1979 and all that. To use a rather cliched quote, it was the dawning of a new era. Thatcher swept the Tories to power, and the outlook was bleak for the youth of the day.
One thing that would not be overshadow by this spectre of gloom, was the unsurpressable sound of 2-Tone. From tiny beginnings in the heart of Coventry, the record label that re-introduced Jamaican ska to a whole new generation would eventually dominate the charts in England and much of Europe and beyond.
The Specials were the epitome of cool, and became the darlings of the more astute members of the record buying public. Along with brothers (and sisters) in skank, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers and Bad Manners, the mix of Jamaican off-beat and new wave sensibilities (along with a whole myriad of other influences) dominated for the next 18 months.
This section of the Django website celebrates what was undoubtedly one of the British scenes most memorable and musically rich periods. Also here will be reviews of off-shoots, and bands influenced by that golden era. I hope you enjoy your stay.