Album of the Day

The English Beat were among the leading lights of the U.K. ska revival, but by the time of their third album, SPECIAL BEAT SERVICE, the Birmingham octet had broadened their audience considerably. If such tracks as “Spar Wid Me” and “Ackee 1-2-3” are reggae- and calypso-rooted, the group’s eclectic approach to alternative pop circa 1982 gave them footholds on MTV with singles “I Confess” and “Save It For Later.” Though the set’s Top 40 success in America suggested a commercial breakthrough might be around the corner, this outstanding collection would be the band’s last. SPECIAL BEAT SERVICE is now available on 140-gram silver vinyl as part of Rhino’s Start Your Ear Off Right campaign.