Specials CD

Rating

Album: Specials CD
#	Song Title		Time
	Disc 1
1)	Gangsters	More Info...
2)	A Message to You Rudy	More Info...
3)	Do the Dog	More Info...
4)	It's Up to You	More Info...
5)	Nite Klub	More Info...
6)	Doesn't Make It Alright	More Info...
7)	Concrete Jungle	More Info...
8)	Too Hot	More Info...
9)	Monkey Man	More Info...
10)	(Dawning of A) New Era	More Info...
11)	Blank Expression	More Info...
12)	Stupid Marriage	More Info...
13)	Too Much Too Young	More Info...
14)	Little Bitch	More Info...
15)	You're Wondering Now	More Info...

Album: Specials CD
#	Song Title		Time
	Disc 1
1)	Gangsters	More Info...
2)	A Message to You Rudy	More Info...
3)	Do the Dog	More Info...
4)	It's Up to You	More Info...
5)	Nite Klub	More Info...
6)	Doesn't Make It Alright	More Info...
7)	Concrete Jungle	More Info...
8)	Too Hot	More Info...
9)	Monkey Man	More Info...
10)	(Dawning of A) New Era	More Info...
11)	Blank Expression	More Info...
12)	Stupid Marriage	More Info...
13)	Too Much Too Young	More Info...
14)	Little Bitch	More Info...
15)	You're Wondering Now	More Info...

Performer Notes

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
The Specials: Terry Hall, Neville Staples (vocals); Lynval Golding, Roddy Radiation (guitar); Jerry Dammers (organ); Horace Gentleman (bass); John "Brad" Bradbury (drums).
Additional personnel: Rico Rodriguez, Dick Cuthell (horns).
Producers: Elvis Costello, The Specials.
Reissue producers: Nigel Reeve, Rob Owen.
Includes liner notes by Adrian Thrill.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Liner Note Author: Lois Wilson.
Recording information: Paris Theatre, London (12/15/1979); TW Studios (12/15/1979).
Photographers: Chalkie Davies; Carol Starr.
Produced by Elvis Costello, this self-titled 1979 debut quickly became gospel to the wave of ska then sweeping England. Infusing the catchy, jumpy music developed by artists like the Skatalites and Prince Buster a generation before them with punk's youthful disenfranchisement, bands like the Specials, the Selecter and Madness gave birth to a movement, one which strove for such noble goals as racial unity (then a particularly sore issue in Britain) and non-violence. THE SPECIALS states these ideals magnificently, wrapping them in tunes bursting with energy--tight, sincere and masterful.
Ska's musical style is an easy one to discern--syncopated rhythm guitar, infectious rhythms, horn sections a-go-go; vocals often reach the level of a rant, and the lyrics are usually of utmost import. The album's opener and by far its most recognized tune "A Message To You Rudy" spoke frankly and directly to those youngsters tempted towards the gangster life. "Do the Dog" is more outright social statement--an earnest appeal not to fall into life's easy, safe categories, be they military or social. Societal issues of every stripe are attacked--from "Stupid Marriage" to "Concrete Jungle."

Professional Reviews

Spin (6/02, p.107) - "...A top-to-bottom classic..."

Entertainment Weekly (5/24/02, p.95) - "...They took a curatorial approach, lacing their ska workouts with punkish vitriol...Those pining for skinny ties can view videos too..." - Rating: B

Q (1/03, p.64) - Included in Q Magazine's "100 Greatest Albums Ever"

Q (6/00, p.74) - Ranked #38 in Q's "100 Greatest British Albums" - "...Fused the energy, aggression and politics of punk with an electrified speed-addled version of ska...on a frantic musical merry-go-round..."

CMJ (1/5/04, p.6) - Ranked #6 in CMJ's "Top 20 Most-Played Albums of 1980".

Vibe (12/99, p.164) - Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century - "...the greatest record of Britain's ska rage....they break into a creative dimension that eluded all their imitators."

Fishpond works with suppliers all over the world to bring you a huge selection of products, really great prices, and delivery included on over 25 million products that we sell. We do our best every day to make Fishpond an awesome place for customers to shop and get what they want — all at the best prices online.

About Fishpond

You can earn a 8% commission by selling Specials CD on your website. It's easy to get started - we will give you example code. After you're set-up, your website can earn you money while you work, play or even sleep! You should start right now!

Are you the Author or Publisher of a book? Or the manufacturer of one of the millions of products that we sell. You can improve sales and grow your revenue by submitting additional information on this title. The better the information we have about a product, the more we will sell!

Submit Information