Roots Archives Forum

Hi all,

I found this clip from The Congos onto the French homepage of the Mediacom Web site (Mediacom is the label under which the new LP from The Congos will be distributed).

The fact that, for some reason, the *CLIP* is only on the "French side" and not on the "English side" (on the English side, the video is the one in the studio, not the clip) made me think that I would make a few people happy by providing the below link.

http://www.mediacom-agency.com/test2/fr.html

Once the intro has completed (or been skipped), you just have to click on the Play button to play the clip. I personally find the clip itself very good, and the lyrics/sound pretty good as well!

I hope the new album will not disappoint us...

In 8 days, I will see them on stage in Grenoble (France). I can't wait for it!!!

Cheers, MadC.

The original song (?) is an old soul tune "Chain Gang" by Sam Cooke!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmZdvVnMXCc

Probably a cover of a traditional, anyone?

I saw them live two weeks ago. They played some of their new songs live for the first time and I was very impressed. Personally I think that all of the Congos latter albums have been very good. This one I think won't be an exception.

kalcidis wrote:Personally I think that all of the Congos latter albums have been very good.

100% true - great vibes on those albums.

For example this one: http://www.roots-archives.com/release/4530

don't know if it comes from the video or what but it sure sounds like a pretty weak tune to me. Hope the LP will be better - and that the Congos will buy new clothes asap !

I agree with JoLong. The Congos are legends and have my respect but that chain gang tune is weak..

Just to be very clear on my "scales" when speaking about rasta elders who still record songs today...

Actually, on one hand, I can't imagine one second that The Congos (as we're talking about them in this thread) will ever record anything as wonderful as what they did in the late 70's: Heart of the Congos, Congo Ashanti, Image of Africa...

Yet, on the other hand, I must say that I am very enthusiastic to see Cedric Myton, Watty Burnett and Congo Ashanti Roy together again since a few years, recording new albums, including playing on a clip like this recent one they did.

Of course it is not absolutely great, it is not unforgettable - but it still makes me happy ) and their 3 different voices continue to well mix together, almost as they used to in the past.

Cheers, MadC.

Glad to SEE them, yes... but to HEAR them ?!

My personal favor definitely goes to Watty Burnett's voice (really impressive bass vocals), then Congo Ashanti Roy (in the "medium" range), then Cedric Myton (whose voice I preferred as it was 30 years ago than today).

Cheers, MadC.

madc-ccc wrote:Actually, on one hand, I can't imagine one second that The Congos (as we're talking about them in this thread) will ever record anything as wonderful as what they did in the late 70's

Of course it is not absolutely great, it is not unforgettable - but it still makes me happy ) and their 3 different voices continue to well mix together, almost as they used to in the past.

I didn't listen to any other material from the new album and true - it would be unfair to compare it with their 70s material. Another factor for my quick judgemenr was probably that i know many versions of the chain gang tune and the Congos' is not in my top 5. And nothing wrong with being happy about seeing the Congos..