Beat This! The Best Of The Beat

I grew up on the English Beat and they are still one of my favorite bands today. There is something about the ska from that era that really appeals to me. My first exposure to them was in the early '80s when my brother was in college and the Beat were a college radio staple.

When I finally purchased "What Is Beat?," their first compilation album, on tape, I was in heaven. When my music collection converted to CD, "What Is Beat?" was one of the first CDs I purchased. It was a slight disappointment, though, because the CD could not hold as much music as the tape did and a few songs had to be cut. Bummer.

When I found "Beat This!" a few years ago, I was thrilled. Even though there were many repeat songs, it also included some that were cut from the "What Is Beat?" CD and a few that were never included. I still have both CDs and each fulfills a different purpose.

Ultimately, though, these Best Of albums will never tell the whole story but they are a great start to this ska band. If you like "Beat This!," be sure to check out their original albums as well for other gems that just didn't fit with the time limitations.

Well to think I have finally purchased this CD, after owning a similar vinyl copy many eons ago, it was just sensational to hear and feel the old ska toons once again, "tears of a Clown" exceptional and it is not found on many of their previous works, let alone "save it for later" and also Drowning - a great CD, well worth to have in the cabinet.

This album has the best compilations of songs from this outstanding band since "What is Beat?" I don't own this album yet, but will be placing an order for it as soon as I get done writing this review. I have been trying for the past year to find a new copy of "What is Beat?" to replace an aging one I have. Incredibly (and if you own a copy surely you know what I mean), this album does not seem to be in print any longer. I am really looking forward to getting a copy of this album, if I can't replace my aging copy of "What is Beat?" I will be very happy to have this as a supplement!

This is an incredible compilation of the finest of the English Beat. Most of the tracks were on earlier albums. The remix brings out the hidden sounds that were distant on old tracks. For those new to the Beat, or fans, this is a masterpiece. One of the finest musical compliations I have ever heard. Congratulations to London Records for resurfacing the incredible and mysterious mix of reggae, rock and roll, dance, and the pure joy that the English Beat delivered.

Nothing new here, other than the experience of the 'Beat', an astonishing tribute to a band, probably unrecognized and unknown by many, but worthy of serious consideration by music historians as a truely unique.

Just hear 'Sole Salvation' as it was originally played. This album delivers.

I don't own this album, but looking at the track line up, it looks great, hence the five stars. I just can't stop listening to the English Beat...have been since the early eighties. This would be good if the band is new to you, but if you're already a fan, get the original albums...there are too many good tracks missing from this compilation (End of the Party, Jeanette, Jackpot, Limits That We Set, etc., etc.) However, the Beat's concert anthem 'Ranking Full Stop' is not included on the (US)originals, which in itself makes this purchase worthwhile (also check out 'Dance Craze' for the live version of this track). Go ahead buy it, enjoy it...you can't go wrong.