Photo by Jackie Butler Retna Ltd.
The English Beat, in their original 1978-1983 run, were the only ska revivalists who sounded like they lived in the Britain that punk was raging through. The Dave Wakeling/Ranking Roger-fronted octet had Brit-ska’s wiriest grooves, full of heartbeat bass and guitars that simultaneously jangled and slashed. “Mirror in the Bathroom” was paranoia set to a mirror ball skank; “Tears of a Clown” was Motown for police raids; and “Save It for Later” was the Velvet Underground seasoned with jerk spice. Singer/guitarist/songwriter Wakeling still fronts the lineup playing Austin’s first purpose-built movie palace on the anniversary of Elvis’ death. – Tim Stegall
