www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 23-29, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 33 MUSIC While what seems to be just a white guy fronting a reggae band to many observers, what emerges upon closer scrutiny of David Wakeling’s long-term band The English Beat is much more than that. “Back in the day, we thought we had something all brand new—mixing the raw energy of punk with the sinewy backbeat of reggae,” Wakeling says. “But that all but evaporated when we heard of the band The Specials in Melody Maker and we thought, ‘drat, somebody’s already done it.’” Still, they forged on, although Wakeling admits, “We nearly gave up, but we thought we’d give it a go and here I am, still doing it 35 years later.” When reggae came to Britain it morphed into ska, an even more highly syncopated, up-tempo version of the more mellow island classic beat. But Wakeling eschews such categorization. “It’s not reggae, not ska, not rock, not mod,” he observes. “This band is the result of all of us pooling our respective musical influences into a dance band. That’s the only genre definition that fits. It’s dance band pop.” Granted, the playlist is diverse, including a rollicking up-tempo repurposing of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles’ Motown classic “Tears of a Clown,” and a saxed-up remake of the Andy Williams standard “Can’t Get Used To Losing You.” All of this is peppered with Wakeling’s own originals and his unique perspective on songwriting. “If you are going to go after the writing thing, don’t even bother unless it makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck and you’ve cried a bit while writing it,” he says. “If it didn’t affect you that way, then you really didn’t mean it. If you listen back to it and it doesn’t affect you, then it’s not going to affect anyone else. Anybody can write a song nowadays, but it doesn’t mean that anyone should.” Wakeling’s position on lyrics remains iconoclastic. “I like sardonic lyrics that sound simple from a distance,” he says, “but that make people say, ‘Did he really just say that?’” The longevity of The English Beat is due to the band’s unwavering ability to connect with highly diverse audiences. “It’s been a gritty, edgy journey from reggae and ska to dance pop and back again,” Wakeling says. “Come with us.” The English Beat 8pm Saturday, Jan. 25. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $47-$98. 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com. Up Tempo While The English Beat still defies description, after more than three decades they also still connect. By Paul Fried David Wakeling calls The English Beat a pop dance band. But at the core of their longevity are songs with intriguing lyrics. EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD! Monterey County residents save 20% OFF their stay now until 5/21/25. Make your reservation at www.bigsurcamp.com or give us a call at 831-667-2322 Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino–a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 43 YEARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF MONTEREY • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks, with Beautiful Harbor Views. Make Valentine’s Day Reservations! 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 11:30am Mon—Fri 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com (831) 643-9525 SCAN QR CODE for menu INDOOR+PATIO DINING and TAKEOUT HAPPY HOUR SUN-THUR 4-6PM MAKE YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY RESERVATIONS NOW! TUESDAYS 6:30-8:30PM LIVE MUSIC
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