The Specials are one of the defining bands of the late 70’s/early 80’s along with Jerry Dammers iconic label Two Tone Records. Originally formed in 1977, as The Coventry Automatics, The Specials combined Jamaican ska and Rocksteady, mixed with the energy of punk they launched a whole Ska Revival. They also helped likeminded bands such as Madness, The Beat, The Selecter to release their first singles. The Specials released ‘Gangsters’ as their first single in the summer of ’79, quickly releasing the classic singles A Message To You Rudy, Do Nothing and Rat Race. They released their debut album ‘Specials’ in 1979, followed by ‘More Specials’ in 1980. During this time, the band has two UK Number One singles, a live version of ‘Too Much Too Young’ from ‘The Special AKA Live EP’ and the unforgettable ‘Ghost Town’ in the summer of 1981. Jerry Dammers continued as The Special AKA following the departure of band members in late 1981, releasing their third album ‘In The Studio’ which included the iconic single ‘Nelson Mandela’. This 20 track compilation collects all their key singles and album tracks, made available on heavyweight 180g vinyl for the first time.

Tracklist:

Gangsters
A Message To You Rudy (2002 Remaster)
Nite Klub (2002 Remaster)
Concrete Jungle (2002 Remaster)
Too Much Too Young (Live)
Blank Expression (2002 Remaster)
Doesn't Make It Alright (2002 Remaster)
Rude Boys Outa Jail
Rat Race
Man At C&A (2002 Remaster)
Do Nothing
Stereotype / Stereotype, Pt. 2 (2002 Remaster)
International Jet Set (2002 Remaster)
Friday Night, Saturday Morning
Why? (Edit)
Ghost Town (Extended Version)
What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend (2002 Remaster)
Racist Friend
War Crimes (The Crime Remains The Same) (Edit)
Nelson Mandela (2002 Remaster)

UPC: 5060516092260
Label: Chrysalis
Release Date: 1.25.19
Format: Vinyl

The Specials - The Best Of The Specials (Import LP)