Too Much Too Young, the 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism, and the Soundtrack of a Generation

In 1979, 2 Tone Records exploded on the British music scene. Mixing Jamaican ska, rocksteady, reggae, and punk music, it addressed social issues such as racism, class, and misogyny. Originating in Coventry, England, 2 Tone’s signed bands such as the Specials, the Selecter, Madness, the Beat, and the Bodysnatchers took the music world by storm, creating a youth dance and music scene that worked to defy racial barriers in popular music. Balancing music and politics, Rachel’s (Like Some Forgotten Dream: What If the Beatles Hadn’t Split Up??) book presents a comprehensive account of 2 Tone Records from 1979 to 1986. He incorporates interviews with crucial 2 Tone insiders, including founder Jerry Dammers, musicians Terry Hall, Ranking Roger, Rhoda Dakar, and Pauline Black, and journalists, and fans who were part of the scene. He creates a well-rounded history of one of British history’s most important musical movements. As much as it presents the unprecedented success of 2 Tone, the book does not shy away from the obstacles and infighting that ultimately lead to its demise. It has nearly 500 pages, which may intimidate some readers.