Two Tone the Albums 8-CD Collection - Essential Two Tone

In this review of Two Tone the Albums, the bottom line is clear: this 8-CD collection is for listeners who want a compact, definitive archive of the early Two Tone label and its defining ska and reggae-inflected sound. Compiled to mark the label's 40th anniversary, the set gathers the first eight albums issued on Two Tone, making it the most convenient way to hear foundational releases by The Specials, The Selecter, Rico and the various artists compilation material in one package. Fans seeking historical context and the original album sequencing will find the collection especially worthwhile.

Key Features

• Complete early catalogue: Collects the first eight albums released on Two Tone so listeners can hear the label's formative years without tracking down separate discs.
• Artist variety: Includes albums by The Specials, The Selecter and Rico plus two various-artists compilations that showcase the label's broader roster and live energy.
• Anniversary packaging: Issued for the 40th anniversary, the set frames these albums as a cohesive historical document for collectors and newcomers.
• Live and rarities content: Features the sought-after live concert album Dance Craze and This Are Two Tone, which compiles several non-album releases important to the scene.
• Chronological listening: Disc order follows early releases, letting listeners follow the label's development from 1979 into the early 1980s.

Who It's For

The collection is aimed at ska and reggae listeners who want a single-box overview of Two Tone's earliest, most influential albums, including fans of The Specials and The Selecter who prefer owning original album sequences on CD. Collectors who appreciate anniversary editions and historical compilations will value the inclusion of live and non-album tracks.

Listeners who only want a handful of hit singles or who prefer vinyl originals rather than CDs should look elsewhere, since this set is an 8-CD compilation oriented around albums rather than a singles anthology or a vinyl reissue package.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive early catalogue gathering eight original albums for convenient listening and archiving.
• Includes rare and live material like Dance Craze and non-album tracks on This Are Two Tone, adding historical depth.
• Good for newcomers who want to trace the label's growth and for collectors wanting a compact anniversary set.

Cons

• Only available as a CD collection, so vinyl enthusiasts or those seeking a singles compilation may find it less useful.
• Packaging and liner note details are not listed here, so buyers who care about extensive booklet essays should verify those separately.

Specifications

Label	Two Tone
Format	8-CD collection
Includes	Albums by The Specials, The Selecter, Rico, plus Dance Craze and This Are Two Tone
Anniversary	40th Anniversary compilation
Era	Original releases 1979 to early 1980s

Our Verdict

Two Tone the Albums is a smart purchase for anyone who wants a packaged, chronological archive of the label's first and most influential releases; it offers historical breadth with studio albums, live recordings and rarities across eight CDs, delivering strong value for collectors and newcomers interested in the Two Tone movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the set include the Specials albums?
Yes, the set includes The Specials Special and More Specials as part of the eight discs.

Are live recordings included?
Yes, the collection contains the live concert album Dance Craze among the eight CDs.

Is this a singles compilation?
No, this release focuses on early albums and compilations from the Two Tone label rather than a greatest-hits singles package.