This is reggae music...
Sounds from back in the days. Listed here, in no particular order, are some classics, but mostly obscure songs, that's why I often hardly have any information about the singers. Simply music I love, that's been an important part of my life for years.
I'd love people who don't like reggae, because they feel it sounds boring, or believe it's sunny beach party music, to find this page, and take some time to listen to these songs. Maybe it won't change their point of view, but at least they'll hear for a little while how it really sounds like...
And for those who already know and love this wonderful music, they might discover some interresting items below. I hope so at least.
I keep on adding new singles, so please feel free to come back from time to time...
Warning : This music should be played loud, with a whole lotta bass...
PS : I am fully aware I keep using the same enthusiastic adjectives in the songs descriptions. But unfortunately my english vocabulary is limited, and I have always been very bad at curbing my enthusiasm...
I'd love people who don't like reggae, because they feel it sounds boring, or believe it's sunny beach party music, to find this page, and take some time to listen to these songs. Maybe it won't change their point of view, but at least they'll hear for a little while how it really sounds like...
And for those who already know and love this wonderful music, they might discover some interresting items below. I hope so at least.
I keep on adding new singles, so please feel free to come back from time to time...
Warning : This music should be played loud, with a whole lotta bass...
PS : I am fully aware I keep using the same enthusiastic adjectives in the songs descriptions. But unfortunately my english vocabulary is limited, and I have always been very bad at curbing my enthusiasm...
Gaylads - "We three kings"
Beverley's
1971 (?)
OK, it's not reggae. It's a christmas song,
a slow, mellow ballad. But, featuring the Gaylads at their very best, it's one
the greatest vocal performance I ever heard from a Jamaican trio. I am
particularly fond of Maurice Roberts' bass parts. I know only one Jamaican
rival in that deep singing category: the great Watty Burnett.
Jimmy Cilff - "7x7"
Sunpower
1977
If Jimmy Cliff's crossover songs gained him international success, they also led many reggae fans to consider him as a pop artist. And thus turn their back to his music. Which is a pity, because not only is he a fantastic singer and composer, but he also produced some absolutely brilliant roots music on his own Sunpower label throughout the 70's, including some fantastic songs with Freddie McKay, among which "Your cup is full".
Here's one more of these wonderfully produced songs.
PS : this being said, I still consider "Reggae night" was on of the worst things that ever happened to reggae...
Here's one more of these wonderfully produced songs.
PS : this being said, I still consider "Reggae night" was on of the worst things that ever happened to reggae...
Mighty Threes - "Rasta business"
April (US)
1978
This is one of Jamaica's weapons of mass destruction. Without any doubt, one of the greatest roots tunes ever recorded. A shame the Mighty Threes did not record more than one LP and a few singles later during the early 80's.
A few years ago, as I was invited to speak about reggae on swiss national radio, I was given the opportunity to play two tunes, between 1 and 2 PM. One of those was "Rasta business". The very thought that this heavyweight underground reggae gem was played in some thousands homes and cars in the middle of the afternoon, still makes me happy today...
A few years ago, as I was invited to speak about reggae on swiss national radio, I was given the opportunity to play two tunes, between 1 and 2 PM. One of those was "Rasta business". The very thought that this heavyweight underground reggae gem was played in some thousands homes and cars in the middle of the afternoon, still makes me happy today...
Desmond Dekker - "No place like home"
Cactus (UK)
1973 (?)
Wonderful guitar led, stripped off, song from the great Desmond Dekker. A big Jamaican favourite during the second half of the 60's, his career slowed down slowed down during the next decade, although his unique voice was perfectly fitting roots riddims. The proof is here, or in the beautiful "My world is blue".
Carl Dawkins - "Problems"
Jay Wax
1978
Beautiful Harry Johnson rockers production, featuring the great Carl Dawkins, who recorded the all time classic "Fire burning". The wonderful backing vocals remind me lot of the I Threes. A dusty record I found in an old bag in Rockfort a few years ago.
Jah Frankie - "Ghetto feelings"
Solid State (UK)
1977 (?)
The great Frankie Jones, member of the Palmer Brothers, is here singing under the "Jah Frankie" moniker. I had Trinity's DJ version on a CD, and it took me years to find out who was singing the original vocal version. What a joy it was the day I discovered the title of the song, thanks to a discussion on the Blood and Fire forum... Absolutely gorgeous moving horns on this one.
"Mother with your nine children, with no father I say. No one to give you a helping hand... We a feel it down in the ghetto..."
