Specials - 1979 Debut LP - 2 Tone Records - Ex/Ex
£
37
$
49
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Description
Lovely clean original U.K. copy of this classic debut album from Coventry’s finest.
Released in late 1979 on their own 2-Tone label, they were largely responsible for the ska revival and spearheaded the movement that included the likes of Madness, The Beat, Selecter et al.
The LP had a mixed reception from the critics at the time but it has found its way into many all-time “favourite” lists and richly deserves its exalted status.
This is one of two early variants and I have included the specific label details in the description below.
Artist: Specials
Title: Specials
1979 2-Tone Records Catalogue No: CDL TT5001
Matrix No’s: Machine Stamped - CDL 5001 A2/B6. The run-offs also carry the etched letters TY-CBS, denoting the work of cutting engineer, Tim Young.
Tracks:
Side 1: 1) A Message To You Rudy, 2) Do The Dog, 3) It’s Up To You, 4) Nite Klub, 5) Doesn’t Make It Alright, 6) Concrete Jungle & 7) Too Hot
Side 2: 1) Monkey Man, 2) (Dawning Of A) New Era, 3) Blank Expression, 4) Stupid Marriage, 5) Too Much Too Young, 6) Little Bitch & 7) You’re Wondering Now
Vinyl: Ex. A super clean copy for its age. Difficult to believe it’s over 43 years old. It has been played however, (why wouldn’t you??) and it does carry some superficial hairline surface marks, characteristic with sleeve removal/insertion. It still retains a really nice lustre and sheen. I have play-tested the album in full and the reproduction is fantastic. A little dust crackle on the run-ins and dead wax between tracks, but once the audio kicks in, the sound is sublime. No jumps, skips or scratches to be heard anywhere.
The labels are nice and clean, featuring the iconic “Walt Jabsco” logo and chequerboard motifs. There is evidence of light spindle-wear and the labels are free from scuffs, stains and blemishes.
The original 1979 pressings appear to feature two variants, with subtle label differences to tell them apart. I have no idea of the chronology of these variations, or if one is more desirable than the other, but for the detail-freaks and completists out there….
…this copy: Side 1 track 5 (Doesn’t Make It Alright) - The label gives a writing credit to M Harrison, as well as Goldberg and Dammers.
Side 2 Track 7 (You’re Wondering Now) The writing credits are printed underneath the song title.
Sleeve: Ex - superb condition for its age. Obviously well looked-after during its 43+ years.
It’s a front-laminated sleeve with black and white photo design on front and rear sleeves, featuring the band posing for photos shot by renowned husband/wife photographers, Chalkie Davies and Carol Starr.
“2-Tone Records” appears bottom right, below the tracklisting.
The laminate is entirely intact and undamaged and the rest of the sleeve is in great shape. No tears, splits or creases. Opening edge remains sharp and the spine is undamaged, with spine-text completely legible. All the seams are completely glued down.
A fine copy of a genuine collectable.
Offered for sale at a very generous opening price with no hidden reserves. (GSP applies to overseas)
As always, I offer a full, no-quibble money-back guarantee if any winning bidder is not satisfied.
Any questions, drop me a line and thanks very much for looking.
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