Reggae & Ska > S Reggae & Ska > Ska > 2 Tone Ska

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: 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: A brilliant collection of one of the greatest ever ska bands
Disadvantages: your own faveourites might be missing.

The Selecter are one of the best, and yet understated Ska Bands of the late 70's and 80's. They have a unique sound that is quite different from other ska music that was around at the same time such as one of the most famous ska bands 'The Specials'. The Selecter combine the off-beat sound of two-tone ska with the unique and brilliant voice of Pauline Black to create a great outcome. If you have not heard of the sound of Ska it might be described ...
...are Madness. Up beat, happy and 'dancable'. The band have been inspirational to many famous modern artists such as Gwen Steffani, and were invited to tour with No Doubt as support. Basment Jaxx have also covered the famous hit 'On My Radio' as an album track. This album is a 'best of' collection and comrises of all of the memorable hits that are still played around the country at various venues when the Selecter tour. The songs include, 'On My ... Read review

Advantages: Catchy, listenable and memorable
Disadvantages: Its quite short and difficult to get hold of.

I had herd the Single Celebrate the Bullet on a live ska revival album I liked it so much I download the studio album version and it was great, so I decided to take a chance on the whole album. It seems to be one of those rare albums where I like every single track. The album has a good start with Facing Situations, an upbeat Ska track, things then get even better with the funky sounding Deep Water. The next two tracks are of equally high quality ...
...next is the title track Celebrate the Bullet an anti war song with one of the best guitar and bass riffs I have herd for a long time. After this you are treated to Selling Out Your Future is another very track with its own more reggae sound and a mixture of vocals from both Pauline Black and and another male vocalist (Arthur 'Gaps' Hendrickson?) It has a slightly eary feel to it but the next track Cool Blue Lady will bring you back up to speed a ... 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