Another Trojan gem
Mark G. Hutchinson | providence | 01/15/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i can't get enough of these box sets. Trojan is the best label on the planet. That said, this is iin my top five of these wonders (Mod, British, Skinhead, Jamacian RnB). Three discs are separated into "Underground", "Club", and "Charts". So you know what you are in for. This is an amzing list of contributers; the big names are here: Upsetters, Heptones, Tommy McCook, John Holt, Errol Brown, Desmon Dekker, and Iroy amongst a bevy of others. "Suedehead" captures a strange transitional period for Reggae and skinhead music. All songs on this are recorded between 1971 and 1974. But that short time span harnessed alot of change. The music was slowing, London and Kingston were tuning in to more rock musicians - but that distilled the music to a perfect feel. The slow perk of the second track "Lion's Den" by the Kingstonians i think encapsulates the records. Hevy on organ, not horns shows the abandoning of ska into the bluebeat era. The roots of dub has its beginning in the slower, soulful song. The funk piano "Weather report" with a melody sung gently by The Tennors is a mournful simmer in your ears. And i am only on track 3! Check Jamacian remakes of Gaye's "Whats goin on?" and Big Youth doin Otis "Dock of the Bay". An amusing romp is The Crystallites' "Blacula". We definitely see a more concious move to social lyrics and the black power issue growing in the lyrics. But also the catchiest groove on "Musical Right" with Sir Harry toasting over the mesmerizing feel of this beat. and the goofy but cativating rhythm of JJ All Stars "Soup". I could praise each song here. 50 songs that span 3 years of adjustment and tremendous growth for reggae. Whether you have an expansive collection or just own "Legend; if you claim to like reggae - this is the jam. this is the best collection to emerge in many years. Perpetuating the role of Jamaica's unique blend politics, party, piano, and puffing. this collection hones in on truly great period of reggae. This album has so much soul"
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1
