Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Thirteen - St. Thomas Duppy

The subject of Copie the Font Hill Duppy is one that we have discussed many times here.  I have provided a link to the complete article "The Foul Mouthed Duppy of Font Hill" which appeared in The Jamaica Daily News on June 23, 1974 and thankfully provided by long-time reggae aficionado Luke Ehrlich way back in 2008.  To get a quick background for those who aren't familiar with the story I will revert back to the concise explanation Luke provided on Ebay (of all places) when he had offered up the 7" single of Count Lasher's "Font Hill Duppy" for sale on the site.

"Font Hill Duppy" is a humorous look at a sinister haunting that occurred in eastern Jamaica, in mid-summer of 1974. At Font Hill, a rural village in the parish of St. Thomas, elderly Mr. Isaac Brown and his wife Adina began experiencing alarming supernatural events in their house including unpleasant poltergeist activity. The ghost, known in Jamaica as a "duppy" or "jumbie", called himself Copie and spoke to the Browns, Font Hill townspeople and curiosity-seekers, never sparing use of the foulest language."

 So here we are in 2015 with yet another tune devoted to Jamaica's most infamous gutter-mouthed ghost.  I initially posted Lasher's "Font Hill Duppy" and three years later followed it up with Max Romeo's track "Copie Duppy" after a hard-fought battle to finally obtain the record.  Fast forward to this summer when again I'm on my yearly online quest to restock the duppy record box and I come across the single "St. Thomas Duppy" by Fitz Walker on the R&S Oney label.  I was completely psyched that I had uncovered another piece of the Copie puzzle but unfortunately the condition of the vinyl left a lot to be desired and I regretfully had to pass it up.   I dug some more, hitting up the usual haunts on the reggae record bookmarks on my browser and came up completely empty-handed  I spent many a morning in bed staring at the ceiling wondering how I could get a clean copy of "St. Thomas Duppy" to include in the 2015 Spooktacular.  And as fate would have it, in stepped Dave from Dave's Jukebox.  I had seen back in July of 2010 he had posted this record online and I approached him to see if he would be interested in selling it or at the least rip me an MP3 to use in the mix.  Dave responded quickly and though he wasn't in the market to sell this one he went through the trouble to fire me off a virtual copy via email!  Thanks Dave!

On a pretty badass melodica driven rhythm, Fitz Walker covers all the bases.  He starts by taking a jab at "iniquity workers" or practitioners of Obeah, who I believe he initially blames for releasing the Copie into being by messing with black magic.  He then succinctly covers the complete Font Hill duppy story...

"Don't you hear
What is going on
In the east
In St. Thomas
Duppy talking
And that man can hear
Duppy talking
To Mr. Brown, Miss Brown
People from all about
Went on the scene
To hear when Copie
Talk to Mr. Brown
People come from all about
Went up to Font Hill
To hear when Copie
Talk to Mr. Brown..."

Unfortunately I couldn't find any background info on Fitz Walker aside from the fact that he released a couple singles in the early 70s and may or may not be the same Fitzroy Walker who produced some digital dancehall in the late 80s but I soon found that Fitzroy Walker is a name that is not hard to find in Jamaica.  So to Fitz Walker, wherever you may be, thanks for another enjoyable piece of the Copie legend!

Fitz Walker - St. Thomas Duppy - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 Track Thirteen

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Twelve - Hell Below

Derrick Harriott (born February 6, 1939) is one of Jamaican music's living legends.  Getting started in the music biz in 1955 when he teamed up with Claude Sang Jr., the duo went on to win multiple talent contests and eventually record for Jamaica's recording pioneer Stanley Motta.  In 1958 he formed the Jiving Juniors with Eugene Dwyer, Herman Sang (Claude's younger brother), and Maurice Winter and recorded for both Duke Reid and Coxsone Dodd.  After some time spent in New York, Harriott returned to Jamaica and went solo, releasing his first single "I Care" in 1964 and went on to have a string of hits including such classic songs as "The Loser" and "Solomon."  In 1970 Harriott tried his hand at production with his newly assembled band the Crystalites and released the album The Undertaker, in a style very reminiscent of the Upsetters at the time and which proved to be enormously popular.

Now, from what I've read, the Crystal Generation was an amalgamation of players from The Crystalites and Harriott's other studio band the Now Generation and the song "Hell Below" has a strong early 70s soul vibe.  It comes from a recent issue of a soulful Derrick Harriott tune called "Let Me Down Easy" on the Crystal/Dub Store label out of Japan.  I have embellished by adding the sounds of hell for your listening pleasure and I think you'll dig it!  

Crystal Generation - Hell Below - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spookacular Track Twelve

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Eleven - John Crow Skank

Brian "Uncle Fee" Schaffer was born in Wales and relocated with his family to London when he was 4.   In the early 1960s with the influx of Jamaican immigration, Fee was exposed to a completely different culture and had his eyes opened to Jamaican music as well.  In 1968, a friend gave him a box of rocksteady records to play at his 16th birthday party and he was completely hooked, spending the entire evening and much of the early hours of the following morning playing these tunes over and over.  Today Fee is the Master Selector and the Pure Revival Soundman for Black Harmony Sounds UK and loves this music as much today as he did 47 years ago!  Thanks Uncle Fee!

