THE BEAT (THE ENGLISH BEAT)
Genres: Dub, Ska, Reggae, Pop, Art Song, Folk • United Kingdom

Animated ska revivalists who scored five Top Ten pop hits in their native U.K. from 1979 through 1983. Birmingham, England's the Beat were one of the earliest and most important ska revivalist groups of the late '70s and early '80s. The multiracial band carved out a distinct sound through the use of alternating lead vocals by guitarist Dave Wakeling and punk toaster/singer Ranking Roger, supported by a tight band that consisted of guitarist Andy Cox, bassist David Steele, and drummer Everett Moreton. The addition of Saxa, an elder saxophonist who'd previously played with Prince Buster and Desmond Dekker, gave the band credibility and fleshed out their sound. A high standing was secured with their early singles, several of which were Top Ten U.K. pop hits. In North America, where they were known as the English Beat (to avoid confusion with Paul Collins' the Beat), their videos were frequently played on read more...