He looked like a nervous wreck! His body was shaking all over the place and every time he introduced an act his microphone was stuck at 45 degrees, pointing forward...
Would you care to elaborate what you mean by this statement?
I should maybe resist the urge to write instant and possibly flippant remarks at speed without thinking too much while actually watching the early evening TOTP, but I will try and explain, although I won't pretend to be enormously knowledgeable about 2-Tone, so will just say it how I've always understood it.
Here goes LGof7;
2-Tone refers to skin colour, both black and white. The chequered black and white pattern used by the genre is I think meant to signify equality between the races if I recall correct. From what I can tell it seems that all the 2-Tone groups consisted of members who were both black and white as well. There were no all white 2-Tone acts, and no all black acts either? By saying 2-Tone in 1980 could become 10-Tone in 2015 all I was alluding to, probably in a cack handed manner, is that the UK over thirty years later is now an even more diversely cultured nation of people from so many different backgrounds, not just based on colour, than it has ever been before and certainly from how it was in 1980. Maybe instead of a black and white chequered pattern, a modern take would be more a multi-coloured chequered kind of rainbow, or possibly 10 shades of grey!
Best way I can explain what was a quick and instant throw away comment last night during TOTP.
Oh yeh, just ignore me, Jon and Vangelis is next week. I agree, Ghost Town is a much better song. The Specials and The Selector were the worst for me tonight. Just gotta get through the two tone era of 1980 and then things get brilliant again. I'm not a huge fan of punk, but I think I'd rather it over two tone anyday.
I absolutely loved the two-tone & mod revival era and "Too Much Too Young". The Specials debut album is amongst my all time top ten. I didn't care much for The Selecter's Three Minute Hero but I did like On My Radio. Dancing at the disco to these songs was such fun and required a huge amount of energy. Luckily something I had in abundance at age 12/13.
1980 is definitely my favourite year for music. Who doesn't like Cliff's Carrie??
The Chords were very much part of the mod revival that blew up in the summer of 1979, and would be all but over a year later without having made much impact at all. Although The Jam may have been supportive of some of those groups, they never allied themselves to the mod revival in terms of music or philosophy. Indeed, by mid-1980, they were citing Wire, the Gang of Four and Joy Division as influences …
Yes, very true Servalan. The Jam fitted the mould of mod revivalists, without them necessarily having a desire to be its figurehead. I think though many of their influences were clearly derived from the groups associated with the mod culture of the sixties, and most especially The Who. The Jam had the punk style energy back in their early days, but quite a lot of their musical arrangements were very much adopted from the Who, and in places The Kinks and Small Faces. Also most noticeable was their mod influenced fashion sense, which became much more to the fore, and especially when they stopped wearing those matching suits. By 1980, their sound was becoming a great deal more expansive, however, with more diverse influences.
I thought Steve Wright's debut was very competent. Especially when compared to the wooden Andy Peebles one we had recently.
I did enjoy his somewhat depreciating manner, especially the comment he made when introducing Carrie, when he said "I've spent 3 days in make up for this, just so I can say Here's Cliff".
2-Tone refers to skin colour, both black and white. The chequered black and white pattern used by the genre is I think meant to signify equality between the races if I recall correct. From what I can tell it seems that all the 2-Tone groups consisted of members who were both black and white as well. There were no all white 2-Tone acts, and no all black acts either? By saying 2-Tone in 1980 could become 10-Tone in 2015 all I was alluding to, probably in a cack handed manner, is that the UK over thirty years later is now an even more diversely cultured nation of people from so many different backgrounds, not just based on colour, than it has ever been before and certainly from how it was in 1980. Maybe instead of a black and white chequered pattern, a modern take would be more a multi-coloured chequered kind of rainbow, or possibly 10 shades of grey!
Best way I can explain what was a quick and instant throw away comment last night during TOTP.
Two tone was a name derived by Jerry Dammers for the name of his record label, primarily for acts who wanted to play ska music. I would imagine the name reflects two different cultures finding a shared identity as in white musicians playing Jamaica ska music, although it wasn't always the case that those groups had all mixed race members. Madness were an all white group. I think also there was a point that Jamaican ska was also being mixed with a punk style energy, to create something quite diverse.
I should maybe resist the urge to write instant and possibly flippant remarks at speed without thinking too much while actually watching the early evening TOTP, but I will try and explain, although I won't pretend to be enormously knowledgeable about 2-Tone, so will just say it how I've always understood it.
