Info

The Uptones' story is almost too unbelievable to be true. In the early 80's when the pop music scene was truly exploding everywhere, a bunch of Berkeley High School students known as The Uptones became the biggest local Bay Area thing. I attended many of their shows back then. They were awesome. But their youth and their affection for ska doomed their noble effort.

Unbelievably, three pivotal members of the band stayed together and kept playing music until the band reformed. Now they are becoming the biggest local Bay Area thing again, some 25 years later! I have attended many of their recent shows. They are awesome.

Three original members (Eric Din, Paul Jackson, Ben Eastwood) and I have worked together on other projects for many years. So when they told me they were going to re-form The Uptones, I was thrilled. So along with an Uptones alumni (Adam Beach) and four new recruits (Moose Lethridge, Jeanne Geiger, Tim Carter, Scott Bertand) they started playing shows again as The Uptones. "Skankin' Foolz Unite" is the result.

Now The Uptones' experience and their affection for ska should empower their noble effort, and I see them reaching new heights in the near future.

I hope you enjoy the recording as much as I enjoyed making it.

- Matthew King Kaufman

Track Listing

  1. Skanking Fool
  2. Get Out Of My Way
  3. Bonnie and Clyde
  4. Ridiculous
  5. Bad Men of Bodie
  6. Not From Here
  7. Radiation Boy
  8. Book of Rules
  9. Emilie
  10. East of the Pond
  11. It Takes Money
  12. Burning Sky
  13. Too Much Pressure
  14. Pick It Up
  15. Bested By Pelicans

Credits

produced by Matthew King Kaufman + Michael Rosen
engineered by Michael Rosen
mastered by Ken Lee @ Ken Lee Mastering
recorded at Fantasy Studios + Skyline Studios
assistance Brian Villanueva

dog illustration by Jesse Michaels
skanking figures by Shannon Wheeler
design and layout by Michael Valladeras + Flashing Neon
photography by Pat Johnson

Eric Din - Vocals, Guitar
The Rev. Paul Jackson - Vocals, Organ, Keyboards
Moose - Vocals, Guitar
Bennie Wood - Bass Guitar
Tim Carter - Drums
Jeanne Geiger - Trombone, Vocals
Adam Beach - Tenor Saxophone, Reeds
Scott Bertrand - Trumpet, Plunger

More Stuff

The Uptones website

The Uptones on muzic

The Uptones on Myspace