Ska originated in Jamaica and was a sort of mixture of Calypso Jazz and Reggae. There were some great British ska bands including:

(1) Bad Manners - Buster Bloodvessel was the lead singer and he was a character. My favorite track of theirs was Lorraine but they made other great singles such as Just a Feeling, Lip up fatty and Can Can.

(2) The Specials - Ghosttown was their big hit but I preferred A message to you Rudi (who did it). Others included Much too much much too young.

(3) The Beat - Very distinctive sound - I loved Mirror in the Bathroom but other singles like Cant get used to losing you and Hands off she mine are also great tunes.

(4) Madness - Top band and still great. Fun band also with House of fun, Baggy Trousers, I like driving in my car, Nightboat to Cairo and my favourite It must be love.

(5) The Selector - Main song was On my radio.