"Mother with your nine children, with no father I say. No one to give you a helping hand... We a feel it down in the ghetto..."
Barrington Levy - "A yah we deh"
Roots
1979 (?)
Mighty early Barrington Levy song, in its very best version, in my humble opinion. Because this cut features a special guest : a full horn section...
"A yah we deh, fighting for survival now"
"A yah we deh, fighting for survival now"
Well Pleased and Satisfied - "Gates of Zion"
Total Sounds
1975 (?)
A classic riddim, versioned many times, by the great Well Pleased and Satisfied group, featuring Jerry Baxter, Hugh Lewis and David Jahson. They recorded quite a few killer tunes, but this one, which they also recorded as "Open the gate Bobby Bowa" on a 12" disco mix, might be their most famous. Love the high metallophone notes floating around in the background...
Joe Morgan - "Basement session"
Bullwackie (US)
1976
Lloyd Barnes' Bullwackies studio, in the Bronx, surely was the best place to record deep roots reggae outside of Jamaica. It's most well known tunes were recorded in the early 80's, when the studio's sound had turned amazingly "Black Arkish". But I'm even more fond of the original, and already particularly mystic sound it had in the 70's. This chronicle of a New York basement party, featuring a fabulous horns line answering Joe Morgan's vocal, is one my favourite from these days.
Delroy Butler - "Oppression"
Pama Supreme (UK)
1974
What a shock it has been, the day I discovered there was another version to Alton Ellis' unbelievable "True born African" ! For this song features one of the deadliest horns line ever. And to match this unique musical background, Silvertones member Delroy Butler delivers one of the most powerful and moving sufferer tune I've ever heard. "I grew up in oppression, wondering what could be my destination. Poverty and frustration makes be a bitter man"...
Upsetters - Da ba day
Attack (UK)
1975
No words, one chord throughout the whole song. It takes a genius like Lee Perry to make a killer tune out of these ingredients. On the flip is the better known version of the same riddim, "Kiss me neck", which features that great intro from the Upsetter himself : "Kiss me neck to rhaatid ! What a riddim, sir..." Who wouldn't agree with Mr Scratch ?
PS : I hadn't realized how poor the condition of this record is... It gets a little better after a minute.
Prince Far I & Culture - "Message from the king"
Cry Tuff
1977
When Prince Far I is involved in a song, as artist or producer - or even better, like here, both -, it usually means that this piece of vinyl is very likely to prove rather heavy. The Voice of Thunder wasn't that much into party music...
"Black reggae music, is a message from the king". A roots anthem featuring Culture's leader Joseph Hill, for what must be the most powerful singer - dj combination I've ever heard. A shame it wasn't done more back in the seventies.
Franklyn White - "Free up Namibia"
W.B.
1976 (?)
Beautiful ballad, in which former Uniques member Franklyn White calls for the liberation of Namibia, and the stopping of the war then going on in the land. It will take about 15 more years until his wish is finally fulfilled.
Freedom fighters time.
Freedom fighters time.
The Enforcer - "Pay them"
Well Charge
1978 (?)
The sound of Channel One at its very best on this absolute masterpiece. The archetypical rockers rythm, with Sly Dunbar drumming in another dimension. His playing on this song, which sounds like a never ending break, is simply amazing.
One question remains though : why didn't the mysterious Enforcer, who also cut the powerful "Ride on Marcus", record more songs ? The amount of "shooting stars" like him in jamaican music history is incredible.
One question remains though : why didn't the mysterious Enforcer, who also cut the powerful "Ride on Marcus", record more songs ? The amount of "shooting stars" like him in jamaican music history is incredible.
Carlton Coffie - "World festivity"
Cosmonamic
1975 (?)
Wicked song from the man who would ten years later take over the Inner Circle lead vocal duties, after the tragical death of the legendary Jacob Miller. There are not many weak songs on Cosmonamic, one more proof here. And what an intro...
George Chin - "Glory home"
Sparkling (US)
1974 (?)
There are some famous Chins in jamaican music. There's Tony, guitarist in the fabulous Soul Syndicate band. And there's Vincent, owner of the legendary studio, record shop and label "Randy's", who would later become the founder, with his wife Patricia, of the biggest reggae record company, VP.
And here is Georges. Was he related to any of the former ? I have no idea. But his heart felt call to motherland Ethiopia sounds sweet...
PS : Got a message from Skylarker7041 (thanks to him), with infos about this single : "It's a mid 1970s Wackie's production. B side is credited to 'sylvester inc' Who were the backing band ( the sylvester family who did the backings on several other wackies albums and singles for a short period of time) There are at least 2 other Sparkling 7"es... but they are not so good imo.."
