In the Studio - The Special AKA

Released on 2-Tone records - 1984 - TT5008

After The Specials split, there was no more music released by Jerry Dammers until he released this album. Sure there had been a trickle of releases from "The JB Allstars" "The Friday Club" and "The Higsons" to name a few, but nothing with any meat on the bone. That was until "in the studio" appeared out of nowhere.........

A top 10 single appeared in the shape of "Free Nelson Mandela", possibly the best and most sucessfull anti-apartheid record ever. Not enough for the critics who took this record to the cleaners and pretty much savaged it.

the Specials had been one of the sucess stories of recent times - their rise and fall has been hilighted extensively in other writings (watch this space!). but surely this record was not that bad?

Apart from dammers himself the only other surviving Special was drummer - John Bradbury. Bradbury was always a cut above the usual drummer and on this album his stick playing is top notch. Sometimes it's simple, but it does the job, especially on "Rascist friend" one of the albums hi-lights.

Rhoda Daker and Stan Campbell were drafted in to share lead vocals,Gary Mcmanus on Bass and John Shipley on Guitar.. Campbell is a soulful singer but it is Rhoda Daker who impresses on this album, although the backing vocals add nicely to the brew. Rico and Dick Cuthell have never sounded so clinical and precise togethar and my favourite tracks on this album are the ones with brass.Jerry Dammers organ burbles away but it is for his production of this record that i must dough my hat. It really is polished and suits the style of this album which i would describe as Jazz with reggae overtones with a spot of Muzak........ pick the bones out of that!!

"What i like most about you is your girlfriend" is a one-off record, which is typical of this album. "Bright lights" and "lonely crowd" are dark almost paranoid tunes. "night on the tiles" is not as good as if Terry Hall had of been on vocals... "War crimes" is another broody dub like song in extended version. "Rascist friend" the track of the album for my money and two pleasant tracks "alcohol" and "break down the door" finish this record and if you feel like you've been put through the mill, then don't worry it's all part of the listening experience!!!!!!!!!

this album is worth persevering with, not as good as the Specials albums but good all the same. The fact that it is a "forgotten record", hardly getting any mention means that prices to buy this album are very cheap. Not sure if the CD is still available but vinyl copies on Ebay go for minimal prices - i got mine which was in brilliant condition for a pound!!

I'm giving this album ****

Paul Roots...........