Why Is Two-Tone Ska Rock Popular on Retro Radio?

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The discussion centers around the Ska genre, which originated in the late 1970s in Coventry, England, and has recently gained attention on retro FM radio. The genre is characterized by its fast beats and a blend of reggae and punk influences. Key artists mentioned include The Specials, known for their politically charged music, and other bands like Selector and Madness, which contributed to the Ska sound. The conversation highlights personal connections to the music, with nostalgia for its impact during adolescence and reflections on its political context in the UK at the time. The influence of Ska is noted in various artists, including Manu Chao, who incorporates similar rhythms. The distinction between Ska and reggae is acknowledged, emphasizing Ska's more upbeat tempo. The discussion also touches on the passing of notable figures in the genre, such as Terry Hall and Steve Harwell, while celebrating the enduring appeal of Ska music.
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Just hearing alot of this genre on retro FM radio. This genre originated In the late 1970's in Coventry, England. The local dj on this station , Top News Radio 93.5 FM is a Brit.
 
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morrobay said:
Just hearing alot of this genre on retro FM radio. This genre originated In the late 1970's in Coventry, England. The local dj on this station , Top News Radio 93.5 FM is a Brit.

Specials, the soundtrack of my adolescence 1979-81

I could speak an awful lot on this but I will be sparse and post intermittently.

Probably a lot altogether though!

This was my favourite, great snare sound, sinister chords.

Rat Race

 
love that fast beat. Here's the only one that got air playtime back then that I remember, very popular then.
 
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difalcojr said:
love that fast beat. Here's the only one that got air playtime back then that I remember, very popular then.

Glad you jumped in! To me this was more political than musical so I was turned off.
Late 70s in the inner city UK was not political. It was just violent.
 
Wanted more of that style back then but did not hear much more of it, maybe I just missed it.
Here's only other one I know that fits that Ska beat, I think. Lead singer RIP 2023, Steve Harwell. 2009 concert.
 
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. Indeed an interesting Genre. First time actually aware of it
 
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Ska was described as "dance music" and for a short time there was a "dance craze" 1980 ish

This video sums it up.

 
difalcojr said:
Wanted more of that style back then but did not hear much more of it, maybe I just missed it.
Here's only other one I know that fits that Ska beat, I think. Lead singer RIP 2023, Steve Harwell. 2009 concert.

That is fast! Loved the guitar intro.
 
 
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Selector

 
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Madness

 
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Looked for more of that fast 2-beat Ska-type sound in other bands. Police, no. Elvis Costello, no. Found this old, 1967 one by Cream that is close, I think. Wiki says Ska was the mix of reggae and punk styles. I liked it.
 
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Sadly, Terry Hall passed in 2022 but The Specials kept producing good music. Consider this from 2019. There's also a studio version but this live performance is edgy.



Don't shoot the messenger, but don't be overly thankful either!
 
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If you wanna go to the roots I recommend "Manu Chao". There's no punk influence but the Ska rhythm is unmistakably there and it's pretty cool with a nice ethnic touch.
 
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Classic Jamaican Ska.
 
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You know, I've had that Specials' "Gangster" song going through my mind now since you first posted it over a month ago! :smile: It's that good, thanks! I find myself counting beats, one, two, one, two, ...

The Manu Chao that @sbrothy recommended has a different sound but similar beat too, I agree. Here's a couple, first a faster beat, the second slower and video is pretty cool.


 
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TAX day in U.S. tomorrow. Here's some advice. :smile:

And, for Canada, April 30.
 
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Is that a vox teardrop?"

 
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pinball1970 said:
Is that a vox teardrop?"
No idea.
Dawn Penn has a nice sounding voice on song above.
Favorite song on favorite old reggae album.
 
  • #23
Indeed the difference between reggae and ska while subtle is evident here. With ska more up tempo.
Screenshot_2024-04-30-08-22-55-570_com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.jpg
 

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