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As the late '70s two-tone ska movement exploded in England, the English Beat came on the scene with a high-energy ska rendition of Smokey Robinson's "Tears of a Clown." It was right in line with the wild, upbeat sound of the Specials, Madness and Bad Manners. The English Beat, however, quickly matured into an incredible New Wave dance-pop band and with their subsequent albums, wrote some of the most nuanced and heartfelt songs of their era. Lead singer Dave Wakeling's smooth baritone voice elevated the songs to near pop perfection. In the mid '80s the band split into General Public and Fine Young Cannibals, and would later play some shows with members of the Specials as "Special Beat." They've only more recently been playing again as the "English Beat." (Aaron Carnes)
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