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Artist

The Specials

12+ albums
skatwo-tonereggaepunk80s

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about

The Specials is an English “2 Tone” ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, Warwickshire. Their music combines a danceable ska beat with punk’s energy, underpinned by an informed political and social stance. The group was formed by songwriter/keyboardist Jerry Dammers, with Terry Hall (vocals), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals) and a rhythm section featuring Horace Panter (bass) and John Bradbury (drums; born 16 February 1953, died 28 December 2015). The band wore mod-style 1960s period "rude boy" outfits (pork pie hats, mohair suits, and loafers). In 1980, their song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached number one in the UK. In 1981, the unemployment-themed single "Ghost Town" also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart. After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up in 1984. A version of the band reformed from 1994-2001. In 2008, the band reformed again and, in2009, embarked on a 30th anniversary tour. In 2010, they toured America and Europe. In 2011 they again touring the UK. In 1979, their debut LP hit the shelves and quickly soared into the UK Top Five. The album was produced by Elvis Costello and was released under founding member, Jerry Dammer's record label 2 Tone Records. Following the success of their debut album, Specials, their second and final album, More Specials was released. This expanded the group's 2 tone sound to include lounge music and other influences. After two albu

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top songs

1

Ghost Town

542,191
2

A Message to You Rudy

214,161
3

A Message to You Rudy - 2015 Remaster

156,413
4

Too Much Too Young

153,969
5

A Message To You Rudy - 2002 Remaster

135,103
6

Rat Race

126,764
7

Gangsters

125,067
8

Monkey Man

106,601
9

Little Bitch

100,872
10

Do the Dog

96,457

albums

Stereo-Typical: A's, B's & Rarities

Stereo-Typical: A's, B's & Rarities

The Specials (Deluxe Version)

The Specials (Deluxe Version)

The Best of The Specials

The Best of The Specials

Specials

Specials

The Specials

The Specials

The Singles Collection

The Singles Collection

The Specials (2002 Remaster)

The Specials (2002 Remaster)

More Specials (Deluxe Version)

More Specials (Deluxe Version)

Too Much Too Young

Too Much Too Young

Stereo-Typical

Stereo-Typical

Greatest Hits

Greatest Hits

More Specials

More Specials

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