1974-1980 reviews on current reggae releases...

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975

UK REGGAE CHARTS JANUARY 1975:

REGGAE SINGLES:
1. Curly Locks - Junior Byles (DIP 5035).
2. Ire Feeling - Rupie Edwards (Cactus 38).
3. I`m In Love - Hortense Ellis (Bimbo 01).
4. Hurts So Good - Susan Cadogan (DIP 5030).
5. In My Heart There Is A Place - Ginger Williams (Paradise 08).
6. Together - Jimmy London (Harry J 6691).
7. So Jah Seh / Natty Dread - Bob Marley And The Wailers (Island ).
8. Don`t Go - Gregory Isaacs (Attack 8081).
9. This Monday Morning Feeling - Tito Simon (Hoss 57).
10. Summertime - Pat Kelly (Fight 02).
11. Keep It In The Family - Veronica Adams (Tropical 033).
12. Enter The Dragon - The Upsetters (DIP 5031).
13. Black Pepper - Heavy Jeff (Magnet 046).
14. When Will I See You Again - Marcia Griffiths (Hoss ).
15. Everything I Own - Ken Boothe (Trojan 7920).
16. Where Were You - Al Campbell (Faith 003).
17. Oh Carol - Freddie McKay (Attack 8079).
18. Kung Fu Fighting - The Maroons (Harry J 6694).
19. Mr. Shim - Micky (Tropical 032).
20. Solitary Man - Skin Flesh And Bones (Harry J 6690).
21. Penny Reel - Prince Jazzbo (DIP 5036).
22. Changing Partners - Barbara Jones (Attack 8077).
23. Youth In Service - Prince Jazzbo (Cactus 42).
24. Ire Festival - Turner McCormack (Harry J).
25. Sit Right Down And Cry - Errol Dunkley (Caribbean 03).
26. Margaret - Dennis Walks (Count Shelly 055).
27. Saturday Night - Lorenzo (Harry J 6687).
28. Be Thankful - Rocking Horse (Sydna 5026).
29. Play De Music - Tinga Stewart (Trojan 7934).
30. Help Me Make It Through The Night - John Holt (Trojan 7909).

REGGAE ALBUMS:
1. Sweet Bitter Love - Marcia Griffiths (Trojan TRLS 94).
2. In The Dark - Toots And The Maytals (Dragon DRLS 5004).
3. Rock The Boat - The Inner Circle (Trojan TRLS 93).
4. Many Moods Of I. Roy - I. Roy (Trojan TRLS 91).
5. 1000 Volts Of Holt - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 75).
6. Let`s Get It On - Ken Boothe (Trojan TRLS 83).
7. Dusty Roads - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 85).
8. Twenty Tighten Ups - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 90).
9. Just Between - Various Artists (Count Shelly 07).
10. Reggae - Herbie Mann (Atlantic K50053).
11. Burnin` - The Wailers (Island 9256).
12. All Stars - Various Artists (Count Shelly CSLP 08).
13. Miracle Worker - Sydney Rogers (Ethnic 2214S).
14. Reggae Strings - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 92).
15. Here I Am Baby - Al Brown (Trojan TRLS 99).
16. Rasta Revolution - Bob Marley And The Wailers (Trojan TRLS 89).
17. Officially - Lloyd Parks (Attack 1009).
18. Picture On The Wall - Freddie McKay (Attack 1013).
19. Club Reggae - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 97).
20. I`m Gonna Knock On Your Door - The Pioneers (Trojan TRLS 98).

Charts compiled with the help of the following record shops:
Don Christie, Birmingham 12; Intone Records, London SE15;
High Road Records, London N17; Black Wax, Birmingham B19;
Record Corner, London SW12.

BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC FEBRUARY 1975
[cover=182,192][cover=5223,192]

Keith Hudson `Flesh Of My Skin, Blood Of My Blood` (Mamba KH 1)

Hunting / Flesh Of My Skin / Blood Of My Blood / Testing Of My Faith / Fight Your Revolution / Darkest Night / Talk Some Sense (Gamma Ray) / Treasures Of The World / My Nocturne / I Shall Be Released / No Friends Of Mine / Stabiliser:-