And here is Georges. Was he related to any of the former ? I have no idea. But his heart felt call to motherland Ethiopia sounds sweet...
PS : Got a message from Skylarker7041 (thanks to him), with infos about this single : "It's a mid 1970s Wackie's production. B side is credited to 'sylvester inc' Who were the backing band ( the sylvester family who did the backings on several other wackies albums and singles for a short period of time) There are at least 2 other Sparkling 7"es... but they are not so good imo.."
Prince Alla & the Vandells - "Red hot"
Warrior
1975 (?)
A too little known Prince Alla gem, recorded a short time after his return from six years spent in Prince Emmanuel's Bobo Ashanti camp in Bull Bay. Backing singers are in fact Prince himself, and his all-time spar and favourite harmony singer, Roy "Soft" Palmer. Produced by Glen Lee, a fellow Greenwich Townian, who also voiced a couple songs himself, including the sweet "Like a child", also released on his Warrior label.
I knew it for years, but having been given the wonderful opportunity to spend hundreds of hours talking and singing with Prince, I can say it even louder : this man is an amazing singer.
I knew it for years, but having been given the wonderful opportunity to spend hundreds of hours talking and singing with Prince, I can say it even louder : this man is an amazing singer.
Jah Daniel - "Rasta came"
Micron
1975
Another lovely obscurity here. I don't know who's hiding under the "Jah Daniel" moniker, but his voice sounds familiar. And I wouldn't be too suprised if Lee Perry had been somewhere around when this little beauty was recorded.
The record's a little scratchy, but it came a long way...
The record's a little scratchy, but it came a long way...
L.White & Wild Bunch - "Meditating highly"
Clintones (US)
1977 (?)
Hidden after a cheesy intro, a sweet moving melody on a fast rockers riddim, full of organ shuffle. And absolutely top class vocal harmonies. Could never get enough songs like that.
People's Choice - "Hard times"
Gussie
1980 (?)
Unbelievable Gussie Clarke production, with a full horn section and vocals singing in unison. This is a kind of musical UFO, with a very strange bridge in the middle of the song. Suddenly, all horns start playing completely out of tune, yet together, for a while. And just when you've checked your turntable to see if you hadn't switched it to 33 rpm by mistake, the melody comes back again, even more powerful than the first time.
Gregory Isaacs - "Way of life"
Tamoki
1974
Wonderful Roy Cousins produced song from 1974, featuring a young Gregory Isaacs. His voice is still very fresh, but his unique smooth delivery already there.
A little tribute to the Cool Ruler, who passed away last week. Another genius is gone.
A little tribute to the Cool Ruler, who passed away last week. Another genius is gone.
Delroy Wilson - "Addis Ababa"
Iron Fist
1973 (?)
One of Jamaicans all-time favourite singers, Delroy Wilson, in an heartfelt rendering of the classic "House of the rising sun" theme.
The recording of Wilson's voice is very unorthodox to say the least, but it gives the song a unique feeling.
The recording of Wilson's voice is very unorthodox to say the least, but it gives the song a unique feeling.
Africans - "Life in the ghetto"
African
1976 (?)
A self production from the great Africans trio, specialized in revivalist style vocals that recall the early days of mento. They recorded a couple other nice vocals for different producers, including the brilliant "King of the Congo" and "Have a grand time".
"People living in a one room shack, with one suit pon them back, people living in a one room shack, in houses like matches box. Don't know where the next meal comes from, but I & I keep moving on". Pure raw reality lyrics.
It's a record I bought without even hearing it. That label has "roots" written all over it...
"People living in a one room shack, with one suit pon them back, people living in a one room shack, in houses like matches box. Don't know where the next meal comes from, but I & I keep moving on". Pure raw reality lyrics.
It's a record I bought without even hearing it. That label has "roots" written all over it...
Bob Meehan - "Inner mind"
Wise Man (US)
1978 (?)
Killer american produced rockers song, led by a powerful horn section.
Bim Sherman - "Mighty ruler"
Roots from the Yard
1977 (?)
Fantastic "rastafarized" recut of the Heptones' all time classic "Tripe girl". The trio's "You tried to hurt me but you can't, girl", becomes "You try to fight natty dread but you can't" through Bim Sherman's unique voice.
Clintones - "Getting things together"
Clintones (US)
1973 (?)
