The Specials

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

Posted on 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 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 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 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

 

THE SPECIALS Cover 12 (Non Ska) Protest Songs

Posted on by JL

3 October 2021

Band: THE SPECIALS (Coventry, UK)
Who: Legendary ska squad
Active: 1977–1981, 1982-1984, 1993, 1996–2001, 2008–present
9 studio albums (this one included)

New album: PROTEST SONGS 1924-2012
A selection of past protests songs written by big names such
as Bob Marley, Frank Zappa, Leonard Cohen and more.
Released: 1 October 2021 – order info here

NME says: “In their early days, The Specials were protest song incarnate. Their very multicultural make-up was a confrontational statement to audiences infested with
National Front thugs. Since their self-titled 1979 debut album, tracks tackling racism,
war, unemployment and national decay helped make them one of the most vital and
socially progressive bands of their age. Their 2019 reunion album ‘Encore’ pulled few
punches too: Black Lives Matter, Windrush, racial integration and gang violence all
came in for The Specials’ uniquely incisive treatment… this is an album of thoughtful
and considered dissent rather than the righteous rage of old. The Specials, perhaps,
have realised sooner than most that all this shouting is getting us nowhere.”
Full review here. Score: 4/5.

Turn Up The Volume: The Specials were a political band from day 1 on, fighting racism, sexism, fascism, and every form of intolerance, inequality, and social isolation. In these restless times, a protest album is no surprise and it’s also not a surprise that it comes
from these ska legends who deliver their first non-ska album with this one.

So it feels a bit strange hearing The Specials swing from soul to reggae, from folk to gospel, from boogie-woogie to pop. Surely, the songs’ content is about rejecting any sort of social injustice, but the over musical tone is upbeat, spirited, hopeful, and totally entertaining.

Stream album here…

.
1. ‘Freedom Highway’ (The Staple Singers)
2. ‘Everybody Knows’ (Leonard Cohen)
3. ‘I Don’t Mind Failing In This World’ (Malvina Reynolds)
4. ‘Black, Brown And White’ (Big Bill Broonzy)
5. ‘Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Us Around’ (traditional)
6. ‘Fuck All The Perfect People’ (Chip Taylor & The New Ukrainians)
7. ‘My Next Door Neighbour’
8. ‘Trouble Every Day’ (Frank Zappa & Mothers of Invention)
9. ‘Listening Wind’ (Talking Heads)
10. ‘Soldiers Who Want To Be Heroes’ (Rod McKuen)
11. ‘I Live In A City’ (Malvina Reynolds)
12. ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ (Bob Marley)

THE SPECIALS: Facebook