The Specials - Specials Two Tone Original Vinyl

Artist: The Specials

Title: Specials

Label: 2 Tone Records

Catalogue Number: CDL TT 5001

Country: United Kingdom

Original Release Year: 1979

Pressing Year: 1979 UK Pressing

Format: Vinyl LP

Speed: 33⅓ RPM

Description

Specials is the landmark debut album by The Specials and one of the most influential British albums of the late 1970s. Produced by Elvis Costello, the record fused Jamaican ska and rocksteady with the energy of punk, helping launch the iconic 2 Tone movement.

Released in October 1979, the album features a powerful mix of original compositions and inspired reinterpretations of classic ska songs. Highlights include A Message To You Rudy, Nite Klub, Concrete Jungle, Too Much Too Young, Monkey Man and Blank Expression, all delivered with the band's unmistakable energy and social commentary.

A defining release of the ska revival and an essential album for collectors of British punk, new wave and reggae-influenced rock.

Pressing Notes

Original 1979 UK pressing on 2 Tone Records, catalogue number CDL TT 5001.

Produced by Elvis Costello, this original UK issue was released in a front-laminated sleeve with the distinctive black-and-white 2 Tone "Walt Jabsco" labels. Original UK copies remain among the most sought-after releases from the 2 Tone catalogue and are regarded as the definitive analogue pressing of this classic album.

Track Listing

Side One

A Message To You Rudy
Do The Dog
It's Up To You
Nite Klub
Doesn't Make It Alright
Concrete Jungle
Too Hot

Side Two

Monkey Man
(Dawning Of A) New Era
Blank Expression
Stupid Marriage
Too Much Too Young
Little Bitch
You're Wondering Now
Additional Information
Original 1979 UK pressing
2 Tone Records
Catalogue number CDL TT 5001
Produced by Elvis Costello
Front-laminated sleeve
Walt Jabsco 2 Tone labels
33⅓ RPM vinyl LP
Features A Message To You Rudy
Includes Nite Klub
Features Concrete Jungle
Includes Too Much Too Young
Features Monkey Man
Includes Blank Expression
Landmark 2 Tone ska revival album
Essential British ska and new wave vinyl
Highly collectible original UK pressing
Condition

Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Record: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Inner Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Rockabuy Records Grading Guide

Near Mint (NM)

Virtually flawless condition. Played only a handful of times with no visible marks or signs of wear.

Excellent (EX)

Lightly played and exceptionally well cared for. May show only minimal signs of handling with no significant marks affecting playback.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A well-preserved copy with only light signs of use. The sleeve remains clean and structurally sound, while the vinyl shows minimal surface marks that do not significantly affect playback.

Very Good (VG)

Noticeable signs of use with light surface marks and handling wear, though the record plays well throughout without major faults.

Good (G)

Visible wear with more pronounced marks. Playback remains enjoyable with some background noise.

Poor / Fair (P/F)

Heavy wear and significant scratches affecting playback quality.

Shipping

All records are visually inspected and conservatively graded for both sleeve and vinyl condition. Records are securely packaged in professional record mailers with protective stiffeners and dispatched via a fully tracked delivery service to ensure safe arrival.