NEVILLE STAPLE
FROM THE SPECIALS & BEYOND
CLEOPATRA RECORDS
★★★★
Toaster Staple left The Specials in 2016, but there’s no sign of ill health on this exploration of his roots, especially not a lively Don’t Let Life Pass You By which – like the boisterous Something’s Wrong – suggests Staple’s doing anything but. Perhaps his wife Sugary Staple’s presence helps, as might Gary Shail’s on a drily entertaining What’s Really Going On, while other guests get a shout-out on a lengthy Ghost Town (40 Years Mix). His version of Toots & The Maytals’ classic Monkey Man also stands tall beside The Specials.