Neville Staple – From The Specials and Beyond – Review

Neville Staple  

From The Specials and beyond 

Cleopatra Records CD/Vinyl/DL

Neville Staple releases his new album From The Specials and Beyond. Mike Bennett reviews the record for Louder Than War. 

Although there’s a nostalgic element to Staple’s prolific output, there is always that essential ‘post modernist‘ twist to his repertoire. When it comes to his re-works of two tone classics always expect the unexpected!

A fine example is the new captivating rendition of Ghost Town, where the artist and producer have played an integral part in the subtle jazz element, augmented by the ear pleasing vocal that plays an integral part in this track. This is as relevant today as it was back in the 2 tone era when Staple first helped create this timeless masterpiece.

The re-working of Monkey Man for which this legendary performer received a Brit award, is a refreshing treat for completists and casual listeners alike. Each crucial cut takes the listener on a journey via a poignant portal that leads to a plethora of catchy action-packed tracks, whilst remaining sparse with each rendition serving the song beautifully.

With highly imaginative tracks such as Right from Wrong, Can’t Take No More and What’s really Going On, it’s almost impossible to pick out a favourite on this double album.

There are superb performances by the whole band of highly celebrated musicians, rare star guests, and not forgetting the Princess of Ska, Sugary Staple, who co-produced this gem!

What we essentially have here is a  rich ‘layer cake‘ that certainly bears the hallmark of a classic album.

‘Nuff said.‘

~

Neville’s last show of the year is at the Forum, Tunbridge Wells on 16 December 2021

The band is also doing an in-store album launch, signing and performance at SOUND KNOWLEDGE, 111 HIGH STREET, MARLBOROUGH, SN8 1LT (Swindon/wiltshire area) on 14 DEC 2021 7PM.

Links: From The Specials Website  Neville’s Facebook Twitter  Instagram

Mike Bennett is a writer, producer and playwright. This is his Wikipedia and this is his Facebook page. 

Source: louderthanwar.com