The Specials - classic or dud?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqtfl0gt5fM

In addition to Terry Hall, the new album features a line-up that includes two other original members, bassist Horace Panter and guitarist Lynval Golding.

Just going to leave that there..

Any thoughts on the new album "Encore"?
I really like what I've heard so far. The band appear to have grown up and taken risks.

I mean 'grown up with elegance and grace'.

it's alright. it's not 'necessary' but it's hardly embarrassing. sounds like another good Specials album.

the bit of gangsters that i heard on lamacq the other week sounded like terry hall had given up singing for lent. and the new single has more than a touch of ghost town about it.

the glastonbury set from some years ago was solid gold though, hit after hit.

Something about "Vote for Me" gave me "Racist Friend" associations; I'd guess not deliberate, but well played if it is.

Saw some version of the Specials touring behind some version of a new Specials album several years back and they were awesome. Saw a different, more intact lineup version of the Specials more recently and they were also awesome.

Anatol, the intro is an echo of Ghost Town but it definitely moves into Racist Friend.

akm, it might not be strictly necessary, as you put it, but as a fan I feel really proud that it's as good as it is.

Don’t call me Scarface!

Bernie Rhodes knows: don’t argue!