Peanuts In My Pocket

Welcome back to Top Ten Tuesdays, where each week I dive into my personal top 10s across music, film, books, and more. This week’s entry is extra special, because we’re talking about my all-time favorite band: Sublime.

I remember the first time I heard them like it was yesterday. Back in 1996, shortly after their self-titled album was released, my wife picked it up at the store. I’ll admit, I was immediately put off by the bold, tattoo-covered album art. But she insisted I give it a listen. She slipped on the headphones and hit play.

That first song? “Santeria.” The moment it hit my ears, I was hooked. It was raw, melodic, strange, and completely original, unlike anything I had heard before. While she used the CD as her rollerblading soundtrack, I dove deep into the Sublime catalog, discovering a band that blended ska, reggae, punk, hip-hop, and California soul into something truly their own.

Now, nearly three decades later, Sublime is still part of my daily life. It’s rare that a day goes by without one of their songs playing in the background. The playlist I’m sharing here, my personal top ten, gets regular rotation at least once a month. And now, you can give it a spin too.

Drop your favorite Sublime songs in the comments; I’d love to hear what tracks speak to you.

🔥 My Top 10 Sublime Songs

1. “5446 That’s My Number / Ball and Chain” – A mashup of Toots & the Maytals and original groove. Ska at its best.
2. “Doin’ Time” – Smooth and smoky with that iconic Gershwin sample. Summer vibes all day.
3. “Santeria” – A perfect mix of melody, heartbreak, and chill. The gateway song.
4. “Garden Grove” – A hazy, layered intro track that sets a laid-back tone with lyrical edge.
5. “Don’t Push” – Ska-punk energy meets street philosophy. Early Sublime with raw power.
6. “S.T.P.” – Short, punchy, and rebellious. The punk roots shine through.
7. “Boss D.J.” – Mellow, soulful, and beautifully simple. A cover that sounds like it’s all theirs.
8. “Hope” – A Bad Brains cover turned Sublime anthem. High energy and big heart.
9. “Burritos” – Quirky, funny, and totally relatable. Real-life stoner storytelling at its finest.
10. “Pawn Shop” – Funky, dubby, and hypnotic. A perfect closer to any Sublime playlist.

Bonus Track: “April 29, 1992” – If you lived in the Los Angeles area during the riots, you know.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: Top Ten Sublime Songs