The Specials

[thehawk]

I've recently discovered how good some of their songs are and am liking their music. But what would be the perception of people that heard me listening to it - what does it say politically, or is that all completely irrelevant now?

[andy400]

There is a music forum you know.

It's cunningly titled 'Music'.

[thehawk]

But this is a political/cultural question, it's not about their music per se, it's about the image portrayed.

[andy400]

Well, that's me told.

Back to work.

[Poledriver]

If you like the music, as I do, who gives a damn about socio-political undertones. listen to it for what it is!

[Baby Huey]

They were a left-wing, anti-racist band, I don't think there is any particular image that Specials Fans had.

Fat and balding these days maybe.

[Swilly]

The Specials always reminded me of The Young Ones..... that should give an indication of how I, at least, would view you in terms of politics !!

[JohnLatham]

thehawk said:

But what would be the perception of people that heard me listening to it

Turn the f'ing music down?

HTH.

[maix27]

They were quite avant garde back in the day. Had a few big hits, 'ghost town' and 'free nelson mandella' being two notable ones... Most of the people who listend to them sat very much apart from the whole mods and rockers groups and were usually a bit more progressive with their thinking.

I think they were pretty far-sighted. Awesome band too...

Im only 24 by the way but have done some reading around the subject :-)

[Get Karter]

Read "Ska'd for Life" by their bass player Horace Panter.

It'll tell you all you need to know about their politics.

I saw them live in 1979, and I would say despite their own political stance, the majority of their audience were of the opposite political view.
Quite ironic.

Edited by Get Karter on Monday 21st July 13:31

[Asterix]

They're of my generation - can't say I was a fan of all their stuff (I was more of a Beat fan) but Ghost Town is a superbly crafted song.

[andy400]

Oh look, it's moved to the correct location................

[thehawk]

andy400 said:

Oh look, it's moved to the correct location................

Got a fast response though in P+P, rather than languishing in here for a few hours/days.

[andy400]

thehawk said:

andy400 said:

Oh look, it's moved to the correct location................

Got a fast response though in P+P, rather than languishing in here for a few hours/days.

Which, I knew, is why you did it in the first place.......

Not that I blame you.

[GBRM]

Too much too young and Nite Klub are awesome songs.
I must admit to not knowing much about their politics, but I had an older sister who loved them and get me listening to them, that's my excuse!!

[parakitaMol.]

Terry Hall rocks

Gangsters is one of the best songs ever.

[69elan+2]

James Bond Theme (Ska Version) by The Specials just cropped up on my iTunes

I've always liked thier music, but its only recently that I've started a bit of a collection.

I'm early 30's so I missed the whole Ska era really - although I think the whole culture still looks cool even now. Some of my older friends have a greater appriciation than I do. How old are you Hawk just out of interest?

As for what other people think of you listening to it... I would of thought most people would give it the too!

Liquidator & Too Much Too Young are great tracks!


ETA:

Sorry, just spotted your other post:

thehawk said:

But this is a political/cultural question, it's not about their music per se, it's about the image portrayed.

I would say... stuff 'em! If you like the music carry on... I can't really see it upsetting people like some of the foul-mouthed rap music that people like listening to for shock value.

When I mentioned 'culture' above I probably should of said 'style'.

Edited by 69elan+2 on Monday 21st July 14:21

[thehawk]

I'm 37, I don't know what age the whole ska thing was really, but I would have said most people would be in their 40's - the only similar stuff I really listened to when I was younger was a bit of Madness and UB40.

And I hate to say it, but it was Lily Allen (Gangsters at Glastonbury) and Amy Winehouse (cover of Monkey Man) that got me searching for more.

Edited by thehawk on Monday 21st July 14:21

[parakitaMol.]

I do not understand this thread. I quite like listening to Sarah Vaughan. I am also pondering the price of pork belly.



Terry Hall is still gigging with the Dub Pistols - he still rocks -

See a not-very-good-quality- YouTube vid - but the version on the Speakers & Tweeters album is fab.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbf-JmVgrs4

[Ferg]

Their versions of 'Monkey Man' and 'A Message To You Rudi' are big favourites of mine. Not sure I'm that interested in the reunion....
More interested in: www.myspace.com/newtownkings