Search - Desmond Dekker :: Black & Dekker (Mlps)

Pure Brilliance from the King of Ska

state | 05/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At the end of the 1970s Dekker signed with Stiff Records, a punk label linked with the Two-Tone movement, a fusion of punk and ska. He recorded an album called BLACK & DEKKER which featured his previous hits backed by The Rumour, Graham Parker's band. These versions are resolutely joyous and vibrant: "Israelites" became a hit, followed by Dekker's cover of Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers To Cross."



It is a pity that commercial success eluded Dekker, even though Robert Palmer produced his next album COMPASS POINT it didn't sell well, as he ended up declaring bankruptcy a few years later once the Two-Tone movement died out. This is the perfect first purchase for someone wanting to discover first-rate ska. Standout tracks include "It Mek", "Problems" and "Please Don't Bend" though there isn't a bad cut on the whole CD. Highly recommended."