{"title":"The Specials","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Specials were the first band of the 2-Tone era in Britain during the late '70s and early '80s. Led by keyboardist Jerry Dammers, the band consisted of Terry Hall on lead vocals, Neville Staple on vocals and percussion, Lynval Golding on rhythm guitar and vocals, Roddy \"Radiation\" Byers on lead guitar, Sir Horace Gentleman (aka Horace Panter) on bass, and John Bradbury on drums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring their active years from 1979 to 1981, The Specials released seven singles, two of which (\"Too Much Too Young\" \u0026amp; \"Ghost Town\") reached #1 in the UK charts. However, amidst widespread street violence in major cities across the country, they disbanded when \"Ghost Town\" topped the charts on July 11th, 1981.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfterwards, Jerry Dammers and John Bradbury continued as The Special AKA until 1985. Horace Panter also remained involved to some extent. Roddy Byers left but made a guest appearance on one single. Meanwhile, Terry Hall, Neville Staple, and Lynval Golding formed Fun Boy Three.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-specials-national-album-day-2024","title":"The Specials (National Album Day 2024)","description":"\u003cp\u003eLimited clear vinyl version of the classic debut album by \u003cstrong\u003eThe Specials\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Specials\u003c\/strong\u003e are one of the defining bands of the late 70’s\/early 80’s along with Jerry Dammers’ iconic label Two Tone Records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally formed in 1977 as The Coventry Automatics, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Specials\u003c\/strong\u003e combined Jamaican ska and Rocksteady mixed with the energy of punk and launched a whole Ska Revival which helped fellow like-minded bands Madness, The Beat, and The Selecter to release their first singles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Specials\u003c\/strong\u003e' first single, \"\u003cem\u003eGangsters\u003c\/em\u003e,\" was released in May 1979 with independent distribution by Rough Trade and the initial pressing of just 5,000 records sold out. The band and label soon signed with Chrysalis Records who picked up on the release of \"\u003cem\u003eGangsters\u003c\/em\u003e.\" The next single, \"\u003cem\u003eA Message To You Rudy\u003c\/em\u003e,\" followed in September with their first album released soon after in October.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chrysalis","offers":[{"title":"LP - Clear","offer_id":56473762333003,"sku":"2221557","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Screenshot_2024-09-11_at_14.53.49_b9845548_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1726233730"},{"product_id":"the-specials-1","title":"The Specials.","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Specials were formed in Coventry in 1977 as The Coventry Automatics. True innovators of the punk era, the band began the British ska revival craze, combining the highly danceable ska and rocksteadybeat with punk's energy and attitude. The Specials had seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, including the number 1 hits 'Too Much Too Young' and 'Ghost Town' The Specials' landmark, 14-track-strong debut album 'The Specials' (UK No.4, 1979), produced by Elvis Costello, declared their intentions loud and clear with a rare blend of furious energy and no-nonsense, hard-hitting lyrics. In essence a studio recording of their live set, the album comprises mostly originals with a few covers of ska classics thrown in for good measure, including their fabulous take on Dandy Livingstone's 'A Message to You Rudy', an equally stellar version of the Maytals' 'Monkey Man', and a sizzling take on Prince Buster's 'Too Hot'. Features: the vicious 'Nite Klub', with its unforgettable line, \"All the girls are slags and the beer tastes just like piss\"; 'Blank Expression', which extended the misery into unwelcoming pubs'; 'Concrete Jungle', capturing the fear and violence that stalked the inner cities; the personal 'It's Up To You', a message to those who disliked the group and its stance, and a rallying cry for supporters; 'Too Much Too Young', showing the Specials' disdain for teen pregnancy and marriage; 'It Doesn't Make It Alright', delivering a heartfelt plea against racism, and the rocksteady-esque yearning of 'You're Wondering Now'.LP - Remastered 180 Gram Heavyweight Vinyl.LP+ - Limited to 3000 Copies on Clear vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rhino","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50383342862667,"sku":"373955","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/1f7b53ea-bb50-4af8-a7bc-997ecf18e5fa_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726267560"},{"product_id":"too-much-too-young-live","title":"Too Much Too Young (Live)","description":"\u003cp\u003eOof ! Another Two Tone classic to add to the collection\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e7-inch Vinyl, packaged in a protective sleeve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA. Too Much Too Young [Live] \/ B. Guns of Navarone [Live] \/ B. Skinhead Moonstomp (Long Shot Kick The Bucket\/Liquidator\/Skinhead Moonstomp\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Two Tone","offers":[{"title":"7\"","offer_id":50388508311883,"sku":"2054517","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/120640-a98f3102c03d73c318667229b93056d6_6089f012_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726343481"},{"product_id":"friday-night-saturday-morning-work-in-progress-versions","title":"Friday Night, Saturday Morning - Work in Progress Versions","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis new release contains two previously unreleased Work In Progress Versions\nof two tracks from 1980\/81. The first being a rehearsal version of 'Friday Night,\nSaturday Morning' and on the flip side an early version of 'I Can't Stand It'\nrecorded by Jerry Dammers at the Home Organ, with Horace Panter on bass.