* * * * *

Buy this album. It is the most moving, satisfying piece of Jamaican music I`ve heard since "Catch A Fire" and surpasses that album. The music here is disturbing, truly evocative. Black music in its most spiritual and poetic state, and at the height of political potency. It is an account mostly inspired by the strife and struggle of the black man, past and present,from the individual viewpoint of the singer. But the anguish is never personal or private. The music speaks with the burden and suffering of the black race. The dreams and aspirations, the disappointments and desolation. The serenity of religious faith, the spiritual need of religion. It does so in a way previously conceived but never quite achieved. The five instrumentals are as gripping as the vocal tracks. The music is deeply emotional, always beautiful. But it`s pointless trying to describe the structure of the music exept to say that the reggae beat is prominent and that its rhythmical vibrance owes something to the Wailers. And that congas are used as well as some beautifully apt guitar phrases. In "Hunting", a searing guitar cuts across the face of the rhythmical sound like I`ve never heard before. "I Shall Be Released" has never sounded better. It sums up the mood of the album. Hudson`s voice is the sound of agony crying out with the full weight of the historical experience of his race, its hopes and fears. The music is crying out for release also, it demands to be heard. This is the album of the year without a doubt. Not even the Wailers` new LP can match it. Hudson is a giant. Buy the album and you`ll see.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC FEBRUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC FEBRUARY 1975
[cover=899,1040][cover=5135,1040]
Augustus Pablo `This Is Augustus Pablo` (Tropical TROPS 101)

Dub Organizer / Please Sunrise / Point Blank / Arabian Rock / Pretty Baby /
Pablo In Dub / Skateland Rock / Dread Eye / Too Late / Assignment No. 1 / Jah Rock / Lover`s Mood:-

* * *

Pablo, real name Horace Swaby, plays piano, clavinet, organ, and melodica, notably the latter. His rise to roots reggae cult fame in Jamaica began in 1972 with "Java".
It was best instrumental of the year, and since then his live appearances and his recorded melodica workouts have been a major musical stimulant to ghetto youth in Kingston, New York, London, Birmingham . . . all over. The rhythm musicians on his recordings are always good and the prominence of drum and bass, which his audience love so much, is always a special feature. This is sound system music: you`ll never hear it on the radio--not unless Pablo has a hit, which seems unlikely. Nevertheless, the music is good, and occasionally quite moving, as in the dramatic "Dub Organizer" and "Assignment No. 1", or the intense "Arabian Rock" with its powerful rhythms, and the joyous "Jah Rock". The melodic bass playing of Wailer Family Man is excellent throughout (he also plays rhythm guitar comfortably enough) and Lloyd Adams` drumming is just as good. Even if you`re not a reggae fanatic you`re bound to find this music interesting if you give it a chance.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC FEBRUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC FEBRUARY 1975:

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

THE PIONEERS: Sweet Number One / Tree Oak Tree (Trojan 7939).
Sweet, plastic reggae as only the Pioneers could make. Made before Jackie left, but is anyone still interested? B side is better as usual.

FABULOUS FIVE INC: Samba Pati / Oh Dad (Ashanti 417).
Good rendition of the Santana insrtumental from their "Abraxas" period, but not really reggae. B side is a better example of the Five at their best.

THE ETHIOPIANS: Better Man / Skanking Man (Cactus 37).
The Ethiopianswere once a very poignant force in JA music but they failed to change musical gear back in 1971 and have been left a long way behind almost everybody else consequently. Dull!

TEDDY DAVIS: All Alone / Set Me Free (Orbitone 016).
Fairly average sentimental song by a singer with a good voice accompanied by some fine musicians in a bubbling mood. Nothing special, just okay.

TEDDY BROWN: Code Of Love / I`m Lonely No More (Trojan 7942).
Pedantic beat hinders an otherwise good record. Teddy deserves better material and better rhythmical accompaniment.

THE MARVELS: Passing Strangers (Trojan 7937).
Very polished and professional vocal group specialising in mature and usually outdated numbers. Hard to put the finger on the potential buyers of this record. Older generation we suppose.

RAYMONDO: Watch The Moon / Sympathy (Orbitone 017).
Sentimental number not really suited to Raymondo, who is a fine singer. It boasts a good arrangement and production and some fine playing from the rhythm section.

ROY ALTON: Kung Fu International / Chopper Version (Tackle 003).
Lively calypso sound, not to be dismissed because of the title. It has humour and a catchy chorus. The type of sound to make you dance, whether you like calypso or not.

