Tony Alva – Opal Book Club

Tony Alva and Jay Adams are names synonymous with modern skateboarding. E. Blake Davis’ song about these fearless boarding pioneers is about as irreverent and off the wall as they were. Opal Book Club is one rockin’ trio and they drop in on this track like urethane wheels on a fresh dry southern California pool. This is an instant classic and I’m glad it was picked to be on the first MP3 Jackpot compilation.

Penetrating Love Ray – Sex 4 Moderns

This Berkeley band’s guitar rock song about projecting direct love feelings really rocks my world. This track has great musicianship, compelling songwriting, and a raw edginess that I recommend. Thanks in advance.

Radiation Boy – The Uptones

Here’s an insightful rumination on the state of our backyards by one powerhouse of a ska band. This song is the BOMB!! The lyrics are scary but true, and will aid in your character development. I’ve also heard that the singer is very cute.

Check out a live video

Read the lyrics

Piñata – Critical Mass feat. The Lazy American

An instant classic, this ebullient party track has all that a bunch of kids or grown up kids could ask for. West Coast ska fans are familiar with Critical Mass’ amazing live show, but few are prepared for this brilliant slab of casiotone-inspired latin ska candy.

P.M.F. – Black Pole

Bloody timeless track from east bay champs of the 90’s thrash funk era, Black Pole. They do say “punk motherfucker” quite a lot so yeah, parental advisory or whatever. This band was truly amazing live, and this track was recorded live in the studio. That’s right, no pro-tools tomfoolery, kidz, this went down, just as you hear it. Was really glad Matthew picked this for the first MP3 Jackpot comp. Enjoy.