Horace - Bass
Neville/Terry - Vocals
Roddy/Lynval - Guitar
Brad - Drums
Jerry - Organ
I'm surprised no one has reviewd this album yet. In fact I'm a little ashamed. I don't think there's even a two tone album review either. Anyways...
The Specials can easily be considered one of the best ska bands ever. Even people who have only been listening to third wave bands like Reel Big Fish and other similar bands will appreciate the greatness of The Specials.
Like many other two tone bands, The Specials did many covers of songs from their favorite Jamaican musicians. In this whole album, The Specials have seven covers, three of the songs originally by Prince Buster, a famous rude boy and musician. But The Specials did amazing work with all of the remakes, and did great justice to the original bands/artists. One of my favorite Specials song, and the first track on this album was originally by Dandy Livingstone.
When people hear the word ska and don't think it's a sex position, most of the time they immediately think of horns. Now there have been great ska bands with no horns like Operation Ivy and Assorted Jelly Beans, but they are both third wave bands. It seems unusual for an older ska band to not have horns, which The Specials didn't. They had seven band members, but not one of them played a brass instrument, although Jerry did play the organ. All the horns on the album were done by Dick Cuthell and the amazing Rico Rodriquez.
The songs on this album range from slow and soothing (Blank Expression)- to medium paced and catchy (It's up to You)- to fast and a touch of punk (Do the Dog).
One more interesting thing about this album. I don't know a lot about Elvis Costello but he was involved with 2-Tone Records for a period of time. He produced all the songs on this album, excluding Gangsters which The Specials produced themselves.
That's my review, it's not very good, but someone will eventually do their own on this wonderful album. I recommend this to anyone who thinsk they have at least decent taste in music. If you love ska you are sure to love this band and this album, it's their best.
