Duke Vin and the Birth of Ska + Babylon

Duke Vin and the Birth of Ska
Gus Berger, 50 mins, UK, 2008

Reflecting beautifully the dynamic environment of London in the 60s and the ska, rocksteady and reggae path that Duke Vin blazed, the man himself takes us through the upheavel, the sweat and the sounds that defined this music.


Babylon
Franco Rosso, 95 mins, UK, 1980

From a great tradition of British realist dramas, Babylon has a nerve that has rightly elevated it to true cult status.

Following the lives of a group of friends as they prepare for a battle of the sound systems, the greater battle soon turns out to be on the streets where even when you win, you lose.

There's certainly a sense of Quadrophenia in story and style with this classic where our heroes find themselves more and more confined by the gritty Brixton environment despite the soaring dub soundscape backdrop.
Indeed, the film was penned by Martin Stellman, the writer of Quadrophenia which was released a year before this gem, making the association more than skin deep.

Filled with great performances, the film packs an awfully big punch as the gang - especially the protagonist 'Blue' - confront police brutality, National Front racism and family and financial issues.
Through the vibrant cinematography of Chris Menges (Local Hero, The Killing Fields and The Mission) and a thumping soundtrack from Aswad, I-Roy, Dennis Bovell and others, there's something really interesting going on here that fires at audiences with all chambers.
Music film, "yes", hard-nosed drama, "yes", document of the time, "yes", essential viewing "absolutely!"