The Beat, General Public and Fine Young Cannibals On Track: Every Album, Every Song

The English Beat, Two-Tone, and Fine Young Cannibals were three groups that released a torrent of brilliant music from 1979 to 1989. This book covers every album and track, including hits that never were, experimental B-sides, remixes, and guest appearances, showcasing a unique creative flare that lit up a strange but exciting decade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Sonicbond Publishing

Bursting forth from industrial Birmingham in the late 1970s, The English Beat embarked on a musical journey that defied genre boundaries. Hitching a ride on the Two-Tone bandwagon for their debut single, they answered the question of whether punk and reggae could blend seamlessly. Their stunning first album in 1980 achieved immediate success in their home country, while they charted an unexpected course through the early years of the new decade. Retaining a loyal following of roots, radicals, and rockers, they continued to build a reputation in the USA through tireless roadwork. However, in 1983, the pressure of maintaining a career spanning the Atlantic tore the group apart. The two front men, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, formed the slick and initially successful General Public, but they were eclipsed by the soul-pop outfit Fine Young Cannibals, created by guitarist Andy Cox and bassist Andy Steele. Their second album sold millions worldwide, solidifying their place in music history.

This book delves into the tumultuous period from 1979 to 1989, a time when these three groups unleashed a torrent of brilliant music. Covering every album and track, it explores the hits that never were, experimental B-sides, remixes, and guest appearances. It showcases a truly idiosyncratic creative flair that illuminated a strange but exciting decade. The English Beat, Fine Young Cannibals, and General Public left an indelible mark on the music world, and their legacy continues to inspire and captivate fans to this day.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789522747