The spearhead of the two-tone movement which made Ska music mainstream, they had hits like Gangsters, A message to you rudy, Rat race, Stereotype, Too much to young and Ghost town. The lyrics of Ghost town seemed to capture the mood of the riots in Brixton and Toxteth in 1981.

 

Any other fans?

 

Their 1979 Live at the Moonlight Club gig is essential listening. I must try to get a digital copy as mine's on tape.

indeed they were the sound of '79. an all time great act.

Now this is what I call authentic ska fusion:

 

The Specials - Too Much, Too Young (1979)

 

Jerry Dammers & Terry Hall were geniuses.