Hell of a Hat: The Rise of '90s Ska and Swing

In the late ’90s, third—wave ska broke across the American alternative music scene like a tsunami. In sweaty clubs across the nation, kids danced themselves dehydrated to the peppy rhythms and punchy horns of bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Reel Big Fish. As ska caught fire, a swing revival brought even more sharp—dressed, brass—packing bands to national attention. Hell of a Hat dives deep into this unique musical moment.

Prior to invading the Billboard charts and MTV, ska thrive...