Hello! Sorry I am late, but welcome to this edition of Musical Moondays. This version is about the ska revival of the late 70s early 1980's in the UK right around the time punk rock was also taking off. This was known as the two tone ska movement. There are a lot of misconceptions about what two tone means, but it's where all the modern ska revival tradition comes from, including checker patterns and black and white suits.
Really what two tone means is a beautiful statement regarding racial unity, meaning black and white people playing ska together while being inspired by the ska of old. This was culminated and partly inspired by Rock Against Racism.
Rock Against Racism (RAR) was a campaign set up in the United Kingdom in 1976 as a response to an increase in racial conflict and the growth of white nationalist groups such as the National Front. The campaign involved pop, rock and reggae musicians staging concerts with an anti-racist theme, in order to discourage young people from embracing racist views. The campaign was founded, in part, as a response to statements and activities by well-known rock musicians that were widely regarded as racist.[1]
So without further ado, let's get started!
Sine this is a political site, and though all ska groups are not political, probably the best two tone ska group is the Specials precisely because they are.
This one we can all relate to, as we are always being told we have to condition ourselves for the rat race. Take that to mean what you will.
And one of the best most hilarious songs ever:
A song about my way of life, more my sleeping habits:
Ok, enough Specials. Now my other favorite as I love these two bands so much, I can't pick. Bad Manners.
And of course this haunting tune by the English Beat and others.
Ranking Full Stop!
And of course the Selecter!
And now for the title reference: because of this movement bans like the Toasters formed and continue this tradition to this day.
Enjoy!