Michael de Koningh's All Time Top 10
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ABYSSINIANS
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS STUDIO ONE 1970
An all time genuine classic work with the finest fragile
lead vocal and sweet harmonies offset against a mesmerising Coxsone roots rhythm.A
harsh reminder of the days of slavery and a call to arms for the oppressed.
BURNING
SPEAR FREE BLACK PEOPLE TOTAL SOUNDS 1975
The first self production after the almighty Marcus Garvey
LP. A tour de force of Black Disciples rhythm power with Winston Rodney giving
his all complete with wails and howls of pain as he recounts his peoples'
suffering. Later remixed with added obtrusive lead guitar and loosing the rawness
in the process.
BOB ANDY THE GHETTO STAYS IN THE MIND SKY
NOTE 1976
For pure songwriting craftmanship and the ability to intelligently convey his
message there is no one with the talent of Bob Andy. Bob leads us back to his
small home town ten years after he left and spreads in front of us the suffering,
hopelessness and apathy that still remain.Whether this an actual account or
just an overview of the general situation in Jamaica is immaterial as this song
is one of the most biting observations of life ever put on vinyl. Acutely complimented
by one of the hardest and most muscular rhythms Sonia Pottinger has ever produced.
MICHAEL ROSE GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER
MORPHEUS 1975
Produced by Niney before MR went on to stardom as the
front man and principle songwriter of Black Uhuru. Over a sticky deep rhythm
Michael recounts visits from his dread brethren from the lush hills of rural
Jamaica who bring with them the necessary herb.
CARLTON & HIS SHOES LOVE IS ALL
STUDIO ONE 1971
A sweet aching ballad sung over a busy, bustling rhythm.
Carlton Manning's fragile falsetto floats effortlessly over the backing
track creating a hypnotic recording that is as beautiful now as it was the day
the track was laid over twenty five years ago.
I ROY BLACKMAN TIME DOWN TOWN
1973
Cut on the monstrous Slaving rhythm, I Roy teaches of
equality and the need for literacy among the masses. Always the most intelligent,
observant and culturally aware of all his peers, I Roy could spread his word
like no other DJ.
KEN BOOTHE RED GOLD & GREEN TROJAN
1973
Mostly remembered for his rocksteady work and chart hits,
Ken had a much deeper side to him.
A self composition of stirring depth telling of repatriation to a land far,
far away. Mournful horns sweep through a 'pre roots' heavy rhythm also
toasted by I Roy as Black, Gold & Green in a heart rending style.
DENNIS BROWN EASY TAKE IT EASY STUDIO
ONE Early 70's
Later versioned by Gregory Isaacs as Easy Natty Easy this
is the original slow melodic plea for the sufferers to cool down in the heat
of political violence raging through Kingston. An unusual deep almost rocksteady
rhythm pulls along one of Dennis' finest vocals.
MIGHTY DIAMONDS I NEED A ROOF CHANNEL
ONE 1975
The sound of the summer with Tabby's lazy voice soaring
over the smooth sweet rhythm. A sufferers tune of the highest quality delivered
in impeccable style underpinned by the Hookim brothers immortal studio sound.
ROYAL RASSES KINGSTON 11 NEVILLE KING
1976
Lincoln Thompson possesses one of the most distinctive
voices and uses it to astounding effect on this hornlead piece of roots music.
We are left in no doubt as to the hardship of life as we told of the ghetto
he comes from, but still there is hope; a belief that better must come. An inspirational
work.
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