Go Jimmy Go - Hawaiian Ska

When you think Hawaiian music scene, it's hard to get the image of an extremely obese Israel Kamakawiwo'ole out of your head; his giant belly rolls enveloping his comparatively smaller ukulele like an ocean of saturated fat. But the Islands actually have a ton to offer beside hula and Go Jimmy Go is one of those golden acts that have yet to really hit the main land despite being around for over a decade. Boasting a style that includes a little reggae, ska, and rocksteady '70s soul infused with some Pacific flavor this is definitely something worth checking out for summer driving music.

The band has been around since 1996 where they met as house musicians at a club near the University of Hawaii. The slower tempo is a throwback to the early days of Jamaican ska and sounds more like a backing band for Rick James than the horn-rock you'd see at Warped Tour – or as I call it, "The Emotastic J-High Festival".

What sets the band apart from other ska acts is not only the unique voice that Jason "Bison" Freidman brings to the mic, but their propensity to play originals rather than crazy covers. While this may be the reason they haven't blown up with radio play like other ska acts, it also means they have more class than to cover a Lil Wayne song just to sell some records. Looking at you Framing Hanley, you no-talent ass clowns.

The album that I'm playing on repeat right now is their 2003 release, Soul Arrival. Stand out tracks include the 60s "Good To You", the my-girlfriend-threw-me-out ballad "Bang the Skillet", and funk-ska combo "In Between Times" that borrows the chorus melody from one-hit-wonder King Floyd's "Groove Me". UH, oooh sookie sookie naw.

It was sunny here in Chicago on Thursday and I threw this one on the car stereo – didn't even notice that I sat in traffic for over an hour and a half. Well, I mean, I noticed. But I didn't care. As much.

More info - website; myspace

Go Jimmy Go - "Push Me Out"