! Mike and Toni discuss the Canadiana of Buffalo, how they want to represent their local scene and tell the story of how they connected with Asian Man Records. Then, the Time Skachine runs through every single iteration and release of BLB including the connections to Less Than Jake, Rx Bandits, Bomb the Music Industry, The Chinkees and Mu330! The Jeff Rosenstock and Mike Park Metaverses continue to expand!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne
Bring your grinchiest grin and humbuggiest humor to the first annual Checkered Past Skaliday Skanktacular! Celine, Rob and Joey lament on their past retail endeavors, bizarre temporary employees and why they are generally miserable around the holidays. Then, Rob and Joey swap holiday-themed Ska songs with classic Celine Color Commentary and they ask whether you are #TeamRob or #TeamCeline. Stay to the end for a big announcement!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Producer: Joey Engineer: Joey
Celine and Rob welcome Eric Daino of the Ska-Punkers, The Holophonics to enter the Jeff Rosenstock metaverse by going through the first third of the history of Bomb The Music Industry! Eric discusses his cross-country history, his DIY philosophy as well as Jeff's influence and work ethic. Then, the trio go through the first 3 releases of BTMI! and the groups bizarre live shows, anarchic sound and legacy of bedroom punk and ska. Plus, a quote unquote brand new game entitled: THE EXCLAMATION POINT GAME!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Producer: Arianne Engineer: Joey
It's a very special TromBonus episode! Celine and Rob interview Alex, Patrick and Matt from The Planet Smashers live from the Stomp 26 Anniversary Show in Edmonton! Interspersed, the Checkered Past crew (including Engineer Joey) talk about the show itself, how the interview came about and what they remember about that night. Be warned! The interview contains some intoxicated anarchy!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Producer: Joey Engineer: Joey
Hi! (Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast edition). Rob and Celine welcome the HyperSka Superstar, Eichlers on the podcast to go through the Ska years of No Doubt! Eich gets into his Ska roots, sets the record straight on Hyperpop and talks about his social media dominance before diving deep on the biggest selling Ska band of all time, No Doubt! All bets are off and it is the most pun heavy episode yet! PLUS: The debut of the new game, Jennifer Skarner and, yes, its just as obtuse as it sounds!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne
Nurse your Halloween Hangover with Checkered Past as Celine, Joey and Rob go track by track through the complete Ska of Oingo Boingo! They chat about Danny Elfman, performance art and burlesque shows before hunkering down for an 80's-themed Build a Band Workshop! Plus: the CP/SC gang listen to some new music submissions by listeners! Thanks Checkerheads and keep 'em coming!
Hosts: Celine, Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Producer: Joey
Rudies, Punks and Nerds unite! Checkered Past welcomes Bex of New Jersey-based Ska Punkers, Backyard Superheroes to truly go way back and cover Rocksteady icons, The Techniques! Bex talks about all things Garden State, the value of authenticity in their music and all the ways the modern Ska scene is a bastion of inclusivity. Afterwards, they get in deep with Techniques; a jaw dropping tale of voodoo spliffs, Rasputin-style invincibility and general Orange Street hooliganism.
Plus: A visit from the Technical Difficulties Fairy... there is some unobtrusive audio fidelity issues in the second half of the episode.
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Rob
Things are about to get irie... no, I mean EERIE on the newest Checkered Past TromBonus! It's all things spooky and kooky as Celine, Rob and Engineer Joey tackle Halloween traditions, scary movies and new music before doing a Spooky Ska Song draft! Plus a monstrous edition of Build a Band Workshop!
It's Dead Man's Chestered Past: The Ska'd Cast of Amontillado!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Joey
Is this another episode of Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast? I think it is! Chris Reeves of Ska Punk International joins Celine and Rob to begin a long term series on the deep history of the incredible Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. They discuss bringing international Ska into North America, DIY tactics and the modern state of the culture. PLUS: a scintillating and not at all complicated game of The Shipping Blues. This super-sized episode cannot be missed!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne
It may be Raining Tacos but Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast is still here to deliver a brand new TromBonus! Rob interviews Engineer Joey on his history with Ska before diving into new music, exploring the Checkered Past of YouTube celebrity Parry Gripp and having a quick Skarrection. PLUS: Engineer Joey turns the tables on Rob with a new game entitled: Build a Band Workshop!
Hosts: Rob and Joey Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne
Hit a Question Block and grab a Super Leaf! Andrew and Kerley from Flying Raccoon Suit join Celine and Rob to discuss the first 3 albums of seminal Indie/Ska group Mu330! They discuss genre melding, the state of modern Ska and Punk-Rock Sting before playing a rousing game of 1337AF. Is musician truly a dirty word? Can anyone convince Celine that Fishbone is good? WAS there a saxophone? Tune Me Out to find out!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Joey
It's Ska Redemption! Checkered Past goes through every single Bite Me Bambi song while Rob and Celine reminisce about their first episodes, the growth they've experienced as podcasters and the improvement of the tone and format. Plus, Engineer Joey hops on mic to talk about the news, new music and ask how someone would introduce a classic rock radio listener to Ska.
