Posted on 12/19/2022 4:19:35 PM PST by nickcarraway
FWIW, I was very much into the (NOT Ska) Suburban Lawns, YEEEAHHHH!
The Special AKA— Ghost Town
This town is comin’ like a ghost town
Bands won’t play no more—
Too much fighting on the dance floor
The Special AKA— Ghost Town
This town is comin’ like a ghost town
Bands won’t play no more—
Too much fighting on the dance floor
Wiki on The Special AKA —Ghost Town
“Evoking themes of urban decay, deindustrialisation, unemployment and violence in inner cities, the song is remembered for being a hit at the same time as riots were occurring in British cities. Internal tensions within the band were also coming to a head when the single was being recorded, resulting in the song being the last single recorded by the original seven members of the group before splitting up. However, the song was hailed by the contemporary UK music press as a major piece of popular social commentary, and all three of the major UK music magazines of the time awarded “Ghost Town” the accolade of “Single of the Year” for 1981. It was the 12th-best-selling single in the UK in 1981.”
More from Wiki
“After seven consecutive UK top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, main lead vocalists Hall and Staple, along with guitarist Golding, left to form Fun Boy Three. Continuing as “The Special AKA” (a name they used frequently on earlier Specials releases), a substantially revised Specials line-up issued new material until 1984, including the top 10 UK hit single “Free Nelson Mandela”. After this, founder and songwriter Jerry Dammers dissolved the band and pursued political activism”
Don’t feel bad. He was one of many songwriters and contributors to music over the years that few have heard of. May he RIP.
Back to the Beach movie? A send up of the “beach” movies of the early 60’s...cute but forgettable...I was interested in “ska”...but after seeing the movie...I lost interest....seemed like jazzed up raggae meets John Tesh...or Annette Funny”jello”
“Ghost Town” was an instant smash in my eyes .
Was into ska in the early to mid Eighties. Saw Madness and Bad Manners when they were on tour in the US in ‘84. Good energy.
I saw Madness with the Go Gos opening.
Thanks for posting.
Very much an end to an era.
ping
I want to turn the clock back to the 1980s and music is a huge part of that statement (Though that song may have been released in 1979). I listened to “Rat Race” this morning.
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