The Specials (Video Analysis)

Genre
'2 Tone,' as it came to be known, was a 70s new wave ska revival mostly based in the UK, influenced by both current UK punk music and the ska and reggae of Jamaica. Signifiers and conventions were established. For example the outfits, specifically suits (often black,) worn by the members of the band. Black and white check and pork pie hats were also signifiers but do not feature in the video. This appealed to the specific, often politically active, segment of the UK audience as well as the general public some of whom saw them as individual, cool and appealing.


Lyrics/ Visuals relationship

There is a extremely close connection between the video and the lyrics describing an empty lifeless 'Ghost Town' which was once filled with energy. We see dutch angled shots of dull buildings at night, with no-one to be seen on the streets as the band drive through the city.

Music/ Visuals relationship

Again, a close connection. When the song adjusts, so does the visuals. For example, when the song enters a louder, more complex section with high pitch ghostly sounds the car begins to swerve from side to side, with the shifting, shorter dutch camera angles exaggerating the eerie section. Ghostly shadows are cast on a wall replicating the haunting, threatning nature of the music

Record label

As the specials had already hit stardom, the label would have required their appearance in the video in order to boost sales using their fame. Thus, they appear in closeups throughout, rammed into a car and a long shot on a beach at the end.

Iconography
By following conventions of 2 tone music discussed in section 1 (Genre) the band are being shown to the public as part of the subculture which went along side. For one, the suits make the men appear smart and fashionable, elevating their image. Secondly, although this particular song has minimal political protest implications, their image does. Many songs within the genre dealt with issues of race and problems in society and so in this and other music videos, the band placed themselves in peoples minds as active protesters and politically conscious performance. This gains them respect and distinguishes them from another commercial pop group despite their huge successes.