CD-Charts Position 1
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Too Much Two Tone: Ska Classics

by: Various Artists

Release Date September 17, 2001
`Too Much Two Tone' is a supermarket compilation and yet where other supermarket compilations miss whole swathes of essential tracks this one ticks all the boxes with the all important Special number ones `Too Much Too Young' and `Ghost Town' (the extended 12" dub, no less) as well as a sprinkling of the rarities such as Rico's `Sea Cruise' and the later bands such as The Higsons and The Friday club which are generally air brushed out of the labels history to make for a monochrome Ska label which is readily identified.

That's not to say the Ska is underplayed, as well as the four Specials track, the Madness 45 `The Prince' is here, two Bodysnatchers tracks (neither of which are available on CD elsewhere) and three singles released ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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And This Is A SKA Explosion

by: Various Artists

Release Date March 19, 2007
I couldn't give this five stars, because there are a few dud tracks on there. But at the price it is well worth the money, because there are loads of great tunes. In fact it is worth the cash just to get a copy of 'Rukumbine'. There is a groovy ska version of the James Bond theme, and a couple of minor key instrumental grooves that really get you dancing. Also 'A little oil in my lamp' is a great singalong ska version of a traditional song, with a gospel feel to it.

I don't know why they chose to start the CD with the Prince Buster tune which is more of a reggae style and not like the rest at all (although it's not a bad tune).

CD-Charts Position 3
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The Specials Singles: the Best of the Specials

by: The Specials

Release Date August 27, 1991
The Specials Singles is just that containing at least the a-sides of the 45's of one the greatest bands of all time. Opening with one of the strongest debut single of all time `Gangsters' it moves through double `a' side `Rudi, a Message to You' and `Nite Klub' to the first side of there live EP `Too Much Too Young' and the Skatalite inspired `Guns of Navarone'.

Stand alone single `Rat Race' is next before we move into less comfortable territory with double `a' `Stereotype' b/w `International Jet Set' and then `Do Nothing'. The magnificent `Ghost Town' is next together with both of its equally good b-sides `Why?' and `Friday Night, Saturday Morning'.

The quality drops as Terry Hall, Neville Staples and Lynval Golding leave to form ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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The Specials

by: Specials

Release Date March 25, 2002
This is my favourite of the 2 Specials albums. 'More Specials' is quirkier, but this is equally fun and more up-tempo. I love to leap around to this record at every oportunity, (much to the annoyance of my neighbours). I could wiffle on about all of the profound lyrics and such and Terry Hall's deadpan style, but once you buy this record then you will find out for yourself. Suffice to say that this record is well worth getting for your collection. If you like that 2 tone sound, then it really doesn't get any better than this. And at this price it is a steal!!!!

CD-Charts Position 5
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Greatest Hits

by: Selecter

Release Date May 13, 1996
Like all cut price compilations they are most telling for their omissions rather than what they include. This one has only one glaring omission debut side `The Selecter' the instrumental on the b-side of The Specials 45 `Gangsters' which created the initial excitement to start the band in the first place. Also absent is the classic version of the cover of `Train to Skaville' which with its 12" dub version was definitely a high point of the bands career.

However gripes aside it manages to include the non album singles `On My Radio' and my personal favourite `The Whisper' along with the best eight cuts from the debut LP `Too Much Pressure'. The remaining six songs are drawn from the bands disappointing second LP `Celebrate the Bullet' which is perhaps too ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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Trojan Ska Box Set

by: Various Artists

Release Date July 04, 1996
3 CDs of absolute classic ska. With the sheer volume of tracks this set provides, its a bargain. This is the real deal.A good cross section of Jamaican ska, with some tracks better known than others (perhaps) but don't let that put you off. If you have only heard the tracks that have also appeared on other ska compilations & you liked them, then the rest of this collection is a must.
This is a really expansive collection of quality ska music & Trojan have done a great job in selecting the tracks for this set.If you enjoy this , then the Rude Boy box set is also worth a punt.

CD-Charts Position 7
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You Just Can't Beat It: the Best of the Beat

by: Beat

Release Date February 04, 2008
They made 3 albums, 'I Just Can't Stop It', 'Wha'ppen' and 'Special Beat Service' and if you're an 'The (English) Beat' fan (like i am for years) this compilation does'nt ad anything to what you already own. I'm 56 and still bouncin' 'round!! (Ranking Fullstop)

CD-Charts Position 8
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Legend: Remastered

by: Bob Marley

Release Date September 04, 2006
Brilliant artist,superb songs, awful remaster.This has took all the raw sound out of this mans music.If you listen to the originals there is no comparison.Messing about with tracks either works or it does not,this is the latter.

CD-Charts Position 9
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Walking In The Sunshine - The Best Of Bad Manners

by: Bad Manners

Release Date May 26, 2008
This makes a great addition to a CD collection, both for die hard fans and nostalgic casual listeners. Surprisingly witty and well though out lyrics.

CD-Charts Position 10
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The Trojan Skinhead Reggae

by: Various Artists

Release Date February 26, 2008
THIS IS A GREAT COMPILATION THERE ARE SOME STOMPIN' TRACKS ON HERE! IF YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD SKINHEAD REGGAE THEN THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO START.3 CD'S OF FOOT STOMPIN' CLASSICS