“If you were 16 in 1979, the Specials were easy peasy lemon squeezy the greatest band on the planet. If you’re 46 in 2013, nothings changed.”<\/p>\n
That’s what is says on the Twitter account<\/a> for one of my favorite bands, The Specials<\/a>. Well in 1979 I was 14, and now in 2013 I’m on the eve of my 48th birthday. So while their math is wrong, the sentiment is right, nothing’s changed. I was introduced to Ska music through the 1981 multi-act concert film ‘Dance Craze<\/a>‘, a movie which opened and closed with The Specials, and also introduced me to favorites The English Beat and Madness.<\/p>\n Seeing The Specials live tonight was a major ‘bucket list’ concert for me. I came close to skipping, overcoming my evil apathetic instincts to drag myself and my ever patient wife to Maryland to see one of my favorite bands of all time. But I realized that I may never get a chance again to see them, so I had better damn well seize the moment now. So glad that I did!<\/p>\n Here’s what they played:<\/p>\n Do the Dog Encore: And here’s a couple of iPhone snippets…<\/p>\n A Message to You Rudy
\nDawning of a New Era
\nGangsters
\nIt’s Up to You
\nMonkey Man
\nConcrete Jungle
\nBlank Expression
\nRat Race
\nHey Little Rich Girl
\nWhy
\nIt Doesn’t Make It Alright
\nFriday Night, Saturday Morning
\nStereotype
\nMan at C & A
\nDo Nothing
\nA Message to You Rudy
\nNite Klub
\nLittle Bitch
\nToo Much Too Young
\nEnjoy Yourself<\/p>\n
\nGhost Town
\nYou’re Wondering Now<\/p>\n
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