Specials

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It concluded that The Specials "was a classic example of a band making an almost perfect first album, acting as both a mission statement (the rise of right wing groups opposed by the message of Two Tone equality) and as an alternative way to have fun without having to pogo or spit. In essence a studio recording of their live set, the album comprises mostly originals with a few covers of ska classics thrown in for good measure, including their fabulous take on Dandy Livingstone's "A Message to You Rudy", an equally stellar version of the Maytals' "Monkey Man ", and a sizzling take on Prince Buster's "Too Hot ". Released on 19 October 1979 [2] on Jerry Dammers' 2 Tone label, the album is seen by some as the defining moment in the UK ska scene.

The tour for the group's More Specials album in late 1980 had been a fraught experience: already tired from a long touring schedule and with several band members at odds with keyboardist and band leader Jerry Dammers over his decision to incorporate " muzak" keyboard sounds on the album, several of the gigs descended into audience violence. In December 2021, a commemorative plaque was affixed to the house where the former Woodbine Street recording studio was located.produced by Elvis Costello, declared their intentions loud and clear with a rare blend of furious energy and no-nonsense, hard-hitting lyrics.

The follow up ‘More Specials' was, at the time, considered disappointing but in truth had a hard task following up the first album and was possibly released too late - after the success of 2 Tone was beginning to recede.

A digitally remastered edition also featuring promotional videos to " Gangsters" and "Too Much Too Young" as enhanced content was released by EMI in 2002.

Originally, the lead part was done on Jerry's guide organ before the flute was dropped in on the brass track. Tensions were high during the recording of the single, with little communication between the band members, and at one point a frustrated Roddy Byers kicked a hole in the studio door, angering Rivers. A live version of " Too Much Too Young" was later released on a five-track EP, The Special AKA Live!In 2013, NME ranked The Specials at number 260 on its list of " The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Over its 40 years in business, PIAS has grown to be one of the largest independently-owned music groups in the world, carving out its own in-house recorded music division PIAS [Recordings].