American production and manufacturing (although a St Vincent pressing of this record also exists), but probably recorded in Jamaica. This song features one of the very few alto sax solos I like...
Dirty Harry & Tommy McCook - "Djamballa"
Big M
1974 (?)
I am much more after trombone and trumpet instrumentals, but this saxophone dialogue between two of Jamaica's greatest players just sounds great. And with the marvelous Soul Syndicate on backing duties, how could it possibly go wrong ?
Derrick Morgan - "I shot the deputy"
Lace
1973 (?)
The Bunny Lee produced raw, both musically and lyrically, version to Marley's classic "I shot the sheriff". Bob didn't shoot the deputy. Derrick did.
Giginri - "Zion 'Iah"
Harry J
1973
A speeded up rasta chant, singing the beauties of "Hola Mount Zion", Africa. This version, produced in 1973 by Harry J, is a recut of a song recorded one year earlier, and released on the group's own Giginri label.
Bob Andy - "Holy Moses"
Harry J
1971 (?)
Welcome to church, for this wonderful song, with reverend Bob Andy in full power leading the choir.
BB Seaton - "Pharaoh gone away"
Soul Beat blank
1972
This marvellous song never saw a commercial release. It was written by BB Seaton for the 1972 election PNP bandwagon. Like many reggae songs in these years, when artists still believed a change would come, it is a political tune using biblical metaphors. "Pharaoh" is JLP prime minister Hugh Shearer, while of course "Joshua" designates his opponent Michael Manley. "Pharaoh gone away, and Joshua come to stay". It worked, as Manley won the 1972 and 1976 elections.
The riddim used is the Conscious Minds' "Suffering through the land", also written by BB.
Thanks to Julien for lending me this one, for I unfortunately don't have it...
The riddim used is the Conscious Minds' "Suffering through the land", also written by BB.
Thanks to Julien for lending me this one, for I unfortunately don't have it...
Wailing Souls - "Don't fight it"
Coxsone
1972
The unique sound of Studio One in its fullness for this sublime song, and the Sound Dimension and the Wailing Souls standing up to their name. Music - and I am not only speaking about reggae - can't get much better than that, as far as I'm concerned.
Gladiators - "Jah Jah go before us"
Coxson
1974 (?)
Another immediately recognizable Studio One tune, and one of my favourite Gladiators songs.
The picture sleeve - a rarety in Jamaican music, where every dollar counts - is a perfect, yet "jamaicanised", copy of the classic Motown sleeve.
The picture sleeve - a rarety in Jamaican music, where every dollar counts - is a perfect, yet "jamaicanised", copy of the classic Motown sleeve.
Lizard - "Satta I"
Black Wax (UK)
1976
Sweet one drop song by the multi talented keyboard player, producer and singer Clive Hunt.
Exuma - "Hold on Joshua"
Clandisc
1977
One the few reggae songs recorded by the fantastic Bahamas born singer Exuma. A militant pro Manley tune, produced by the most ardent supporter of the PNP prime minister, Clancy Eccles.
Jimmy Dean - "Black man time"
New Flower
1976
The name of the label, "new flower", is the english translation of "Addis Abeba". The producer of this wonderful song, Alan Campbell, also used the original name of the ethiopian capital city for another label. He unfortunately didn't release many songs, but a fair amount of them are serious roots killers.
Healthy Minds - "Economic pressure"
Tranquil
1977 (?)
A pure reality song, that could have unfortunately been written yesterday. Arranged by Derrick Morgan.
And what a lovely label...
And what a lovely label...
Ister Lion - "Jamaica could be so wonderful"
Enter the Lion
1976 (?)
A very moving song, on a bubbling rockers riddim. I don't know anything about the singer of this one, but he's damn right : "Jamaica could be so wonderful"...
Freedom Group - "Sing a song of freedom"
Impact (US)
1973 (?)
Max Romeo backed by heavenly harmonies for an uplifting song.
Everton Dacres - "Jah Jah people"
Afrik
1978
I only know two solo songs from Barrington Levy's cousin Everton Dacres, former member of the Mighty Multitudes. The first is one of the greatest roots songs ever, "Jah Jah come". And the other one is here. Maybe not quite as powerful as the aformentioned, but a great, subtle melancholic song, carried by a fast rockers riddim.
More Relation - "Solve your problems"
More Relation
1976 (?)
Hoping to keep his treasure hidden, a former owner of this beauty scratched off the name of the song, the singer, and even the label... A classic technique among soundmen. I like it, because it's a part of the history of this music that is told that way.
