5 of Coventry's music classics
As part of the 2Tone Taxi project, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire invited local musicians to do their own cover of a 2-Tone or Coventry classic.
Here's some of the local artists who brought their own style and interpretation to a song that is so well known in its original format...
1. The Upsiders
The band, The Upsiders - who are often seen busking in Coventry city centre - recorded their own version of A Message To You, Rudy.
They also performed it live at the launch of the 2Tone Taxi at Coventry Transport Museum.
Neville Staple, formerly of The Specials, also performed it with them at the end of the night as a special surprise.
2. Joe Dolman
This Song Is About You - The Enemy
Leamington’s Joe Dolman came into BBC Coventry & Warwickshire to record his own version of The Enemy’s This Song is About You. Not a 2-Tone tune, but a song from a well-known Coventry band.
Joe said: “I chose to do a cover of "This Song is About You" from The Enemy's first album because they're one of the most successful bands to come out of our area.
After touring with Tom Clarke (frontman) earlier this year; joining him onstage every night (including his headline slot in the rock tent at Godiva Festival) to perform this song, it instantly became one of the most important songs and experiences of my musical career to date. I had to pick this song!”
3. Levi Washington (with backing from Bella Deanie)
You’re Wondering Now - The Specials
4. Bella Deanie (with backing from Levi Washington)
Monkey Man - The Specials
Levi Washington and Bella Deanie came to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire to record their own versions of You’re Wondering Now and Monkey Man – both tunes that were recorded by The Specials.
Bella Deanie said: “Monkey Man I was excited to play as it's such an iconic song historically but it was of course made popular by our very own legends. The specials have had such an impact on bringing ska music to a wider audience and enjoyed paying homage to such an impactful track!
“And I’d say Monkey Man is one of my all-time favourite songs", said Levi Washington, "because it has an amazing ability to get absolutely anyone singing and dancing along at gigs. It was one of our signature covers when I was in Grassroutes (a local band) so it also reminds me of a great time in my life!"
"You're Wondering Now is just a feel good song." said Bella, "I like the contrast of the lyrics as they are quite contemplative but the chords make it light hearted still. When Levi asked me to come along to record I knew it would be a good opportunity to get some harmonies on the go! That's always fun.”
5. Kristy Gallacher
Kristy, who is a well-known face on the Coventry music scene, decided to do a cover of The Selecter’s On My Radio. She brought her own acoustic style and interpretation to the tune.
She said: “I chose the song (On My Radio) because Pauline Black originally started in folk music. Pauline also played with local guitarist Dave Bennett, who taught me the style of picking that I played on the track.
"It seemed nice to go full circle… and I wanted to do a version of the Selecter hit in the folk style.”
