Saturday 19 January 2002, Bedford Esquires.
Local Ska band ‘CATCF’ were actually asked by The Selecter to open their act - quite a privilege ‘but what better choice!’
They have already attained quite a following, which creates an immediate reaction to their shows. This band seems constantly fresh, and although most of their songs are covers, at least they change the set list around to maintain the freshness. This time ending with a well known 80’s cover done in their own style. I think they now have to create their own classics, a good band though, and even if they returned to play at the end- they would still keep the crowd moving.
’20 Dead Camels’, the so called ‘Top U.K. Ska Outfit’ are just that, arriving onstage clad in Egyptian themed attire including fez hats, and musically entertaining as well, its soon obvious that this is a class act. The most refreshing thing was the inclusion of the sax - creating a welcome variation between the other acts, and gained a lively crowd response, demonstrating that there is a place for this type of music in Bedford. 20 Dead Camels have recently been doing tracks for a film and are becoming quite sought after for gigs.
‘The Selecter’ - A sell out gig with remaining tickets on the door reaching up to £8+ lived up to expectations. The progenitors of the 2Tone Ska movement were around when Chico’s men were still in diapers. There was a mixed crowd and varied age range creating a lively dance floor including human pyramids. The band looked as if they were enjoying themselves too, with their unique boppy sound. The lead singer Pauline Black with her trademark - pork pie hat easily won the crowd over. As well as her vocal talent Pauline has also turned a hand to T.V. presenting, teaching, and acting. The well known hits ‘Three Minute Hero’ and ‘The Whisper’ were there among a wide choice of material from when they formed in 1979 through to when they disbanded in 81 at the height of their popularity and re-formed a decade later. The show ended of course with their top 10 chart buster ‘On My Radio’.
Keith Pickering