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Label","offers":[{"title":"Black | 10\" - 1168022","offer_id":50389819916619,"sku":"1168022","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/79fc6063-1d77-4f99-9506-269b559e2152_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726373758"},{"product_id":"unisex-t-shirt-solid-logo","title":"Unisex T-Shirt Solid Logo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n            This officially licensed Unisex T-Shirt Solid Logo from The Specials is available to order now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n            This high quality Tee Shirts is available in a Black colourway.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rock Off Retail Limited","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":50390208479563,"sku":"2044799","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50390210052427,"sku":"2044800","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50390210183499,"sku":"2044801","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":50390210904395,"sku":"2044802","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX-Large","offer_id":50390211068235,"sku":"2044804","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_1b392dcf_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726385412"},{"product_id":"unisex-pullover-hoodie-protest-songs","title":"Unisex Pullover Hoodie Protest Songs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n            This officially licensed Unisex Pullover Hoodie Protest Songs from The Specials is available to order now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n            This high quality Sweatshirt is available in a Black colourway.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rock Off Retail Limited","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":50390215360843,"sku":"2044783","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50390216442187,"sku":"2044791","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":50390217457995,"sku":"2044792","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX-Large","offer_id":50390217916747,"sku":"2044796","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50390216048971,"sku":"2044786","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_71596505_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726385476"},{"product_id":"unisex-t-shirt-protest-songs","title":"Unisex T-Shirt Protest Songs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n            This officially licensed Unisex T-Shirt Protest Songs from The Specials is available to order now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n            This high quality Tee Shirts is available in a Black colourway.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rock Off Retail Limited","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":50390220046667,"sku":"2044785","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50390220505419,"sku":"2044789","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":50390220898635,"sku":"2044793","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX-Large","offer_id":50390221029707,"sku":"2044803","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50390220210507,"sku":"2044788","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_e5f6806b_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726385593"},{"product_id":"more-specials","title":"More Specials","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Specials\u003c\/strong\u003e were formed in Coventry in 1977 as The Coventry Automatics. True innovators of the punk era, the band began the British ska revival craze, combining the highly danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Specials had seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, including the number 1 hits \"Too Much Too Young\" and \"Ghost Town\". The band's second album \u003cem\u003eMore Specials\u003c\/em\u003e (UK No.5, 1980) was a change in musical direction to their debut. Less frenzied and hard-hitting, it was more musically adventurous and varied, with bleaker lyrics reflecting British life at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe album features a classic cover of Carl Sigman and Conrad Magidson's 1940s chestnut \"Enjoy Yourself\" and a brooding version of the same song featuring the Go-Go's. It also includes the Northern soul-esque instrumental \"Sock It to 'Em JB\" and the Mexican-flavoured \"Holiday Fortnight\". The intriguing \"International Jet Set\", the apocalyptic \"Man at C\u0026amp;A\", the mournful, spaghetti western feel of \"Stereotypes\", and the emotional despair of \"Do Nothing\" are also featured on the album. Additionally, the