The English Beat
Jeanette [Single] (1982)
eatdogs
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…