Roots Archives Forum

So many sweet reggae tunes from this harmony group called Midnight Rider[s]. Since they have no album to their name, it seems near impossible to get any information on them (not that an album would guarantee this anyway).

The only clue I have is on their 12" called "North coast" on the Topline label. Under the song title it says... Writer: M. Powell.
could this be Michael Powell? Who knows?

Does anybody have any idea about what singers comprise the Midnight Riders? surely theres some information in an interview, article or sleevenote somewhere! Thanks in advance for any help. ADam

Good question,i have a 7" called illegal Gun,the writer is W Powell.never heard anything else by them

i have a 7'' too...Youthman Invasion on Thunder Bolt , W.Powell under Midnight riders..backed by black roots band...no more info on this crucial group!

http://www.roots-archives.com/artist/2584
http://www.roots-archives.com/artist/6514

I know this doesn't answer the original question but it seems quite obvious that they/he were close to Channel One and recorded from 1980 until 1985.

Illegal Gun by Midnight Riders: Rodigan played that song so often in the 80's.
W. Powell on the label.

http://www.deadlydragonsound.com/images/view/6334a.gif

Stay away from :
Midnight Riders - North Coast (Top Line 7" 1985)

"Northcoast" is not a bad tune at all, great horns (David madden, co producer), nice melody and harmony .

But if you are expecting a "hardcore" style tune like the "Gunman" or "Clash in a riddim" tunes, then yes, you will be disappointed.

But Just because a tune is not "hard", does not mean that it is no good. Those who "stay away from..." reggae that is not "hard" will miss out on a lot of good music. I see/hear it a lot and it is kind of sad.

(Definitely a topic I will bring up for discussion on the "reggae discussion" forum on RA.)

hans wrote:Illegal Gun by Midnight Riders: Rodigan played that song so often in the 80's.
W. Powell on the label.

http://www.deadlydragonsound.com/images/view/6334a.gif

Is this tune the same a Me No Gunman 12" on Jimpy's? I found 3 of these the other day. Nice tune.

Writing ccredit for that tune if E Thompson.

jahadambom wrote: But Just because a tune is not "hard", does not mean that it is no good. Those who "stay away from..." reggae that is not "hard" will miss out on a lot of good music. I see/hear it a lot and it is kind of sad.

No one mentioned 'hard' or 'soft'.
Did I miss something here???
In comparison to my whole collection I just found that track displeasing.
Rest assured Adam I'm not "missing" anything...my collection run from top to bottom.


update :
I must regress I know the type you speak of JahAdam.
Just don't like being thrown under the bus with them.
That group being like you say, stuck on quote 'hard' tunes and throwing away /neglecting a myriad of fine music.
I made an oppinionated comment and wasn't comparing 'North Coast' to any other Midnight Riders tracks, just listening and didn't really care for it.
I meant no offense.

That being said,
I do know the type of listener/collector you speak of.
Anything from Soul Brothers to Silver Tones would be considered 'soft' right off the top.
Yabby You, Abysinnians, even dub...forget about it.
Immediate dis-approval if it's mentioned.
Then the dividing lines continue, into artists like Michael Palmer and Little John.

They only want 'hard', 'crucial' mainly 80's material and the rest gets no love.

Personally I can't see it as I pretty much enjoy the entire spectrum, very few misses.
We all have our favorites and yes some tunes do carry the vibe a bit stronger but...
I just can't agree with neglecting half the releases on 'Roots Archives' cause you figure them 'soft'.