Thanks, that one never occured to me, although when I think about it, it makes sense. The beat definitely has a Ska-like feel to it, albeit a bit slowed down, almost to where it’s more Reggae-like. And it definitely has that cheerful Ska feel to it. So perhaps the Beatles opened yet another musical door for future British groups to walk through, e.g. Madness, General Public, The Police, UB40.

Now everytime I hear a “British Invasion” song from the 60’s, I’m going to listen for a Ska beat! And who knows who else “did” Ska–Elvis, Sinatra, The Mitch Miller Singers? ;-)

*O-Bla-Dee, O-Bla-Da* borrows a lot from ska and reggae, although to my ears the Beatles didnt get the sound quite right.

So, then, check out the Herbie Mann reggae version, *Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da*, recorded in 1974 (Atlantic), with the legendary Tommy McCook band providing authentic reggae support and Jimmy Cliff acknowledged for “special thanks”.

“Do you know of any other Ska-influenced song from that period that was not put out by a real Ska band, other than the Beatles example I gave? “

Kovie, my husband pointed out that “O-Bla-Dee, O-Bla-Da” borrows a lot from ska and reggae, although to my ears the Beatles didn’t get the sound quite right. But the reference to “Desmond,” the fact that Molly “sings it in the band,” and the quasi-dialect Paul uses may be other clues of where the Beatles were going with this. Imagine the song with the tempo a tad faster and a genuine reggae drum underneath, and the song comes pretty close.

Billy K, or anyone else knowledgable:

Back in 1967, there was a festival on Mt. Tamalpais, the “Magic Mountain” festival. Amongst a typically incredible lineup a real standout was a group from Jamaica, whose name I can’t recall. But it was the first live Jamaican music I ever heard. Any idea who it was?

And a comment:

I was always struck by the reference to Bonnie and Clyde in The Israelites. Even as a teenager, it spoke to me of how the far reaches of empire know so much more of the metropole than the metropole knows of them–of how conscious they are of the acts of perception and representation that we have college and grad school courses to study. But for them, it’s a matter of survival, that kids learn about before they reach puberty.

Thanks for confirming what I suspected. It’s been years since I’ve seen Quadrophenia–I guess it’s time for another viewing! Do you know of any other Ska-influenced song from that period that was not put out by a real Ska band, other than the Beatles example I gave? I’m pretty sure that I’ve heard several others (e.g. The Who, Yardbirds, Animals, etc.). It’s always interesting to hear musical genres when they crossover and blend, especially when the result is successful. Obviously, Ska and later Reggae have had a huge influence on non-Jamaican music. But this was then that started.

I also miss “Double Barrel” by Dave and Ansel Collins — not quite as big a smash, but just as fresh and delightful.

Which in no way takes away from the undisputed fact that “The Israelites” is one of the very best songs ever made. Just a terrific piece of work.