When it comes to music history, a lot of people seem to forget how influential the UK ska scene was for music that came out after the 1980s. Sure, the movement of ska seemed to stay stagnant in the early part of the 1990s after a great success in what is now known as the "Two-Tone" movement. However, music fans will look back at the records that game out of the era, as some of the cornerstones of their growth as music lovers. If you haven't sat down to listen to any music from the second major wave of ska, then consider the following 3 essential records for your skanking pleasure.
The English Beat put out a great pop ska record in 1980, and in these modern times you can pick it up expanded and remastered. "Just Can't Stop" doesn't really fit the genre at times, but it certainly puts rhythm ahead of all other frequencies as you get 12 songs of pure British music. From the opening sounds of "Mirror in the Bathroom" to the last track, you feel as though you are taken for a ride through a different time and space.
The Selecter went out of their way to put together one of the better records of the genre and fronted by a female. Female fronted bands in this genre didn't make the biggest splash until the mid 1990s, but it was definitely staring to buzz with The Selecter. The band put out "Too Much Pressure" and really knocked down the doors of what was previously a boys club.
The first record to really usher in the genre was definitely Madness' "One Step Beyond" which featured all the rhythms that came from Jamaican reggae music, with the British power pop that was starting to take over throughout the late 1970s late night radio broadcasts. While it took a little bit to get moving, this record of great importance is the stepping-stone that all acts in the genre used as inspiration to break through to the mainstream, even if it took a little while.
From the above 3 essential two tone records, the music grew to an all new level, and it is still felt today on rock radio stations the world over. If you haven't really put these jamming records on in a long time, go back and look for them as they sound as great as they ever did, and they will bring back that funky, groovy sound that made the British ska movement so special.