{"product_id":"9780956642028","title":"Wheels Out of Gear: 2 Tone, the Specials and a World in Flame","description":"Originally published to great critical acclaim in 2004 by Helter Skelter Publishing, WHEELS OUT OF GEAR is a vivid exploration of the 2-Tone movement of the late 1970s and early '80s, set against the turbulent backdrop of Thatcher's Britain.\u003cp\u003eTaking its roots from Caribbean Ska, Rock Steady and Reggae, the 2-Tone sound was honed into a modern urban multi-racial groove led by The Specials, whose 2-Tone record label gave the movement its name and a home to many of the groups of the time, such as The Selecter and Madness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a period of great political polarisation, with clashes between the National Front and the Anti-Nazi League, as well as riots in London, Liverpool and Birmingham, and the death of Blair Peach at the hands of the police, The Specials and their contemporaries spread a multi-racial message whilst gaining commercial success with hits such as Too Much Too Young and Ghost Town, which combined catchy dance music with socially aware lyrics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWHEELS OUT OF GEAR is a candid exploration of this fascinating era in British music and politics and is a must-have for all fans of the 2-Tone sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt will also fascinate anyone with an interest in 1980s politics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe author, Dave Thompson, lives in America and is available for interviews. His soon to be published book on Patti Smith will have a halo effect for this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soundcheck Books LLP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47018943054064,"sku":"9780956642028","price":15.67,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780956642028_p0.jpg?v=1763873940","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780956642028","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}