The English Beat
Two-tone torchbearers the English Beat released three legendary albums of proletariat ska-pop before disbanding in 1983 and splintering into Fine Young Cannibals and General Public. The latter featured singer-songwriter Dave Wakeling, who heads up the modern-day reincarnation of the English Beat. (Absent are Jamaican “toaster” Ranking Roger and everybody else.) Specials guitarist Lynval Golding recently joined the hard-touring group, allowing the ensemble to play Specials songs in addition to Wakeling’s deep catalog of ska, pop, soul, reggae, calypso and punk.
Video of “Save It for Later” from Special Beat Service (Sire):
