Voodoo and living souls

A band that is known for having rerecorded Spanish vocals for a separate release of its ’95 full-length Firme, Voodoo Glow Skulls continues on as one of the last of what used to be a slew of bands that were clumped into the “ska-punk” genre back in the ’90s. However, there was never really anything ska about their sound. They are better described as a Latin-punk blend with upbeat tendencies. The band is currently in the process of recording its ninth full-length album, the first in three years. VGS plays with the Snobs and Sexrat this Sunday, December 12, 8 p.m. Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Boulevard; www.voodooglowskulls.com.

Also this past decade, in 1999, when several Red Hot Chili Peppers fans were creating something red hot of their own by starting a bonfire and inciting riotlike behavior during the last Woodstock, funk/jazz trio Soulive came to existence in the same New York town. The band has worked extensively over the years with stars such as Dave Matthews, John Scofield, Talib Kweli and even Chaka Khan. On September 14, the group released a superb Beatles cover album entitled Rubber Soulive, which does a fantastic job at twisting out jazz alterations without corrupting the original feel of the songs. Soulive plays this Tuesday, December 14, 10 p.m., $12. Harlow’s, 2708 J Street; www.soulive.com.