The Specials – The Specials – Expanded, 2 Compact Disc, Double CD, Chrysalis, 2019

Expanded double CD pressing. True innovators of the punk era, The Specials began the British ska revival craze, combining the highly danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk’s energy and attitude, and taking on a more focused and informed political and social stance than their predecessors and peers.

Produced by Elvis Costello and presented as a studio recording of the band’s live set, The Special’s landmark eponymous debut hit the shelves in 1979 and is anchored by their hit version of Dandy Livingstone’s “A Message to You, Rudy,” and killer originals like “Nite Klub,” “Blank Expression” and “Concrete Jungle.”

The Specials was ranked among the Top 10 “Albums of the Year” by NME; Q Magazine placed it at No. 38 in it’s list of the 100 greatest British albums ever; and Pitchfork featured it at No. 42 in their list of the “Top 100 Albums of the 1970s.”

– Disc 1 –
1 Gangsters
2 A Message to You Rudy
3 Do the Dog
4 It’s Up to You
5 Nite Klub
6 Doesn’t Make It Alright
7 Concrete Jungle
8 Too Hot
9 Monkey Man
10 (Dawning of a) New Era
11 Blank Expression
12 Stupid Marriage
– Disc 2 –
1 Too Much Too Young
2 Little Bitch
3 You’re Wondering Now
4 Too Much Too Young
5 Guns of Navarone
6 Skinhead Symphony
7 (Dawning of a) New Era
8 Do the Dog
9 Rat Race
10 Blank Expression
11 Rude Buoys Outa Jail
12 Concrete Jungle
13 Too Much Too Young
14 Guns of Navarone
15 Nite Klub
16 Gangsters
17 Long Shot Kick de Bucket/Skinhead Moonstomp