Two-Tone
Checkerboard floor, brass, and skanking.
Welcome to the vibrant world of 2-Tone, where the infectious rhythms of Jamaican ska collided with the gritty charm of Coventry’s council estates. Picture the checkerboard floor, where black-and-white suits and pork-pie hats bob and weave amidst a brass section that demands you dance. This was more than just music; it was a cultural revolution, a joyful rebellion against the mundane. It united kids from different backgrounds on the same dance floor, proving that when it comes to skanking, everyone’s invited. So grab your mates, throw on your best suit, and let’s dive into the soundtracks of a generation that knew how to party with purpose and style.
On the playlist
Did you know
- The 2 Tone label, founded by The Specials' Jerry Dammers in Coventry, deliberately put Black and white musicians in the same bands to answer the racism of the era.
- The label's rude-boy mascot, Walt Jabsco, was drawn from a photo of Peter Tosh on the cover of The Wailers' 'The Wailing Wailers' — and named after one of Dammers' old American bowling shirts.
🛍️ Shop the Two-Tone vibe
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