"The name John Crow is associated in Jamaica with the Jamaican vulture which itself was often called carrion crow or turkey vulture and according to Frederic G. Cassidy and R.B. Lapage, the term "John Crow" was first used in 1826.  They also concluded that the term was or could have been taken from the US term Jim Crow although subsequent research by others has not been able to conclude this statement.  In fact Jim Crow, a term that was not used for at least two years John was used to describe racial segregation

The John Crow has long been a part of Jamaican folklore and is associated with ugliness, blackness, evil and disgrace.  It is believed that if John Crow sits on a rooftop that a death of someone in the household is imminent.  Seeing John Crow in dreams is also an omen of death and possible destruction.

To further illustrate how much John Crow is used in daily life in Jamaica, her is an extract from internet site Pancocojams...

"The name John Crow appears in a few Jamaican proverbs.  "Every John Crow tink him pickney white."  This means that everyone thinks that their own children or possessions are the best in the world.  "John Crow she him a dandy man but same time him hab so-so feather."  Here the John Crow is a symbol of someone who is being vain or pretentious.  "John Crow a roast plantain fi yup."  Depicts someone who is very meager and emaciated who may soon die.  "If yuh fly wid John Crow yuh mi nyam dead meat."  Expresses the idea that a person is capable of doing the things that are done in the company that her or she keeps.  

 Two popular folksongs also exist which speak about the John Crow.  They are "Peel Head John Crow" and "John Crow Seh."  Whatever the John Crow represents or however the name originated, it is one of the most significant birds underlining the culture."

Incredibly enough I remember as a very small child growing up in Wales, a nursery rhyme that my Mam sang and even to this day we still sing on occasion that references Jim Crow.  If it has any connection to the U.S. one I have no idea.  Here in all its glory with an interpretation. 
 

Dacw mam yn dwad, ar ben y garreg wen
Rhwybeth yn ei ffedog, a phiser ar el phen;
Y fuwch yn beudy, yn brefu am y llo,
T llo'r ochr arall, yn gwaeddai 'Jim Cro'
Jim Cro crystyn, one, two, four
Mochyn Bach yn eistedd, yn ddel ar y stol.

There's mamma coming, over the white stile;
Something in her apron and a pitcher on her head;
The cow's in the byre, lowing for her calf,
The calf is on the other side, shouting 'Jim Crow'
Jim Crow crust, one two four;
The little pig is sitting, pretty on the stool.

This was published in 1895 so it could well have been influenced from abroad and remember there are a lot of Welsh names in Jamaica.

So when listening to Derrick Morgan's "John Crow Skank" why do we hear no reference to the bird itself unless of course that "chwaki chwaki" we hear throughout is possibly a reference to its call?

Interestingly enough, I did buy this record on release from the R&B Record Shop, Stamford Hill, London in I think 1971 and it was a popular play out tune at the time and had a great organ lead version of "Let The Power Fall On I" (my favourite side) on the flip.  It also uses the same rhythm of "Cherry Oh Baby" which was a massive hit for Eric Donaldson both in JA and in the UK.  Which came first?  I can't remember doh!!

"John Crow Skank" was also the title of a Clancy Eccles tune that was predominantly just the rhythm track with someone squawking (pun intended) "John Crow Skank" repeatedly."

Derrick Morgan - John Crow Skank - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Eleven

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Ten - Death In The Arena

 
Next up in our fright-fest is a little tune by Rupie Martin & The Hippy Boys called "Death In The Arena" which was recorded at Dynamic Studios in 1969 and released as a 7" on Martin's Modified label in Jamaica and in the UK on Punch and Ackee months later.  Luckily the copy I've got was a lot easier to locate thanks to a relatively recent repress on the Drum Beat/Reggae Fever label.

There is something about the early upbeat reggae that lends itself so perfectly to Spooktaculars... in the 10 years I've been doing this mix I've always had a lot of fun mixing them with horror movie trailers and other wacky audio.  I can't exactly explain why that is but when I sit down and mix these behemoth projects the early/skinhead reggae tracks usually come together quickest and always elicit the biggest smiles when my bleary eyes are staring at a computer screen at 3:30 in the morning during a late-night editing session. 

Also,  Roger outdid himself on this cover!  This may be my favorite from this years batch!

Rupie Martin & The Hippy Boys - Death In The Arena - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Ten

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Nine - Duppy Dance

Herman Chin-Loy first got involved in the music business by working for his cousin Leslie Kong at his Beverely's record shop in the early 60s.  In 1969 he, in collaboration with his brother Lloyd, opened the Aquarius Record Store in Half Way Tree and quickly transitioned into producing a string of instrumental tracks such as "African Zulu," "Reggae In The Fields" and "Invasion."  His early recordings featured Lloyd Charmers and the Hippy Boys as well as the Barrett Brothers, undoubtedly the hardest working siblings in early reggae, and I think it would be safe in assuming that the Aquarius Soul Band, the name credited on the record, are actually some variation of the aforementioned personnel working under Chin-Loy's assigned name.   And now that we've got the band covered, let's move on to today's track.
 
The next track up in the 2015 Spooktacular is a an early-reggae instrumental by the Aquarius Soul Band called, "Duppy Dance" and it comes from a 1971 7" on UK based Punch Records label.  This is in fact the b-side to Herman's "To The Fields" oddly titled on this release as "Hold The Ghost."  Regardless of whatever potential miscommunication that lead to this incorrect labeling back in '71, its supernatural moniker is good enough to welcome it with open arms into the blood-curdling vault of terrifying Jamaican records tucked away in my seemingly nondescript bedroom closet.  "Duppy Dance" is pretty much a stripped down and simplified version of the much-beloved African Beat riddim minus the horns and it chugs along nicely with its occasional organ embellishment and some haunted house mayhem courtesy of yours truly.

