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Track Listings
| Disc: 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mirror In The Bathroom | |||
| 2. Hands Off...She's Mine | |||
| 3. Two Swords | |||
| 4. Twist & Crawl | |||
| 5. Rough Rider | |||
| 6. Click Click | |||
See all 12 tracks on this disc
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| Disc: 2 | |||
| 1. Tears Of A Clown | |||
| 2. Ranking Full Stop | |||
| 3. Twist & Crawl [extended] | |||
| 4. Hands Off...She s Mine [extended] | |||
| 5. Stand Down Margaret [Dub] | |||
| 6. Mirror In The Bathroom [Sure Is Pure Mix] | |||
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See all 19 tracks on this disc
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| Disc: 3 | |||
| 1. Hands Off...She's Mine (DVD Single Video) | |||
| 2. Mirror In The Bathroom (DVD Single Video) | |||
| 3. Best Friend (DVD Single Video) | |||
| 4. Tears Of A Clown [Top Of The Pops - Broadcast on 13th December 1979] | |||
| 5. Tears Of A Clown [Top Of The Pops - Broadcast on 3rd January 1980] | |||
| 6. Hands Off...She's Mine [Top Of The Pops - Broadcast on 22nd February 1980] | |||
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See all 9 tracks on this disc
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Product Description
Review
The Beat’s greatest strength was also their biggest weakness. Dave Wakeling was a superb bandleader and songwriter, bringing Elvis Costello-like intelligence to the Birmingham sextet’s bouncy mix of punk, reggae, calypso and pop. But, in a British pop era dominated by charismatic eccentrics, Wakeling was a sullen and unprepossessing frontman.
As the DVD of TV appearances that form part of this comprehensive reissue proves, once you saw The Beat in 1980, all you remembered is how much you loved, feared or fancied Terry Hall, Kevin Rowland and Suggs.
Which is perhaps why only this debut album has found a place in British music’s fickle memory banks. I Just Can’t Stop It, with its delicious claret, white and black pop-art cover and relentless danceability, feels entirely comprised of hit singles (and six of the 12 tracks were, including double A-sides). Its fusion of black and white musical influences and anti-racist defiance makes it as perfect an example of the 2 Tone era as anything by The Specials or Madness.
Because of Bob Sargeant’s tough and simple production and its historic place as the first digitally recorded album, it hasn’t dated. And this despite the presence of anti-Thatcher anthem Stand Down Margaret, which now sounds like one of pop’s most futile gestures.
What quickly undid The Beat, apart from Wakeling’s lack of X factor, was the increasing disconnect between the catchy, carnivalesque music and morbid, self-lacerating lyrical themes. When 1981’s Wha’ppen? and 1982’s Special Beat Service – also deservedly reissued here with a slew of bonus material – failed commercially, The Beat split, with Wakeling and Roger going on to minor US success as General Public, and bassist Cox and guitarist Steele hitting the mother lode alongside Roland Gift as Fine Young Cannibals.
As with the majority of post-punk bands, The Beat’s natural sense of musical adventure and bleak worldview wouldn’t mesh comfortably with 80s pop’s rediscovery of glam aesthetics and upward mobility. But I Just Can’t Stop It remains one of British pop’s most lovable and ebullient albums, and the kind of politicised party album they just don’t make anymore.
--David Katz
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CD Description
The Beat was formed in Birmingham in 1978, with members Dave Wakeling (vocals, guitar), Ranking Roger (vocals, toasting), Andy Cox (guitar), Everett Morton (drums), veteran Jamaican saxophonist Saxa, and David Steele on bass. The band was part of the West Midlands ska revival scene that also produced The Specials and The Selecter, whilst London saw the formation of Madness and The Bodysnatchers.
