The English Beat

“The 80’s were the best 3 years of my life” said DaveWakeling, front man for the The English Beat.  The band was in town last Tuesday night at Knuckleheads, the crunchy roadhouse biker bar and blues venue about 10 feet away from the railroad tracks in the East Bottoms of Kansas City.  Riding the wave of the Ska revival in the late 70’s and early 80’s, The English Beat put out three albums and had a string of top 40 hits in the UK before breaking up in 1983, but not before touring the US with the likes of the Police, REM, Talking Heads, and David Bowie.  A few of their songs became staples of college radio, plus you might remember the March of the Swivelheads – yes, that instrumental that accompanies Ferris Buehler as he sprints his way home through neighborhood backyards.  Wakeling is the only original member of the group these days, but he and his band mates brought their distinctive sound and energy to a packed house.  The barn-like acoustics of this roadhouse really didn’t matter.  Wakeling’s voice still shines and the quirky hooks of each song had the crowd dancing for nearly two solid hours.  His constant smile and interaction with the crowd showed he really wanted to be there.  What’s amazing is that these guys have been touring since 2003.  This after the third Ska wave in the late 90’s died out (remember the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish, or No Doubt?).  Instead of a fourth wave, I’d say this band is on a wave all their own.  Those not familiar with Ska should know this genre originated in Jamaica in the mid 1950’s and started as a blend of calypso, American jazz and blues, then morphed into Reggae in the early 60’s by you know who.  The last album by The English Beat, Special Beat Service, would be a great place to start, if you don’t have it already.

Looking back, I’d say our concert attendance this year has been dismal in terms of number of shows.  “Busy with work” seems like a lame excuse when considering the great acts that came to town – BB King, Adrian Belew, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pat Matheny come to mind.  I may have to write about shows from last year, like Steely Dan, Return to Forever, and Zappa plays Zappa.  Or maybe I’ll do the other two shows from this year, Mike Doughty and the Scissor Sisters.