This week we celebrate another album released this week in 1980: Just Can't Stop It, the debut from The English Beat.

Ska music became the trend in the U.K. in 1979, with success for 2Tone Records, The Specials and Madness opening the door for more: The Selecter, Bad Manners, and The Beat. The bands were generally multi-racial, and they merged elements of punk with classic Jamaican ska — fast reggae — plus '60s soul. The Beat featured two charismatic frontmen, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, and songs that veer from politics to romance to mental health.

Segments

Playlist, hour 1

Playlist, hour 2