The Beat s first single was an arresting version of Smokey Robinson s Tears Of A Clown , given a completely new feel, and was backed with their own composition Ranking Full Stop . Released in a one-off deal on Jerry Dammers Chrysalis-backed 2-Tone label, the single stormed into the Top 10 in December 1979, and saw the band appear twice on Top Of The Pops. Backed by Arista, the band formed their own label Go-Feet Records. The first release in February 1980 was another Top 10 hit, Hands Off... She s Mine , and was the first of twelve chart singles for the band on Go-Feet.
Edsel Records is proud to announce its reissue programme of all three of the band s albums, each in Deluxe 2 CD + DVD digipaks, featuring the original albums along with all the non-album A- and B-sides, the many 12 mixes and live tracks, as well as the best of their BBC radio sessions from John Peel, Mike Read and David Jensen s shows. The DVDs feature the singles promo videos, Top Of The Pops performances and bonus appearances from ITV shows and documentaries.
First album I Just Can t Stop It (1980, # 3) features the hits Tears Of A Clown , Hands Off... She s Mine , Mirror In The Bathroom , Best Friend and Stand Down Margaret as well as 19 bonus tracks, including nine previously unreleased BBC radio sessions. The DVD features three promo videos, five TOTP appearances and a live performance recorded for ITV s Alright Now .
The booklet features an individual note especially written by Rhoda Dakar of The Bodysnatchers, along with the lyrics and photos, memorabilia and ephemera from the band s own collection.
The Beat s first single was an arresting version of Smokey Robinson s Tears Of A Clown , given a completely new feel, and was backed with their own composition Ranking Full Stop . Released in a one-off deal on Jerry Dammers Chrysalis-backed 2-Tone label, the single stormed into the Top 10 in December 1979, and saw the band appear twice on Top Of The Pops. Backed by Arista, the band formed their own label Go-Feet Records. The first release in February 1980 was another Top 10 hit, Hands Off... She s Mine , and was the first of twelve chart singles for the band on Go-Feet.
Edsel Records is proud to announce its reissue programme of all three of the band s albums, each in Deluxe 2 CD + DVD digipaks, featuring the original albums along with all the non-album A- and B-sides, the many 12 mixes and live tracks, as well as the best of their BBC radio sessions from John Peel, Mike Read and David Jensen s shows. The DVDs feature the singles promo videos, Top Of The Pops performances and bonus appearances from ITV shows and documentaries.
First album I Just Can t Stop It (1980, # 3) features the hits Tears Of A Clown , Hands Off... She s Mine , Mirror In The Bathroom , Best Friend and Stand Down Margaret as well as 19 bonus tracks, including nine previously unreleased BBC radio sessions. The DVD features three promo videos, five TOTP appearances and a live performance recorded for ITV s Alright Now .
The booklet features an individual note especially written by Rhoda Dakar of The Bodysnatchers, along with the lyrics and photos, memorabilia and ephemera from the band s own collection.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Mrs. T. A. Papworth
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this album when it came out (as well as the singles). As a very young person growing up in South London it spoke volumes to me - as it must have to all the other disenfranchised youth in cities like Birmingham, Coventry, Manchester and Liverpool that were living in M.T's England. Hard times (no change then). That's enough of that - This edition features the original album, the 1979 2-Tone single, various mixes, John Peel sessions, a dvd and an excellent 28 page colour booklet with photos and the lyrics.
Cd 1. (36.28 mins) The album is just as vibrant and exciting as I remember it. There are many great tracks - 'Mirror in the bathroom', 'Hands off', 'Twist & crawl' and the fantastic 'Best friend' (disc 2 contains its B-side the anthem 'Stand down Margaret (dub)'. Great sound quality overall, 10/10.
Cd 2. (66.45 mins) Contains the 1979 2-Tone single 'Tears of a clown/Ranking full stop', 'Stand down Margaret (dub version), other mixes of some of the A's & B's and finishes with 5 John Peel radio sessions and 4 Mike Read show performances. 7/10.
Dvd. Contains 2 singles videos, and 5 'Top of the pops' performances + a bonus.
Overall a fantastic package - well done Edsel records.
