Sublime

Jah Won't Play The Bills Sublime

Sublime is an American band from Long Beach, California that plays a mix of ska, punk, and reggae. Formed in 1988, the band's original lineup consisted of Bradley Nowell (vocals and guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums). Lou Dog, Nowell's dalmatian, was the mascot of the band. Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996, resulting in the band's breakup. Every young developing band has a demo tape. That one demo that launches them to success. The tape that somehow lands into the hands of a producer and is immediately recognized as pure genius. For Sublime, this demo tape was called “Jah Won't Pay the Bills”. Luckily for them, jah would soon be paying their bills. Sublime was the band that pioneered mixing elements of rock and reggae into their music. This was a unique sound at the time and obviously opened the eyes of record companies. Listen to the opening track "DJs", for example. The drums and bass during are pure talent, leading up to the catchy chorus.