Welcome back to the Halloween Countdown! We’re oh-so-close to the Number 1 creepy song, just two days to go! This next song is a perennial favorite from my youth. It’s moody and atmospheric, and it brings a whole new feeling to the term “ghost town.”

Number 3: The Specials – Ghost Town

The Specials were formed in 1977, and after Joe Strummer attended one of their concerts, they soon found themselves on tour in support of The Clash. The had 7 consecutive songs hit the UK Top 10 between 1979-1981, and “Ghost Town” is the second song they released that landed at Number 1.

Written at a time of deep recession in the UK, the doom-and-gloom melody and spare lyrics addressed the urban decay, unemployment, and inner-city violence that the band witnessed while touring. It was recorded at such a tiny studio that all seven members of the band had to record their parts individually, and the whole song was layered together. But it was worth the effort; “Ghost Town” landed at Number 1 for 3 weeks and stayed in the UK Top 40 for 10 weeks total. It was hailed as the Single of the Year in 1981 by the British music press.

“Ghost Town” was also the last song recorded by the band in its original form. Three members left shortly thereafter to form Fun Boy 3, and The Specials added new members and went on to further greatness with “Free Nelson Mandela.” I never had a chance to see them play, but did get to see some members of the band play with The English Beat a couple of times.

I play this song all year round, but it always fits right in to the Halloween playlist.

At Number 3, here are The Specials with “Ghost Town.” Enjoy!

 

The Countdown