STEVE JARVIS: Every Step I Made / BABA BROOKS-BAND: One Eyed Giant (Torpedo 32).
Steve sings this sentimental song well but in a schmaltzy voice, which is enough to make you forget the adequately played backgroundreggae rhythm. Eddie Grant, the composer, co-produced the record with Sydney Crooks. But if this is to sell to W. Indians it will be on the strength of the B side, a ska classic.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG FEBRUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC FEBRUARY 1975

UK REGGAE CHARTS FEBRUARY 1975:

REGGAE SINGLES:
1. Crying Over You - Ken Boothe (Trojan 7944).
2. This Monday Morning Feeling - Tito Simon (Horse 57).
3. Curley Locks - Junior Byles (DIP 5035).
4. Move Out Of Babylon - Johnny Clarke (Harry J 6706).
5. Baby Baby - Lorenzo And Eva Maria (DIP 5055).
6. Sunshine - Pat Kelly (Black Wax 01).
7. Nosey Parker - George Dekker (Harry J 6696).
8. Rasta Dread Locks - The Heavenly Singers (Cactus 48).
9. Ire Feeling - Rupie Edwards (Cactus 38).
10. Call On Me - Delroy Wilson (Lord Koos 45).
11. Black Pepper - Heavy Jeff (Harry J 6698).
12. Tales Of Pablo - Augustus Pablo (Tropical ).
13. Where Were You - Al Campbell (Faith 003).
14. I`m Gone - Derrick Morgan (Lord Koos 46).
15. Changing Partners - Barbara Jones (Attack 8077).
16. Together - Jimmy London (Harry J 6691).
17. Hurts So Good - Susan Cadogan (DIP 5030).
18. Lee Goofed - Love Children (Harry J 6702).
19. So Glad You`re Mine - Bill And Pete (Queen Bee 03).
20. Keep It In The Family - Veronica Adams (Tropical 033).
21. I Feel Sorry - Brad Lundey (Attack 8086).
22. Dream Dream - Merlene Webber (Third World 02).
23. Boogie On Reggae Woman - Pat Rhoden (Horse 59).
24. A Lover`s Question - Lloyd Charmers (Trojan 7945).
25. I`m In Love - Hortense Ellis (Bimbo 01).
26. Help Me Make It Through The Night - John Holt (Trojan 7909).
27. Sweet Number One - The Pioneers (Trojan 7939).
28. Lee`s Dream - Derrick And Paulette (Harry J 6697).
29. Buchshot - Rupie Edwards (Cactus 49).
30. Penny Reel - Prince Jazzbo (DIP 5036).

REGGAE ALBUMS:
1. Everything Thing I Own - Ken Boothe (Trojan TRLS 95).
2. Club Reggae - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 97).
3. Sweet Bitter LOve - Marcia Griffiths (Trojan TRLS 94).
4. In The Dark - Toots And The Maytals (Dragon DRLS 5004).
5. This Is Augustus Pablo - Augustus Pablo (Tropical TROPS 101).
6. Rock The Boat - The Inner Circle (Trojan TRLS 93).
7. Here I Am Baby - Al Brown (Trojan TRLS 99).
8. Rasta Revolution - Bob Marley And The Wailers (Trojan TRLS 89).
9. Regga - Herbie Mann (Atlantic K50053).
10. Rupie`s Gems - Various Artists (Cactus CTLP 104).
11. 20 Tighten Ups - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 90).
12. Many Moods Of I. Roy - I. Roy (Trojan TRLS 91).
13. 1000 Volts Of Holt - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 75).
14. REggae For Lovers - Various Artists (DIP 5025).
15. Let`s Get It On - Ken Boothe (Trojan TRLS 85).
16. Dusty Roads - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 85).
17. O.K. Fred - John Holt (Melodisc 12180).
18. Just Between - Various Artists (Count Shelly 07).
19. Picture On The Wall - Freddie McKay (Attack 1013).
20. Burnin` - Bob Marley And The Wailers (Island 9256).

Carts compiled with the help of the following record shops:-
Black Wax, Birmingham B19; Don Christie, Birmingham 12;
Intone Records, London SE15; Record Corner, London SW12;
Black Wax, London SW16.

BLACK MUSIC MAG FEBRUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC MARCH 1975

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

RHYTHM RYDERS: Beautiful Grenada / Funky Freezer (Vasko 051).
Very chirpy and catchy item by a competent group, though the lyrics about lying around in the sun are somewhat twee. Produced by Ray Williams.

HONEY BOY: Guitar Man / Version (Cactus 47).
With the current reggae vogue in Bread songs this must do quite well. Honey Boy sings warmly and the chunky backup driving along its catchy and "commercial" without being as dire as John Holt`s Current hit.

