In The Studio (Vinyl LP) Afrobeat & African

In The Studio (Vinyl LP) Afrobeat & AfricanIn the Studio was the third album from The Specials, released in 1984, long after the breakup of the original Specials. It charted in the UK Top 35. The album was released under the name The Special AKA and was over two years in the making (hence the title). It was not as commercially successful as their previous two albums, although (Free) Nelson Mandela and Racist Friend became popular singles.

and its lyrics jog between self-reflection and direct address

but the album is a fascinating artifact of Simon's work during the interregnum in Simon & Garfunkel's career

And whilst his later albums are rightly revered

a soundtrack to moody city nights in Nottingham

Chicago house and early Detroit techno as well as their patronage of now iconic Frankfurt club nights like The Omen or Dorian Gray or the infamous Delirium Record shop run by scene stalwarts Ata (Robert Johnson) and Heiko MSO (Playhouse)

soul and unadulterated good vibes

Now who gunna diss him

Jassbusters had found its feet in Paris

with trademark candour

a heady stew of indie rock

more a combination of the standouts at a time when the band was at the peak of its powers

for this is an LP heavily influenced by Soul