Here goes LGof7;
2-Tone refers to skin colour, both black and white. The chequered black and white pattern used by the genre is I think meant to signify equality between the races if I recall correct. From what I can tell it seems that all the 2-Tone groups consisted of members who were both black and white as well. There were no all white 2-Tone acts, and no all black acts either? By saying 2-Tone in 1980 could become 10-Tone in 2015 all I was alluding to, probably in a cack handed manner, is that the UK over thirty years later is now an even more diversely cultured nation of people from so many different backgrounds, not just based on colour, than it has ever been before and certainly from how it was in 1980. Maybe instead of a black and white chequered pattern, a modern take would be more a multi-coloured chequered kind of rainbow, or possibly 10 shades of grey!
Best way I can explain what was a quick and instant throw away comment last night during TOTP.
Two tone was a name derived by Jerry Dammers for the name of his record label, primarily for acts who wanted to play ska music. I would imagine the name reflects two different cultures finding a shared identity as in white musicians playing Jamaica ska music, although it wasn't always the case that those groups had all mixed race members. Madness were an all white group. I think also there was a point that Jamaican ska was also being mixed with a punk style energy, to create something quite diverse.
The name actually comes from the two tone tonic suit. Many ska artists wore them.
The name actually comes from the two tone tonic suit. Many ska artists wore them.
Bless you for trying, though.
It may well be, but two tone records, unlike most labels, does also specialise in a particular musical/mixed racial form. The two tone suit was originally worn to denote that.
Two Tone, schmoo tone, the real question is why The Nolans were humungously massive in Japan ?
I mean, bless their huge hibernian hearts, they were hardly The Corrs, singing -wise or looks wise, or was their oriental popularity only after the nubile 15 year old Coleen joined the outfit ?
Really enjoyed last nights show particularly the regents cliff selecter buggles acdc and specials . Never heard of that chords track befoe so need to give it a few more listens.
It may well be, but two tone records, unlike most labels, does also specialise in a particular musical/mixed racial form. The two tone suit was originally worn to denote that.
Tell you what, I'll leave you to do a bit more - read that as better - research and then maybe you'll work out why that second sentence betrays the fact you clearly don't know as much as you think you do.
Tell you what, I'll leave you to do a bit more - read that as better - research and then maybe you'll work out why that second sentence betrays the fact you clearly don't know as much as you think you do.
I don't need to read anything - it's all in my brain! Remember the song "Ebony And Ivory?- need i say more! The two tone suit of course was worn a long time before the two tone label was set up, but it reflects more than just a fashion accessory. In part that was Jerry Dammers thinking in adopting it as a form of logo.
I'd say you're right in part, as far as chart performances go - but also Paul Weller's songwriting became increasingly mature and articulate between 1978 and 1980, and rather left all the mod revival groups look a bit two-dimensional.
Especially if they did dodgy cover versions …
*ducks for cover*
;-)
But I'm still baffled as to why the Lambrettas ended up on Rocket Records, of all labels … one of pop's less likely signings.
I still stand by The Lambrettas.
Back in the summer of 1980 I had enough money to buy one album. My choice was between The Lambrettas "Beat Boys In The Jet Age" and New Musik's "From A To B". In the end I plumped for The Lambrettas. It's a great album full of quality songs and memorable hooks. It's the only album I own where every song is two minutes something long.
I eventually bought "From A To B" from a second hand shop about five years later. I was initially disappointed with it, thinking that the six non-singles were much weaker than the four singles, but over time I have come to appreciate all the tracks (although "Dead Fish Don't Swim Home" still sounds a bit weak and is a rip-off of "Everything I Own"). I only caught up with the second New Musik album "Anywhere" last year - another great album, but with no obvious hit singles.
I've still never caught up with the second Lambrettas album, but one day I will...
I eventually bought "From A To B" from a second hand shop about five years later. I was initially disappointed with it, thinking that the six non-singles were much weaker than the four singles, but over time I have come to appreciate all the tracks (although "Dead Fish Don't Swim Home" still sounds a bit weak and is a rip-off of "Everything I Own"). I only caught up with the second New Musik album "Anywhere" last year - another great album, but with no obvious hit singles.
Two Tone, schmoo tone, the real question is why The Nolans were humungously massive in Japan ?
I mean, bless their huge hibernian hearts, they were hardly The Corrs, singing -wise or looks wise, or was their oriental popularity only after the nubile 15 year old Coleen joined the outfit ?
You know how strange them Japanese are.
