Description:

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 fellow 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, along with a DVD compilation of their promo video clip.

Track List

1. Gangsters - Special Aka the
2. A Message to You Rudy - Specials the / Rico
3. Nite Klub - Specials the
4. Concrete Jungle - Specials the
5. Too Much Too Young - Special Aka the
6. Blank Expression - Specials the
7. Doesn't Make It Alright - Specials the
8. Rude Boys Outta Jail - Specials the
9. Rat Race - Specials the
10. Man at C ; a - Specials the
11. Do Nothing - Specials the / Rico
12. Stereotype / Stereotype [Part 2] - Specials the
13. International Jet Set - Specials the
14. Friday Night Saturday Morning - Specials the
15. Why? (Edit) - Specials the
16. Ghost Town (Full Version) - Specials the
17. What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend - Special Aka the
18. Racist Friend - Special Aka the
19. Gangsters - Special Aka the
20. A Message to You Rudy - Specials the / Rico
21. Too Much Too Young - Special Aka the
22. Rat Race - Specials the
23. Do Nothing - Specials the
24. Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think) - Specials the
25. Ghost Town - Specials the
26. Bright Lights - Special Aka the
27. Lonely Crowd - Special Aka the
28. House Bound - Special Aka the
29. Alcohol - Special Aka the
30. Racist Friend - Special Aka the
31. War Crimes (The Crime Remains the Same) - Special Aka the
32. Nelson Mandela - Special Aka the
33. Break Down the Door - Special Aka the
34. What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend - Special Aka the