My guest on this episode of the Ska Boom podcast  is Aaron Carnes, the author of the forthcoming ska book "In Defense of Ska" that will be published in May of 2021 by Clash Books. Aaron's book asks the important question: "Why doesn’t ska get its due as a rich, diverse genre the way punk, metal, hip-hop and electronic music does?" Or more to the point, why are ska fans so embarrassed of this music they love? In a mix of interviews, essays, personal stories, historical snapshots, obscure anecdotes, and think pieces, "In Defense of Ska" dissects, analyzes and celebrates ska, and challenges ska-haters’ prejudices to the core.As first time book authors of ska books, Aaron and I compare notes on the book writing process and I ask him about some of the specific essays and anecdotes he writes about including 1). how the mainstream media loves to out celebrities who have a ska past, 2). Aaron's love of Skankin' Pickle, 3). the story of 80s Portland ska band The Crazy 8's experience performing on the Ed McMahon hosted show Star Search and finally, why he thinks Annette Funicello ("Jamaica Ska") and Millie Small ("My Bpy Lollipop") ruined ska.Aaron has created a Spotify playlist from band's featured in his book.  You can stream it here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices