The Specials – A Message to You, Rudy
label: Ariola
year: 1979
side a: A Message to You, Rudy
side b: Nite Klub
www.thespecials.com
The Specials – Stereotype
label: 2 Tone
year: 1980
side a: Stereotype
side b: International Jet Set
The Specials – Ghost Town
label: Chrysalis
year: 1981
side a: Ghost Town
side b1: Why?
side b2: Friday Night Saturday Morning
The Special AKA – Nelson Mandela
label: Chrysalis
year: 1984
side a: Nelson Mandela
side b: Break Down the Door
The Special AKA – What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend
label: Chrysalis
year: 1984
side a: What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend
side b: Can’t Get a Break
I have said it before: I love 2 Tone ska. The Specials were boss – I even own several copies of their first album. OK so that didn’t happen on purpose but still.
They’re back together, albeit without key member Jerry Dammers (and if I read his statement in Word Magazine right, him returning won’t be happening any time soon, unfortunately). I’m not a fan of reunions, but this is one band I would love to see and hear live in the original line-up. If only to see if Mark Lamarr‘s right when he says “If you were 12 in 1979, the Specials were easy peasy lemon squeezy the greatest band on the planet. If you’re 42 in 2009, nothings changed.” Even though it’s still two years and six days until I’m 42.
Video of “Nite Klub” played live.