Aquarius Soul Band - Duppy Dance - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Nine

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Eight - Mr. Brown

Bobby Bobson was part of the DC Soundclash crew for many years and was quite adept in knowing how to make the dance bubble and pop.  Currently he is teaching the youths of Baltimore to avoid the evils of Babylon and when the mood hits him in the right way, he'll occasionally update his podcast Mobtown Ska Sounds.  Check him out here - good stuff!

"Cliff and the Organizers “Mr. Brown” is credited to be recorded in 1971 released as a B-Side to the 1969 cut Jah Fender’s  “Sweet P.”   The A-side is a DJ version to Prince Buster’s “Shaking Up Orange Street.”  Both songs were recorded and released by Buster.     In Jamaica the tune was released and pressed in ’71 on Prince Buster (JA) and Fab (UK).   

Jamaica’s fascination with topics of the macabre include numerous songs about mysterious duppies.   The folklore of Mr. Brown is one stitched into the fabric of Jamaican music.    As legend claims, there was a story of a three legged coffin being guided around town by three John Crows (vultures).  The coffin and the birds were searching for the mysterious Mr. Brown.  

The symbolism of three can be traced to Obeah belief that the earthly spirit waits around the body for three days.   This track sets up the story and even includes a stop over at “Spanish Town”, which happens to be the home of the Prince Buster.

This version of Mr. Brown may not outshine Perry’s unique production and varied instrumentation of the Wailer's cut of the same name.   However, the overall groove and bridge does make this standout.  The arrangement of this tune definitely has that chunky early 70’s reggae groove.    The bigger mystery may be the musicians on the cut.

This is the only single (I could find) crediting Cliff and the Organizers.  After some initial digging the name Clifton Smith came up crediting the singer as Cliff.    Smith is known for recording a one off with the Tennors in 1968 titled “I Am Gonna Make It” on WIRL.   

To go further into this I consulted with a more well versed reggae guru.   Mark “The Kaiser” Williams did some digging and through a post on Pama revealed the Cliff connection on this track.  This singer on this track is also known to be the same one from the seminal Cliff and the Diamonds.  Their version of “Mother Benge" may be one of those tunes on everyone’s top must-have list when I win the lottery and can spend obscene amounts of money on eBay.  Some speculation online claims Cliff to possibly be Delroy Denton.   One can definitely hear similarities between these Cliffs and Delroy.    Maybe the identify of Cliff does not matter, but one can argue this song’s mysterious origin only adds to its appeal.   Maybe one day we will know where Mr. Brown or Mr. Cliff is."

Cliff & The Organizers - Mr. Brown - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Eight 

King Horror - Ruler of Creepy Reggae

As any long-time follower of my blog can attest, I have been a huge fan of King Horror and his spooky brand of music for years!  And though there is no definitive proof regarding the true identity of the man behind the shrieks, growls and shouts over the boss reggae rhythms that found their way into my horror-loving heart years ago, Halloween just wouldn't be Halloween without a little King Horror!  I have received requests on Facebook regarding putting together a mix of King Horror's "monster" hits and I am happy to oblige by putting together this mini (16 minute) Spooktacular.  If you are familiar with King Horror this compilation will feel like familiar strangling hands around your neck and if not, you are in for a welcome treat!  

Enjoy and play at loud volume... I'll never forget the shocked looks I got from people sitting beside me at a stoplight when Horror's bloodcurdling scream leading into Loch Ness Monster exploded through my cars speakers.  Try it for yourself and see!

Here's how they fall into place...

1.  Dracula Prince of Darkness - Joe 7" - 1969
2.  Loch Ness Monster - Grape 7" - 1969
3.  Ghost Hour - blank 7" - 1969
4.  Frankenstein - Nu Beat 7" - 1970
5.  The Vampire - Grape 7" - 1969
6.  The Hole - Grape 7" - 1969

ENJOY...if you dare!

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Seven - Got To Hide Dub

It's a recurring theme in horror films… a young couple basking in their postcoital bliss are set upon by a sadistic and usually supernaturally indestructible killer and whether that pointy-object wielding slayer is Jason Vorhees, Freddie Krueger or Michael Meyers, they always attempt to run and hide.  As an audience we root for them to get away and once they find a seemingly secure spot to cower and you think they will be left unscathed the music builds to a nerve-rattling crescendo and they receive their blood-soaked comeuppance… which brings us to the next track in the 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular.
 
Linval Thompson and either the Roots Radics or the Revolutionaries give us a tune called "Got To Hide Dub" and it comes from the album Phoenix Dub released in 2002 on the Motion Records label… and much like the Upsetter tune from a couple days ago, this release rose up from the depths of Crystal Lake to reek its unstoppable horrible vengeance on mankind!!  Well not exactly… it was a set of tapes recorded sometime in the mid-70s and early-80s that were believed to have been lost and later unearthed by Linval Thompson.  With mixing at King Tubby's Studio by either Tubby, Scientist or Prince Jammy, it's an all-around wicked release.  "Got To Hide Dub" showcases the skills of Prince Jammy behind the controls and with the trailer for the shocking double feature The Velvet Vampire and Scream Of The Demon Lover, it may make you want to run and hide!  Why neither of these films was ever nominated for an Oscar is a complete travesty!  See you on Monday!

Linval Thompson - Got To Hide Dub - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Seven

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Six - Obeahman

Sam Votsis AKA Sammy Gong is one of the founders and a frequent contributor to the illustrious DC Soundclash.  Aside from digging for vinyl he is an avid fan and collector of comic books, in fact I discovered that Sam and I are what you may call kindred spirits when it comes to horror comics and an appreciation for obscure surf guitar/Halloween music.  Sam was late hopping aboard the Distinctly Jamaican Sounds guest spot train but as I expected he came through for us with his write-up about Clint Eastwood's 7" Obeahman from 1979 on the Bucktown International label.