More Relation is a terribly underrated group. They didn't release many records, but their quality is often breath taking.
"What are you crying for, don't tell me you've got a problem. What are you lying for, just go out and solve them"
More Relation is a terribly underrated group. They didn't release many records, but their quality is often breath taking.
"What are you crying for, don't tell me you've got a problem. What are you lying for, just go out and solve them"
Georges - "The light"
MR (US)
1976 (?)
Another song produced and backed by More Relation. Another masterpiece of emotion and bitter sweet melody.
Survivers - "Live out the 70's"
High Note
1977 (?)
Two members of the great Slickers, including the very distinctive vocalist Sydney Crooks, singing as the "Survivers". Not to be mixed up with the "Survivors", and the "Black Survivors"... A trombone led, killer garveyite song, poduced by Sonia Pottinger.
Scatty Bell - "Black I am"
Fi-Mi-Time
1975 (?)
I think I could say that for almost every record listed here, but this is really one of my very favourite reggae songs ever. Melody, voice, and lyrics are matching perfectly, as often in Lloyd Radway's great productions.
Mighty Randells - "Love Rastafari and live"
Brown Beat (US)
1976
I have no idea who the Mighty Randells are... Killer american production, on a stripped off one drop riddim.
Another version of this riddim, "Rasta never give up" by The Ability, has been released on the Sky High label.
Another version of this riddim, "Rasta never give up" by The Ability, has been released on the Sky High label.
Shelly Walks & the Splendors - "Ital skank"
Gay Feet
1975 (?)
The kind of record I could've easily missed in a high pile at the record shop (when it still existed...) Because it's beauty is only completely revealed in the chorus, when the whole melody drops into a minor mood.
Calvin Stewart - "Bablan turn"
See Me Yah (US)
1975 (?)
Lovely american production, featuring a phonetical spelling of "Babylon".
Lloyd Charmers - "Slavery"
LTD
1976
One of the many great soulful voices of Jamaica, in a militant style. This one stayed on my personnal want list for years...
Victim of Capital - "The time has come"
Internationalist
1978
A very peculiar record. An unknown artist on an unknown label, but a clear, and very rare in jamaican music, communist design. Apart from militant New York based "Clappers" label, I don't know any other exemple of such a clear marxist revolutionnary message.
The song is joyful, but the message is a warning to the big bosses of finance and industry. May they be Jamaican (Matalan, Denoes and Geddes), American (Rockefeller) or English (Rotschild). The time has come !
The song is joyful, but the message is a warning to the big bosses of finance and industry. May they be Jamaican (Matalan, Denoes and Geddes), American (Rockefeller) or English (Rotschild). The time has come !
Culture - "Babylon big dog"
Sonic Sounds
1980
Culture has always been one of my favourite groups, with their very own joyful yet melancholic harmonies. They've recorded an incredible amount of enduring classics over the years and rank among the biggest jamaican reggae superstars in West Africa. This one is actually more a Joseph Hill solo vocal. I am usually not too fond of that kind of keyboard sounds, but I really love the atmosphere it creates on this particular song. And the dub reveals all of its power.
Jimmy Riley - "We won't be stopped"
Zemby
1975 (?)
Jimmy Riley recorded many killer songs, but this one is rarely listed among his best ones. I believe it should...
Max Romeo - "The reverend"
Romax
1974
A fiercely anti church song by a great specialist of the genre, Max Romeo.
"Why don't you tell the people the truth, reverend ? Tell them your god is an Vatican, and him sent you here to rape the land..."
"Why don't you tell the people the truth, reverend ? Tell them your god is an Vatican, and him sent you here to rape the land..."
Royals - "Blacker black"
Tamoki Wambesi
1976 (?)
Surely one of my favourite harmony groups, led by the fantastic singer and producer Roy Cousins. They recorded many masterpieces, but this one is the most moving one to my ears, with a great simple organ riff.
You'll notice the record mentions a different song. Mislabelling seems to be an enduring habit in the jamaican music industry, only topped by misspelling. But that's part of the fun in collecting jamaican records...
You'll notice the record mentions a different song. Mislabelling seems to be an enduring habit in the jamaican music industry, only topped by misspelling. But that's part of the fun in collecting jamaican records...
Ansel & the Meditations - "Tricked"
Scandal
1976
Very typical of the roots harmony trios, a song that features one of the best of them, the great Meditations. Produced by the lead singer on most of the group's songs, Ansel Cridland, here called "Crigland".
