no, its never been a popular movement. At least, not in 10 - 15 years. But if you look hard, the small scale is still there.

I myself wouldn't know what their scene is... seems US, but sounds are deceiving too... like my spelling.

and the comment about little liking of it in the UK sort of surprises me. Not in the means of stereotypes or some shit... just empty pockets where knowledge should be sitting.
Obviously not inclined too much with ska like I should be .
omg ware am i ??/

I love hardcore-ska bands like Leftover Crack (used to be called choking victim), IN-DK, Against All Authority, and Morning Glory. Those type of ska bands I love.

Too many punk bands are labled as ska at the moment, its so annoying, decent ska bands get a bad name. There is so much difference between punk and ska but so many bands are between punk and ska and i dont really like them too much to be honest. Anyhow i agree ska music is so happy its great when your feeling down just stick in a ska cd/mp3 and your feeling better in no time. Good stuff.

I couldnt have put it better myself. When people give me recommendations i always ask "are they more punk or more ska?" and if the answers punk, then leave it alone!

And i need to take issue with the "happiest music" thing. Listen to the lyrics of alot of ska songs, and theyre pretty sad, or at least pretty realistic and bleak. Even Reel Big Fish have songs like "beer" and "i'll never be" which are all about pointlessness. Two Tone had it, with "mirror in the bathroom" by the beat, or "ghost town" by the specials, or think of "i want my city back" by Bosstones. Sad, or at least realistic sentiments. And thats probably one of the best things about ska, only working class people can understand that.

If they played the same out stuff all the time, ie happy stuff then they would suck, every band needs variety. even ska can be unhappy

Yeah, i would say that the aformentioned influence was probably the theme for most ska though. I dont know many ska songs about owning ferrari's and having loads of money or wanting to, and no ska songs about emo-style physcological depression, and thats another great thing about ska. No shit.

reminds me of the white version of spanish music ..

Yeah, thats a real fine simplification. Really good job Nikkie. Have you actually heard of Jamaica?