The Uptones

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The Uptones were the first band devoted to playing ska on the West Coast of the United States.

The band was formed in 1981 in Berkeley, California while the members were still in high school. The Uptones Live at Gilman Street album bridged the gap between 2 Tone and third wave ska. A San Francisco Chronicle music critic wrote^[1]:

“

Along with Operation Ivy, the Uptones formed the core of the Berkeley ska-punk scene that paved the way for the likes of Rancid. A hard-edged, upbeat band that would have been huge if it hadn't been years ahead of its time.

”

In 2007, The Uptones completed recording for a new CD called Skankin' Foolz Unite! — with producers Matthew King Kaufman and Michael Rosen for the Fun Fun Fun Recordings label.

On March 23, 2008, the Uptones were featured in a cover story in the San Francisco Chronicle Datebook, written by Joel Selvin.