Jerry

[Harry]

from the We Are Cult website...
http://wearecult.rocks/jerry-dammers-an-appreciation
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I got one art O'level it did nothing for me

[Imani]

Hugely complimentary piece though much of what he says is out there already. Nothing new in the way of insights brought to the table.

I'm often surprised how little is mentioned of Jerry's dad as an influence. Despite going in a completely different direction, that leaning towards activism surely stems from his father's work.

Oh, and that song with the Marley title on the debut album wasn't written by the General.

[Imani]

What I mean is the writer only focuses on the punk/ska elements which is a well-mined area, but completely overlooks the eclecticism from More Specials onward when there was more than punk and ska going into the music.

[Harry]

I agree with you one hundred percent that there was always more to The Specials sound than just Punk and Ska elements.
And yes, Concrete Jungle was written by Roddy before he'd even joined the band!
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I got one art O'level it did nothing for me

[Imani]

It's odd that he kind of brushes over More Specials and In The Studio, and overstates the punk element throughout. Probably because this is his musical niche which is fair enough.

Bringing another band into the equation: an article appraising the Beatles' career would be incomplete if it gave passing mention to Sergeant Pepper, or even stopped at everything pre-Rubber Soul. It wouldn't give you a true picture of the band's development. But this is exactly what the writer of that article has done.

Ska and Jamaican music in general has been a constant in Jerry's work but it only takes a listen, or a read of what's been said in interviews to see and hear there's more.