Bunny Lee Boss Sounds, 1969-70. Musical aggro from hornsmen Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook, Lester Sterling and co, plus foundational deejaying by D Tony Lee, U Roy, and Jeff Barnes, and nuff organ. Sleeve notes by Noel Hawks.
Tough mid-seventies steppers from the US, in tow to Johnny Clarke. A one-away for Bev; nothing to do with Jah Shaka (except he’d run it).
Rough dub, too.
Ace vocal excursion on Augustus Pablo’s monumental 555 Crown Street rhythm, from 1979.
Notwithstanding his unforgettable Fuckerys A Gwaan, that’s gotta be Jah Bull’s finest moment, on the flip.
The Afrotone’s beautiful, sad excoriation of war, militarism and stock notions of military heroism.
Scars of war? Me no want.
Originally out in 1983 on Vin Hur. With the High Times Players.
Driving Shaka murder. Fury and yearning folded into a perfect blend of digital and old-school music-making. A drum-machine and Bagga Walker from Studio One tear up the dub. Complete with rare, ebullient Colarman toast.
Moody, heavy lovers, detourned by FW’s full-throated falsetto. Ace.
Heartically hymning male companionship over the same tough digi rhythm as Nathan Skyers’ Tribute To The Heroes… plus the dub. Previously unreleased.
Start-to-finish killer combination of heavier-than-lead Roots Radics rhythms, wild Scientist mixing, and the Flick’s unique singing, often falsetto. Kicks off with an Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.
The bees knees in soulful rocksteady. The elegant, poised singer rides killer Studio One rhythms by Jackie Mittoo and co, featuring magisterial soloing and beautiful backing vocals. Unmissable classics like How Can I Love Someone and Don’t Know. It’s a must.