80s new wave mania: "Save it for Later" English Beat (1982)

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The English Beat (just The Beat in the UK) was an important pioneer ska band containing elements of reggae, punk, pop and new wave, Formed in Birmingham in 1978, the Beat were comprised of Dave Wakeling (vocals, guitar), Ranking Roger (vocals), Andy Cox (guitar), David Steele (bass), Everett Morton (drums) and Jamaican sax player Saka who once played with Desmond Decker. The band broke through in the UK with a cover of “Tears of a Clown” followed by “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “I Confess.” The English Beat were a new wave band never cracking Billboard Hot 100 yet were heavily played on alternative radio. From the album “Special Beat Service,” “Save It For Later” written by Wakeling was their best known song and about the transition from teen to adult. The band broke up in 1983 after three studio albums. Wakeling and Roger went on to form General Public and Cox and Steele Fine Young Cannibals.