Click the Zap button on the right to hear what I'm talking about!The multi-racial band carved a distinct sound through the use of alternating lead vocals by guitarist Dave Wakeling and punk-toaster/rapper Ranking Roger, supported by a tight band consisting of Andy Cox (guitar), Dave Steel (bass), and Everett Moreton (drums). The addition of 50-year-old saxophonist Saxa, who originally played with Prince Buster and Desmond Dekker, gave the band credibility and fleshed out its sound.
Four albums and a never-ending tour from Hell later, the Beat imploded and mutated into platinum pop as the "Fine Young Cannibals" and "General Public".
from "Stand Down Margaret" - a tribute to the hawkish Prime Minister:
i said i see no joy
i see only sorry
i see no chance of your bright new tomorrow
so stand down Margaret
stand down please
stand down Margaret
Learn more about ska's Jamaican roots here.
music ska englishbeat dancehall reggae
ska/ reggae....ranking roger and roland gift of fine young cannibals from birmingham, both featured on filmaker pogus caesar's virtual oom gallery. roger is seen singing 'mirror in the bathroom' on the {film section} and roland's photo on the {exhibition section}. this is a good site and really easy to use.
Posted by: karen at April 17, 2005 2:51 PM
Hi Karen, the link to Pogus Caesar gallery was rewarding. I've known about Pogus for years as he used to produce and direct shows for TV. You probably don't realise that Caesar has a lot of footage of Ranking Roger and a host of other musicans remaking a version of 'Mirror In The Bathroom' and he also filmed The Specials last concert in Birmingham. I'm not sure what's happened with the films, maybe he can't clear the music? Still Caesar has a great exhibition musicans on his site.
Posted by: jane at May 10, 2005 8:52 AM