Tag: ska
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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…
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Various Artists, The Vinyl Series Volume One, 2021 on Island
Great collection of Reggae / Ska / Rocksteady singles from the early days of Island Records, said to be hand-picked by label founder Chris Blackwell. There’s already been a Volume Two and Volume Three (going into the 70s) – not sure if there will be more or not. Somewhat idiosyncratically includes The Spencer Davis Group…
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Madness, Baggy Trousers, 2022 on BMG
While the original single “Baggy Trousers” came out in 1980 on Stiff Records, this 2022 six song EP is the first 12″ version. It was released for Record Store Day 2022 on 180g vinyl by BMG / Union Square Music. Six generously proportioned tracks together for the first time This includes a French cabaret style…
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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…
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The English Beat, What is Beat?, 1983 on I.R.S. Records
This is the North American version of this release (as evidenced by the “English”) which collected a number of singles, remixes, and live tracks as well as a number of tracks from the first three English Beat albums, serving as a kind of “best of” in the US. There’s a 2xLP version with a different…
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The Dropkick Murphys, Turn Up That Dial, 2021 on Born & Bred Records
The Dropkick Murphys formed in Quincy Massachusetts in the mid 90s, with Ken Casey, Rick Barton and Mike McColgan – Casey’s the only one still involved as of this recent LP. They created Born & Bred as an imprint to release their own music through the Independent Label Group / Alternative Distribution Alliance. My copy…
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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…
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The Selecter, Live In Coventry ’79, 2021 on 2 Tone.
The Selecter, Live In Coventry ’79, 2021 on 2 Tone. Ska group that formed in Coventry in 79 and broke up in 1981 (later reformed with various different configs) This was a 2021 release – limited edition of 1500
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Fishbone, self-titled EP, 1985 on Columbia.
Fishbone, self-titled EP, 1985 on Columbia. A little ska party today, including U.G.L.Y. and of course “Party at Ground Zero” Via Academy Records NYC
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Madness, Madness, 1983 on Geffen
Friday Madness!