Music has always played a large part in the world of skateboarding. Whether it’s in a skate video, a competition, a skate shop, or just playing in the background during a session, music is infused in just about every aspect. Growing up, I remember finding out about just as many new bands/songs from skate videos as I did from the radio, television, or magazines. (Two of my favorites being Plan B – “Second Hand Smoke” and Toy Machine – “Welcome To Hell”…but that’s a list for a different time.) The music forms a connection to not only the sport of skateboarding, but also to the feeling, the freedom, and the culture it represents. Might as well make a list!
So here, in no particular order, are my top 10 skateboarding songs of all time:
1. “Institutionalized” – Suicidal Tendencies
You have to include these guys in any skateboarding music list or it just doesn’t count. “Possessed to Skate” would have worked here too, but I just like this song a little better.
2. “93 ‘til Infinity” – Souls of Mischief
Arguably, the single best skate song of all time.
3. “California Uber Alles” – Dead Kennedys
Their very first single…
4. “So What’cha Want” – Beastie Boys
It was a coin toss between this one and “Sabotage.” Take your pick.
5. “I Against I” – Bad Brains
One of the only bands who can successfully pull off combining punk, reggae, funk, and metal.
6. “Ace of Spades” – Motorhead
One of the oldest songs on this list…and still relevant.
7. “Skate and Destroy” – The Faction
Skating legend Steve Caballero is also one heck of a musician.
8. “Los Angeles” – Frank Black
I guess I could have used a Pixies song here, but it would be too hard to pick just one…
9. “Bloodstains” – Agent Orange
Perfect for any slams/bails segment…
10. “Flava In Ya Ear” – Craig Mack
That beat…and without Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/etc. showing up on yet another Bad Boy track…although he did manage to pop up on the remix…
So there you have it. I know I left out some good ones and probably dated myself a bit, but it’s hard to narrow it down to just ten. So what are some of yours?
Many of these songs can be found in “Half-Pipe”, one of Mood Media’s core program offerings.
– Submitted by David Sheyda, Music Design