The Beat’s brand new single, “Side To Side”, taken from “Bounce,” their first album in 30 years, is currently A-listed on BBC Radio 6 and the band have released it as double A-side seven inch vinyl with a track from label mates and life-long friends The Selecter.
The two bands played live from Maida Vale on 13th December for Steve Lamacq’s Christmas Ska Party on BBC 6 Music, with other guests David Rodigan and Mungos HiFi, and have just announced a co-headline tour in 2017.
“Bounce”, is the fourth album by first-generation 2 Tone skankers turned purveyors of joyous political pop The Beat fronted by Ranking Roger. Joining Roger in the revitalised Beat is his son Ranking Junior, AKA Matthew Murphy, a powerhouse MC who brings to the band an update on the toasting that made Ranking Roger such a pivotal part of the original Beat.
“Side to Side,” features Ranking Junior taking the lead as well as co-writing the track with his Dad. The cut was mixed by Dennis Bovell (The Slits, Madness).
Life-long friends, The Selecter and The Beat are two of the main bands to come out of 2 Tone – a crucial musical and cultural movement which is still as relevant today as it was over 30 years ago. Renowned for their energetic live shows, longevity has not diminished either band’s ability to put in a performance and get everyone in a room, or field, dancing.
The bands are hitting the road together for a number of dates around the UK and Ireland in Spring 2017. Originally a six-date tour, due to demand they have now added eight more dates.
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Ranging Roger photo credit: Jim Stokes
