Back catalogue:

Review: It's been 40 years since The Specials changed the ska game with their self titled debut, so what better time to remaster and re-cut it at half speed at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Spread out over 2 x 12" vinyl it was originally produced by Elvis Costello and was a loud and proud blend of big and energetic tracks, no-messing lyrics and hard hitting grooves. It includes a few covers along the way, such as their fabulous take on Dandy Livingstone's "A Message to You, Rudy" and red-hot version of the Maytals' "Monkey Man". A strong anti-racism message on "Doesn't Make It Alright" sits next to the tongue in cheek takedown of local pubs on "Nite Club" and much more.

Review: This special 40th anniversary edition of More Specials has been mastered and cut at half-speed by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios using the original production tapes. It also includes a 7" bonus that first came with the original album in 1980. Of course, the band remains a defining act of the 70s and 80s for all their work on Two Tone Records. Mixing the edgy of punk, the rolling rhythm of rocksteady and their own Special magic, they launched a whole ska revival and remain as popular today as ever.

Review: More Specials is the second studio album from the Coventry band, originaly released in 1980 and reportedly splitting opinion among their fanbase, although it's come to be seen as a classic containing many of their best loved songs, from ska knees up 'Enjoy Yourself' to the deadpan reggae of 'Do Nothing'. Produced by the band's own keyboardist Jerry Dammers, it had a more eclectic and less obviously punk sound than its Elvis Costello-produced predecessor, with the band's constant disagreements on the direction of the sound proving a creative rather destructive force here, even if it would - barely more than a year later - cause them to eventually split.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


First released in 1981 on Sonia E. Pottinger's esteemed High Note Records, this album features the delicate brilliance of a one-woman band whose talents have only grown more revered with time. Overlooked on its debut, the album has since become a coveted gem among collectors and reggae enthusiasts, thanks to its heartfelt lyricism and lush arrangements. Now receiving its first official reissue on vinyl, this lover's rock masterpiece finally gets the care and recognition it deserves. Anchored by tracks like the soulful 'Let Love Flow On', immortalised on Jeremy Underground's Beauty compilation, and the dreamy 'Fantasy', Spence's voice exudes warmth and sentimentality. The ten tracks radiate tropical charm, blending soothing rhythms with romantic optimism, making the album a perfect soundtrack for sunlit afternoons. Spence's untimely passing at 54 imbues her work with added poignancy, as her lyrics carry a quiet resilience and hope. An excellent blend of soulful crossover appeal and roots reggae music.

Review: Steel pan, disco and dub from the 1970s in Steel An' Skin's 'Reggae Is Here Once Again'. Yet another lost gem from EM. Ultra-postive consciousness from Afro-Caribbean London, circa 1979. Members of the legendary 20th Century Steel Band (one of Grand Master Flash's favourites) sailing Trinidad-wise over gratifyingly intricate African ritual rhythms. Strong vocals compliment reggae, funk, disco and soul influences to form a relentless groove machine. Steel 'n' Skin, a unit composed of young nightclub musicians born in Ghana, Nigeria, St. Kitts, Trinidad and the U.K., who once performed with Ginger Johnson's Afrikan Drummers, a highlife band under the tutelage of the late Ginger Johnson and played at Johnson's Iroko Country Club in Hampstead, London. Steel 'n' Skin began performed concerts and workshops in London schools, expanding nationwide to schools, prisons, psychiatric hospitals and summer festivals, including the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival. The group combined a mix of musical forms with community outreach, non-cynical and untainted by preachiness or "social work." Good feelings from good hearts. This EM reissue consists of Steel 'n' Skin's 1979 debut 12 inch single "Reggae Is Here Once Again", featuring "Afro Punk Reggae (Dub)", a fine disco-dub workout, plus 2 tracks from their 1984 LP ACID RAIN as well as one un-issued track. Also included is documentary DVD by Steve Shaw featuring commentary from Steel 'n' Skin's founder Peter Blackman, killer live and rehearsal footage of the band, workshop scenes (check out the 1970s suits and parkas!) and devastating views of inner-city Liverpool. Steel 'n' Skin soars above the 1970s ruins.