Fri
Dec
14
The Slackers
The Snails, The Mahlors

The Slackers are a classic American band that is equal parts grit and grace. Their slow rise against the odds is a story in perseverance and a belief in their musical vision, what Vic likes to call, "Jamaican Rock N Roll." While they have been influenced, and even personally taught by Jamaican ska/reggae originators, like the Skatalites and the Upsetters (Original backing band for the Wailers), the band sees its music as an extension of the traditions of the United States. This band is equally appreciative of old blues, country, 60s soul, rock, and Rnb as it is of reggae, rocksteady, dub, and Ska. It is as if the Rolling Stones or the Yardbirds had grown up on Bob Marley as well as Muddy Waters.
Smashing the stereotypes of "ska" as happy,uptempo, and shallow music, the Slackers play with an aggressive edge and their songs veer in themes from the personal to the political. They can out jam any hippie band and outwrite most singer songwriters. From their 1996 release, Better Late Than Never through to 2010 with The Great Rocksteady Swindle, they have established themselves as America's premiere interpreters and innovators of Jamaican music and a pretty good rock band to boot.
It's hard to definitively nail down a genre when asked what style of music is that of The Snails, but their goals and passion come from a clear love of the music that has influenced them as a band. From the music of The Clash, early ska, and old reggae favorites like Toots and the Maytals comes The Snails' motivation to keep authentic music around, that is, emotional music which carries a genuine message to its listeners. Their influences are extremely important in keeping their music and goals alive. The band's lyrics are written by Todd Fausnacht whose inspiration clearly originates from personal experiences, political and social controversies, and the wisdom of Joe Strummer. At a Snails show, it's easy to feel the elements of punk, ska, rockabilly, reggae, 50's rock and roll, and even a dash of old-time country folk music making it effortless to break out in skanking, moshing, and 50's swing and twist. However you want to move, the feel-good, and not to mention educational, tunes will get you going, and standing still is not an option. "Ska and soul with a side of rock and roll!" is what The Snails always say.
Who’s Going
Upcoming Events
North Star Bar
-
Thu, May 23
Honah Lee, Ballroom Spies
-
Fri, May 24
Big Terrible (Record Release Show)
-
Sat, May 25
The Retinas
-
Mon, May 27
Quizzo with Johnny Goodtimes
-
Mon, May 27
City Rain
-
Tue, May 28
Dayseam / Tijon / Victoria Watts
-
Wed, May 29
Filligar, The 4onthefloor
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Thu, May 30
Andrew Whitman
-
Fri, May 31
Luke Elliot
-
Sat, June 1
Flightschool
Ticketfly
The Slackers with The Snails, The Mahlors
Friday, December 14 · 8:00PM at North Star Bar