Bernie was a fantastic singer, far better than any of the Corr ladies, they harmonized really well and if you don't think Maureen wasn't drop dead gorgeous then you must be blind. Even I was aware at the time that she was considered smoking hot. In fact, they were a nice mix of attractive ladies. Throw in some catchy tunes and polished performances. It's all quite straight-forward I think.
Back in the summer of 1980 I had enough money to buy one album. My choice was between The Lambrettas "Beat Boys In The Jet Age" and New Musik's "From A To B". In the end I plumped for The Lambrettas. It's a great album full of quality songs and memorable hooks. It's the only album I own where every song is two minutes something long.
I eventually bought "From A To B" from a second hand shop about five years later. I was initially disappointed with it, thinking that the six non-singles were much weaker than the four singles, but over time I have come to appreciate all the tracks (although "Dead Fish Don't Swim Home" still sounds a bit weak and is a rip-off of "Everything I Own"). I only caught up with the second New Musik album "Anywhere" last year - another great album, but with no obvious hit singles.
I've still never caught up with the second Lambrettas album, but one day I will...
I only remember Poison Ivy. I think my favourites were Secret Affair of that genre. Blimey this thread fair takes me back.....
I only remember Poison Ivy. I think my favourites were Secret Affair of that genre. Blimey this thread fair takes me back.....
You're in for a treat in May when "Da-a-a-ance" turns up!
It's scandalous that the third single "Page 3" didn't make the top 40 - having to retitle it to "Another Day Another Girl" due to legal pressure from The Sun didn't help...
The name actually comes from the two tone tonic suit. Many ska artists wore them.
Bless you for trying, though.
I accept your blessing, even if it's in disguise LGof7. ;-)
This talk about 2-Tone on here has made me realise that although I know of it I really don't know all the facts in any depth above and beyond the superficial. But then at the time I was too young to care what label a song was on and it was of no concern to me, as should be the case when you're just 10 I suppose. The great thing about this thread is that there is always something to learn from others when we all say our bit.
I don't think I have seen it mentioned on here yet but the Specials No1 Too Much Too Young was not a single but an EP. Was it only available as an EP though? The release was officially known as The Special AKA Live EP, which as well as the lead track we've all seen on TOTP, Too Much Too Young, also had Guns Of Navarone / Long Shot Kick De Bucket / The Liquidator & Skinhead Moonstomp. I always liked the original Liquidator by Harry J Allstars which was a hit right at the end of 1969 during another period where the charts had a reggae infusion into them.
Regards Madness, and although their roots may have been 2-Tone, out of all their long list of hit singles it was only the very first one that we saw a few months back in autumn '79, The Prince, that was on that label. I always strongly associate them with the Stiff record label and by this point in 1980 their third hit single My Girl was already their second hit single on that label which they then stayed with for all their biggest hits until the mid 80's.
What was the last big hit single on 2-Tone out of interest? Nelson Mandela in 1984?
The Selecter are still touring as we speak, and this very night are doing a gig at Salisbury City Hall in Wiltshire, as part of a February / March 2015 tour called The Subculture Tour which celebrates the 5th anniversary of their getting back together. They are doing various festivals later in the year after that.
I did enjoy his somewhat depreciating manner, especially the comment he made when introducing Carrie, when he said "I've spent 3 days in make up for this, just so I can say Here's Cliff".
I've always loved Steve Wright's sense of humour!!
Comments
His head was like a nodding dog.:D
Here goes LGof7;
2-Tone refers to skin colour, both black and white. The chequered black and white pattern used by the genre is I think meant to signify equality between the races if I recall correct. From what I can tell it seems that all the 2-Tone groups consisted of members who were both black and white as well. There were no all white 2-Tone acts, and no all black acts either? By saying 2-Tone in 1980 could become 10-Tone in 2015 all I was alluding to, probably in a cack handed manner, is that the UK over thirty years later is now an even more diversely cultured nation of people from so many different backgrounds, not just based on colour, than it has ever been before and certainly from how it was in 1980. Maybe instead of a black and white chequered pattern, a modern take would be more a multi-coloured chequered kind of rainbow, or possibly 10 shades of grey!
Best way I can explain what was a quick and instant throw away comment last night during TOTP.
I absolutely loved the two-tone & mod revival era and "Too Much Too Young". The Specials debut album is amongst my all time top ten. I didn't care much for The Selecter's Three Minute Hero but I did like On My Radio. Dancing at the disco to these songs was such fun and required a huge amount of energy. Luckily something I had in abundance at age 12/13.
