Specials – The Specials (40th Anniversary Half Speed Remaster) (Vinyl 2LP)

The debut album from The Specials, released in 1979 in the U.K., was produced by Elvis Costello and is seen by some as the defining moment in the U.K. ska scene.

This 40th Anniversary Edition of their debut album has been mastered and cut at half-speed by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios using the original production tapes. This double LP edition was cut at 45 RPM for optimum audio quality.

True innovators of the punk era, the Specials began the British ska revival craze, combining the highly danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk’s energy and attitude, and taking on a more focused and informed political and social stance than their predecessors and peers.

Their agenda of racial harmony and social inclusion was pursued through their music, and came to be described as the Two Tone movement. Identified also by their distinctive look, the band wore mod-style 1960s period “rude boy” outfits (pork pie hats, tonic andmohairsuits, and loafers) that were adopted by fans and musical followers alike.

The band enjoyed seven consecutive U.K. Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981.

The Specials was ranked among Top Ten “Albums of the Year” for 1979 by NME. In June 2000 Q placed The Specials at No. 38 in its list of the 100 greatest British albums ever. Pitchfork Media featured The Specials at No. 42 in their list of the “Top 100 Albums of the 1970s.” Rolling Stone listed the album at No. 68 in their list “100 Best Albums of the Eighties,” as the album was not released in the U.S. until 1980.