Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, Rhino Entertainment President Mark Pinkus, in a statement, said, “I am thrilled to have the incredible opportunity to work with The English Beat catalog. For Rhino to collaborate with such a legendary band is an absolute privilege, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the timeless magic of their music, share in their creative brilliance, and contribute to the legacy of a group that has inspired generations.”
The expanded version of the album, first released in 1980, features the original album alongside a selection of rare mixes and live recordings. The 1980 original peaked at No. 3 on the U.K. album chart, led by the hit singles “Hands Off… She’s Mine,” “Twist & Crawl,” and a fervent cover of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ “Tears Of A Clown.” The expanded version also introduces alternative mixes for these classics and a dub version of “Stand Down Margaret.” Live recordings from 1982, including “Mirror In The Bathroom” and “Best Friend,” further enhance the double album’s allure.
Recognized as The Beat in their native England, the band, featuring Saxa (saxophone), Andy Cox (guitar), David Steele (bass), Everett Moreton (drums), Ranking Roger (vocals), and Dave Wakeling (vocals/guitar), delivered an irresistibly danceable sound with their debut on Sire Records in America in May 1980. The Birmingham, England band was formed in in 1978, amid a period of widespread unemployment and social unrest in the UK.
Vocalist Ranking Roger infused the band’s sound with a Jamaican flair through his distinctive toasting style. Adding to the Jamaican influence, saxophonist Saxa contributed a ska instrumental sound. Born Lionel Augustus Martin in 1930, Saxa had previously played saxophone with ska pioneers Prince Buster, Laurel Aitken, and Desmond Dekker during the initial wave of ska. He joined The Beat to participate in the recording of their debut single, a rendition of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ Motown hit “Tears of a Clown.”
Elsewhere on the Billboard Reggae Chart, Lee “Scratch” Perry earns his 19th entry with “Scratch’d (EP)” by Lee “Scratch” Perry & Keith Richards. 1300 12″ Vinyl copies of the 5-track EP were released by BMG on Record Store Day, debuting at No. 6 on the sales and streams driven chart. It features songs recorded in New York, such as “Heavy Voodoo” and “Who Dares Dub,” for the 2008 album, “Scratch Came, Scratch Saw, Scratch Conquered.”
Perry‘s last studio album, “King Perry,” is set for release on February 2nd via False Idols. The 12-track album is lead by the single “100 lbs of Summer” featuring London R&B singer Greentea Peng.
Data for Billboard‘s Reggae album chart is compiled by Luminate from retailers that represent more than 90% of the U.S. music retail market.
“Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers” by Bob Marley & The Wailers spends 203 weeks at No. 1. Shaggy’s “Best Of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection” is at No. 3. Sean Paul’s “Dutty Classics Collection” is at No. 4, and “Dutty Rock” is at Number 5. Stick Figure’s “Set In Stone,” “World On Fire,” and “Wisdom” are at No. 7, 9, and 10 respectively. UB40’s “Greatest Hits” is at No. 8.
