The author’s new book delves into the political and sonic origins of the style
February 7, 2024 | 12:52pm ET
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This week on In Defense of Ska, author Daniel Rachel discuss his new book, Too Much Too Young — The 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts.
The genre of 2 tone ska is one of the most important movements in pop music history, and Rachel is here to finally give the scene the definitive oral history it deserves. From 1979 to 1981, a handful of bands in the UK, such as The Specials, burst onto the scene with music that fused old ska, punk, and disco. It was overtly political, anti-racist music, and would go on to find massive cultural and commercial success in their home country, ultimately inspiring bands like The Clash and The Police.
In Too Much Too Young, out June 4th, Rachel tells the story of how 2 tone spread all over the world. While many of the scene’s bands were largely cult artists outside of England, they planted seeds for new, important ska scenes around the world. The book is a celebration 2 tone’s sonic and social importance, and you can pre-order can pre-order it from Akashic Books or Amazon.
While you’re at it, why not pick up host Aaron Carnes’ In Defense of Ska book too, or pre-order the upcoming Ska Now More Than Ever Edition?
Listen to Rachel go deep on 2 Tone’s fascinating history on the latest episode of In Defense of Ska above, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don’t forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series.