"A scathing indictment of the Jamaican medical system of the late ‘70s, Obeahman is a rockers track sniffing at the dancehall revolution lurking right around the corner. Deejay Clint Eastwood aka Robert Brammer tells the harrowing tale of depraved lengths he must go in order to get help for a sick friend. While Clint’s style is more chatty than that of his older brother Trinity, who was a master of the dread chanting style popularized in the roots era by Big Youth, Clint’s message is clear: Conventional healthcare is unavailable to the common man, so he takes his friend to an Obeah man, a sorcerer who utilizes magic and medicinal lore smuggled to the New World from Africa during the slave trade. 

 Mostly considered taboo, obeah can be used for good or ill. It seems Brammer and his friend have stumbled onto a less-than-savory practitioner. IN fact, his friend’s skin boils after the Obeah Man’s balm is applied to it. What horror! 

Unfortunately, we don’t know what happened to his friend, whose identity remains unknown. (Does Clint refer to him as “great man?” The strain is obviously taking its toll on his diction!) However, the friend could be his future musical partner, fellow deejay General Saint. 

Teaming up on wax in 1981, the pair were bonafide stars of the rub-a-dub era, recording a number of hits that scored on the UK charts and touring internationally. So, despite a terrible experience with medicine and mysticism, it worked out OK for young Mr. Brammer."

Clint Eastwood - Obeahman - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Six

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Five - Graveyard Bully

From the dank and gloomy depths of former Upsetter keyboardist Glen Adams' vault arises the latest entry in the 2015 Spooktacular.  This one is called "Graveyard Bully" and it was recorded sometime in the early 70s and features future Wailers Carly and Family Man Barrett on drum and bass.  Glen Adams unearthed these tapes back in the early 90s, remixed them and introduced them in 1995 on the Heartbeat Records release Upsetters A Go Go.   A nice spooky slice of early reggae... at least after the embellishments.
 
The track features the trailer of the 1974 Amicus horror anthology film From Beyond The Grave, one of my Halloween Month favorites and starring the late great Peter Cushing as the proprietor of Temptations Ltd., an antique shop whose items come back to terrify those who knowingly cheat the shopkeeper.  It comes highly recommended by yours truly and I believe it works well with the groove laid down by Glen Adams and the Upsetters Crew!

Upsetters - Graveyard Bully - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Five

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Four - Evil Spirits

 
Reverend Tom Frost is a musician, a singer, a songwriter and his blog Spread The Good Word, along with his bone-chillingly superb Halloween mixes were a huge inspiration in getting me started in doing my own ten years ago.  Reverend Tom lives in Paris France and aside from his skill in compiling great mixes, he performs and records his own brand of blues, rock, country, gospel that really kicks ass.  Often compared to Tom Waits and a "young, belligerent and drunk Jerry Lee Lewis," Reverend Frost is the real deal!  He's got a new release coming out this month called "The Lame Shall Enter First," and he promises, it’s gonna be good. And groovy. And weird.  Check him out here!


"Hello, I’m Reverend Frost. The mighty John asked me, on a dark and stormy night, to write something for his annual mighty Halloween Spooktacular mix, while I was doing my bloody annual Halloween mix, and believe me, I was bloody honored. Well, a little bit of history here, The Mighty Invaders were a bloody popular reggae band on the Baltimore music scene in the bloody early eighties. They even opened for the mighty Clash. I knew the album for years, and ‘Evil Spirits’ is the kind of song that almost got me haunted by Reggae. So, - I knew you were going to ask me -, if you’re in the midst of evil spirits, the best way to get rid of them is to say "get thee hence behind me Satan", plus, chant a Psalms (a sea chanty for example, or John Zacherley’s ‘Happy Halloween’), and don’t forget to read your Bible a chapter a day, Gen 1 - Rev22 - evil spirits have a harder time getting to those who are under the teachings of the most High. But try not to be TOO high. It’s illegal. Anyway, don’t miss this Halloween Spooktacular, ‘cos it won’t miss you! Thanks John! MUWUHAHAHAHAHA!"

The Mighty Invaders - Evil Spirits - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Four

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Three - Vampire

Welcome back!  We're moving along with our first full week of Spooktacular treats and up next is a good one!  

First a little background… Black Uhuru was originally formed in the Waterhouse District of Kingston in 1972.  Original band members Garth Dennis, Don Carlos and Derrick "Duckie" Simpson were unsuccessful in breaking onto the charts and quickly disbanded; Dennis going on to join the Wailing Souls and Carlos pursuing a solo career.  In 1978, Simpson recruited Michael Rose and Sandra "Puma" Jones and with the masterful Sly & Robbie at the helm, they recorded a string of hits including "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner," "Shine Eye Gal" and "General Penitentiary."   In 1980 Black Uhuru was signed by Island Records and their album Sinsemilla, released in July of that year on Island's subsidiary label Mango, reached a world-wide audience and was met with huge acclaim.   They later went on to win the first ever reggae Grammy in 1984 for their album Anthem.  After a falling-out and the subsequent departure of Michael Rose and the sad untimely death of Puma Jones in 1990, Duckie Simpson had to shuffle the lineup once more.  And amazingly he still does so today… Black Uhuru even with its seemingly non-stop revolving door of members remains active.
 
