2 Tone (music genre)

2 Tone (music genre). 2 Tone is a genre of British music that fused the upbeat rhythms of Jamaican ska and rocksteady with the energy and attitude of punk rock. It emerged in the late 1970s, primarily from the city of Coventry, and was named after the 2 Tone Records label founded by Jerry Dammers of The Specials. The genre is noted for its danceable rhythms, socially conscious lyrics, and its iconic visual identity of black and white checkered patterns, which symbolized its central message of racial unity.

Origins and influences

The genre's roots are deeply embedded in the Jamaican music scenes of the 1960s, particularly the sounds of early ska pioneers like Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker, and The Skatalites. These sounds were brought to the United Kingdom by Windrush generation immigrants and were enthusiastically adopted by mod and skinhead subcultures in the 1960s. In the late 1970s, musicians in the English Midlands, reacting to the austerity of the era and inspired by the DIY ethos of punk, began reviving these rhythms. Key figures like Jerry Dammers and Horace Panter of The Specials combined these influences with the political urgency of bands like The Clash and the energy of the pub rock circuit, creating a distinctly British hybrid sound.

Musical characteristics

Musically, 2 Tone is characterized by a fast, choppy guitar rhythm known as the "skank," a walking bassline, and prominent offbeat accents. The sound is driven by a rhythm section of guitar, bass, and drums, and is prominently accented by a horn section featuring saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. Tempos are generally brisk and dance-oriented, bridging the gap between traditional ska and punk. Lyrically, the genre often addressed themes of racism, unemployment, social alienation, and urban life, delivered with a mix of wit, sarcasm, and urgency. The production style, particularly on early releases from 2 Tone Records, was typically clean and punchy, allowing the intricate interplay between the rhythm and horn sections to shine.

Key artists and bands

The definitive band of the movement was The Specials, whose lineup included Terry Hall, Lynval Golding, and Neville Staple. They were central to the scene both musically and through their connection to the 2 Tone Records label. Other cornerstone acts included Madness, who achieved massive commercial success with a more music-hall influenced style, and The Beat (known as The English Beat in North America), who incorporated stronger reggae and pop elements. The Selecter, fronted by Pauline Black, and Bad Manners, led by the eccentric Buster Bloodvessel, were also pivotal to the genre's popularity and its vibrant live scene, which often featured multi-band tours.

Cultural and social impact

2 Tone had a profound cultural impact, promoting a message of racial harmony during a period of significant social tension and National Front activity in the UK. The bands and their racially integrated line-ups, along with the iconic black and white checkerboard aesthetic, became powerful symbols of anti-racism. The genre played a crucial role in the skinhead revival of the late 1970s, reclaiming the subculture from far-right associations and reconnecting it with its original multicultural roots. Its influence extended to fashion, with items like pork pie hats, Ben Sherman shirts, and tonic suits becoming widely popular, and its energetic live performances were a major feature of programs like Top of the Pops.

Legacy and revival

The original 2 Tone wave peaked in the early 1980s, but its legacy directly inspired the third wave ska movement in the United States during the 1990s, with bands like No Doubt, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Reel Big Fish citing its influence. In the UK, the spirit of the genre was carried on by bands such as The Ordinary Boys and was celebrated through reunion tours and festivals featuring the original artists. The music has been frequently used in film and television soundtracks, and the catalog of 2 Tone Records remains highly influential. Tribute acts and dedicated club nights continue to keep the sound alive, cementing 2 Tone's status as a seminal and enduring chapter in British music history.

Category:Ska genres Category:British music genres Category:1970s in music Category:1980s in music