Roots Archives Forum

Hey everyone, I'm intrigued by this LP. My first experience of Joe Higgs' genius was the Pressure Sounds re-release of Life Of Contradiction, but I'd like to know how/if his sound changed on later albums such as this one...

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Jonti-

As always Higgs incorporated a lot of soul influence into his work. This particular LP seems to be a bit more along the soul lines than Life of Contradiction (check out the incredible intro to the title track, it could have been sung by Ray Charles). However, it is not significantly different, just a little. It still has that great sound that Higgs had. A little more modern but that is to be expected (check out the great but odd bass line for the title track). His heart and soul is in every word and note.
All the tracks are great and it's more than worth it to own this LP. Triumph and Unity is Power are two of the most under-appreciated LPs ever (of any type of music). They both have a sound that reaches into the depths of anyone who loves good music.

P.S. My boss recently had staff members fill out a questionnaire. One question was "Name your favorite song". I wrote in "Unity is Power by Joe Higgs". He then legally downloaded everyone's song for them to own on MP3 but couldn't find a site to buy Higgs' track.
He did a lot of research and ended up finding out about Joe because he was trying to figure out who the hell I was talking about.
A few weeks later he walked over and said "did you know that that guy you like actually taught Bob Marley to sing?" He had read Higgs history and had become a fan.

good story Jason. I won't have much to add to your appreciations. Unity is power is indeed more soul on one or two songs but can also be more roots like on the song Vineyard (which is a masterpiece IMO). Triumph is pretty different because it was recorded 10 years after life of contradiction, but as you said, the voice and unique vibe of this guy is always here with master musicians and roots sound, and the version of Creation is a pure wonder, it's one of my most precious vynils ! I tried to get the Unity is power in vynil and it was so expensive unfortunatly, maybe one day I'll find it for a decent price.

benjamin wrote:I tried to get the Unity is power in vynil and it was so expensive unfortunatly, maybe one day I'll find it for a decent price.

Wonderful singer, wonderful album, wonderful man.

I picked up a mint condition copy of this recently for £8!! And no, I couldn't believe it either.

to 6anbatte :
than sell it to me for 10 you'll make a benefit

LOL. If I find another one for that price you'll be my first call!

Incidentally, I spoke to Ernie about the copy he has on his site and it's actually a rare UK pressing on Elevation that he has never seen before. Hence the price.

Hey 6anbatte

You got a copy of that from me ages ago.

You obviously have to much music inna de collection.

Dave

Hi Dave

I can never resist a decent bit of vinyl at a bargain price!

thanks for the info about Ernie B and for letting me be your first call in case you see it again !