The Specials – The Specials

The Specials are an English 2 Tone and ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry. Their music combines a “danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk’s energy and attitude”. Lyrically, they present a “more focused and informed political and social stance”. In 1980, the song “Too Much Too Young”, the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart. In 1981, the recession-themed single “Ghost Town” also hit No. 1 in the UK. The Specials is their debut album. Released on 19 October 1979 on Jerry Dammers’ 2 Tone label, the album is seen by some as the defining moment in the UK ska scene. Produced by Elvis Costello, the album captures the disaffection and anger felt by the youth of the UK’s “concrete jungle”—a phrase borrowed from Bob Marley’s 1973 album Catch a Fire but equally appropriately used here to describe the grim, violent inner cities of 1970s Britain. The album features a mixture of original material and several covers of classic Jamaican ska tracks.

Label: 2 Tone, Chrysalis
Cat. # CDLTTX5001