If replies to the question of sound quality on Specials CDs continue much longer, maybe we should create a thread just for this discussion. For the first album (The Specials), I own the US 1989, UK 1989, and 2015 versions, and have heard the 2002. What I consider to be the "best" of these three options is the 1989, and it's dynamic range that gives it the edge. I haven't done a close comparison between the US 1989 and the UK 1989, but it seems they're the same mastering, except that the US includes "Gangsters" and the UK features the longer version of "Too Much Too Young." Regarding the newer masterings, the 2015 isn't much louder than the 2002, if I'm remembering correctly. But the 2002 sounded juiced to me, and by that I mean artificially inflated with EQ. So in evaluation of all the CDs mentioned above, the 2015 comes in second. It's clear, with EQ that sounds accurate, and obviously benefits from modern analog-t0-digital conversion technology – but unfortunately it is slightly limited / compressed. Not egregiously so – the limiting there is comparable to what was done to the 2009 Beatles CD remasters. I have not heard the SHM-CD mentioned by Cereal Killer. If someone can say it's the definitive version of The Specials, I might pick it up. I can't speak to the differences between compilations that feature all the singles, but for what it's worth, I've always been happy with The Singles Collection from 1991.
Just a note: The US version of The Singles Collection from 1991 features that odd remix of Do Nothing - a mix I haven't heard elsewhere, most noticable on the vocal effect.
I'm looking to do a poll series in the new year so apart from all the delicious cuts on the opening pages here, let the nominations begin!
So on the basis of this thread and it's amazing contributions, I have selected 64 songs toward said tourno - if there is anything else not included in the following list don't hesitate to demand its inclusion... Gangsters - The Special A,K,A Al Capone - Prince Buster The Prince - Madness On My Radio - The Selecter Tears Of A Clown - The Beat Rudi, A Message To You - The Specials One Step Beyond - Madness Train To Skaville - The Ethiopians Guns Of Navarone - The Skatalites Monkey Man - The Maytals 0.0.7 (Shanty Town) - Desmond Dekker & The Aces Long Shot Kick De Bucket - The Pioneers Phoenix City - Roland Alphonso The Liquidator - Harry J. All Stars I'm In The Mood For Ska - Lord Tanamo Madness - Prince Buster King Of Kings - Jimmy Cliff Housewives’ Choice - Derrick & Patsy 54-46 Was My Number - The Maytals Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces Return Of Django - The Upsetters Skinhead Moonstomp - Symarip Let’s Do Rocksteady - The Bodysnatchers Lip Up Fatty - Bad Manners Poison Ivy - The Lambrettas Mirror In The Bathroom - The Beat My Girl - Madness Too Much Too Young - The Specials Rudi Got Married - Laurel Aitken & Unitone Three Minute Hero - The Selecter Hands Off She's Mine - The Beat Missing Words - The Selecter Ghost Town - The Specials Nightboat To Cairo - Madness The Boiler - Rhoda Dakar and The Special A.K.A Save It For Later - The Beat Best Friend - The Beat Special Brew - Bad Manners Just A Feeling - Bad Manners Time For Action - Secret Affair My World - Secret Affair 7Teen - The Regents Maybe Tomorrow - The Chords Do Nothing - The Specials Rat Race - The Specials Stereotype - The Specials Too Much Pressure - The Selecter Free Yourself - The Untouchables Concrete Jungle - The Specials Jimmy - Purple Hearts Run Me Down - The Higsons That Man Is Forward - Rico Alphabet Army - JB's Aĺlstars Window Shopping - The Friday Club Envy The Love - The Apollinaires Twist And Crawl - The Beat Too Nice To Talk To - The Beat Ago Talk - Pato & Roger Jeanette - The Beat Tear The Whole Thing Down - The Higsons Shut Up - Madness Embarrasment - Madness Walking In The Sunshine - Bad Manners The Return Of The Los Palas Seven - Madness I'm thinking of dubbing it the ModSka2Tone Cup.
a masterpiece The Beat made of mess of it , cannot even recognize the hooks , melody , the bridge , i dont even mention the vocals , ungroovy .... They did a much better job with "Cant get used to losing you"
... which I hated. If anything I would say they made a mess of that, not Tears Of A Clown but each to their own.
I just heard a track from the new album, unexpectedly fine and interesting. Particularly when I bought the "Today's Specials" album all those years ago, and it was dull and disappointing.
This thread has reminded me that I have got a signed Specials first album in the loft. Signed on the back cover by 5 of them and Rico. Will have to shimmy up the ladder and have a look now! 2 Tone and Madness were the biz for me growing up - the fashion was as important as the music back then. Has anybody else got the 2 Tone box set that came out a few years back? It came with a decent book if I remember rightly.
Interesting. Another Specials tune but something a bit out of the vein. Do you think it would stand up against their more popular songs or go far in a tournament?
Well, it's long been a favorite of mine and it is a classic. According to Wikipedia it is still the last song played at every dance at Wadham College, Oxford, if that helps. I think it would hold its own in a tournament.
I'd say that's a bit of a shame. There have been recent live albums, so even if this was the latest line-up, it's removing focus from the new music.
Various - The Compact 2 Tone Story Yes I have it. Nice set and the only place to get Bodysnatchers version of 007[Shanty Town] from the Dance Craze film. Also includes the Specials Concrete Jungle and Raquel sides from their Dutch only single.
Wow, I never knew this existed. I thought the only expansive 2 Tone set was the fatboy The 2 Tone Collection: A Checkered Past. That one was also released in 1993. I’ll have to compare the tracklists when I have a chance.
Excellent new album out now from The Beat featuring Ranking Roger " Public Confidential" - the lead track came out last year...
Who would have thought it, number 1 after all these years! The Specials score first ever number one album after 40 years
The Beat opened up a whole new musical universe for me when I first hear them back in the day. No band quite like them. RIP Roger. You did well. Ranking Full Stop...
I remember the whole of this single being played at the school disco back in the day. Got us all up on our feet moving and skanking. Made us 10 year old kids feel six feet tall and part of something important. ps I think that, if I remember the story correctly, one of the audience on the picture sleeve was super-imposed onto it as he was a mate, or something. It could be the chap in the bottom LH corner with the toothy smile?