1974-1980 reviews on current reggae releases...

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JUNE 1974

UK REGGAE CHARTS JUNE 1974

REGGAE SINGLES:
1. Here I Am Baby (Come And Take Me) - Al Brown & Skin Flesh & Bones (Trojan 7915).
2. No Letter Today - Jimmy London (Dragon 1019).
3. Please Don`t Make Me Cry - Winston Groovy (Explosion 2088).
4. I`m Gonna Knock On Your Door - The Pioneers (Trojan 7913).
5. Let`s Get It On - Ken Boothe (Trojan 7907).
6. Help Me Make It Through The Night / Tell Me Why - John Holt (Trojan 7909).
7. Fever - The Maytals (Dragon DRA 1021).
8. Wheel And Jig - Viceroys (Harry J 6669).
9. Play Me - Marcia Griffiths (Trojan 7916).
10. Mellow Mood - Judy Mowatt (Horse 40).
11. Eddie My Love - Nora Dean (Harry J 6668).
12. Mockingbird - The Tulips (Explosion 2091).
13. Lord`s Prayer - Annetta Jackson & Bobby Stephen (Trojan 7914).
14. Tonight I`m Staying Here With You - Romey & The Tenors (Technique TE 932).
15. I See You - The Hennesseys (Attack 8065).
16. I Shall Sing - Judy Mowatt (Horse 42).
17. Dream My Life Over - Freddie McKay (Dragon 1022).
18. Love Is A Hurting Thing - Brent Dowe (Horse 43).
19. Pardon - George Dekker (Trojan 7908).
20. The Man Who Sold The World - Wally Bros (Explosion 2090).
21. Sorry Harry - Dennis Al Capone (Harry J 6666).
22. Watch What You`re Doing To Me - Eric Donaldson (Dragon 1020).
23. That`s The Way Nature Planned It - Ken Boothe (Trojan 7910).
24. None Shall Escape The Judgement - Johnny Clarke (Explosion 2089).
25. No Work No Pay - The Tellers (Pyramid 7011).
26. Sugar Dandy - Happy Junior (Ashanti 408).
27. Chucky - The Viceroys (Harry J 6658
28. Pussy Cat - Lloydie & The Lowbites (Harry J 6660).
29. Emergency Call - Judy Mowatt (Trojan 7912).
30. Papa Was A Rolling Stone - Feeling High (Attack 8054).

REGGAE ALBUMS:
1. 1000 Volts Of Holt - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 75).
2. Let`s Get It On - Ken Boothe (Trojan TRLS 83).
3. Hit Me With Music - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 82).
4. Images Of You - Nicky Thomas (Horse HRLP 701).
5. Freedom Feeling - The Pioneers (Trojan TRLS 64).
6. Tighten Up Volume 8 - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 81).
7. Jimmy Brown - Ken Parker (Trojan TRLS 80).
8. 20 Explosive Reggae Hits - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 81).
9. Build Me Up - Brent Dowe (Trojan TRLS 76).
10. Just Tito - Tito Simon (Horse HRLP 702).
11. Trojan`s Greatest Hit`s Vol.3 - Various Artists ( BILP 104).--
12. Hell And Sorrow - I. Roy (Trojan TRLS 71).
13. Turntable Reggae - Various Artists (BILP 104).--
14. Belch It Off - Dennis Al Capone (Attack ATLP 1005).
15. U. Roy - U. Roy (Attack ATLP 1006).
16. The Marvels - The Marvels (Trojan TRLS 67).
17. DJ`s Coice - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 74).
18. Silver Bullets - The Silvertones (Trojan TRLS 69).
19. Double Dekker - Desmond Dekker (Trojan TRLD 401).
20. African Herbsman - The Wailers (Trojan TRLS 62).

BLACK MUSIC JUNE 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974
[cover=1642,1914][cover=4357,1914]
Dennis Brown `If I Follow My Heart` (Studio One SOL 1119)

Perhaps / Rain Fron The Skies / Johnny Too Bad / If I Follow My Heart /
There Must Be A Fight / Rivers Of Babylon / It`s Impossible / Make It With You / Impossible / Love Grows / Little Green Apples / Grooving Out On Life:-

Eighteen-year-old Dennis is a hot artist in Jamaica right now, but on the evidence of this LP he would be more at home in cabaret clubs. The LP is geared to that kind of audience, except that it`s badly produced and the sound quality and/or pressing is even worse. Even the great "Rivers Of Babylon" is spoiled by the bad pressing and the depressing production. Dennis`s singing is fine but his backups sound as if they`d just woken up. He does better without them in "Little Green Apples" which uses echo effects well. But "Perhaps"is the only worthwhile selection here although its interesting to note he has included "Grooving Out On Life" by the underated American artist Nolan Porter. A disappointing set from a singer with great potential.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1874
[cover=5996,4425][cover=5997,4425]
Prince Buster `The Original Golden Oldies Vol. 1 (Prince Buster PB 9)

