The Specials have been bringing their unique brand of funk, punk, dance, Rhasta and ska music to the masses since well before I was born, and they still have plenty more to say. The group preaches love and acceptance, and stands opposed to racial divide.
Recently, Lynval Golding (legendary focal point for the band) released a sample of a new project that he is working on, honouring The Clash's iconic late singer Joe Strummer, and we here at Sound Check Entertainment were gifted a copy personally, when I had the chance to speak with Lynval personally as part of this past weekend's Amnesia Rockfest in Montebello, Quebec.
Rerecording The Clash hit "Know Your Rights," Golding released the four song sample disc and vinyl to honour Strummer, while also drawing attention to the tragedy of police violence and racial discrimination in the western world.
The album, called "Know Your Rights", features four tracks, including two versions of the title track, which has been released in standard form, as well as a more contemporary dance remix. Both bring quality and capture the essence of Strummer's powerful lyrics. The album, emblazoned with the names of those murdered by police officers across the United States, makes for a unique and powerful collectible.
With lines like "you have the right not to be killed," it is obvious that this is a project near and dear to Lynval Golding and his side band Contra Coup, and they are not afraid to challenge a system much like The Clash did many years before.
The other track "The Same" (both standard format and MA remix version) speaks a similar theme, with similar quality and similar power.
This album is a must get for fans of The Specials and fans of The Clash. Pick it up today. And keep your eyes peeled to Sound Check Entertainment over the next few days. We have plenty of Rockfest coverage still to come, including an interview with Lynval himself.
Leigh Bursey is a 30 year old civic affairs television talk show host, published author, motivational speaker, municipal politician in Brockville ON, singer/songwriter and social activist. He enjoys longs walks on the beach, pretty girls, and passionate performers. He is also the frontman of Brockville/Ottawa/Cornwall area political blues punk band Project Mantra, and the founder/operator of upstart record label Recovery Records. Project Mantra just released their sophmore album "Moonlight Over Vagabond," and are available for concert bookings.
