The Specials – Live - Too Much Too Young (1979/1992)

The Specials were the fulcrum of the ska revival of the late '70s, kick-starting the 2-Tone movement that spurred a ska-punk revolution lasting for decades. As influential as they were within the realm of ska, the group and their impact can't be reduced to that genre alone. The Specials were one of the defining British bands of new wave, expanding the musical and political parameters of rock & roll with fiercely socially conscious music you could dance to. Protest was an integral part of the group, particularly their initial lead songwriter Jerry Dammers, who chronicled the tensions of the Margaret Thatcher era on such hit singles as "Concrete Jungle," "Nite Klub," and "Ghost Town." The band balanced these barbed messages with an inspired rallying call to party and an impeccable sense of style embodied by Terry Hall, a lean, laconic singer who split vocal duties with the more exuberant Neville Staple.

Though the sound quality is less than perfect, this 1979 live recording perfectly captures the raw energy of the band in its prime. The title track was the band's first number one hit in the U.K. The album was recorded at Aston University, Birmingham, UK in 1979.

Tracklist:

A1 Gangsters 2:32
A2 Do the Dog 2:20
A3 It's Up to You 4:35
A4 Monkey Man 3:04
A5 Blank Expression 2:06
A6 Stupid Marriage 4:42
A7 Doesn't Make It Alright 3:24
B1 Concrete Jungle 3:40
B2 Too Hot 2:52
B3 Nite Klub 3:15
B4 Too Much Too Young 2:06
B5 Little Bitch 2:38
B6 Skinhead Moonstomp 2:38
B7 Longshot Kick de Bucket 3:08
B8 You're Wandering Now 2:25

The Specials – Live - Too Much Too Young (1979/1992)

(192 kbps, cover art included)