Few British musical movements have a visual identity as instantly recognisable as 2 Tone. The black-and-white chequerboard, the sharp-suited Walt Jabsco figure and the rattling offbeat of a Specials single all belong to a moment between 1979 and the mid-1980s when Coventry briefly became the centre of the pop universe. For vinyl collectors, 2 Tone and the wider ska revival offer something rare: a compact, well-documented catalogue, a strong sense of design and a scene whose records still turn up regularly in UK record shops. This guide explains what to look for, which releases matter and how to build a collection without overpaying.
What Is 2 Tone? The Ska Revival Explained
2 Tone was both a record label and a sound. Jerry Dammers, keyboard player and chief songwriter of The Specials, founded the label in Coventry in 1979 as a home for his band’s debut single. Its sound fused the Jamaican ska and rocksteady records that had soundtracked British youth clubs in the 1960s with the energy and attitude of punk. Its politics were explicit: multiracial line-ups, anti-racist lyrics and songs about unemployment, violence and urban decay in late-1970s Britain.
The label quickly secured a distribution deal with Chrysalis, which allowed it to operate almost like a collective. Bands could release a single on 2 Tone, gain exposure and then move on to a bigger deal elsewhere. That model explains why the catalogue is so concentrated, and why so many classic ska revival records sit on other labels entirely.
2 Tone Records Versus the Wider Ska Revival
Collectors often use “2 Tone” as shorthand for the whole late-1970s ska boom, but it pays to separate the two. Madness released a single on 2 Tone before signing to Stiff. The Beat did the same before launching their own Go-Feet label. Bad Manners were never on 2 Tone at all, recording for Magnet. A well-rounded collection embraces all of these, but if you are chasing label completism, you need to know which records actually carry the chequerboard.
Essential 2 Tone Singles to Collect on Vinyl
The 7-inch single was the heart of 2 Tone. The label’s catalogue numbers run in a simple sequence, and many collectors aim to assemble the full run. Here are the cornerstones.
The Early Run: 1979 to 1980
- The Special AKA, “Gangsters” / The Selecter, “The Selecter”: the record that started it all. The earliest copies were pressed independently before Chrysalis came on board, and these originals command a significant premium over the later, more common Chrysalis-distributed pressings.
- Madness, “The Prince”: the band’s tribute to Prince Buster and their only 2 Tone release, making it a natural crossover item for Madness collectors.
- The Selecter, “On My Radio”: one of the label’s defining hits, with Pauline Black’s vocals front and centre.
- The Specials, “A Message to You, Rudy”: a reworking of Dandy Livingstone’s rocksteady original, featuring trombonist Rico Rodriguez.
- The Beat, “Tears of a Clown”: a ska-paced Smokey Robinson cover and The Beat’s sole 2 Tone single.
- The Bodysnatchers, “Let’s Do Rock Steady”: an all-female line-up that deserves far more attention than it usually receives.
The Later Years: From “Ghost Town” to “Nelson Mandela”
“Ghost Town” reached number one in the summer of 1981 and remains the label’s most celebrated single. It is common, but clean copies in their original picture sleeves are still very collectable. After the original Specials line-up split, Dammers continued as The Special AKA, and “Nelson Mandela” (often known as “Free Nelson Mandela”) in 1984 became one of the most politically significant British singles of the decade. Less familiar names from the later catalogue, such as Rhoda Dakar, The Swinging Cats, The Apollinaires and The Higsons, tend to be scarcer and often represent the best value for collectors willing to dig.
Key 2 Tone and Ska Revival Albums
While singles drove the movement, several albums are essential for any vinyl shelf.
- The Specials, The Specials (1979): produced by Elvis Costello and widely regarded as one of the great British debut albums.
- The Specials, More Specials (1980): darker and more experimental, with lounge and easy listening influences creeping in.
- The Selecter, Too Much Pressure (1980): tough, urgent and arguably the purest ska record of the era.
- Madness, One Step Beyond… (1979): on Stiff rather than 2 Tone, but indispensable to the story.