Black Head Chinaman / They Got To Come / Time Longer Than Rope / Tongue Will Tell / Madness / Watch It Blackhead / Wash Wash / Enjoy Yourself / Belief Kills And Belief Cures / Danny Dane And Lorraine / Over And Over / Creation:-

Essential tracks by a legendary Jamaican artist. "Wash Wash" was one of Buster`s best ever records, extremely popular in Jamaica in the early sixties when it introduced the ska. "Chinaman" was even more popular. It was an attack on Derrick Morgan when he left Buster to go sing for a label owned by a Chinese Jamaican -- his name slips me just now! "Watch It Blackhead", an even better song, followed it up after Derrick had made his reply in "I Am A Blazing Fire". Buster came back with "Creation". "So Listen Pappy, rest in your nappy, and don`t you copy."
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974
[cover=5997,4425]
Prince Buster `The Original Golden Oldies Vol. 2 (Prince Buster PB 10)

Oh Carolina / Humpty Dumpty / Millie Girl / Never Never / They Got To Come / Helena / African Blood / Chubby / Shake A Leg / Money Can`t Buy Life / War Paint / Black Head Chinaman:-

"Black Head Chinaman" and "They Got To Come", already on Vol.1 reappear here as the only tracks by Buster himself, even though the title implies that it`s a Prince Buster LP. None of the other artists are named, but this LP is highly recommended for those interested in early Jamaican music. The pulsing brass riffs of `ska`, as it was called, still evoke a feeling of real joy. (No doubt some of those fine ska session players that formed the nucleus of The Skatalites performed on this record.) Best Tracks here are "Humpty Dumpty" and "Money Can`t Buy Life" by Eric `Monty` Morris and "Carolina" and "Chubby" by Count Ossie and his band, the group which recently gave us the three LP set "Grounation". There is a real R&B feel to the music here, demonstrating the influence that American music had on early Jamaican recordings.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

BARBARA THOMPSON: Single Girl / Single Girl Version (Explosion EX2087).
A good song, not improved by this reggae version. Babs has a nice voice though, and the punchy rhythm might suit the discos. How about cutting out all these "versions" and giving us two sides for 50p?

SYDNEY GEORGE AND JACKIE: At The Club / Reggae Fever (Attack ATT 8064).
Seems when The Pioneers make a record they`re not sure of, they go under the name of Sydney George And Jackie. Certainly, judging by their recent output, they hardly deserve the name "Pioneers". Still, "At The Club" is a better record than "A Little Bit Of Soap", their last.

THE MEDITATIONS: The Great Massiah / Nana Nana (PYramid PYR 7010).
Raw reggae/skank rhythm and great vocal.

AL BROWN: Here I Am Baby (Come Take Me) / Tit For Tat (Trojan TR7915).
Every once in a while Jamaican music produces a really great single, outstanding on any musical level. Rosko plays this every week, and they scream for joy every time it`s played at Mr. Bees. Musically it leans heavily on rock steady -- bouncy bass, mellow rippling guitar, stop-go rhythm. And it`s better than Al Green`s original!

OWEN GRAY: Jealous Guy / Please Don`t Let Me Go (Island WIP 6185).
Owen Gray is one of the great Jamaican vocalists. The production here borrows fron the Wailers` sound (clavinet et al) and Owen gives a good performance.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC APRIL: 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974

UK REGGAE CHARTS APRIL 1974:

