Ska was a subcultural phenomenon until the “2 Tone” movement swept the U.K. and spilled over into the U.S. by the end of the ’70s. The Specials led the way with bouncing rhythms and a sense of fun through their gangster poses and ’60s spy movie guitars. The Specials played party music capable of assuming urgency on tracks such as “Concrete Jungle” and “War Crimes.” The Best of CD collects 20 tracks recorded from 1979 through 1984.