The track we're gonna hear is "Vampire" and it comes from the aforementioned Mango release Sinsemilla.  Listen as Duckie, Michael Rose and Puma fight against the wretched wrath of the demonic bloodsuckers!  An epic battle of good versus evil that would leave Dr. Van Helsing breathless!  I of course added my usual Hammer film embellishment at the top because it ain't Halloween around Distinctly Jamaican Sounds unless we get to hear an educational vampire snippet!

Black Uhuru - Vampire - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Three

Jamaican Halloween Spooktaculars of Yesteryear... Collect 'Em All!

I've had a couple requests to hear previous Jamaican Halloween Spooktaculars and now is your chance to complete your collection!  Just click on the pic and it'll take you to the archive post from last year with functional download links!  Be sure to collect 'em all!

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track Two - Black Cup

Teddy "Dosdedos" Garcia is originally from Mataró Spain, he relocated to Granada and formed Los Granadians Del Espacio Exterior, soon after he moved to London and formed The Delegators. Relocating to the Washington DC a few years ago, he now divides his time teaching at a local Montessori school and managing aforementioned ska originators Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison.  Like Glen Adams, Teddy loves the sweet sounds of the electric organ and has had the opportunity to play with Jamaican music legends Derrick Morgan, Dennis Alcapone, Dave Barker, Rico Rodriguez, Big Youth, Laurel Aitken, Carl Dawkins and many more.  


"When we talk about Jamaican music, we all know what that implies; getting into a spiral of musicians, singers, producers, labels, wives and occasionally children claiming the rights of those that are no longer.

But Glen Adams does not do things by halves.  Singer?  Yes.  Composer?  Yes, that too.  What about musician?  As well.  It would be difficult to name the big hits of Jamaican music without naming Glen Adams.

From the time of the Sound Systems, Glen Adams already got himself noticed by launching a number one hit in the dancehalls together with his sister Yvonne Harrison, another solo artist about whom we will be speaking momentarily.  That recording where Glen and Yvonne sange "Wonder Thirst" together has never been found.  It was the song through which Coxsone Dodd established relations with the siblings.  Back then, all the pressings were records made of wax which lasted only a few sessions, so that the Sound System had to buy them again.  That was the beginning of Jamaican music and the first appearance of many musicians and singers on the island.

Ken Boothe was the first singing partner with whom Glen rose to fame.  Under the name "Ken and Glen," they enjoyed great success and participated with Stranger Cole in what was the first appearance of the three together: "One, Two, Three" a catchy ska reminiscent of the island's Spanish heritage.

But there is something that many of us wonder:  when did Glen move to playing the piano and organ and away from vocals?  Whoever has had a chance to visit Jamaica knows that nothing goes as planned.  The island has its own pace and trying to fight it is like swimming against the tide, only you get tired and end up in the place where you started.  And that's how Glen, on an October afternoon in 1968, recorded over eight themes in just one afternoon which are still praised and danced to on all specialized dance floors.

Half of the musicians that were scheduled for the session that afternoon did not turn -up due to a lack of payment by the producer for another recording.  So Glen took the seat at the piano.  However when it didn't work out, he changed places with Lloyd Charmers on keys that afternoon and recorded Lester Sterling's "Bangarang" and Slim Smith's "Everybody Needs Love."  At that moment, Glen Adams fell in love with this powerful instrument and went on to record with the Hippy Boys, Slim Smith, The Reggae Boys and the great Upsetters.

We mentioned Yvonne above, Glen's sister Yvonne Harrison.  A few months ago I had the good fortune to stay with Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison at their home in Toronto Canada where they currently live.  That night we talked at length about Glen.  They told me that when Glen was ill, he asked that they bring him a portable keyboard to the hospital so that he could play while he was recovering from the illness that eventually took him to the grave in 2010 after visiting Jamaica.

In 1977, Glen recorded "Black Cup," the instrumental theme with which we honor him today.  To the rocksteady rhythm on "Why Did You Leave Me" by the Heptones, Glen gallops with a harpsichord sound which is impossible to escape and makes one think of the dark and bloody times of the 18th century.  It could well be the soundtrack for a Victorian zombie feast.  The percussion appears like breaking bones unable to withstand such a heavy riddim.  Hopefully tonight his spirit will conquer and dominate us, converting us into slaves for life to reggae music.  AMEN."

Glen Adams - Black Cup - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track Two

Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular 2015 - Track One - Dubbing In The Rain

Welcome back again friends for the 10th Annual  Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular!  I've got a twenty-two track helping of creepy, bone-chilling and downright scary tunes for you this month, done-up in the same style in which longtime visitors have become accustomed!  If you're new here, I bid you welcome and I hope you will enjoy what you're going to hear this October on Distinctly Spooky Jamaican Sounds!
 
Here's how it works… I post an individual song for each weekday during the month as well as a short or if my mind starts to wander, long-winded bit of information about the artist, the song, the theme, etc. and a custom comic book cover for each segment!  Each track will stand on its own individually but once reassembled will create a seamless mix which will have you cowering under the blankets at night and get your heart pounding during that frenzied dash up the darkened basement steps moments before some unseen evil force grabs your ankle and drags you back down.
 
As usual, it promises to be a hair-raisingly good time.  And to mix things up a little, I have relinquished some of the writing duties to a group of guys who have generously volunteered to take some time and share their perspective and knowledge about the track in which they selected beforehand.  I can't thank them enough for volunteering and like you, I look forward to hearing what they've got to say!  I reached out to a bunch of other reggae outlets hoping they would want to contribute with no response and in the end the people who stepped up are the ones who I consider friends!  Thanks guys!
 
