In the late 1970's, The Specials combined the music of 60's Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae along with the attributes of punk music, and political and social commentary. This music would be known as two-tone music leading the way of a ska revival, often referred to as the second wave of ska music.
Their self-titled debut album of 1979 on their own label, 2 Tone Records, brought this music to the attention of the British music scene. Over a two year span, The Specials would create a number of hits, including the classic songs “A Message to You Rudy” and the recession themed number 1 hit, “Ghost Town”.
This podcast episode will discuss the early years of the band, their influential first two albums and music, the two-tone music genre, and the aftermath of some core members leaving the band in 1981.
What is Inside the Milky Way - A Look at Early Alternative Music?
A podcast that takes a look at the development of alternative music in the 80's with a focus on post-punk, electronic, dark wave, goth, synth, industrial, and indie genres. The podcast episodes feature stories, background, and discussions of artists, contributors, music, themes, and events of the early alternative era.
The title of our podcast is based on the alternative song from 1988 by The Church, "Under the Milky Way".