Ten Essential Songs: The (English) Beat

The Beat, known stateside as the English Beat to avoid confusion with some power-pop group no one remembers, was the most propulsive, edgy, and danceable band of the '79-'80 Two-Tone ska movement. As a result, they were overshadowed in the US by the Madness and the Specials, although Beat members would go on to form the more successful but less exciting General Public and Fine Young Cannibals. Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger (1963-2019) formed one of the best vocal duos in rock history, rough one moment, smooth the next, fiery one moment, soulful the next. Later Beat tracks like "Save It For Later" featured as much pop as ska, but were still awesome.

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