I also want to take a moment to thank my pal Roger Wilkerson who so generously volunteered to modify existing horror comic book covers to suit our Jamaican Spooktacular needs.  Roger tends to personally favor pre-code comics from the 1950s but this year I asked if he wouldn't mind moving it up a couple decades and refurbishing covers from DC, Charlton and Marvel instead… he agreed and the results are fantastic!  Even he agreed that the late 60s - mid 70s feel of these covers really work well with the era of music that we so readily explore here.  Thanks again Roger!
 
So let's get this thing rolling!
 
We start off the 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular with a nice little dub attributed to singer, musician and producer B.B. Seaton.  The track is called "Dubbing In The Rain" and it comes from the album Gun Court Dub Volume Two, released on the Soul Beat label in 2007.  Once you hear this tune you'll probably say to yourself, "wait a minute…2007?"  I assure you, your ears aren't deceiving you.  The album was originally released in 1976 and the band actually performing this number are The Conscious Minds, a band that Seaton himself formed in 1969 with Ken Boothe, former members of the Gaylads and a whole heap of extremely talented musicians.  Mixing and engineering are capably handled by the legendary Errol Brown. 
 
Though not a straight up "spooky title"… hell, "Dubbing In The Rain" might be perceived by some as dubbing during an April shower or dubbing during a late summer afternoon downpour but not me… dubbing in the rain means a violent, midnight thunderstorm of Frankenstein proportions or one that happens when the world is tossing and turning in its fitful sleep and the forces of malevolence roam the night seeking warm human blood… But hey, that's just me.  Give it a listen!
   
B.B. Seaton - Dubbing In the Rain - 2015 Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular Track One

Coming October 1st...

Jah

You've probably heard the saying, "there are three things never to discuss in polite company; politics, sex and religion," and I'm not going to break that rule today.  I was scrolling through a list of tunes on my computer looking to be inspired for a theme for a mix when it immediately came to me... Jah is such an important part of Jamaican music I would be remiss in not doing this mix.  So regardless of where you stand in your religious beliefs, or even your lack thereof, there are just so many great songs to Jah that it makes for some great listening.

Here's what you're gonna hear...


Don Carlos - Jah Hear My Plea
Bobby Melody - Jah Bring I Joy
Gregory Isaacs - Jah Music
Welton Irie - Jah A Come
Al Campbell - Jah Love Every One
Gladiators - Jah Almighty
Tappa Zukie - Jah Is I Guiding Star
Barrington Spence - Jah For All
Willie Williams - Jah Righteous Plan
Junior Murvin - Jah Took Six Days
Brigadier Jerry - Jah D
Niney Holness - Jah Fire
Sly & Robbie - Jah Easy Dub
Wailing Souls - Jah Give Us Life
Linval Thompson - Jah Jah Dreader Than Dread
I-Roy - Jah Come Here
Cornell Campbell - Jah Jah A Go Beat Them
Culture - Jah Rastafari
Wayne Jarrett - Jah Jah I
Morwell Unlimited & King Tubby - Jah Star

Enjoy!

Scientist & The Roots Radics - Dubbin' It Inna Early 80's Style

A group of distinguished scientists with Professor Hopeton Brown whom they greeted here recently.  Left to right are Dr. M.L. Humason, Ed. P. Hubble, Albert A. Michelson, Prof. Albert Einstein, Dub Master Hopeton "Scientist" Brown and W.S. Adams.

What started as my Cold War project last week has gone off the tracks... thing is, I got so into the dub that the Radics and Scientist were layin' down in the first track, the mix went off in a completely unintended but rather pleasing direction...here's what you're gonna hear!

We start the mix with a little "Dangerous Match 1" from the 1982 album Scientist Wins The World Cup on Greensleeves and segue into Clint Eastwood & General Saint's "Can't Take Another World War" from their '81 release, also on Greensleeves.  From there the dub started taking hold and I decided to throw in Johnny Osbourne's "Love Is Universal" from his 1982 Greensleeves album Never Stop Fighting and finally Little John's "Janet Sinclair" from the Greensleeves 12" also from '82.

We hop into the next riddim with a healthy-sized chunk of conscious vibes from Hugh Mundell and a little number called "Rasta Have The Handle" - originally released on his self-titled 1982 Greensleeves LP Mundell but lifted from a repressed Jah Guidance 10".  Scientist kicks it back dub-wise with "Dangerous Match 2" also from the aforementioned Scientist Wins The World Cup LP.

Wayne Jarrett is up next with a wicked tune called "Love In Mi Heart" which is taken from his 1982 Greensleeves LP Chip In.  We then slide into what in my opinion is one of the baddest dub tracks ever set down on tape, "Blood On His Lips"from Scientist's 1981 LP Scientist Rids The World Of The Evil Curse Of The Vampires, miraculously also on Greensleeves.

Another spacey Scientist track immediately follows "Blood On His Lips" and it's the tune called "Dematerialize" from another 1981 release called Scientist Meets The Space Invaders.  Sammy Dread hops onboard the riddim with a tune called "Follow Fashion," which comes to us from a wicked 1981 Greensleeves 12".

We give Junjo Lawes a break for the next couple by letting Scientist have his way with a couple Linval Thompson productions... first up, is a snippet of Scientist's dub called "Beaming" from a 1981 LP called Dub Landing on the Starlight Records label.  We slip into a smooth tune by the man Wayne Wade called "Suzie" and it was taken from a CD called Strong Like Sampson 80s Revive Cultural Collection on Jet Star and follow it up with Linval Thompson himself and one of my all-time favorite rub-a-dub tracks "Curfew" which I borrowed from my Jah Guidance 12".  Scientist of course rides out the riddim... just complete baddassery!

