What Is Beat? by The English Beat

What Is Beat?

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What Is Beat?

Reader Reviews
"What Is Beat?" was the first compilation of English Beat released in America. The rather short lived band (only three albums) is probably more influential than their output would suggest. They were multicultural, multi generational (sax man Saxa was 50 years old when he joined the group) and politically savvy. Their music could invoke controversy without the confrontation of obscenity (see "Stand Down Margaret") and mix soul and reggae without having to resort to more trendy measures. As a result, their music has maintained a timeless feel to it. Songs like "Mirror In The Bathroom" or "Save it For Later" make much of what now passes for contemporary pop come up for the weak unoriginal pabulum that it is, and I long for the kind of band that could modernize a song like "Can't Get Used to Losing You" without it sounding like high camp. While the more recent "Beat This!" collection boasts a few more songs, if you can find "What Is Beat?" I'd pick it up for the live version of "Get A Job/Stand Down Margaret" and the unreleased single "Hit It." Either compilation will do, but you really should have some BEAT in your life.

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