Tag: Specials
-
The Specials, More Specials, 1980 on Two-Tone
Second album from Coventry’s own The Specials, with Jerry Dammer, Sir Horace Gentleman, John Bradbury, Dick Cuthell, Roddy Radiation, Lynval Golding, Rico Rodrigues, Neville Staples and Terry Hall. Several members of the Go-Go’s join for backing vocals: Belinda Carlisle, Charlotte Caffey, and Jane Wiedlin (who would co-write “Our Lips Are Sealed” with Hall). My copy—via…
-
The Fun Boy Three, The Fun Boy Three, 1982 on Chrysalis
The Fun Boy Three (Terry Hall, Neville Staple, and Lynval Golding) were a spin-off / outgrowth of The Specials. This was their debut, self-titled album with guests Bananarama on four tracks, including a cover of “It Ain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That You Do it),” Also features “The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The…
-
The Special AKA, Nelson Mandela, 1984 on Two Tone
Extended version 12″ single from The Specials (Special AKA), produced by Elvis Costello. One of my favorite early 80s ska protest songs. Now dated in its reference but hey – never forget: Mandela was in prison for 27 years but would go on to be the president of South Africa. It’s an amazing story in…
-
Specials, Specials, 1979 on Two-Tone
Ska greats The Specials (later renamed The Special AKA) in their debut full length on Coventry label Two-Tone, started by Jerry Dammers (of the Specials). The Specials included Terry Hall, Neville Staple, Dammers, Lynval Golding, Roddy Radiation, Horace Panter, John Bradbury, Dick Cuthell and Rico Rodriguez. This album was produced by Elvis Costello, and features…
-
Various Artists, This Are Two Tone, 1983 on Chrysalis/Two Tone
In the UK, this was released on Two Tone, but in the US they were distributed by Chrysalis and issued on the Chrysalis label. Sleeve design credit to Jerry Dammers who founded Two Tone and was a key member Specials. Great compilation of 80s reggae/ska: Specials / The Special A.K.A., Madness, The Selecter, The English…
-
General Public, . . . All The Rage, 1984 on I.R.S. Records
General Public, . . . All The Rage, 1984 on I.R.S. Records Debut LP for an offshoot of the English Beat (aka The Beat) plus members of Dexy’s Midnight Runners and the Specials via Anntiques in Ispwich MA
-
Various Artists, Life In The European Theatre, 1981 on WEA.
Various Artists, Life In The European Theatre, 1981 on WEA. Apparently a UK pressing – the US version opted for “theater” in the title, and subbed The Doors’ “Peace Frog” in for Ian Drury and the Blockheads. (I say apparently because this version has none of the country-specific price codes or rights societies that other…