Album of the Day

Coventry band The Specials were the undisputed kings of the U.K. ska revival movement, and THE BEST OF THE SPECIALS shows why. The 20-track collection may not be their first hits package, but with definitive versions of all their signature songs hand-picked by founder Jerry Dammers, it's surely the last word on the pioneering band. "Message To You Rudy," "Too Much Too Young," "Stereotypes," "Ghost Town" and "Nelson Mandela" are but a few of the two-tone masterpieces here. Despite – or perhaps because of – its origins in Thatcher-era England, THE BEST OF THE SPECIALS remains both socially relevant, and incredibly danceable. Specials vocalist Neville Staple was born on this day in 1956, and we'll celebrate the birthday with another spin of this superb greatest hits set.