Hosts: Celine and Rob Producer: Joey Engineer: Joey
Checkered Past tackles one of the biggest groups to ever grace the radio in the Summer of Ska, Reel Big Fish! Rob and Celine welcome Dillan and Levi from Ska-Punk band The Third Rates to tackle RBF's first 3 albums and their lasting influence. While they are at it, they swap show stories, talk about creating a band during a pandemic and how social media helped get the word out about their music! Grab your favorite fried cheese snack and dig in!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne
It's Checkered Past's first ever mini episode that they are dubbing: TromBonus! (pronounced like Trombone... get it?) Celine and Rob discuss recent Ska news, music they are listening to and RuPaul's Drag Race before going through every Ska track that the Offspring has put out! At the end they debut their new segment, the Ska-rrections Department, where listeners and artists fact check Rob on his research abilities! It's loose. It's silly. It's Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Joey Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
Tell me baby what wrong have I done you and why are you not listening to Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast? Rob and Celine welcome Sam Thompson of the award-winning Winnipeg podcast Witchpolice Radio to discuss JFK and the Conspirators! They chat about the fertile Manitoba ska scene of the 90s/00s, the legitimacy of Beatles worship and the charm of the Canadian Prairies. Plus the debut of a new game: Boots, Bugs and Bruh We Ain't Got No Label!
Plus: The return of the technical difficulties fairy! You may experience some minor changes in the sound quality through the episode
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
It's the first ever Checkered Past to feature a guest! Rob and Celine invite Eric McKnight of Edmonton-based Metal bands Messiahlator and Languid to discuss the incredibly influential Operation Ivy! Eric brings his fresh perspective on how a Ska band can inspire him to start a band, do it all yourself and buck authority. They also take a detour at the end to discuss the Take Warning compilation and play a few games!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
Do you have Ska Fever? Well, the only antidote... is Skankin' Pickle! On this episode Celine and Rob discuss the entire history of the California originals from their garage beginnings in the Bay Area to their breakup just as Ska was about to go mainstream. They also take detours to discuss AAPI hate, Ice T vs. Ice Cube and Rob's dump truck ass.
PLUS: The return of Where in the World is Skarmen Skandiego!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
The End is Here... For Five Iron Frenzy episodes that is! It's Part 2 of our two-part exploration of those firebrand Christian Ska heavyweights! Celine and Rob tackle the bands initial break up, exploration of musical styles and blockbuster success on Kickstarter. There is also sidebars about CCM, castratos and some truly naughty words.
PLUS: A bonus visit from the technical difficulties fairy! This episode has it all!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
It's Our Newest Episode Ever! Checkered Past travels down to Denver, Colorado to begin it's two part exploration of Christian Ska titans, Five Iron Frenzy! Part 1 covers the Ska-est years from Upbeats to All the Hype with the hosts talking about their own upbringing in a Catholic town, how the band shaped their opinions on Christians and dissecting the group's shockingly relevant lyrics. It's extra long but also extra good!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
For episode 5, Checkered Past covers the biggest charting modern Ska band, The Interrupters! They cover the twinning origins of the band's songwriters, the pressure of being the standard bearers for a maligned genre and, yes, THAT controversy. Amidst the puns and jokes, Celine and Rob get into the nature of art vs. artist and what we should expect from the bands we listen to. It might be a more serious episode then normal, but you do get a sweet Mike Ness joke in the middle!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
Checkered Past travels to Indiana to talk about the hard touring, collegiate weirdos, Johnny Socko! Celine and Rob run through their entire history covering their challenging discography, their brief flirtation with success and their devil-may-care ethos. 90's sexism, rural satire and post-modernism all get dissected in the best Ska'd Cast yet! Plus, the debut of everyone's new favorite segment: Where in the World is Skarmen Skandiego! Cows!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
In this episode of Checkered Past, Celine and Rob finish their discussion on Canadian Ska Royalty, The Planet Smashers! In Part 2 the hosts cover the album Mighty all the way to the present stopping along the way to chat about the rise of Stomp Records as an indie label powerhouse! There's also talk about Tiki, Rockabilly and whether or not The Hippopotamus is the greatest Planet Smashers song of all time!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
In this episode of Checkered Past, Celine and Rob tap into their roots to begin their two part exploration of Canadian Ska Legends, The Planet Smashers! In Part 1 they cover the years 1992 to 2001 covering the bands early days in Montreal to the formation of DIY label Stomp Records up to their blockbuster records at the start of the new millennium. Come for the ska talk; stay for the dumb banter.
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
It's the debut episode of Checkered Past: The Ska'd Cast! In the inaugural episode, Celine and Rob dive into Save Ferris' career from their formation in Orange County to their complicated break-up to their triumphant return... with a little detour to discuss the spin-off project Starpool. Smashing the patriarchy! Swing in Ska! Bear hats? This episode has it all!
Hosts: Celine and Rob Engineer: Joey Producer: Arianne Theme Song: OaO by Mad Bomber Society
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.