ENCORE OF THE MONTH
November, 2020
The Specials
The Specials were a 2 Tone ska band that continues to influence the ska movement today. The Specials led the vanguard of the second wave that was 2 Tone ska that emerged in the UK in the late1970's. Jerry Dammers was the band's keyboardist and the founder of 2 Tone Records. Along with the Specials, the label signed other ska legends, The Selecter, Madness and The English Beat.
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The Specials self titled debut album has become a ska classic. 'A message to you Rudy' is ska gold.
The Specials first album was produced by Elvis Costello and it gets inside your head. Before you know it, it is on high rotation and you will not be able to get enough. 'It's Up to You' is a song that I love.
Another song that I love is "You're wondering now'.
The Specials became a massive band in the UK but sadly had limited success elsewhere. Their influence extended well beyond record sales. Gwen Stefani from No Doubt was a very big fan. Terry Hall, the Specials lead singer made a cameo in the video for No Doubt's 'Sunday Morning'. No Doubt have performed several of the Specials' songs and have drawn from their music to inspire a version of ska that opened the door to the third wave of ska that broke around the world. The Specials song 'Ghost town' is a tune that No Doubt performed on their massive Tragic Kingdom tour.
I love the Specials, particularly the first two albums so it is ironic to say that one of my all time favorite Specials songs is actually a Fun Boy Three song. Fun Boy Three formed when Terry Hall, Neville Staple and Lynval Golding left the band. 'The Lunatics' is a song to love.
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