Name: Gangsters
Brand: The Specials, The Selecter

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

0810098508902

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: Yes

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Exclusive Shared With Two Tone

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-09-15

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

Black 7" | Rough Trade Exclusive

Artist

The Specials

The Selecter

Genre GB

New Wave / Post Punk

Label GB

Two Tone

The Selecter is a 2 Tone ska group that was formed in 1979 in Coventry, England. After releasing their second album, the original band split up in 1981.
In 1991, Neol Davies and Pauline Black reformed The Selecter with new musicians and toured with their classic repertoire. Two years later, Neol Davis left, leaving Pauline Black to lead The Selecter through the 90's up to 2004 with the help of original Producer Roger Lomas.
In 2010, Davies started a new band and began performing as 'Neol Davies aka The Selecter', while Pauline Black reunited with Arthur "Gaps" Hendrickson to record a new Selecter album titled 'Made In Britain' and resumed touring. They continue to perform together to this day.

Two-Tone Records (or 2 Tone Records) was created in Coventry, UK in 1978 by Jerry Dammers. Dammers, the songwriter and music director for bands The Specials and The Special A.K.A, also served as the Chief Executive of the label. He signed artists such as Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, and The Bodysnatchers.

Dammers grew up in The Midlands area of The UK during the late 1960s/early 70s and became influenced by Jamaican Ska Music. This influence was a result of cultural changes due to immigration in cities like Birmingham and Coventry. Most of the 2 Tone artists were from this area, with Madness being an exception from North London.

The label's early releases included classics like 'Gangsters', 'The Prince' (a tribute to Prince Buster), 'On My Radio', 'Too Much Too Young', and their most famous release 'Ghost Town'. Contrary to popular belief, 'Ghost Town' was not a criticism of racial tension on a national scale but rather aimed at thuggery within Coventry. Many of The Specials' songs reflected life in Coventry.

The success of Two-Tone Records was led by The Specials who released a self-titled LP in 1979. However, internal conflicts among artists signed to the label and cultural changes within British society eventually led to its collapse in

The Specials were the first band of the 2-Tone era in Britain during the late '70s and early '80s. Led by keyboardist Jerry Dammers, the band consisted of Terry Hall on lead vocals, Neville Staple on vocals and percussion, Lynval Golding on rhythm guitar and vocals, Roddy "Radiation" Byers on lead guitar, Sir Horace Gentleman (aka Horace Panter) on bass, and John Bradbury on drums.

During their active years from 1979 to 1981, The Specials released seven singles, two of which ("Too Much Too Young" & "Ghost Town") reached #1 in the UK charts. However, amidst widespread street violence in major cities across the country, they disbanded when "Ghost Town" topped the charts on July 11th, 1981.

Afterwards, Jerry Dammers and John Bradbury continued as The Special AKA until 1985. Horace Panter also remained involved to some extent. Roddy Byers left but made a guest appearance on one single. Meanwhile, Terry Hall, Neville Staple, and Lynval Golding formed Fun Boy Three.

Newest Listed Items

A Classic Two Tone seven, what is not to love? 7-inch Vinyl, packaged in a protective sleeve.

Gangsters

Music GB

Discover Gangsters by The Selecter on Classic Two Tone 7-inch Vinyl. Fast & Free Shipping Available.