Specials – The Best Of The Specials (Vinyl 2LP)

The Specials were one of the defining bands of the late 70’s/early 80’s along with Jerry Dammers iconic label Two Tone Records. Originally formed in 1977, as The Coventry Automatics, The Specials combined Jamaican ska and rocksteady, mixed with the energy of punk and launched a whole ska revival. The group released “Gangsters” as their first single in the summer of ’79, quickly followed by the classics “A Message To You Rudy,” “Do Nothing” and “Rat Race.” They released their eponymous debut album in 1979, followed by More Specials in 1980. During this time, the band had two UK No. 1 singles, a live version of “Too Much Too Young” from The Special AKA Live EP and the unforgettable “Ghost Town” in the summer of 1981. Dammers continued as The Special AKA in late 1981, releasing their third album In The Studio which included the iconic single “Nelson Mandela.” This 20 track compilation collects all of their key singles and album tracks, made available on heavyweight 180g vinyl for the first time.

LP1

1. Ghost Town
2. A Message to You Rudy (2002 Remastered Version)
3. Nite Klub (Feat. Rico) [2002 Remastered Version] – By The Specials Featuring Rico
4. Concrete Jungle (2002 Remastered Version)
5. Too Much Too Young (Live) – By The Special AKA
6. Blank Expression (2002 Remastered Version)
7. Doesn’t Make It Alright (2002 Remastered Version)
8. Rude Boys Outa Jail
9. Rat Race
10. Man At C&A (2002 Remastered Version)

LP2

1. Do Nothing (feat. Rico with The Ice Rink String Sounds)
2. Stereotype/Stereotypes (Part 2) [Medley] (2002 Remastered Version)
3. International Jet Set (2002 Remastered Version)
4. Friday Night, Saturday Morning
5. Why? (Edit)
6. Ghost Town (Extended Version)
7. What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend (2002 Remastered Version) – By The Special AKA
8. Racist Friend – By The Special AKA
9. War Crimes (The Crime Remains The Same) (Edit) – By The Special AKA
10. Nelson Mandela (2002 Remastered Version) – By The Special AKA