This Are Two Tone album cover
This Are Two Tone

Various Artists

1983
Two-Tone Records

If you want a solid overview of the 1980s ska revival, there’s no better place to start than this label compilation from the record company that have the movement its nickname. 2 Tone was (for a time anyway) the home of the Specials, Madness, the Bodysnatchers, and the Beat (a.k.a. the English Beat), all of whom are represented here — though the Specials contribute disproportionately. It’s the Beat who steal the show, though, with a spritely rendition of Smoky Robinson’s “Tears of a Clown” and their own joyful “Rankin’ Full Stop.” The Swingin’ Cats were never heard from again.

Rick Anderson

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