Listen: Sign Of The Times / The Belle Stars BelleStarsSignOfTheTimes.mp3

I did some research, having posted about The Bodysnatchers a few weeks back. I was sure some of them evolved into The Belle Stars and wanted to confirm – which I finally did. Meanwhile, I started playing their singles. They had quite a few greats. One of the later releases, and a final hit, ‘Sign Of The Times’ is really a testament to what practice and touring can do if you’ve got some skills. They were a bit of a shambles initially but got good quick. This was almost a hit here. A nice one to rediscover.

Listen: On My Radio / The Selecter SelectorOnMyRadio.mp3

The Ska Revival, that was it, the thing that followed punk. (see The Psychedelic Furs post below). Now I remember what we did on New Year’s Eve that Christmas holiday in London ’79. Went to Dingwalls to see The Selecter and The Bodysnatchers. What a scene. Everyone was way into making sure they looked the part. Oh yes, punk was very yesterday and the ska crowd was here to let you know it.

There was nothing not to love, yes it was a blast. The two bands just leveled the place. It was a dance party plus. Dingwalls was heaving, and it’s probably the thrill of it all that I recall to be honest. But I definitely remember The Selecter being tight and sharp.

Listen: Let’s Do Rock Steady / The Bodysnatchers BodysnatchersRockSteady.mp3

The Bodysnatchers were a mostly female band, I think a few of them went on to form The Belle Stars. And they looked super snazzed with really crazy thrift store rags proudly sewn into riches. Great singles.