RUPIE EDWARDS: Leggo Skanga / Do The Skanga (Cactus 51).
Can he do it again? We don`t think so, because although that strange technique of compulsive rhythm and weird tape splices is employed here again the strange aura which made "Ire Feeling" such a haunting disc is replaced by a happy-go-lucky beat.

THE STARLITES: Mama Dee / Pt. 2 (Big Shot 629).
Pretty, Jaunty little song and a recent hit in Jamaica. Folksy, appealing vocal makes this one for the older crowd. Produced by A. Wranglin of "Love Is Overdue" fame.

UPSETTERS: Kiss Me Neck / Da Ba Day (Attack 8090).
Lee Perry leads his men through one of their most commercial(!) records for some time: a wordless vocal chant over a heavy, rootsy sound with a lot of the simple, hypnotic appeal of "Ire Feelings". Already a sound-system hit.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG MARCH 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC MARCH 1975

UK REGGAE CHARTS MARCH 1975:

REGGAE SINGLES:
1. Crying Over You - Ken Boothe (TRojan 7944).
2. This Monday Morning Feeling - Tito Simon (Horse 57).
3. Sunshine - Pat Kelly (Black Wax 01).
4. Help Me Make It Through The Night - John Holt (Trojan 7909).
5. Blue Moon - Love Children (Harry J 6708).
6. Kiss Me Neck - Upsetter (Attack 8090).
7. Share The Good Times - Brent Dowe (Attack 8091).
8. How Glad I Am - Titals (Attack 8092).
9. Loving Girl - Carl Bert (DL 5061).
10. Funny Feeling - T. Stewart (EAG 004).
11. I`ve Lost My Love - Ronnie Davis (Attack 8088).
12. Dread Out De - Joy White (Attack 8093).
13. Samba Pati - Love Children (Ashanti 417).
14. Move Out Of Babylon - Johnny Clarke (Harry J 5055).
15. 200 Years - Max Romeo (Tropical Al 039).
16. Curley Locks - Junior Byles (DIP 5035).
17. Black Pepper - Heavy Jeff (Harry J 6698).
18. Lee Goofed - Love Children (Harry J 6702).
19. Hurts So Good - Susan Cadogan (DIP 5030).
20. Let Them Give You The Money - Jimmy London (Tropical 038).
21. Nosey Parker - George Dekker (Harry J 6696).
22. Summertime - Pat Kelly (Faith 002).
23. Where Were You - Al Campbell (Faith 003).
24. Pirate Lover - Fay And Bitter Sweet (Rover 02).
25. Rasta Dread Locks - The Heavenly Singers (Cactus 48).
26. Passing Strangers - Marvels (Trojan 7937).
27. Changing Partners - Barbara Jones (Attack 8077).
28. Better Man - Ethiopians )Cactus 37).
29. Some Folks - Ronnie Davis (Attack 8082).
30. Tales Of Pablo - Augustus Pablo (Tropical ).

REGGAE ALBUMS:
1. Club Reggae - Various Artists (Trojan 97).
2. In The Dark - Toots And The Maytals (Dragon 5004).
3. Everything I Own - Ken Boothe (Trojan 95).
4. 1000 Volts Of Holt - John Holt (Trojan 75).
5. Presented With Some Groovy - Winston Groovy (Trojan 88).
6. This Is Augustus Pablo - Augustus Pablo (Tropical 101).
7. Sit And Cry Over You - Errol Dunkley (Third World 101).
8. Many Moods Of I. Roy - I. Roy (Trojan 91).
9. Dynamic Junior English - Junior English (Cactus 102).
10. Look Before You Leap - Various Artists (Shelly 03)
11. Build It Up - Brent Dowe (Attack 1011).
12. Sweet Bitter Love - Marcia Griffiths (Trojan 94).
13. Darling Ooh - Errol Dunkley (Attack 1003).
14. Here I Am Baby - Al Brown (Trojan 99).
15. Rasta Revolution - Bob Marley And The Wailers (Trojan 89).
16. Rock The Boat - The Inner Circle (Trojan 93).
17. Reggae Fever - Byron Lee (Polydor 2460 229).
18. Reggae Strings Vol. 2 - Various Artists (Trojan 92).
19. Turntable Reggae - Various Artists (Big Shot 104).
20. It May Sound Silly - Gladstone Anderson (Ashanti 103).

