Specials Singles Collection CD

A collection of material released by The Specials (and its splinter group The Special AKA) from 1979 to 1984.

Although the Specials were widely influential, they were not the most prolific band to walk the punk/ska boards, so fans have to content themselves with collections like this. Fortunately, this compilation stands out for featuring not just their "hits" ("A Message to You Rudy," "Nite Klub"), but also b-sides, live tracks, and rarities. Of particular note is the inclusion of the powerful and dance-worthy anthem, "Free Nelson Mandela," recorded under the name the Special A.K.A. after the official demise of the Specials. The song, written by Jerry Dammers and the Bodysnatchers' Rhoda Dakar, was the musical culmination of the anti-racist, anti-apartheid sentiments that were coming to a boil in the mid-'80s U.K. punk scene, and found original purchase in the 2 Tone movement that the Specials came to define.

Out of print in the U.S.! Import compilation featuring entirely different artwork than the deleted U.S. version, but including all the same wonderful tracks. Although they spearheaded the Ska movement of the late '70s and early '80s, The Specials were so much more than a revivalist band as these songs prove. 15 tracks including 'Rat Race', 'Gangsters', 'Free Nelson Mandela', 'Rudi, A Message To You', 'Too Much Too Young' and many more. Features cuts from both incarnations of the band: The Specials and The Special A.K.A. EMI.

The Specials: Terry Hall, Neville Staples (vocals); Lynval Golding, Roddy Radiation (guitar); Jerry Dammers (keyboards); Sir Horace Gentleman (bass); John "Brad" Bradbury (drums).

Producers: Elvis Costello, The Special AKA, Jerry Dammers, Dave Jordan, John Collins, Dick Cuthell.

Additional personnel: Rico Rodriguez (trombone).Q (10/00, pp.136-7) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...As straightforward a flab-free compilation as they come, adding some double-A-sides for ballast..."