The Beat - What Is Beat (1983)

"What Is Beat? - The Best of The Beat" is a greatest hits album by the ska band The Beat released in 1983.

This compilation showcases many of the band's strongest points, including its two biggest American hits in the incipient alternative scene. "Mirror in the Bathroom" is a crisp, to-the-point picture of self-doubt with great, unnerving sax on the breaks, while "Save It for Later" remains one of the few pop songs about holding off on sex instead of taking the plunge. The latter appears in its fine 12" remix version, one of several rarities making What is Beat? of interest to hardcore fans. Most are U.K.-only singles that never appeared on any of the group's three albums, including the almost sprightly "What's Your Best Thing" and "Too Nice to Talk To"'s just-dark-enough nervous dance. Two other remixes turn up: the cover of "Can't Get Used to Losing You" moves with moody, string-touched atmosphere, while noted early-'80s dance producer John "Jellybean" Benitez does a salsa-tinged revamp of "I Confess." More familiar cuts include the captivating remake of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "Tears of a Clown," the shuddering "Twist and Crawl," and "Doors of Your Heart," which features Ranking Roger's toasting skills quite nicely. The album wraps up with a fiery live medley of "Get a Job" and "Stand Down Margaret," recorded in Boston in late 1982, a bonus that captures the band at a definite highpoint.

Track listing (US Version)

01.  Mirror In the Bathroom  - 3:07

02.  Twist & Crawl  - 2:33

03.  Tears of a Clown  - 2:39

04.  Can't Get Used To Losing You (Remix)  - 3:23

05.  Doors of Your Heart  - 2:59

06.  What's Your Best Thing  - 3:47

07.  Hit It  - 3:00

08.  Save It For Later (12" version)  - 4:54

09.  Best Friend  - 3:02

10.  I Confess (12" remix)  - 5:45

11.  Too Nice To Talk To  - 3:05

12.  Get a Job/Stand Down Margaret (recorded live in Boston, November 19, 1982)  - 6:40

Released:  1983

Genre:  Ska, Reggae, Mod

Length:  46:01

Label:  Arista

Producer:  Bob Sargeant

Personnel

Ranking Roger - toasting vocals

David Steele - bass

Andy Cox - guitar

Dave Wakeling - vocals, guitar

Everett Morton - drums

Saxa - saxophone