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2-Tone

2 Tone Records was an English record label that led the ska reviva in the early to mid 1980s, as would be expected much of their output was ska & reggae-influenced, with a smattering of punk rock and pop. It was founded by Jerry Dammers of the Specials and backed by Chrysalis Records.

In its time, 2 Tone Records signed the Selecter, Madness and The Beat - all leading ska revival acts. Two of these three left within two years as part of the ethos at 2 Tone was that acts signed a contract that allowed them to leave the label after releasing just one single, which was unusual in the record industry. 

Madness and The Beat both took advantage of this clause; the former to sign to Stiff Records, and the latter to start their own label, Go Feet Records.

Other acts to appear on the label were Elvis Costello & the Attractions, J.B. Allstars, Bad Manners and The Bodysnatchers.

The uniqueness of the label was best highlighted on their first release - a Double A side featuring the Specials. 'Gangstas' on one side and the Selecter's self titled  'The Selecter' on the other.



Madness released a the single 'The Prince' on 2 Tone and then moved on, Elvis Costello released 'I can't Stand up for Falling Down' on the label as a one off.




The Bodysnatcher's 'Lets Do Rock Steady'


...and the mighty Specials - 'My Racist Friend'




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