3 Essential Two Tone Ska Records

When it comes to music history, a lot of people seem to forget how influential the UK ska scene was for music that came out after the 1980s. Sure, the movement of ska seemed to stay stagnant in the early part of the 1990s after a great success in what is now known as the "Two-Tone" movement. However, music fans will look back at the records that game out of the era, as some of the cornerstones of their growth as music lovers. If you haven't sat down to listen to any music from the second major wave of ska, then consider the following 3 essential records for your skanking pleasure.

The English Beat put out a great pop ska record in 1980, and in these modern times you can pick it up expanded and remastered. "Just Can't Stop" doesn't really fit the genre at times, but it certainly puts rhythm ahead of all other frequencies as you get 12 songs of pure British music. From the opening sounds of "Mirror in the Bathroom" to the last track, you feel as though you are taken for a ride through a different time and space.

The Selecter went out of their way to put together one of the better records of the genre and fronted by a female. Female fronted bands in this genre didn't make the biggest splash until the mid 1990s, but it was definitely staring to buzz with The Selecter. The band put out "Too Much Pressure" and really knocked down the doors of what was previously a boys club.

The first record to really usher in the genre was definitely Madness' "One Step Beyond" which featured all the rhythms that came from Jamaican reggae music, with the British power pop that was starting to take over throughout the late 1970s late night radio broadcasts. While it took a little bit to get moving, this record of great importance is the stepping-stone that all acts in the genre used as inspiration to break through to the mainstream, even if it took a little while.

From the above 3 essential two tone records, the music grew to an all new level, and it is still felt today on rock radio stations the world over. If you haven't really put these jamming records on in a long time, go back and look for them as they sound as great as they ever did, and they will bring back that funky, groovy sound that made the British ska movement so special.

How to Ensure the DJ You Hire for Your Event Is the One the Shows Up to Your Event

So you've met with your DJ company for your event, and you are thrilled with the personality and presentation of the owner of the company. He promises to be there and deliver all of your requests as promised. But why do you hear of so many party planners complaining of having a different DJ than promised at their party?

There are many couples and party planners that experience this nightmare all over the country. Right here in Connecticut alone, there a lots of multi operator DJ companies that sub-contract their serves out to other DJ's.

There are thousands of couples tying the knot each year. Thats not to mention Mitzvahs, Company Events, Birthdays, School Functions and more. This a lot of events to be distributed among DJ companies. This leaves room for large firms to double, triple and over-book themselves. When a company grows into a large operation, sometimes quality is sacrificed in the form of outsourcing work. When a company gets offered higher paying, more convenient gigs in the time before your event, it becomes a tempting and irresistible option to send someone else, sometimes a random subcontractor to your event.

The following 3 tips can help you avoid this disaster:

1. Get a signed contract from you DJ service. Many clients tend to overlook the importance of this legal document. Many of my clients trust me so much that I have to remind them to sign the contract long after I have received an on-line payment. Getting the DJ's name on the contract ensures they are legally obligated to send that person.

2. Make sure your DJ company offers a money back guarantee. This along with the DJ's name on the contract will ensure the company will do everything in its power to make sure you are satisfied and delivered what you are promised. With this in mind, despite receiving your money back, once your event is ruined, no money can fix whats already been done. This leads me to the most important tip.

3. Build trust with your DJ company. By meeting them in person and determining their commitment to your satisfaction you can build a relationship based on mutual trust.

Use these 3 tips to help determine if your DJ company has a commitment to your total satisfaction, which will help make your special day stress-free and enjoyable. Over time you will be able to distinguish a professional from an amateur by how the remain committed to helping you along the way.

How Doctor Who Has Survived Over the Decades

The show Doctor Who is one of those amazing rarities in television that has managed to survive over the decades. The series has spanned over nearly five decades and has maintained continual success in the BBC television science-fiction series. The long running series has included eleven different faces of the Doctor who is an extraterrestrial from the planet Gallifrey. He randomly explores the universe and through his exploration, encounters many unique and entertaining crisis' that captivate his audience and keep them in tune for more.

The Doctor Who character is an adventurer as well as a scientist. He is a Time Lord and Time Lords greatly resemble humans, on the outside. Their physiological make up, however is different. For example, Dr. Who has two hearts - something that uniquely sets him apart from humans, and gives way to a more acceptable extraterrestrial. He also has a respiratory bypass system. This is a great characteristic for the character to have because it explains how the Doctor is able to go without air for long periods of time. And, also explains his unusual staying power that is super human. He also has the ability to absorb unusual amounts of radiation and use it as power. His ability to withstand many strenuous circumstances makes the extraterrestrial character more believable. And although he has unusual ability to withstand the perils of volatile circumstance, he also shows his non human side by response to substances that are typically helpful and this is shown in many episodes. One of the weaknesses displayed was his inability to take aspirin because it could kill him but over all the characters limitations are minimal.

Because Doctor Who is a time traveler, many episodes takes him to times and eras where he is meeting significant historical figures. The setting of these meetings has allowed for many exciting and adventurous episodes with unexpected twists. But, because of the time travel as part of the storyline, it allows for unique episodes that are fully engaged.

What has sustained the show over the decades is the creativity involved. Each original storyline is distinctive. The doctor has definitely evolved over the years from a older, oddly looking man, and although they were distinguished, they were not overly attractive. However, over time, the characters have become more eye catching and attractive capturing an entirely new audience.

Shows that have talented and creative writers, that are able to sustain through changing times is rarely seen. However, audiences will follow a series or remain dedicated to it even through drastic changes of the series, like a new lead Doctor. The show will continue to triumph through its own creativity and although along the way, may lose a few loyal viewers; they will also pick up new followers. Shows like Doctor who are far and few. The success, somewhat mysterious, but the undeniable creativity and great writing lead to its ongoing ability to prevail.