40th Anniversary Edition of the Specials seminal eponymous debut album. Half-speed remastered and pressed across 2 x 45rpm 12" 180g vinyl. This has now sold out. This edition has been split across 2x 12” vinyl at 45rpm for optimum audio quality.

The record will be shipped in a reinforced cardboard record mailer. Up to 5 12" records can be combined and delivered for the one price. Double/triple lp's count as 2/3 records. Please note that, due to the current international crisis, delivery may be delayed. This is beyond my control.

The Specials' landmark, 14-track-strong debut album The Specials (UK No.4, 1979), produced by Elvis Costello, declared their intentions loud and clear with a rare blend of furious energy and no-nonsense, hard-hitting lyrics. In essence a studio recording of their live set, the album comprises mostly originals with a few covers of ska classics thrown in for good measure, including their fabulous take on Dandy Livingstone's A Message to You Rudy, an equally stellar version of the Maytals' Monkey Man, and a sizzling take on Prince Buster's Too Hot. Features: the vicious Nite Klub, with its unforgettable line, "All the girls are slags and the beer tastes just like piss"; Blank Expression, which extended the misery into unwelcoming pubs'; Concrete Jungle, capturing the fear and violence that stalked the inner cities; the personal It's Up To You, a message to those who disliked the group and its stance, and a rallying cry for supporters; Too Much Too Young, showing the Specials' disdain for teen pregnancy and marriage; It Doesn't Make It Alright, delivering a heartfelt plea against racism, and the rocksteady-esque yearning of You're Wondering Now.

Tracklist

Side A

1. A Message To You Rudy

2. Do The Dog

3. It's Up To You

4. Nite Klub

Side B

1. Doesn't Make It Alright

2. Concrete Jungle

3. Too Hot

Side C

1. Monkey Man

2. (Dawning Of A) New Era

3. Blank Expression

4. Stupid Marriage

Side D

1. Too Much Too Young

2. Little Bitch

3. You're Wondering Now