Specials, The – The Best Of The Specials 2xLP

The Specials are one of the defining bands of the late 70’s/early 80’s along with Jerry Dammers' iconic label Two Tone Records. Originally formed in 1977, The Specials combined Jamaican ska and Rocksteady, mixed this with the energy of Punk and launched a whole Ska Revival. They also helped fellow likeminded bands such as Madness, The Beat, The Selecter to release their first singles. The Specials released ‘Gangsters’ as their first single in the summer of ’79, quickly followed by the classic singles A Message To You Rudy, Do Nothing and Rat Race. They released their debut album ‘Specials’ in 1979, followed by ‘More Specials’ in 1980. During this time, the band has two UK Number One singles, a live version of ‘Too Much Too Young’ from ‘The Special AKA Live EP’ and the unforgettable ‘Ghost Town’ in the summer of 1981. Jerry Dammers continued as The Special AKA following the departure of band members in late 1981, releasing their third album ‘In The Studio’ which included the iconic single ‘Nelson Mandela’. This 20 track compilation collects all their key singles and album tracks.
(2 Tone/ 2019)

Tracklist:

LP1
01. Gangsters
02. A Message To You Rudy
03. Nite Klub (Ft. Rico)
04. Concrete Jungle
05. Too Much Too Young (Live)
06. Blank Expression
07. Doesn't Make It Alright
08. Rude Boys Outa Jail
09. Rat Race
10. Man At C&A

LP2
01. Do Nothing (Ft. Rico With the Ice Rink String Sounds)
02. Stereotype/Stereotypes (Part 2) (Medley)
03. International Jet Set
04. Friday Night, Saturday Morning
05. Why? (Edit)
06. Ghost Town (Extended Version)
07. What I Like Most About You is Your Girlfriend
08. Racist Friend
09. War Crimes (the Crime Remains the Same) (Edit)
10. Nelson Mandela