We hop back in with another Johnny Osbourne classic... this one is "Give A Little Love" and it also comes from his LP Never Stop Fighting.  Scientist rides it out with "Dangerous Match 7" from the Scientist Wins The World Cup LP.

Michael Prophet and Scientist go head-to-head on the next one... it's one of Scientist's more vocal-heavy dub tracks from the era and it's called "Your Teeth In My Neck" from the ...Rids The World Of The Evil Curse Of The Vampires LP and one of Prophet's baddest tunes called "Love And Unity" from his self-titled 1981 album on Greensleeves.  The two tracks blur the lines of what is the dub and what is the vocal but nonetheless they make a helluva combination.

Scientist effortlessly slides into the final dub track of the mix with a number called Round Three from the 1980 Greensleeves Big Showdown LP with Prince Jammy and we get a little vocal from Barrington Levy's 1979 Greensleeves release Englishman and a song called "If You Give To Me."

Like always, if you're diggin' what you hear, let me know!  I could easily get back into the mode to do another mix like this... I enjoyed putting it together and I hope you'll enjoy listening!

CLICK HERE!

Cold War Reggae

This is the first part of what I think may be a pretty involved theme mix... something along the lines of the yearly Halloween Spooktacular, full of sound effects, soundbites, etc.

For the last month, I have been watching a 24 part series on the history of the Cold War, so the subject matter has been on my mind... so the other day I was in the car and up popped the Scientist track and I immediately got inspired... The track, "Dangerous Match 1" track, taken from Scientist's 1982 Greensleeves LP Scientist Wins The World Cup, has such an ominous and evil sound to it that it inspired me to start putting this together. The Clint Eastwood & General Saint "Can't Take Another World War" is haunting and absolutely perfect in grimly conveying the mood that Scientist laid down!

This mix will give me the opportunity to throw in a bunch of "cold war era" audio clips that have been littering my hard drives for years.

Reggae In Space

Since the early days of ska, when the United States and the Soviet Union were competing for space supremacy, the interest of man reaching beyond the planet that we all know as home has been the subject of many a Jamaican tune... especially in 1969, during the height of the early/skinhead reggae era when America put a man on the moon.  Now I'm not going to get into conspiracy theories about that event, I'm going to get into what you're going to hear!

1.  The Vulcans - Journey Into Space
2.  Tommy McCook - Out Of Space
3.  Sir Washington - Apollo 12
4.  Winston Wright - Moon Invader
5.  The Cobbs - Space Doctor
6.  Errol Brown - Lift Off
7.  Sir Harry & The Hippy Boys - Neil Armstrong
8.  Byron Lee & The Dragonaires - Space Fever
9.  Brentford Road All Stars - Moon Ride
10.  I Roy - Space Flight
11.  Jackie Mittoo - Moon Walk
12.  The Fabions - V Rocket
13.  Derrick Morgan - Man Pon Moon
14.  Beverley All Stars - In Orbit
15.  The Hippy Boys - Moon Walk
16.  Nicky Thomas - Doing The Moonwalk
17.  Harry J All Stars - U.F.O.
18.  Lloyd Willis - Apollo Rocket
19.  Eric Frater - Venus
20.  The Supersonics - Gemini Rock
21.  Sir Harry - Moon Walk
22.  Rupie Martin's All Stars - Apollo 11
23.  Upsetters - Moon Version
24.  U Roy - Your Ace From Outer Space
25.  Tommy McCook - Rocket Ship 

So buckle up for a rocket trip to Venus and Mars because we're only moments from liftoff!  

Reggae In Space

Sunday Morning Mix

I don't know if it's because it's officially spring or if I just so happened to get 13 hours of sleep last night but I got inspired this morning.  I woke up on this Sunday morning, everyone else was asleep, the sun was shining and I just felt like putting together a mix to express my love for a sleepy Sunday and the end to another lousy winter! A couple songs about breakfast, some morning songs, some coffee songs, etc.  Just the right mix to put you in a mellow but cheerful Sunday mood.

What you're gonna hear...

1.  Bongo Herman - African Breakfast
2.  Jimmy Cliff - Hello Sunshine
3.  The Gaylads - Joy In The Morning
4.  Hedley Bennett - Hot Coffee
5.  Jackie Mittoo - Lazy Bones
6.  The Mellotones - Feel Good
7.  Lorna Bennett - Breakfast In Bed
8.  The Silvertones - Early In The Morning
9.  Carl Bryan - Sunday Version
10.  Keith Poppin - Same Thing For Breakfast
11.  Joya Landis - Angel Of The Morning
12.  Splenders - Sometimes Coffee
13.  Bongo Herman - Reggae With The Birds
14.  Gregory Isaacs - Sunday Morning
15.  Augustus Pablo - Rising Sun
16.  Earth, Roots & Water - Awakening
17.  Danny Ray - Ain't It A Beautiful Morning
18.  Aggrovators - Spring Time
19.  Beres Hammond - Smile
20.  The Heptones - Tea For Two

Enjoy!

Siberian Hi-Fi's Deep Freeze Mix

I can't type much because sitting at the computer is taking away precious time where I could be warming my frozen toes in front of the fire... regardless, this winter has been ri-goddamn-diculous and I for one am at the breaking point.  So grab a blanket or 4, a hot beverage, another pair of socks and huddle close together and listen to the latest mix (and the first for 2015) from yours truly.  Hopefully this mix will put a smile on your face or at least help you imagine a place far more sunny and warm than most of the North America as we endure this bone chilling "Siberian Express."  Stay warm folks and let's hope and pray for a sooner spring!

