#24: The English Beat

There are some sad things known to man, but not too much sadder than the tears of a clown when there's no one around

After another day off the countdown returns with The English Beat, or as they're known across the pond, The Beat

Wiki Says: The Beat (known in North America as The English Beat) are a 2 Tone ska revival band founded in England in 1978.[1] Their songs fuse ska, pop, soul, reggae and punk rock, and their lyrics deal with themes of love, unity and sociopolitical topics.

The Beat released three albums: I Just Can't Stop It (1980), Wha'ppen? (1981) and Special Beat Service (1982), and a string of singles, including "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Too Nice To Talk To", "Can't Get Used To Losing You", "Hands off She's Mine" and "All Out To Get You".

Discovery: I Just Can't Stop It (1980)
Wha'ppen? (1981)
Special Beat Service (1982)

Favorite Songs: 10. Mirror In the Bathroom
9. Click Click
8. Whine and Grine/Stand Down Margaret
7. Save It For Later
6. Best Friend
5. Hands Off...She's Mine
4. Rankin' Full Stop
3. Sole Salvation
2. Twist And Crawl
1. Tears of a Clown (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles cover)

Years Active: 1978-1983, 2003, 2005-Present

Seen Live: 3 Times
January 2009 (Baltimore, MD)
July 2009 (Sayerville, NJ)
February 2010 (Baltimore, MD)

The English Beat are pretty good recorded. Live they're simply great. Of the three times I've seen them, they headlined two and played for over two hours both times. They're songs sound faster and more fun live too. I might be seeing them again in like 2 weeks in DC. Make sure you watch the first video at least.

Up Next: Even more Canadians!