''Today's Specials'' is a cover album by The Specials, released in 1996 (see 1996 in music). It is the first studio album by the group since 1984, albeit not involving the full original line-up. Original members Neville Staple, Roddy Byers, Lynval Golding, and Horace Panter are joined by new members Mark Adams and Adam Birch, along with a number of sessions musicians. Lead vocals are mostly handled by Staple and Golding, with Neville's daughter Sheena Staples contributing backing vocals to the album.
The album was released exclusively on CD in the US, UK and Canada, and on CD and cassette tape in the Netherlands. It did not receive favourable reviews from media or fans, with many reviewers decrying in particular the over-use of synthesizers and pre-programmed drums beats. Neville Staple claims that several of the recordings were actually produced demos, and regrets including them on the album.
[Original Rude Boy: From Borstal to The Specials by Neville Staple with Tony McMahon; Chapter 10: The Third Wave - America Revive's Ska]
The tracks "Pressure Drop (song), Pressure Drop" and "Hypocrite" were released as singles in the UK.
Track listing
Personnel
*Neville Staple - vocals, producer
*Roddy Byers - vocals, guitar
*Lynval Golding - guitar, vocals, harmonica, mixing
*Horace Panter - bass guitar
*Mark Adams - organ, keyboards, backing vocals, programming, mixing
*Adam Birch - trombone, trumpet, horn, flugelhorn
*Aitch Hyatt - drums, backing vocals
*Kendell Smith - DJ Vocals
*Sheena Staple - backing vocals
*Stoker - producer, mixing
*Tom Lowry - producer, programming, engineer
*Jim Lansberry - programming, mixing, engineer
*Mike Exeter - Engineer (Hypocrite)
References
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1996 albums
The Specials albums
Virgin Records albums
Covers albums