Cd 1. (36.28 mins) The album is just as vibrant and exciting as I remember it. There are many great tracks - 'Mirror in the bathroom', 'Hands off', 'Twist & crawl' and the fantastic 'Best friend' (disc 2 contains its B-side the anthem 'Stand down Margaret (dub)'. Great sound quality overall, 10/10.
Cd 2. (66.45 mins) Contains the 1979 2-Tone single 'Tears of a clown/Ranking full stop', 'Stand down Margaret (dub version), other mixes of some of the A's & B's and finishes with 5 John Peel radio sessions and 4 Mike Read show performances. 7/10.
Dvd. Contains 2 singles videos, and 5 'Top of the pops' performances + a bonus.
Overall a fantastic package - well done Edsel records.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
This is one of my prized possessions - I was a teenager in the tiny town of Krugersdorp, South Africa, moving to a musical backdrop of goody goody South African pop and the cheap compilation Springbok Hit Parade when my rebel brothers Stephen and Brendan suddenly started listening to a bootleg tape of The Beat. Rough Rider and Mirror in the Bathroom are masterpieces of guitar, drumming and energy. This is the record I play when I'm happy, sad, pissed off or just plain nostalgic - the movement the music brings on puts you in a good mood instantly.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
I was personally only about 8 or 9 years old when this came out, but that didn't stop me enjoying it even then. Some years later, I am the proud owner of both the remastered CD version AND the original vinyl version.
This is a must for someone tentatively dipping a toe in the oft murky waters of English Ska. The stuff that came after wasn't so great and this caught The (English) Beat at their best.
This is a must for someone tentatively dipping a toe in the oft murky waters of English Ska. The stuff that came after wasn't so great and this caught The (English) Beat at their best.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Strong singles and solid tunes
The strongest of all the Beat singles are on this album - why buy greatest hits when you can purchase this and benefit from the really strong and solid rest of the songs. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Michael M. Murray
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant....but
Had the original when this came out but over time lost in the car boots we had, wish I hadn't been skint all them years ago. Read more
Published 8 months ago by P. O'Flynn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Edsel Records definative reissue label.
Long forgotten 1980 classic.Sounding better today than in 1980. Full ratings to Edsel Records U-K for remastering,packaging and information supurb. Reissue of the year. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Anthony,Perth WA
5.0 out of 5 stars
fantastic deluxe treatment
this is a great example of how a deluxe edition should be,,the music is crisp and clear the bonus tracks excellent and the bbc sessions a must have.. Read more
Published 10 months ago by K. Fotheringham
5.0 out of 5 stars
the (english) beat - 1st album CD (remastered/reissued)
ska/2-tone music of the highest calibre with lots of echo chamber sound affects by the producer(B.Sargeant) + engineer(Gomm). Read more
Published 11 months ago by a.m.hardwick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why Stop it.
The Beat first arrived in the national consciousness on signing with The Specials Two Tone label to release a cover of Smokey Robinson's `Tears of a Clown' b/w `Ranking Full Stop'... Read more
Published on 7 May 2008 by Ian Wood, Author of 'Here's 2 Absent Fathers'
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy It Now !!!
There isn't a weak song on this record from the marvellous "Mirror In The Bathroom" to the almost anthemic "Stand Down Margaret" you surely can't fail to love this record. Read more
Published on 16 July 2006 by DavyA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much more than great singles
The Beat were my first musical love & it's not hard to see why when you hear this album. Hit singles Mirror In The Bathroom,Hands Off She's Mine & Best Friend are... Read more
Published on 2 Mar 2006 by Kevin D. Harnett
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great memory of the early '80s.....and still as good today
I bought this album back in early 1980. Almost every track is a classic and for me it really summed up the mood of the late 70's early 80's, especially for those of us who where... Read more
Published on 9 July 2000
5.0 out of 5 stars
the most under rated English band of all time.
truly a top class band and this album stills sounds as fresh today as it did when it was released in the late 1970s. Read more
Published on 24 Jun 2000 by spursboy1@yahoo.com
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