Friday Night Record Party : English Beat: Special Beat Service

English Beat: Special Beat Service

1982

IRS Records

Format I Own it on: Vinyl and Compact Disc

Track Listing: 1. I Confess 2. Jeanette 3. Sorry 4. Sole Salvation 5. Spar Wid Me 6. Rotating Head 7. Save It for Later 8. She's Going 9. Pato and Roger a Go Talk 10. Sugar and Stress 11. End of the Party 12. Ackee 1-2-3 CD Bonus Tracks: 13. What's Your Best Thing 14. March Of The Swivel Heads 15. Cool Entertainer 16. A Go Talk (Tappy Luppy Dub)

"Alright. John McLaughlin punk/ska/record-dork round-table discussion for today. Is 'Special Beat Service' a brilliant comeback and perfect swan song or a commercial sellout? Discuss."

"The English Beat make a total comeback from the morass of "Wha'ppen?" "Special Beat Service" is one of the greatest 80's albums ever. As soon as the album kicks off with "I Confess" you know they're back on track. Such a great, sophisticated, uplifting slice of catchy reggae soul-pop. Every song is an effervescent, infectious treat. E=MC2!"

"I disagree. Total sell-out, dude. Go back and listen to 'I Just Can't Stop It.' They don't come close to that original energy. And 'Wha'ppen?" at least took some chances. They play it safe. For MTV. Total sellout."

"Next question! Best song on 'Special Beat Service.' I say it's 'Save It For Later.' Which isn't only the band's best track, but the single greatest song of the 80's. Perhaps even overtaking 'Mirror in the Bathroom' as the band's signature song. A timeless confection so perfect that the band broke up rather than having to face topping it. Your opinion, Albert Einstein?"

"I agree. A rare example of an absolutely perfect single. I heard there's this random middle-aged guy on Earth named Jamin that listened to it no less than 10 million times. Although, I think we have to give props to the two Ranking Roger toasting tracks 'Pato and Roger a Go Talk' and 'Spar Wid Me.' Even folks who aren't into toasting will get into these due to the band's skill at turning everything they touch into sprightly pop."

"Don't over look 'Ackee 1-2-.3' You cannot play that song and not realize that life is great. Life is beautiful. Life is fleeting. Enjoy every moment. Do a conga dance around your apartment! Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-DA!"

"Yes, yes. 'Ackee 1-2-3.' Great choice. Great choice. Jesus Christ?!"

"Rotating Head.' Cos it was on Ferris Bueller. Awesome flick."

"Well. I think the consensus here seems to be that 'Special Beat Service' is right up there with the band's debut in terms of sheer greatness. Is it different? Sure. The punk edge is mostly gone at this point, but what they lose in brute force they gain in shimmering hookiness. The best 80's pop/new wave album? Could be...Could be...Next question. How soon is too soon?"

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Back in the land of the living:

(Suddenly feels a supernatural chill in the air.)

( RIP: John McLaughlin. PBS will seem meaningless without you...

Except "Check Please Arizona." That show rules. The only show where the clothes wear the host...