Ghost Town Archives - TURN UP THE VOLUME

Irish Folk Stars LANKUM Cover THE SPECIALS’ Classic ‘GHOST TOWN’ – Totally Spellbinding

4 November 2025

Band: LANKUM
Who: Indie folk pop vets from
Ireland. So far they released 4 LPs.

They have a new single out (only digitally at the moment). It’s a cover of
THE SPECIALS‘ 1981 stroke of genius GHOST TOWN (more than 88 millions
streams on Spotify. An unique song I never thought could be covered
properly.

But Lankum does a brilliant job. They slowed it down, really in slow-mo,
except for the bombastic finale, and their diversity of folk instruments
give the song a completely different resonance. They turned it into a
spellbinding chant lasting for 8+ minutes. As gloomy than the original.

The single will be released on 12″ vinyl in January. More info here.

The accompanying video is terrific too.

Original

New BBC Series ‘THIS TOWN’ Focusing On The British SKA Scene Starts Tonight

Posted on March 31, 2024 by JL

THIS TOWN is a new, six-part BBC TV series. It is written and
created by Steven Knight and directed by Paul Whittington.

The series tell the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn
into an explosive and iconic music scene. Set in a world of family ties, teenage kicks and the exhilarating music of a generation, This Town tells the story of a band’s formation against a backdrop of violence, capturing how creative genius can emerge from a time
of madness. This Town starts tonight.

TRAILER

THIS ‘GHOST’ TOWN

The series’ title is a reference to The Specials ’ 1981 hit Ghost Town, which was
“evocative of the social disruption of the time, as rioting raged in cities across Britain“.

Special Artist TERRY HALL Passed Away One Year Ago Today

Posted on December 18, 2023 by JL

18 December 2023

TERRY HALL (born Terence Edward Hall in Coventry UK), the voice/face and co-songwriter
of ska legends THE SPECIALS passed away one year ago, on 18 December 2022, due to pancreatic cancer. He was only 63.

Hall also was successful with side-projects Fun Boy Three,
The Colourfield and recorded/released 3 solo LPs. Rest in peace.

– GHOST TOWN –

– FUN BOY THREE –

TERRY HALL: Bio

THE SPECIALS Topped The UK Singles Chart This Day In 1981 With Their Doom Classic ‘GHOST TOWN’

Posted on July 11, 2023 by JL

Top singles from the past

11 July 2023

British ska heroes THE SPECIALS scored their biggest hit with
the sublime doom anthem GHOST TOWN (more than 57 million
streams on Spotify).

This day in 1981, on 11 July, it conquered the top spot
of the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for 10 weeks.

The song’s content was appropriate again when COVID-19
locked us up for about 2 years and now again, as Brex-shit
roars its ugly head.

Official clip.

R.I.P. Terry Hall

R.I.P. TERRY HALL – The Voice/Face/Songwriter Off Ska Legends Death At 63

Posted on December 20, 2022 by JL

20 December 2022

Shocking news.

TERRY HALL (born Terence Edward Hall in Coventry UK), the voice/face
and co-songwriter of ska legends THE SPECIALS has passed away following
a short illness. No further details were revealed. He was only 63.

The band broke the news on their social media.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of
Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters
and lyricists this country has ever produced. He will be deeply missed by all who knew
and loved him and leaves behind the gift of his remarkable music and profound
humanity.

Terry often left the stage at the end of The Specials’ life-affirming shows with three
words…’Love Love Love’. Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the
kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated
the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love. We would ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”

Hall also was successful with side-projects Fun Boy Three,
The Colourfield and recorded/released 3 solo LPs. Rest in peace.

– GHOST TOWN –

– FUN BOY THREE –

TERRY HALL: Bio