Jay Boys - "African people"
Harry J (UK)
1972
Winston Jarrett and the Flames as the "Jay Boys". A stripped off, raw roots tune, carried by a powerful vocal and militant lyrics. The song is a cover of Don Fardon's "Indian reservation", in which the singer tells the sad story of the Cherokee Nation.
Faithful Brothers - "Iniquity workers"
Upsetter Records
1972 (?)
Wonderful slow song full of harmonies, produced by the one and only Lee Perry, before he had his own Black Ark studio.
Evan Jones - " Four & twenty dreadlocks"
Upsetters
1976 (?)
Lee Perry at the desk again, but in a fully operational Black Ark. This is a good example of it's unique misty sound. Some people might find this christmas song a bit kitsch, I personnaly just love it. There must be some Heptones members among the gorgeous harmony singers. Or a couple Congos.
Yabby Youth & the Sons of Jah - "Jah speak with lightening and thunder"
TR Groovemaster
1974
Better know as "Run come rally", this song by the great late Yabby You represents the archetypical dark, dread, heavy roots sound. Serious business.
Gladstone Anderson - "Rockers"
Cactus (UK)
1975 (?)
Gladstone "Gladdy" Anderson is not only a serious organ player, he's also a great singer, with a sweet subtle voice, that is perfectly mastered here in this sublime song. A song that starts with one of my favourite intros ever. Ironically, despite its deceiving title, "Rockers" is a pure one drop.
Freddie Knowles - "Babylon"
Clancy's blank
1969 (?)
A step back in the early years of reggae for this great militant and uplifting song, featuring a very basic use of the delay on the guitar chop. I love the way Freddie Knowles keeps putting more and more energy in his singing throughout the tune, ending up with a wild scat.
Cordells - "Let I go"
Bomb Shell
1975
Another underrated masterpiece, produced by Tommy Cowan.
Bongo Ossie & the Moonlights - "Black society"
Half Moon
1975
Stranger Cole and Half Moon producer Oswald Creary on the vocals. Recorded in a cold Toronto basement, this is low-fi garage reggae. But what a unique sound, what an amazing atmosphere. I always loved Half Moon's sound, and this is it at it's best.
Hia-Cees - "Man free now"
Black Ma??
1974 (?)
Amazing harmonies on this early 70's song, featuring David McIntosh on lead vocal. The mix is very strange, as the drums are kept deep in the background throughout the whole song.
I never managed to understand the name of the label...
I never managed to understand the name of the label...
Eastan Clarke - "Jah say"
Chanan-Jah
1976 (?)
Easton Clarke also recorded the lovely "Bike no license" for Lee Perry.
Studs - "Mr big man"
Revolutionnary Sounds
1979 (?)
A late rockers song, right before the music would change into rub a dub and dancehall. Donovan Germain has been one of the last producers to keep vocal harmonies alive for a while, with Cultural Roots for instance, but then the deejays eventually swept the trios away. A pity, as far as I'm concerned...
Burning Spear - "African teacher"
Burning Spear
1981
Hard to pick up only one song from the great Burning Spear. The constant quality of his music between 1969 and 1983 is simply fascinating. But this one ranks among my favourites from this major roots artist. One of the most powerful call for education I've ever heard.
Garwood Brothers - "Great tribulation"
Celestial
1976
If all the members sing that way, I'd love to attend a Garwoods family meeting...
Oniel Walker & Elfegos - "Sufferation"
El Fego
1972 (?)
Sweet early 70's song by Oniel Walker and Winston Bryan.
Peter Austin - "Reap what you sow"
WAN
1972 (?)
Clarendonians' singer Peter Austin going solo for a nice little song, with classic lyrics.
Blackstone - "No losing game"
MCM
1977 (?)
An obscure yet great vocal harmonic trio. The lead vocal reminds me of Brent Dowe on some parts of the song, but I unfortunately don't know his name. Powerful and bouncing organ led rockers riddim.
Toots and the Maytals - "Image get a lick"
Warika
1976
Not the Maytals' most famous song, but a great one for sure. A typical revivalist style vocal, carried by Toots' fantastic voice.
Self produced, on Toots' own Warika label, probably a misspelling of Wareika hills in East Kingston, mythical cradle of modern Jamaican music.
Self produced, on Toots' own Warika label, probably a misspelling of Wareika hills in East Kingston, mythical cradle of modern Jamaican music.
Lyric & Bird - "Ali Haile"
Lyric
1971 (?)
Lyrics' members Fred Locks and Albert Tomlinson on this lovely vocal. On the classic "I shall not remove" theme.