bright and breezy \"Hey, Little Rich Girl\" includes fabulous sax solos from Madness' Lee Thompson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe immortal line from \"Pearl's Cafe\" by Terry Hall and Bodysnatchers' Rhoda Dakar sums up their own, and the country's frustration - 'It's all a load of bollocks, and bollocks to it all'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chrysalis","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50402491466059,"sku":"1013243","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50402491662667,"sku":"2176883","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD | x2","offer_id":50402491302219,"sku":"385031","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/More_Specials_2002_Remaster_f5767ae4_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726547263"},{"product_id":"stereotype","title":"Stereotype","description":"\u003cp\u003eAnother masterpiece back in print, what a time to be alive !!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e7-inch Vinyl, packaged in a protective sleeve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA. 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Nite Klub\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Two Tone","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50417395237195,"sku":"2054522","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/120645-c74c2111a7db175ae22be19c8ac495c8_e94368f8_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726728539"},{"product_id":"singles-9","title":"Singles","description":"\u003cp\u003e16-track compilation LP featuring the hits of both The Specials and The Special A.K.A., including \u003ci\u003eGangsters, Ghost Town, Too Much Too Young, Nelson Mandela\u003c\/i\u003e and many more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLP - 180 Gram Vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chrysalis","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50417682088267,"sku":"1020109","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/47335ca4-4dce-4401-8303-32b11fc8b49e_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726735012"},{"product_id":"protest-songs-1924-2012","title":"Protest Songs 1924 - 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Specials enjoyed a triumphant 2019 with the release of the critically acclaimed \u003cem\u003eEncore\u003c\/em\u003e, their first ever number 1 album. This success came 40 years after they exploded onto the music scene and launched the 2 Tone movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow, they make a very timely return with the release of their brand new album \u003cem\u003eProtest Songs – 1924 -2012\u003c\/em\u003e. Released through their new label Island Records, the album features twelve singular takes on specially chosen protest songs across an almost 100-year span.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis new album shows that \u003cstrong\u003eThe Specials\u003c\/strong\u003e still care, are still protesting, and are still pissed off!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Island","offers":[{"title":"CD.","offer_id":50424208130379,"sku":"1129841","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yellow | LP","offer_id":50424209473867,"sku":"1130045","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50424208720203,"sku":"1130044","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50989768769867,"sku":"2236766","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50424209998155,"sku":"1130043","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/bc39b176-c51c-4ac1-b7c6-75619f72967f_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726775199"},{"product_id":"ghost-town-40th-anniversary-half-speed-master","title":"Ghost Town (40th Anniversary Half Speed Master)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Specials are one of the defining bands of the late 70’s \/ early 80’s along with Jerry Dammers iconic label Two Tone Records. They combined Jamaican ska and Rocksteady mixed with the energy of punk and launched a whole Ska Revival which paved the way for fellow likeminded bands Madness, The Beat and The Selecter to release their first singles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaving had seven top 10 singles and two Gold albums over the course of two years, the band released Jerry Dammers’ \u003ci\u003eGhost Town\u003c\/i\u003e in June 1981, backed by Lynval Goldings’ \u003ci\u003eWhy?\u003c\/i\u003e and the Terry Hall penned \u003ci\u003eFriday Night Saturday Morning\u003c\/i\u003e. The beginnings of the song were written around the closure of the Larcano dancehall in Coventry, but also reflecting what was happening in other towns and cities with urban decay, unemployment and ongoing racial tensions of the period. 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The album made it into the Top 40, and while it might not have been a huge commercial success, it was, and still is, an astonishingly unique work: a haunting, claustrophobic mix of lounge, soul, reggae, jazz and Arabic rhythms, with uncompromising subject matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt featured two classic singles: the joyous, yet serious rallying anthem for the then imprisoned South African ANC leader, 'Free Nelson Mandela', and 'What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend'. 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