The Specials photographed by Janette Beckman, 1981.
“The brilliant Specials’ song ‘Ghost Town’ has been called a ‘crisis’ theme song for the current riots by the some of the British newspapers. It is still so relevant to Britain’s inner cities 30 years later.” - JB.
This is probably my favorite montage sequence from This Is England. Can’t go wrong with Toots covering “Louie, Louie”.
Jimmy Cliff - Give A Little Take A Little
1967
Jimmy defines maximum swagger. Seriously, the bar has been set.
Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come
1972
Top 10 best movie soundtracks of all time. Easily. Maybe even Top 5. Yes, it just might be Rob Gordon status good. At the very least, it’s the best compilation of all the essential reggae tunes. The definition of summer jamz.
The Harder They Come
Directed by Perry Henzell
1972
Saw this at the Brattle tonight. One of my favorite films of the 70’s. As this poster depicts, Jimmy Cliff’s swagger is phenomenal.
The Specials - Gangsters (Live on Saturday Night Live)
1980
Bands just don’t swagger out like this anymore.
Original Rudeboys: Lynval Golding & Terry Hall
via rudeandreckless
Bob Marley & The Wailers - And I Love Her (Beatles Cover)
The Wailing Wailers at Studio One
1965
The Wailing Wailers
via potatopotato
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - How Long Do I Have To Wait For You (Ticklah Remix)
2007
Eddy Grant - Romancing The Stone
1984
This isn’t really ska or reggae, but Eddy Grant was probably one of the most underrated ska/reggae dudes in the game. Plus this video is GREAT. Fast forward to the 1:35 mark after Michael Douglas throw a briefcase which does not amuse Eddy, to see a jump cut to a machete in the air which turns into a guitar ala Kubrick 2001 style. Which then Eddy proceeds to shred out on top of this mountain while the camera flies over him capturing him in all his glory. Amazing.
The Equals - Police On My Back
Equals Explosion
1967
Who did it better The Equals or The Clash?
The Equals
“Police On My Back” single
1967
The Equals - Live in Germany
1967
I really wish these guys were a lot bigger than they were. They pioneered the whole mixed-race garage/ska style waaay before The Specials. Combined with the Jagger-esque swagger of the lead singer and Eddy Grant’s songwriting and guitar these guys could/should have been huge. Oh well, thanks YouTube.
