Since I ran some Selecter sessions a few days ago, I thought I would also include that other landmark band from the Two-Tone arsenal, The Specials. This batch of sessions from the BBC were recorded on May 29, 1979 and feature the band hitting their stride. They had already made a huge splash in the UK and were getting a wave of popularity going in the States, through a number of tours and club dates (including a rather memorable stint at The Whiskey A-go-go in Hollywood).

Here are three of their trademark songs from that period:

1. Gangsters
2. Too Much, Too Young
3. Concrete Jungle
4. Monkey Man

They recently (as of 2009) reformed and have been touring and recording.

Just goes to show you, you can't keep a good thing down.

Enjoy, and . . .play loud (obviously).

Heading to 1979 tonight with a concert by The Specials, recorded live at the Paris Theater in London by the BBC.

One of the great turbo-charged bands of the 70's, The Specials were fantastic to see live, because you just couldn't catch the sheer energy on disc. The band broke up in 1981, but got back together in 2008 for a 30 year reunion tour and have been touring again this year. Although I would imagine not as frantic as they once were (aren't we all?). Here they are in their heyday with a great sounding concert.

Enjoy.