In their role as consummate outsiders, the band has turned down major record deals and have opted instead to run down their own track where, with the help of collaborators such as Joe Jackson, they have recorded over 15 albums and DVDs as well as countless videos, singles, EPs, and compilation tracks. Their music has appeared in film and on television. They have penned film-scores and themes for kids’ programming on Nickelodeon. They have recorded jingles for AOL, Miller, Cisco Systems, Michelob, and Coca-Cola amongst others.
However, it is on the road that the band has carved out their reputation and will surpass, at some juncture in 2007 the milestone of 4,500 live concerts performed throughout the world. They have been dubbed “Pioneers of Ska” (by Billboard) the “ Miles Davis of Ska and the “Ramones of Ska” alike. Tour plans for 2007 include 7 weeks in Europe (with go Jimmy Go) starting on February 1st, followed by 6 weeks in the USA with the Briggs starting in April. The band will participate in this year’s Warped Tour from July 18th until August 12th. A west coast tour is planned for the fall as well as more European dates, including England, in November
The band has had more line-up changes than the average band hot dinners, however this has only served to make them stronger and has translated into a monster set of substitutes that would make even Manchester United jealous. The band is currently going out as (the power) 5-piece: Bucket, band founder and major songwriter, is on guitar and vocals, Duckie is on drums, Jahson Nwagbaraocha is on bass and chats, Jeff Richey on sax and Greg Robinson is on the t-bone. Expect to see some special guests and familiar faces on this upcoming tour! This line-up is currently in the studio in Valencia (Spain) laying down tracks and the One More Bullet will be out early in 2007 on Stomp Records in North America and Megalith, Leech and MoonSka World labels in Europe. A Japanese release will appear on Diskunion and on Radiola records in Brazil.
The band is currently sponsored by the following partners: Jagermeister, Sam Ash, Draven Shoes, SKA Brewing Company, Modern Action Shirts, and Eastpak
Naked City
The Toasters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life ain't pretty at all
We want to have fun but the clubs are shitty
You know were having a ball
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
Life ain't pretty at all
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
Havin' a ball!
In the naked city!
Well the music's alright in the naked city
CB's is the place to play
And if you think this beat is dead, then man that's a pity
Look at the kids today
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
Life ain't pretty at all
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
You know were having a ball
Havin' a ball!
In the naked city!
Well there's an awful lot of bands in the naked city
And we're just one of them
And there's an awful lot of bars in the naked city
And we've been thrown out of every one of them
There's a lot of ways to dance in the naked city
But tonight there's just one, SKA! SKA! SKA! SKA!
Well there's an awful lot of cops in the naked city
But never when you really need one
And they'll slap you on the hand in the naked city
But only if you're trying to have fun
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
Life ain't pretty at all
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
You know were having a ball
Havin' a ball!
The naked city!
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
Life ain't pretty at all
We're trying to have fun but the clubs are shitty
You know were having a ball
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
Life ain't pretty at all
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
You know were having a ball
Havin' a ball!
Havin' a ball!
Havin' a ball!
In the naked city!
Naked city!
The Toasters' "Naked City" is a song that speaks to the gritty reality of life in New York City, particularly in the 1980s when the city was experiencing a period of economic decline and high crime rates. The lyrics highlight the challenges of finding entertainment in the city, with the clubs being described as "shitty." However, despite the difficulties, the song's chorus emphasizes the resilience of New Yorkers and their ability to have a good time no matter what.
The song's reference to CBGB, a now-defunct club in New York City that was instrumental in the development of punk rock and new wave music, is particularly significant. The club was known for its gritty atmosphere and DIY ethos, which aligned with the anti-establishment sentiments of the music being performed. By mentioning CBGB, The Toasters position themselves as part of the underground music scene in New York City and align themselves with the rebellious spirit of punk and ska music.
The song's repeated refrain of "havin' a ball" underscores the importance of finding joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. The Toasters encourage listeners to embrace the chaos of urban life and enjoy themselves despite the challenges. Overall, "Naked City" is a celebration of the vibrant, if sometimes unforgiving, urban landscape of New York City.
Line by Line Meaning
Life ain't pretty in the naked city
Living in the city is not easy or beautiful
Life ain't pretty at all
Life in general isn't ideal or perfect
We want to have fun but the clubs are shitty
We are looking for enjoyable nightlife experiences, but the clubs in the city are disappointing
You know were having a ball
Despite the challenges, we are still enjoying ourselves
Well the music's alright in the naked city
There are good music venues in the city, such as CB's
CB's is the place to play
CB's is a well-known music venue in the city
And if you think this beat is dead, then man that's a pity
If you believe that this music style is outdated or unpopular, then you are missing out
Look at the kids today
Young people today appreciate this music and style
Well there's an awful lot of bands in the naked city
There are many bands playing in the city
And we're just one of them
The Toasters is only one of the many bands playing in the city
And there's an awful lot of bars in the naked city
There are many bars and nightlife options in the city
And we've been thrown out of every one of them
The band has been kicked out of all of the bars in the city
There's a lot of ways to dance in the naked city
There are various dance styles popular in the city
But tonight there's just one, SKA! SKA! SKA! SKA!
Tonight, everyone is dancing to the upbeat and energetic style of ska music
Well there's an awful lot of cops in the naked city
There are many police officers present in the city
But never when you really need one
Despite their presence, it can be difficult to find a police officer when you need one
And they'll slap you on the hand in the naked city
The police may give you a warning or minor punishment if you are causing trouble
But only if you're trying to have fun
However, this punishment usually only happens if you are doing something harmless and fun
Havin' a ball!
We are having a great time!
The naked city!
Referring to the wild and unfiltered nature of the city
Contributed by Anna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.