The English Beat

Jeanette [Single] (1982)

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This little ditty of a single is a real treasure. The “English”

Beat released their third album Special

Beat Service in 1982 and a bit down the line they dropped a 7-inch single

for the song “Jeanette”. Accompanying that single on the B-side was the instrumental

track “March of the Swivelheads”.  Originally

appearing as the song “Rotating Head” on the album, the band decided to change

the name and expand upon the song with a longer length and few vocals.

There is a very high chance that you have heard of this song

without knowing it. You see, it’s the song played in the conclusion of the film

Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Yes, that

most famous scene with Ferris running home through people’s backyards, jumping

over fences, almost hit by his dad in his car and barely making it back home

into bed before he is caught for skipping school.

It has become pop culture concisely and even though the

heavy use of nostalgia shoved down our throats happens more and more these

days, you cannot deny a good song despite what it accompanies.

A-side track “Jeanette” is a catchy number and besides the

Ska element, there is more of a spontaneous dance thing going on. The use of an

accordion is a nice welcome and it sorta adds this journey through Paris vibe

that sounds weird on paper, but totally works in this song.

Side B is the real winner though. “March of the Swivelheads”

is a grower that’s’ both epic and totally on the nose. The instrumental

production is unique and each layer from the players take center place only to

be switched out with another one then come back altogether into an epic

combustion of grooves and Funk. The brass is a highlight, but I gotta give cred

to the guitars. Oh, man they are awesome!

There is a smoke filled atmospheric sound of some dank

sweaty dance hall swallowed by catchy music, which can make one decide to

tolerate the humidity of other people. Suits and hats should be clean just

enough!

The sound and overall tone is fun, but with a slight Jazz

Fusion thing going on which brings a nice dynamic. Dub is also on display,

which is a common element from the band. By the way, if you are interested in

this be sure to get the 12-Inch version. Just like the Specials single for

their song “Ghost Town”, the 12-inch release allows the songs to have more room

to run out and you get more of those sweet precious seconds of a terrific song.

You probably can’t listen to this without thinking of that

movie, and that’s ok. It is ingrained in your mind so deep that it’s hard to

think of anything else. Still, this is an awesome tune and the English Beat are

an amazing band from that certain time and place in music.

Dig it…