REGGAE SINGLES:
1. Here I Am Baby (Come & Take Me) - Al Brown & Skin Flesh & Bones (Trojan TR 7915).
2. A Little Bit Of Soap / Hit Me With Music - The Pioneers (Trojan TR 7906).
3. I Am Ready To Go - Monty Morris (Ackee ACK 527).
4. I`m Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More - Lloyd Charmers (Harry J HJ 6662).
5. Rock And Roll Lullabye - Jimmy London (Green Door GD 4065).
6. Kiss An Angel In The Morning - Ken Parker (Attack ATT 8063).
7. Chucky - The Viceroys (Harry J HJ 6658).
8. Dr Kitch - Judge Dread (Trojan TR 7905).
9. White Rum And Salvation - Lloyd Charmers (Big Shot BI 624).
10. Pardon - George Dekker (Trojan TR 7908).
11. Reggae Stuff - Matumbi (Horse HOSS 39).
12. I`m Gonna Get Married - Danny Ray (Trojan TR 7903).
13. Pussy Cat - Lloydie & The Lowbites (Harry J HJ 6660).
14.I Miss You - The Heptones (Ashanti ASH 407).
15. Save The People - Lloyd Charmers (Green Door GD 4064).
16. Sugar Dandy - Happy Junior (Ashanti ASH 418).
17. Buy You A Ring - The Ethiopians (Harry J HJ 6663).
18. What A Festival - Eric Donaldson (Dragon DRA 1017).
19. Year Full Of Sunday - King Sporty (Green Door GD 4063).
20. At The Club - Sydney George And Jackie (Attack ATT 8064).
21. He`s Got The Whole World In His Hands - The Marvels (Trojan TR 7904).
22. Country Road - Funky Kingston (Dragon DRA 1013).
23. Say Wonderful Things - Ken Parker (Dragon DRA 1015).
24. Way Over Yonder - Judy Mowatt (Trojan TR 7900).
25. Papa Was A Rolling Stone / Feeling High - Sydney George & Jackie (Attack ATT 8054).
26. Sandra - The Upsetters (Count Shelly CS 052).
27. So Long Baby - Jimmy Stratdan (Ethnic ETH 13).
28. Heck Boy - Tit Collins (Ethnic ETH 14).
29. Free Education For All - Flick Wilson (Count Shelly CS 037).
30. No Work No Pay - The Tellers (Pyramid PYR 7011).

REGGAE ALBUMS:
1. 1000 Volts Of Holt - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 75).
2. The Marvels - The Marvels (Trojan TRLS 67).
3. Twenty Dragon Hits - Various Artists (Dragon DRLS 5002).
4. Just Tito Simon - Tito Simon (Horse HRLP 702).
5. The Further You Look (Sings For I) - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 55).
6. Jimmy Brown - Ken Parker (Trojan TRLS 80).
7. Build Me Up - Brent Dowe (Trojan TRLS 67).
8. Twenty Explosive Reggae Hits - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 81).
9. Freedom Feeling - The Pioneers (Trojan TRLS 64).
10. Clancy Eccles - Clancy Eccles (Big Shot BILP 101).
11. Double Dekker - Desmond Dekker (Trojan TRLD 401).
12. DJ`s Choice - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 74).
13. Grounation - Count Ossie & The Mystic Revelation Of Rastafari (Ashanti NTI 301).
14. It May Sound Silly - Gladstone Anderson (Ashanti SHAN 103).
15. African Herbsman - The Wailers (Trojan TRLS 62).
16. Burnin` - The Wailers (Island ILPS 9256).
17. John Holt`s Greatest Hits - John Holt (Melodisc MLD 12171).
18. Pipeline - Various Artists (Trojan TBL 203).
19. Blackbirds Singing - The Paragons & Roslyn Sweat (Horse HRLP 703).
20. Tighten Up Volume 8 - Various Artists (Trojan TBL 207).

BLACK MUSIC APRIL 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974
[cover=7580,228][cover=208,228]
John Holt `1000 Volts Of Holt` (Trojan TRLS 75)

Never Never Never / Morning Of My Life / Stoned Out Of My Mind / Baby I Want You /
Help Me Make It Through The Night / Mr Bojangles / I`d Love You To Want Me /
Killing Me Softly With Her Song / You Baby / Too Much Love / Girl From Ipanema /
Which Way You Going Baby:-

John Holt is the darling of Jamaican music. A vocalist who is accepted--by West Indians of all ages--as having been the most polished and accomplished to emerge over the last three years. None of the songs are his own compositions but if you want evidence that he can write good songs check out his LP `Pledging My Love`. Like the very biggest singers anywhere, Holt gains respect because he reaches everyone through the subject of his songs (love and emotions) and his unique style. And whether the music leans towards pop-reggae or the more authentic form, Holt always wins through. This LP, produced by Tony Ashfield leans towards pop like its predecessor `John Holt Sings For I`, with well-known material like `Stoned Out Of My Mind`and `Help Me Make It Through The Night` and the use of strings and female vocal backing. John Holt`s older fans will prefer the material to his younger ones who might be discontented with these standards and the commercial treatment which they receive. For my own part it`s another fine album with the two stand-out tracks definitely being `Stoned Out Of My Mind` and the excellent `Mr Bojangles`. Wish I could sing like that!
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974
[cover=2516,2896][cover=4250,2896]
The Pioneers `Freedom Feeling` (Trojan TRLS 64)

Freedom Train / Marita / Papa Was A Rolling Stone / Smokin / Bye Bye Love / Pony Express / Bad To Be Good / My Love / Take A Look Around / Some Living Some Dying / Vanity / At The Discotheque:-

