Mike Park helped revolutionize the DIY spirit of punk via activism efforts like Plea for Peace, inspiring other Asian American artists, mail order, his unorthodox unofficial handling of deals, and helping bands grow rather than increase his income. The label became more of just a haven for misfits of punk and ska, but also helped launch the careers of Less Than Jake, Alkaline Trio, Joyce Manor and others. As beloved indie label Asian Man Records celebrates its 30-year anniversary, here are the top 10 albums the label has released.
10. “Pezcore” by Less Than Jake
The album that started it all (originally on the Park-ran Dill Records) the album is instrumental in Asian Man’s ascension and the beginning of Less ThanJake becoming one of the biggest bands in the scene.
9.”A Guided Tour Of Chicago” by Lawrence Arms
Asian Man alums from ska and punk acts Slapstick and Broadway, the Lawrence Arms debut is a great introduction to the raw, midwest style punk that would define the band for its career.
8. “Knife Man” by AJJ
The folk/ indie-punk outfit AJJ’s style of smart, stripped down songs perfectly fit on a label known for taking chances on acts.
7.”Shed Some Skin” by Slow Gherkin
Sleeping on Slow Gherkin is a shame, since the band really pushes what ska is on “Shed Some Skin” and beyond with more jazz influence that made sense in the song’s structures.
6. Matt Skiba and Kevin Seconds split
The simplicity of Matt Skiba’s songwriting is part of its genius, and this split with the front man of hard core legends 7 Seconds, is his best solo work. Kevin Seconds’ stripped down songs show a different side outside of 7 Seconds melodic hard core.
5.”Crab Ragoon” by MU330
Outside of Mike Park’s acts, this may be the most Asian Man Records sounding record. Catchy ska, that is at times serious and at times fun.
4.”Get Better” by Lemuria
The best indie rock and emo record in Asian Man Records history is the brain child of Buffalo’s Sheena Ozella and Alex Kerns. “Get Better” was a great glimpse of Lemuria; a band that should’ve blown up.
3.”Bruce Lee Band” by Bruce Lee Band
The Bruce Lee Band is a revolving door of Asian Man alumni, but the heart of the band is Mike Park. The ska punk act tackled topics like racism, and unity in a way that helped define the entire label.
2.”Sing Along With Skankin’ Pickle” by Skankin’ Pickle
Skankin’ Pickle became underground ska legends from its live show, savvy social commentary, and its punk ethos.
1.”The Alkaline Trio” by Alkaline Trio
A compilation record of singles as well as a tracks that would appear on Alkaline Trio’s revered debut “Goddammit,” “The Alkaline Trio” is just as good if not better than some of the band’s proper full length albums. “The Alkaline Trio” showcases the early origins of Alkaline Trio’s punk rock story; a storied songwriting legacy of dark pop-punk and Jawbreaker drenched emo.
By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of emo and pop-punk, Mike Damante’s book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features exclusive interviews with the blink-182, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Less Than Jake, Taking Back Sunday, Descendents, and others.
Fans of ska, Order Hey Ska-Burbia by Mike Damante and H.E Creative