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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the popularity of two-tone ska rock on retro radio, particularly focusing on its origins in the late 1970s in Coventry, England. Participants share personal experiences, favorite songs, and reflections on the genre's cultural significance, as well as its evolution and influence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note the resurgence of two-tone ska on retro FM radio, attributing its origins to Coventry in the late 1970s.
  • Several contributors express nostalgia for the genre, with mentions of specific bands like The Specials and personal connections to the music during their adolescence.
  • There are differing views on the political nature of ska music, with one participant suggesting it was more political than musical, while another recalls a more violent context in the inner city UK during that time.
  • Some participants express a desire for more ska music during the late 1970s, indicating they felt limited exposure to the genre.
  • References to other musical influences and bands are made, with some participants exploring connections between ska and other genres, such as reggae and punk.
  • One participant highlights the difference between reggae and ska, noting the tempo variations between the two styles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a mix of personal anecdotes and differing opinions regarding the genre's significance and characteristics. There is no clear consensus on the political implications of ska or its broader cultural impact, indicating multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various songs and artists, but there are no definitive conclusions drawn about the genre's popularity or its cultural significance. The discussion includes personal interpretations and experiences that may not align with established narratives.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in music history, particularly the evolution of ska and its cultural context, may find this discussion engaging. Additionally, those with a nostalgic connection to the late 1970s music scene could benefit from the shared experiences and insights.

Point Conception
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Just hearing a lot 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 a lot 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

 
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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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  • #12
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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  • #13
 
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  • #14
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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  • #15
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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  • #17
Classic Jamaican Ska.
 
  • #18
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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  • #19
TAX day in U.S. tomorrow. Here's some advice. :smile:

And, for Canada, April 30.
 
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  • #20
Is that a vox teardrop?"

 
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  • #21
 
  • #22
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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