Let’s have some Ska to get the weekend started! Always energetic and entertaining, The English Beat delivered their third studio album Special Beat Service (SP-70032, 1982) with popular party music mix of Ska, Two-tone, and Dance. Special Beat Service spawned three hits (“I Confess”, “Jeanette”, and “Save it for Later”) and many memorable songs; my favorites being “Sole Salvation”, “Sorry”, and the lyrically almost-indiscernible reggae tune “Pato and Roger A Go Talk”. Special Beat Service is a fun listen for a Friday afternoon with a pleasant mix of styles and variety of upbeat compositions.
Unfortunately, this was The English Beat’s last studio album of new music; they released a few additional singles before they disbanded in 1983. Variants of the group have reunited over the years for live shows with the group The English Beat starring Dave Wakeling (an original member) recording and touring since 2018.
If you can flex this sunny Friday afternoon, take a listen to The English Beat, Special Beat Service for a positive start to your weekend.
Happy Listening!
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The next Love the Music Record Show is this Sunday 4/23, held bi-monthly, the 4th Sunday of the Month, 10am-3pm, @Rosensteel Hall, 9707 Rosensteel Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (2 blocks from the Forest Glen Metro Station, Red Line).
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