- The Beat, I Just Can’t Stop It (1980): issued on Go-Feet and packed with singles.
- Dance Craze (1981): the soundtrack to the concert film, capturing the main bands live at their peak.
How to Identify Original 2 Tone Pressings
Because 2 Tone records have been reissued repeatedly, telling an original from a later pressing is central to paying the right price.
Labels, Sleeves and Catalogue Numbers
Original singles carry the 2 Tone label design with the Walt Jabsco figure and the “CHS TT” catalogue prefix, reflecting the Chrysalis distribution arrangement. Albums use the “CDL TT” prefix. Many early singles were issued in the generic black-and-white 2 Tone company sleeve, while others came in dedicated picture sleeves. Check that the sleeve matches the record: a common trick, often innocent, is a later pressing housed in an earlier sleeve.
Reading the Runout Grooves
The matrix numbers and etched messages in the dead wax are your most reliable guide. Original UK pressings typically show matrix numbers matching the catalogue number, along with mastering and pressing plant marks. Later reissues often carry different mastering credits or modern plant codes. If you are unsure, compare the etchings against a trusted discography before parting with serious money.
Watch Out for Ex-Jukebox Copies
2 Tone singles were jukebox staples, so many surviving copies have had their centres removed or show heavy groove wear. These are perfectly playable and often cheap, but they should be priced well below a clean example with an intact centre.
Grading and Pricing 2 Tone Vinyl
Condition dictates value more than almost anything else. The bulk of the 2 Tone catalogue sold in large numbers, so common singles in average condition often sit in the bargain racks. Prices climb sharply for near-mint copies with crisp, unfaded picture sleeves, especially the early white and black designs, which show ring wear, writing and yellowing very easily.
Scarcer later singles, original independent pressings of “Gangsters” and unusual variations attract the strongest prices. Promotional copies and records with misprints also have dedicated followings. As with any collecting area, play-grade copies are a sensible way to hear the music while you hold out for upgrades.
Reissues, Anniversary Editions and Record Store Day
2 Tone anniversaries are regularly marked with reissues, box sets and Record Store Day exclusives, frequently pressed on coloured or chequerboard-effect vinyl. These are a great way to own the music in excellent condition, and some limited editions have become collectable in their own right. They should never be confused with originals, though, and sellers occasionally describe them ambiguously. Always check the catalogue number, barcode and year on the back cover.
Where to Find 2 Tone and Ska Records in UK Record Shops
Ska revival records are among the most widely available collectables in British second-hand shops, simply because they sold so well. General stock shops are a good starting point for common singles and albums, while specialist reggae, soul and punk shops often carry the scarcer pressings and the original Jamaican ska that inspired the movement.
Record fairs are particularly productive, with dealers frequently selling 7-inch boxes organised by label. Coventry itself is a natural pilgrimage for fans, with the city’s music museum celebrating its 2 Tone heritage and local shops keeping a steady supply of related vinyl. Wherever you browse, ask staff to look out for specific titles; many independent shops will happily set records aside for regular customers.
Tips for Building a 2 Tone Vinyl Collection
- Start with the singles. They are affordable, easy to find and tell the label’s story better than any compilation.
- Prioritise sleeve condition. Black-and-white artwork shows every mark, so a clean sleeve adds considerable value.
- Explore the roots. Seek out the original 1960s ska and rocksteady records by artists such as Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker and The Skatalites to understand where the sound came from.
- Look beyond the label. Go-Feet, Stiff and Magnet releases complete the picture of the ska revival.
- Keep a want list. With a numbered catalogue, it is easy to track which entries you still need.
Why 2 Tone Still Matters to Vinyl Collectors
More than four decades on, 2 Tone records still sound urgent and still look superb in a crate. The label proved that a small, independent operation from a Midlands city could change British pop, and its records carry that spirit with them. For collectors, it offers a rare combination of affordability, historical weight and design flair. Start with a copy of “Gangsters” or “Ghost Town”, and you may find yourself chasing the whole chequerboard catalogue through the racks of your local record shop.
