Specials

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The debut album by The Specials was released on 19 October 1979 on Jerry Dammers's 2 Tone label. Elvis Costello produced it. The record captures the anger and boredom of young people in the grim inner cities of 1970s Britain. It contains original songs and covers of old Jamaican ska. The band reworked the sound of the 1960s: less percussion and smaller horn sections, with punk anger and the guitar at the front of the mix.

The opening track A Message to You Rudy had been a single by Dandy Livingstone in 1967. Trombonist Rico Rodriguez, who had already played on old Jamaican recordings, was on hand this time too. Too Much Too Young appeared in a live version on an EP that reached number one. The British press reacted in a mixed way, but NME placed the record in its top ten of 1979. Later it was seen as the definitive moment of British ska.

Listening

Track list

1. 1A Message to You Rudy2:53Apple Music ↗
2. 2Do the Dog2:12Apple Music ↗
3. 3It's Up to You3:24Apple Music ↗
4. 4Nite Klub3:23Apple Music ↗
5. 5Doesn't Make It Alright3:28Apple Music ↗
6. 6Concrete Jungle3:19Apple Music ↗
7. 7Too Hot3:10Apple Music ↗
8. 8Monkey Man2:45Apple Music ↗
9. 9(Dawning of A) New Era2:26Apple Music ↗
10. 10Blank Expression2:44Apple Music ↗
11. 11Stupid Marriage3:50Apple Music ↗
12. 12Too Much Too Young6:06Apple Music ↗
13. 13Little Bitch2:33Apple Music ↗
14. 14You're Wondering Now2:36Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