In the late 1950s, a genre emerged in Jamaica known as ‘Ska’ – the genre coming about after the two genres ‘rocksteady’ and reggae were combined, and the influence of R and B that was being played on the radios was included. Ska became popular throughout Jamaica, and became one of its stereotypical genres. The sound that was created lends its influence to Two Tone – the offbeat guitar strokes and reggae style drum beat being the biggest influences.
Taking inspiration from this genre, in the late 1970s the ‘second wave’ of ska was born. This time based in England, more notably around the Coventry area, the second wave of ska was to be better known as ‘Two Tone’ (named after the record company set up by Jerry Dammers of The Specials). The sound of Two Tone was similar to that of the first wave – off beat guitar strokes and a drumming style adapted from Reggae. Two Tone also featured a lot of keyboards, but mainly as background melody, not playing a vital role in the song. Another technique that was adapted from the first wave of ska was the use of delay on the vocals. This was used widely throughout the second wave of ska, featuring in music by both The Specials and Madness. Most notably, however, are the brass sections that were common in ska music. These were adapted from the original first wave, and featured a lead role in most Two Tone ska songs, often having their own solo section. Saxophones were the main instrument featured, and also trombones and trumpets. The most respected trombonist to come from the second wave of ska is Rico Rodriguez, who has gone on to perform with many other bands and ensembles, most notable of which is Jools Holland’s band.
The lyrical content of ska music varied from band to band, mostly depending on what each individual band was about. Bands such as The Specials and The Beat adopted a political stance, writing songs about the current situation in England and even writing protest songs, often against the rule of the Conservative party and Margaret Thatcher (an example of this is ‘Stand Down Margaret’ by The Beat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urLRoVUzg3Q )). This angle made up most of ska, many of the songs being a social commentary or protesting about the current situation in Britain, but as an exception there were bands such as Madness and Bad Manners who had a totally different style, being much more poppy, fun, and mad with songs that were about silly things that didn’t really matter to anyone, such as Baggy Trousers by Madness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJOLwy7un3U) and Special Brew by Bad Manners (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa_PbyWUZ4Q). The extent of this silliness is to be found in Special Brew, as it is basically about Bad Manners’ lead singer’s (Busta Bloodvessel) love for the lager ‘Special Brew’. Other notable Two Tone bands include The Body Snatchers and The Selector.
There was a very significant logo attached to ska, and that was the logo of Two Tone Records. The black and white checked logo became the logo which became attached to ska, and also to symbolise racial unity (many ska bands, such as The Specials, featured both black and white band members). The image that accompanied this logo was black and white suits – this was to mock the higher classes, as many of the ska bands were working class, and also to symbolise racial unity. Two Tone also made popular a new type of dance, known as the ‘skank dance’, which was basically running on the spot in a jaunty style. Suggs from Madness often performed this dance whilst on stage and performing in music videos. Ska even brought with it a nickname – ‘rudeboy’ became a popular name shared amongst ska fans and bands, and was derived from ska’s Jamaican roots; A rudeboy was a derogative term used to describe someone who was unemployed or a criminal.
Since the arrival and demise of Two Tone, a third wave of ska had emerged, being most popular in the late 80s – early 90s. The difference, however, was it originated in America. The third wave featured most of the things heard in Two Tone, but combined with a rockier sound. The brass sections and off beat upstrokes remained, but it featured a much rockier drum beat.
