Three for the Road: The English Beat

Maybe it's because I'm putting together my Christmas list and this is on it: A box set featuring 5 glorious CDs from the English Beat. There probably the only band featuring a saxophone that I'd actually want to listen to. In any case, here are the three English Beat songs I'd want to hear in the car:

1) "I Confess" -- "No it's not a joke, it's cards on the table time"

2) "Ackee 1 2 3" -- to get you in a happy mood

3) "Save it for Later" -- just a classic

And I realize that -- despite mention of the box set -- all three of my tracks come from the same album, 1983's Special Beat Service. I know I may be living in the past, but Dave Wakeling is still touring as the English Beat, and word is he puts on a great show. Meanwhile, Ranking Roger tours as the Beat in England and -- like most partnerships that have gone south -- you can't help but wish there would be a reconciliation that would bring both partners together.