`Freedom Feeling` is not as lame an album as the previous Pioneers LP `I Believe In Love` but it`s still depressing. Since all of their recent singles are on this LP I`m disappointed that `Feelin High` (the B side of `Papa Was A Rolling Stone`) is not included here because it was that side which really caused people to buy the record. `Feelin High`, recorded in the group`s more authentic style, is one of the very best reggae singles of `73. They still know how to make good records therefore, and maybe as the A side the song might have made the charts. But The Pioneers are no longer leaders, and they seem to have their values all screwed up nowadays! I like Sydney`s vocals in `Smokin` and the way the clarinet riff comes in. It`s the best thing on the LP followed by `My Love`, `Papa . . .` and `At The Discotheque`. The depressing thing however is that here we have three young and very talented musicians who sound as if they have already passed their peak just when their fans were really expecting bigger and better things from them. But there`s still hope: The Pioneers have been in JA recently where they discovered a singer who will become the fourth vocalist. Let`s hope he brings some of that true pioneering spirit with him.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974
[cover=312,357]
The Silvertones `Silver Bullets` (Trojan TRLS 69)

I`ll Take You Home / Early In The Morning / Sugar Sugar / Souvenir Of Mexico /
Rejoice Jah Jah Children / That`s When It Hurts / Soul Sister / Rock Me In Your Soul /
Sweet And Loving Baby / He`ll Break Your Heart / Are You Sure:-

Although this album is divided equally between authentic reggae and versions of pop songs, it has a `heavy` overall feel, in the ethnic sense. This is due to the production work of Lee Perry (Scratch The Upsetter) who uses traditional, slow, laid back rhythms. In effect they are shank rhythms: they lean heavily on drum and bass and a simple guitar riff, and together they produced a very dense, numbing sound. Thus, even bubblegum material like `Sugar Sugar` is completely transformed into music which the authentic reggae fans can dig. `Rock Me In Your Soul` and `Early In The Morning` represent the ideal Sound System disc. The arrangements are simple and will sound monotonous to ears which aren`t used to them. But these are exactly the type of sounds that are played loud over Sound Systems in dimly lit clubs and dance halls up and down the country for West Indian audiences. For them, at least, this LP will be very welcome.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS: In The Dark / Sailing On (Dragon )
Toots always sings as if he`sin church. As memory would have it this is exactly how (back in JA) our down-home sunday choir would sound--we would have to imagine the rhythms of course. We don`t go in for orderly half heated singing! No sir when we praise the lord we put our souls and our backs into it. That`s how come we`re all musicians! And Toots And The Maytals? Well they`re our local representatives. Great song!

ALTON ELLIS: Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do / I Love You True (A&M )
Bet y`all gonna say this sounds like Marvin Gaye. Well Alton has been making hits in JA with his supercool voice as long as Marvin has. A great record! Listen closely and you`ll recognise the voice of the late great Jamaican vocalist Slim Smith sharing the lead with Alton.

JACKIE EDWARDS: White Christmas / My Love And I (Trojan )
It`s pretty close to the Drifters` version, but this record by the man who influenced so many Jamaican artists is a gas in its own right.


THE MARVELS: He`s Got The Whole World In His Hands / Got To Get Away (Trojan )
This could be The Marvel`s first hit. A great version of the standard. Pick up on them live too!

KEN PARKER: Say Wonderful Things To Me / Version (Dragon )
Ken went to the other church down the road where everybody kept quiet. He has a fabulous and versatile voice but he`s so sad on this simple song that I nearly cryed. Nice song!

KEN PARKER: We Must Be In Love / Wish I Could Make You Mine (Dragon )
A very sophisticated arrangement and production almost conceals the reggae riff. Ken`s high tenor is confident and smooth. It stretches into a falsetto at times and even manages to outshine the vast array of strings, backing vocals, piano, and guitar licks. Another goodie!

DANNY RAY: I`m Gonna Get Married / How Can I Control You (Trojan )
Very good pop-reggae song. The female backing vocals slot in well and Danny Gives a confident--if restrained--performance.

JIMMY STRATDAN: So Long Baby / Larry`s Mood (Ethnic )
Larry Lawrence`s Ethnic label is the most invigorating and authentic of the small new reggae labels. This re-vitalised oldie could be the one to break the label if it got the play it deserves.

NICKY THOMAS: Lonely For Your Love / Message For Maria (Horse )
Nicky deserves better material for his hypnotic, persuasive voice but he makes the best of this song, added by a punchy uptempo rhythm and some enthusiastic horns. The B side is slightly better.

MATUMBI: Reggae Stuff / Wipe Them Out (Horse )
A reggae answer to Kool And The Gang`s `Funky Stuff`, and if this one doesn`t make the charts then their next one will. This band improves with each record but y`all ought to see them live they`re a knock-out.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1974

peace