Reggae & Ska > Specials Reggae & Ska > by Label

Advantages: inteligent varied original
Disadvantages: their last record as a group

...debut album "Specials",but had even more greatness thrust upon them by an over expectant music press and ravenous fan base all eager for more of their punk/ska riotous rapture ,however in the spirit of true greatness and wanton defiance they delivered "More Specials" in the autumn of 1980,and in direct conflict to its title could well have been called "Less Specials " In the twelve months which had elapsed between their debut and this daring follow ...
...and movements allowing for a more tolerant musical enviroment free from the confines of punks tunnel vision and it was into this climate the genius of Jerry Dammers was allowed to thrive unchecked ,a youth mispent listening to samba ,ska ,soul , calypso,disco and film soundtracks was finally put to good use . The resulting sound was so far ahead of its time that some people never caught up,it condensed and distilled the sound of a United Kingdom ... Read review

Advantages: All their biggest song + lots you've probably never heard
Disadvantages: Most of the B sides

When I saw this 3 disc album for on my Christmas shop for a fiver there was no way I was leaving the Shop without it. For those who don't know of the Specials (also known as the Special AKAs before changing it to the Specials then changing back), they are a second wave ska band from the late seventys. They became fomous on the back of the '77 punk wave and had a big punk infuence. They sang about social issues and where probably the most relivant ...
...biggest single was 'Ghost Town' and I'll be shocked if you've never heard it as it's on just about every 'top 100 songs of all time' lists. The 1st disc in this 3 disc set is A-sides containing all thier best singles, 'Ghost Town', 'Too Much Too Young' and 'Message To You Rudy' just to name a few. Most of the songs on this disc are happy and up-beat and will make you feel like danceing. None of the tracks on this disc are bad, to say the least but ... Read review

Advantages: Fun, Racy Tracks
Disadvantages: Songs aren't labeled by which band wrote them.

...shelf and it was the best £2 i ever spent! This is a brilliant abum featuring Neville Staple and his guest band with special appearences from Jane Wiedlin Jennifer and Leila Avila. The front cover design is based on traditional ska style with the black and white check and fully dressed Rude Boys, Pork Pies and all! The album inclides ska classics such as, -Ghost Town (which hit number one in 1981) -A message to you rudy -Our lips are sealed ...
...in coventry 1977. The members were, Jerry Dammers Terry hall Neville Staples Sir Horace Gentleman Roddy Radiation Lynval Golding John Bradbury Their debut LP was 'Specials-Too Much Too Young' which instantly hit number one in the UK. After their well known song ' Ghost Town' hit number one in 1981 Neville Staples, Lynval Golding and Terry Hall left the band and Stan Campbell joined. In the 1980's Lynval Golding, Neville Staples and Terry ... Read review

Advantages: It's the Specials!
Disadvantages: One or two tracks not so good.

...folk this song epitomizes the specials, old style reggae Ska, bouncy bass line, trumpets, simple guitar riff and constant, steady drumming. The ultimate get up and move tune, everyone mouthing the words and understanding them, what a great track, still brings back great memories. My 13 year old son who is into thrash metal even likes this. 9/10. 2. Do The Dog Much more percussion and synthesizer, modern Ska, more energetic, more of a dance tune. ...
...we start to hear Terry Hall make his mark vocally on the band, lots of electric guitar too. Personally I think Mr. Hall 'whines' a bit in a Midlands way on this track. 6/10. 4. Nite Klub Love the trumpet use in this track and the almost urgent use of drums, Terry Hall vocals again, yet this time much more suited to the song which, you guessed it, is about a Night Club. Quite like this, though a little away from what I would consider Ska. 7/10. ... Read review

Advantages: Great dubby sounds
Disadvantages: some tracks are a bit weak

BOX OF DUB-Various artists is a showcase of tracks taken from the new popular Dubstep-future garage genre. This record covers the dubbier side of the scene with names such as 'Skream, Digital mystiks, Scuba, etc) . The tracks are original, with some bordering on strange (Digital Mystikz 'Guilty' is an example). Overall the quality is very high and rather enjoyable. The record kicks off with Digital Mystikz 'I wait' which is a lovely stripped down ...
...on this record and features on two tracks. The first is 'Sub Island', a detailed drum workout over minimal but heavy sub bass and an even more minimal pad sound which suggests the tropical island feel. Skream's other track is a well known dubby jump up number which has featured on underground radio and is a sure hit. Other tracks which stand out are burial, Kode 9 and Tayo. This is a good album to listen to in your own home as well as a DJ tool for ... Read review