The Specials

Today’s Specials (Virgin)
by Scott Hefflon

While this album is taking major amounts of flack for its reggae style as opposed to the band’s definition of peppy ska, I’ve one question to ask: Since when have The Specials written an original song and who the hell cares as long as it gets your head swaying and your feet moving? Sure, this ain’t no The Specials or More Specials, but Today’s Specials is great for BBQs and parties. The all-cover album at least credits the original artists: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, Paul Desmond (covered by Dave Brubeck), the Clash, Neil Diamond, (the Monkees’ smash hit), and more. Enjoy yourself.