Charts compiled with the help of:-
Black Wax, London, SW19 and Black Wax, Birminghan B19.
BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974
[cover=781,910]
I. Roy `Many Moods Of I. Roy` (Trojan TRLS 91)

Many Moods Of I. Roy / Pity Jah Children / Peter Pan / Free Style / Pop Out /
Thinking Cap / Deck Of Love / Guns At Large / There Must Be A Way / Hot Chocolate / Red Nuts And Gin / Endless Days:-

Not as strong overall as Roy`s two previous LPs but it still contains very good stuff. I. Roy is my favourite dj: the funniest, the most incisive, with cryptic lyrics which touch on many aspects of Jamaican lifestyle. He has his thing under control. He is a very distinct style which leaves little room for duplication because it is composed of improvisational rhyming and off - the - cuff conversations that are sophisticated in spite of the simplicity of the background music. A poet using jive talk and interesting reggae rhythms. You can usually swing to him but his words deserve closer attention. The surprise feature on this LP is the fact that Roy sings on three tracks: he`s no singer, but "There Must Be A WAy" does have a simple charm. Despite the JA media`s attempt to kill off dj music (a thoroughly insensitive and futile objective) it will continue to thrive if only people like I. Roy keep doing their thing as only they can.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974
[cover=5413,4205]
Lloyd Parks `Officially` (Attack ATLP 1009)

Officially / I Got Back My Baby Again / Say You Love Me / Who Is It /
Don`t Put Your Eggs In One Basket / Mighty Clouds Of Joy / Slaving /
Corporal Jones / I`ll be A Man / The Only Girl / I Specialise In Good Girls:-

"Officially" was a big hit last year for Parks, bass player/composer with Skin Flesh And Bones. It`s a fine original song, but Lloyd`s no one-hit wonder. He`s a talented and original songwriter, a wonderful bass player and a promising vocalist with a flair for imaginative arrangements. "Who Is It"is the outstanding song on this album despite the fact that it is slow and less danceable than the rest. In fact it`s not in a reggae but a Philly style with strings, horns, and background vocals adding to this sad ballad about a lost love. "Slaving" is about what the title implies: "My wife and my kids are crying, they look so sad". I. Roy used this song minus the vocals for his great dj recording "Black Man Time". Lloyd`s vocals remind me of the late Slim Smith and this isn`t just a question of vocal similarity. Lloyd obviously admired Smith but his own originality transcends this.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974
[cover=123,126][cover=7988,126]
Bob Marley & The Wailers `Natty Dread` (Island ILPS 9281)

Lively Up Yourself / No Woman No Cry / Belly Full (But We Hungry) /
Rebel Music (Three O`Clock Road Block) / So Jah Seh/Natty Dread /
Bend Down Low / Talkin Blues / Revolution:-

The Wailers could surely be the hottest bunch of black musicians around if they had a Stateside hit with a song like "Road Block". They`d benefit from the fact that rival companies could not find another Jamaican group like them . If there are any musicians who command as much personal reverence and respect as Marley, they have not been forthcoming. There are no substitutes for Aston and Carlton Barrett, either. This album achieves a good balance between the traditionally earthy Wailers` music and the influences of pop/rock music. It is aggressive, sober and serious. Often it is a threatening and lyrical force of harmony, melody and rhythm. "Rebel Music" (Three O`Clock Road Block) is the outstanding cut, making a political statement with clarity and an economy of words and music. The introduction of the I Three (Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths) adds a vibrant new dimension to the Wailers` music, seen at its most poignant again in "Road Block" which is also a great dance record with its delightfully sensuous rhythm. "Belly Full" is another success. But the "message" of "Revolution" is much less effective due to the song`s lack of subtlety. Words like "lightning, thunder, brimstone and fire" are wasted. The terror they are supposed to evoke never materialises. "Talkin Blues" is better but less effective than it could have been. The new version of "Lively Up Yourself" is an improvement on the original, the new riff and poignant bluesy guitar phrases showing signs of a rock influence on Marley. The best dance number is "Natty Dread", a real success because of its earthy simplicity and repetitive chorus (celebrating the dreadlocks rasta vogue) which harks back to the Wailers` "Small Axe" style. Surprisingly I prefer the new "love" song "No Woman No Cry" to the new version of their old song "Bend Down Low". Marley shows a real sense of sympathy, understanding, and tenderness as he sings"oh little darling don`t shed no tears / no woman no cry. . .". Unfortunately "So Jah Seh" was not the right choice for a single. It should have been either "Natty Dread" or "No Woman No Cry". The album was made without the services of Bunny Livingstone and Pete Tosh but still shows much progress since "Burnin".
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

peace