I was first introduced to The Selecter in a sort of happenstance way. The closest record store to me was The Exile on Main Street in Hamden, CT. They had a good selection of used CDs and in particular an unorganized box labeled “$5 Ska.” I used to pop in every now and again and dig through that box. I stumbled across The Selecter’s 1999 record Cruel Britannia. I knew the band’s name and I knew they were often cited as by other bands as an influence. I bought it on the spot and was hooked after one listen. It was from there I found my way to their more well-known releases such as 1980’s Too Much Pressure. Of all bands of the Two-Tone era, The Selecter grabbed me first. Much of it was thanks to singer Pauline Black’s distinctive voice (you’ll have to excuse me if I didn’t fall in love with Terry Hall’s voice the first time I heard it).
The Specials
The New Limits Cover Darkbuster and The Specials Live
Listen to The New Limits perform the Darkbuster song “Rudy” with Lenny Lashley
Noisey Documentary Takes Close Look at Influence of Two Tone Ska
This short film narrated by Tim Armstrong takes a close look at what made British ska revival of the late 70s and early 80s so unique
Roddy Radiation, Guitarist for The Specials, to Perform Intimate Set in Providence
The Specials’ guitarist Roddy Radiation will perform an intimate set at The Parlour in Providence backed by The Scotch Bonnets
The Specials’ “Gangsters” Is 35 Years Old Today
Today is the 35th anniversary of the release of “Gangsters,” the first single by two-tone era ska band The Specials
VIDEO: Big D and the Kids Table Perform Acoustic Set in Allston
Last Friday night, an intimate crowd was treated to a surprise acoustic Big D and the Kids Table set at Allston’s Mass Apparel
Spring Thaw: Ska Comes Out of Hibernation
A spring ska news round up with updates from The Planet Smashers, Fishbone, NY Ska Jazz, The Specials, Mad Caddies, The Pinstripes, Jesse Wagner, and Jump Up Records
The Selecter Rocks High Energy Crowd at Paradise Rock Club
CONTEST: Win Tickets to The Specials Pre-Party with King Django and Version City Party
King Django’s Version City Tour provides the pre-show festivities for The Specials on Thursday night at House of Blues Boston. Win a pair of tickets from Boston Ska (dot) net!
The Specials Play Boston July 11
Legendary British ska revivalists The Specials announced that they’ll be stopping by the House of Blues Boston on July 11