The Specials “The Specials” 1979.  The Specials’ debut album, produced by Elvis Costello, mashed up classic ska with a few twists of 70′s UK punk to become a pivotal moment for ska revival (it’s considered one of the best British releases of the era). The Specials has several covers of classic Jamaican ska/rocksteady tracks like the fantastic “A Message to You, Rudy” (originally by Dandy Livingstone, 1967; trombonist Rico Rodriguez played on Livingstone’s and The Specials versions) which went to #10 in the UK; this is one of my favorite ska songs of all-time. They also cover “Monkey Man” (originally by Toots & the Maytals, 1969) – another favorite – as well as “Too Hot” (originally by Prince Buster, 1966) and “You’re Wondering Now” (Andy & Joey, 1964 and The Skatalites). I also really like the more punked-up tracks like “Do the Dog” (originally by Rufus Thomas who was not a ska musician but rather a DJ and R&B musician from Memphis) and “Concrete Jungle,” a Specials original written by guitarist Roddy Byers. Ours is the 1980 US release on Chrysalis Records (the original UK version was on 2 Tone Records) so includes the track “Gangsters” (written by Specials keyboardist Jerry Dammers) and shortens “Too Much Too Young” down by several minutes.