Stereo-Typical: A's, B's and Rarities
The Specials · 2000
193 min · 46 tracks · new wave
A vibrant collection of ska-infused tracks blending punk energy with socially conscious lyrics and infectious melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gangsters Start here — This track stands as one of The Specials' defining songs, merging sharp lyrical commentary on crime with an irresistible rhythm that encapsulates their signature sound.
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Ghost Town — With its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics reflecting societal decay, this song serves as a powerful anthem of disillusionment that resonates even today.
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Racist Friend — This track tackles themes of prejudice head-on through its upbeat ska rhythms, making it both a catchy tune and a compelling statement against racism.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic peaks with vibrant energy
- for lively social gatherings
- sharp commentary with rhythmic pulse
- nostalgic reflections on cultural themes
- engaging mix of familiar and
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward single tracks
- seek slow, introspective listening
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation of rarities that showcases The Specials' sound without being a primary entry point.
- Themes
- socially conscious ska· racial tension in Britain
- Career context
- Released in 2000, Stereo-Typical: A's, B's and Rarities is a compilation album that showcases The Specials' influential sound during their resurgence. This album arrived nearly two decades after the band's peak with their self-titled debut in 1979, capturing both classic hits and previously unreleased material as they re-entered the music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Madness· The Selecter· Bad Manners
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Ghost Town
The environment shifts from lively to desolate in the lyrics paints a vivid picture of urban decay.
This stark contrast in imagery underscores the emotional weight of the song, making the listener acutely aware of the socio-economic challenges facing communities.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Gangsters Start here 2:48
- 2 A Message to You Rudy 2:55
- 3 Nite Klub 3:09
- 4 Too Much Too Young 2:04
- 5 Guns of Navarone 2:19
- 6 Skinhead Symphony 6:37
- 7 Rat Race 3:10
- 8 Rude Boys Outa Jail 2:40
- 9 Stereotype 3:52
- 10 International Jet Set 4:15
- 11 Do Nothing 3:41
- 12 Maggie's Farm 3:33
- 13 Braggin' and Tryin' Not to Lie 3:24
- 14 Rude Boys Outa Jail (version) 4:08
- 15 Ghost Town 3:42
- 16 Why? 2:56
- 17 Friday Night, Saturday Morning 3:33
- 18 Concrete Jungle (live) 3:09
- 19 Racquel 1:57
Disc 2
- 1 The Boiler 5:46
- 2 Theme From the Boiler 4:13
- 3 Jungle Music 4:00
- 4 Rasta Call You 3:38
- 5 Easter Island 4:11
- 6 War Crimes (The Crime Remains the Same) 4:02
- 7 Version 3:44
- 8 Racist Friend 4:03
- 9 Bright Lights 3:47
- 10 Nelson Mandela 4:13
- 11 Break Down the Door 3:48
- 12 What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend 4:05
- 13 Can't Get a Break 4:56
- 14 Nelson Mandela '88 (Special 70th Birthday remake) 4:46
- 15 Ghost Dub '91 4:19
- 16 Let Us Unite 4:28
Disc 3
- 1 Ghost Town (extended version) 6:02
- 2 Why? 3:56
- 3 War Crimes 6:10
- 4 Racist Friend (instrumental) 4:10
- 5 Bright Lights (instrumental) 4:41
- 6 Nelson Mandela 4:34
- 7 Break Down the Door 5:02
- 8 What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend 5:24
- 9 Can't Get a Break 6:30
- 10 Nelson Mandela '88 (The Whole World Is Watching dance mix) 8:29
- 11 Ghost Dub '91 / Let Us Unite 6:36
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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