The Toasters

For many people, ska died in the late '90s, around the time it graced the opening credits of the Daisy Fuentes-hosted incarnation of America's Funniest Home Videos. Fortunately, not everybody got the message. Arguably responsible for popularizing Two-Tone ska in the U.S., third-wave originators The Toasters have been plying their brand of infectious, up-tempo, horn-fueled exhilaration for almost a quarter of a century. During that time, band founder Robert "Bucket" Hingley has been at the helm of ska-centric labels Moon Ska and Megalith, making him a true galvanizing force. But 25 or so years of continuous operation will take their toll on any band's lineup, and The Toasters are no exception. Bucket is the only original Toaster to be found on 2007's One More Bullet, but the 21st-century version of the band clearly carries the Two-Tone torch. Besides, even if Bucket were performing solo, with nary a horn in sight, he'd still be The Toasters. That's excuse enough to break out those checkered creepers and brush up on your skanking technique.