In the new edition of Vive Le Rock!, we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of THE SPECIALS' classic single 'Ghost Town' with band founder Jerry Dammers. Here Vive's man in the 2-tone suit Guy Shankland takes us through his Top 10 Specials tracks. And once you get to the bottom, you can find out how to win some scintillating Specials vinyl...
- 'Vote For Me'
Stunning 2019 comeback single. Four-plus decades on and it seems we may still need The Specials to guide us. 'Ghost Town' revisited circa 2019/20.
- 'The Boiler'
Brutal and traumatising single about date rape featuring a Rhoda Dakar tour de force on lead vocals.
- 'You’re Wondering Now'
The emotive debut album closer can still bring a cannonball size lump to the throat.
- 'Do The Dog'
Who am I to say but the speedy delivery married with the fast tempo and devastating poetry made this the perfect reunion gig opener.
- 'Blank Expression'
Terry Hall’s laconic vocals fit the mood and style of the song so perfectly it’s hard to see the join. A classic.
- 'Too Much Too Young'
If school kids weren’t aware of the dangers of teenage pregnancy they were now. A Grange Hill generation got a hard-hitting rude boy meets rude girl sex education lesson.
- 'Free Nelson Mandela'
As relevant and as well known as Band-Aid. Another Jerry Dammers Specials (AKA) masterpiece.
- 'Concrete Jungle'
Chanting, violence and tribal alliances get ground into the inner city pavement. A song that's been sung by both Radiation and Hall.
- 'Gangsters'
An entire movement gets drop-kicked into life by screeching tyres and Neville’s “Bernie Rhodes knows don’t argue!“ intro. Timeless 2-Tone.
- 'Ghost Town'
Haunting, morose and politically on point. The original Specials swan song is still possibly their greatest song and statement.
To be in with a chance of winning Specials singles on 7" and 12", just send an email to info@vivelerock.net with 'Specials Competition' in the subject and the answer to this question:
Where did the band perform for their episode of the classic TV series Rock Goes To College?
Read our exclusive 'Ghost Town' special in the latest edition of Vive Le Rock! available here!