1980 is definitely my favourite year for music. Who doesn't like Cliff's Carrie??
I've got a fridge bobblehead that has a more stable bonce than Wrighty. He looked like he was having a mild fit.
That, the collar and raving about The Chords are minuses. Still, he didn't grope any of the audience so that constitutes a win these days!
The name actually comes from the two tone tonic suit. Many ska artists wore them.
Bless you for trying, though.
I mean, bless their huge hibernian hearts, they were hardly The Corrs, singing -wise or looks wise, or was their oriental popularity only after the nubile 15 year old Coleen joined the outfit ?
You know how strange them Japanese are.
Tell you what, I'll leave you to do a bit more - read that as better - research and then maybe you'll work out why that second sentence betrays the fact you clearly don't know as much as you think you do.
I still stand by The Lambrettas.
Back in the summer of 1980 I had enough money to buy one album. My choice was between The Lambrettas "Beat Boys In The Jet Age" and New Musik's "From A To B". In the end I plumped for The Lambrettas. It's a great album full of quality songs and memorable hooks. It's the only album I own where every song is two minutes something long.
I eventually bought "From A To B" from a second hand shop about five years later. I was initially disappointed with it, thinking that the six non-singles were much weaker than the four singles, but over time I have come to appreciate all the tracks (although "Dead Fish Don't Swim Home" still sounds a bit weak and is a rip-off of "Everything I Own"). I only caught up with the second New Musik album "Anywhere" last year - another great album, but with no obvious hit singles.
I've still never caught up with the second Lambrettas album, but one day I will...
You know they did three: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Warp-New-Musik/dp/B004EK3L8K/
Bernie was a fantastic singer, far better than any of the Corr ladies, they harmonized really well and if you don't think Maureen wasn't drop dead gorgeous then you must be blind. Even I was aware at the time that she was considered smoking hot. In fact, they were a nice mix of attractive ladies. Throw in some catchy tunes and polished performances. It's all quite straight-forward I think.
I only remember Poison Ivy. I think my favourites were Secret Affair of that genre. Blimey this thread fair takes me back.....
Yeah, I've seen it mentioned - give me another 30 years and I'll catch up with that one (perhaps as a double purchase with The Lambrettas "Ambience")!
You're in for a treat in May when "Da-a-a-ance" turns up!
It's scandalous that the third single "Page 3" didn't make the top 40 - having to retitle it to "Another Day Another Girl" due to legal pressure from The Sun didn't help...
BIB - the intro of that Jefferson Starship record (the one fingered piano playing and the power chords) always reminds me of 'Hold The Line' by Toto.
Do you mean Kookie?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT1Rvxta9Jg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo05QnIh4o4
I liken it to a piano version of the start of Sweet Child of Mine!!!
I always remember that version of "All you need is Love" with the chorus played backwards......weird!
This talk about 2-Tone on here has made me realise that although I know of it I really don't know all the facts in any depth above and beyond the superficial. But then at the time I was too young to care what label a song was on and it was of no concern to me, as should be the case when you're just 10 I suppose. The great thing about this thread is that there is always something to learn from others when we all say our bit.
I don't think I have seen it mentioned on here yet but the Specials No1 Too Much Too Young was not a single but an EP. Was it only available as an EP though? The release was officially known as The Special AKA Live EP, which as well as the lead track we've all seen on TOTP, Too Much Too Young, also had Guns Of Navarone / Long Shot Kick De Bucket / The Liquidator & Skinhead Moonstomp. I always liked the original Liquidator by Harry J Allstars which was a hit right at the end of 1969 during another period where the charts had a reggae infusion into them.
Regards Madness, and although their roots may have been 2-Tone, out of all their long list of hit singles it was only the very first one that we saw a few months back in autumn '79, The Prince, that was on that label. I always strongly associate them with the Stiff record label and by this point in 1980 their third hit single My Girl was already their second hit single on that label which they then stayed with for all their biggest hits until the mid 80's.
What was the last big hit single on 2-Tone out of interest? Nelson Mandela in 1984?
The Selecter are still touring as we speak, and this very night are doing a gig at Salisbury City Hall in Wiltshire, as part of a February / March 2015 tour called The Subculture Tour which celebrates the 5th anniversary of their getting back together. They are doing various festivals later in the year after that.
www.theselecter.net
Pauline Black doesn't look old enough to have been on TOTP back in 1980 to me. Not sure how many originals are in the current line up.
I've always loved Steve Wright's sense of humour!!
If you're out there Steve - we still love you!!