A Keith Hudson production with a strong whiff of Studio One to its bumping rhythm. JC typically bosses this song about requited love, which gives no clue where the golden snake comes in.
That’s none other than Clive Chin from Randy’s, toasting on the flip.

Originally out in 1982 on the London label Arts & Crafts, heralding a stint in the city for the great singer, and opening a collaboration with producer Stafford ‘Mafia Tone’ Douglas. All self-penned songs, over Roots Radics rhythms.

Originally released in 1975. Featuring guest musicians Ken Boothe, Delroy Washington, Bob Davis, Gene Rondo, and former members of the Cimarons. .. and a sprinkling of Black Ark magic.

Clifton Gibbs was in the Selected Few, who cut the all-time-classic Selection Train for the Studio One imprint Money Disc. Under his own name, he recorded Brimstone & Fire, another deadly 45 for Coxsone, originally out on Bongo Man. (Chase down the old Heartbeat CD entitled Soul Defenders At Studio One for more of the Clifton Gibbs story.)
From the precious handful of his complete recordings, here’s another scorcher. Emergency roots reasoning, over a chunky rhythm, with expressive backing vocals in Selected Few style. Sounds like Soul Defenders in the house, with some tasty trombone interjections by Vin Morgan, maybe. Vivid shades of Tubby in the expert, stern dub.
Crucial bunny.

Previously a super-scarce JA blank. Hail the almighty Don D’s scorching solo — flashing a split-second premonition of Rico on Message To You, Rudy.

Tough roots, produced by Rod Taylor.

Biff, baff, boof.
Two hunks of deep Wackies roots; and an amazing, previously unreleased coup de grace.
First off, a haunting, dazed, raving account of being kicked out of a squat; with heavy bass, killer organ, sublime backing vocals, and a hurting, searing Stranger Cole. ‘We’ve got to find a better place.’
Then a tough instrumental outing on the same deadly, signature Wackies rhythm as Clive Hunt’s Black Rose, by Wanachi.
And on the flip: stark, visionary, semi-acoustic primitivism, from the same drama school as early Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus.
Unmissable Wackies.

Searing, unmissable cover of canuck rockers The Guess Who, by way of Junior Walker.
B-Boy’s gonna choke on his herbal vape when he cops that break.
‘These eyes… crying every night… for you.’

Stately ska loveliness, with Queen Patsy at her very best, disclosing her devotion to Frankie Lymon; and a previously unreleased Webber Sisters on the flip, fizzing with charm.