That's it! That's exactly what I've been looking for! All this time cut off from the land of the living!
I consider the 2-Tone movement of the 1980's to be part of my musical heritage. My history. My music. My noise! I managed to pick up the companion LP to Dance Craze, basically a film made for, all about and jam packed with 2-Tone. I had literally forgotten what this stuff does, and it changes my life every time. Live Ska is a gift from Heaven above, my lifeblood and my saviour. I mean, one you accept Suggs as your lord...
I can't even remember when I really started listening to Ska. It was that long ago...maybe about 15 year back? You know, dribs and drabs every so often, I'd seek out this incredible...thing, basically so I could shout and jump around because I was a hyperactive little shit. The real moment came when I was about 8, and Suggs presented a radio programme on BBC Radio 2, all about the origins of this wonderful stuff. I was swept up by the first wave. First Wave Ska is brilliant. It's incredible and full of movement and energy and dynamic &c &c. The only thing is it's a little slow in comparison these days, but not worth any less.
However, the real deal for me isn't even the first steps into the 4th Wave (I do love Streetlight Manifesto though), with their tight horn sections and catchy hooks. No sir. Not quite the best. My heart will always belong to the 2nd wave, to the Rudies and Skinheads of the 2nd wave, 2-Tone.
I'll never forget reading in the Leicester Mercury about Laurel Aitken's death, you know? This is the guy who basically brought Ska to this island with a little brown suitcase full of records. Not only that, but he was a damn fine musician as well, still playing packed-out shows until sadly, ill health got the better of him, and ultimately lead to his death. Where were you when JFK died? Princess Diana? No? Definitely one of those moments. Sat in Aunt Lil's front room, sat on the floor next to the table, suddenly happening upon the obituary page. Man.
Anyway. I put my record on. And the switch flicked in my head. Again. This is the greatest music I have ever heard. Like, ever. No take backsies. I would throw it all in in a heartbeat to play this stuff for real. I don't care. No, I do care! Dance and shout and sing at the top of your voice. Sleep all day, it's the (DU DU DA DA DA!) only way. I love Ska. Bish bash bosh. This is my music, it gives me back to myself after everything that happens. I'm off to town in a bit to meet up with The Drum, but I shall trawl the charity shops for more Ska because after all, one half of me is black, and the other half is white. And we're together again.
Now go away and listen to Nite Klub, and Monkey Man, and Night Boat to Cairo and Lip Up Fatty and anything else by anyone else. Just do it. Don't regret it. What is life without regrets? More importantly, what is life without Ska? Disaster.
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