The Slackers

It could have just been the time and the place. It could have been all that fluoride in the water. But the ’90s was a magical decade (at first) for ska, and the era of New York City-based Moon Ska records (1983-2000) was its apex. And while the Moon Ska roster is impressive by any standard, one band has always stood out: The Slackers.

The Slackers were — are — the epitome of what third-wave ska should be: jazz, soul, reggae, dub, and a little garage rock thrown in the mix to even out the levels. This isn’t punk music, but it’s music appreciated by punks, notably because of its ties to ska’s second wave in the form of The Specials, English Beat and Madness, to name a few.

It takes an extreme amount of talent to have it both ways — to be direct enough to catch the ears of the ruffians in the pit and soothe the souls of those in the market for a martini, dancing and a good time. The Slackers — formed in New York and signed to the East Village-based label founded by Robert Hingley of The Toasters — excel at both and have straddled this line for 30 years.

Their collective musical output extends well beyond the band itself, owing to numerous side gigs. (Hello, Reggae Workers of the World, David Hillyard & The Rocksteady Seven and Stubborn All-Stars, to name just a few.) Singer and keyboardist Vic Ruggiero performs solo at times and has guested on several records for the Operation Ivy offshoot better known as the Clash-channeling, mohawk-sporting California punkers Rancid.

The Slackers themselves are pure, unadulterated ska in the best way possible, and are in no way responsible for the ska-like clown music that chased their wake without ever having their skill or personality. The Slackers today retain the admiration of generations of punks while they pull in new fans from other corners of the culture.

The Slackers perform with The Interrupters, Big D and the Kids Table, and Radkey, 8pm Tuesday November 7 at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale. theslackers.com ~ Tim Moffatt