The Specials are one of the defining bands of the late 70's/early 80's along with Jerry Dammers' iconic label Two Tone Records. Originally formed in 1977 as The Coventry Automatics, The Specials combined Jamaican ska and Rocksteady mixed with the energy of punk and launched a whole Ska Revival which helped fellow like-minded bands Madness, The Beat and The Selecter to release their first singles.The Specials first single, 'Gangsters', was released in May 1979 with independent distribution by Rough Trade and the initial pressing of just 5,000 records sold out. The band and label soon signed with Chrysalis Records who picked up on the release of 'Gangsters.' The next single, 'A Message To You Rudy', followed in September with their first album released soon after in October.Format: 3mm Spine Sleeve, 140gm Clear Vinyl, OBI.