1.  The Wailers - Long Long Winter
2.  Lennie Hibbert - Snow Bird
3.  Wackie's Rhythm Force - Hot & Cold
4.  The Upsetters - Cold Weather
5.  Ranking Joe - Wood For My Fire
6.  Keith Hudson - Turn The Heater On
7.  Roy Shirley - Warming Up The Scene
8.  Prince Buster - Freezing Up Orange Street
9.  Desmond Dekker - When I'm Cold
10.  Lyn Taitt & The Jets - Nice Time
11.  Johnny Osbourne - Ice Cream Love
12.  Yellowman & Peter Metro - Canada Cold
13.  Roots Radics - Time Is Cold
14.  Jackie Mittoo - Sister Freeze
15.  Lacksley Castell - Cold Winter Night
16.  Dennis Brown - Icy Road
17.  Ras Pidow - Winter Storm
18.  The Gaylads - Cold And Lonely Night
19.  The Maytones - Cold Up
20.  Scientist & The Roots Radics - Scientist's Winter Dub

CLICK THE CUBE FOR THE LINK

Christmas Mixes From Christmas Past

I have had numerous requests for mixes from specific previous years and I figured I'd make it easy for everyone but just re-uploading 'em all!  Enjoy!  I will also upload last years mix sometime tonight!

The 2006 Jamaican Christmas Mix

1. Carlene Davis – Santa Claus (Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto)
2. King Stitt – Christmas Tree
3. Johnny Osbourne – Christmas Stylee
4. The Joe Gibbs Family – We Three Kings
5. Gregory Isaacs – Christmas Behind The Bars
6. Yellowman – Where Is Santa Claus?
7. Eek A Mouse – Christmas A Come
8. Cocoa Tea - Christmas Is Coming
9. The Aggrovators – Santa Claus Dub
10. Ras Pidow – Winter Storm
11. The Wailers – White Christmas
12. Toots & The Maytals – Christmas Feeling Ska
13. Alton Ellis & The Lipsticks – Merry Merry Christmas
14. Jacob Miller – On The Twelve Days Of Ismas
15. Trinity – Video Christmas
16. Eek A Mouse – The Night Before Christmas
17. Michael Palmer – Happy Merry Christmas
18. The Granville Williams Orchestra – Santa Claus Is Ska-Ing To Town
19. Tiger – Tiger Claus
20. Freddie McGregor – O Come Let Us Adore Him
21. Dillinger – Hi Fashion Christmas
22. Jacob Miller – Deck The Halls
23. Trinity – All I Want For Christmas
24. The Ethiopians – Ding Dong Bell
25. Rico And His Boys – Silent Night

 The 2007 Jamaican Christmas Mix

1. Jacob Miller - All I Want For Ismas
2. Horace Andy - Christmas Time
3. The Aggrovators - Santa Claus And The Aggrovators Conquer The Martians Inna Holiday Rockers Style
4. Kingstonians - Merry Christmas
5. Cocoa Tea - Please Come For Christmas
6. Mutabaruka - Postpone Christmas
7. Brent Dowe - Christmas In Jamaica
8. Steve Golding - Strictly Rock Christmas
9. Kashief Lindo - Someday At Christmas
10. Frank Cosmo - Merry Christmas
11. Al & The Vibrators - Merry Christmas
12. Lovindeer - It's Christmas Time Again
13. Jackie Mittoo - Joy Joy
14. The Cimarons - Holy Christmas
15. Ringo - Christmas Time
16. Little Kirk - Gee Whiz
17. Half Pint - Christmas Vibes
18. Gregory Isaacs - White Christmas
19. John Holt - Winter World Of Love
20. Sugar Minott - Christmas Jamboree
21. Peter Broggs - Twelve Days Of Christmas
22. Barrington Levy - Christmas Day
23. The Wailers - Sound The Trumpet
24. Little John - Save A Little For Christmas
25. Ernest Wilson - We Wish You A Merry Christmas

 The 2008 Jamaican Christmas Mix

 

1. Nigger Kojak - Christmas Style
2. Bunny & Skully - White Christmas
3. Lord Nelson - Party For Santa Claus
4. The Wailers - Go, Tell It On The Mountain
5. Frankie Paul - Merry Christmas
6. Alton Ellis - Christmas Coming
7. Glen Adams - Xmas Rock
8. Michigan & Smiley - Little Drummer Boy
9. Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Christmas Day
10. Iron Phoenix - Natty Dread Christmas
11. Gregory Isaacs - It's Christmas Time Again
12. Johnny Clarke - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
13. Winston Groovy - Merry Christmas
14. Jacob Miller - Silver Bells
15. Ray I - Natty No Santa Claus
16. Jah Walton - DJ Christmas
17. Toots & The Maytals - Happy Christmas
18. Horace Andy - Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
19. The Silvertones - Bling Bling Christmas
20. Freddie McGregor - Irie Christmas
21. Charley Fresh - Jam Down Christmas
22. Tippa Lee & Rappa Roberts - Christmas Is Coming
23. Hortense Ellis - Black Christmas
24. Trinity - African Christmas
25. Richard Ace - Joyful Reggae

The 2009 Jamaican Christmas Mix

1. Tristan Palmer - Christmas Jamboree
2. Roman Stewart - Christmas Affair
3. Frank Cosmo - Greetings From Beverley's
4. General Trees - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
5. Jackie Edwards - White Christmas
6. Shorty The President - Christmas Fair
7. Norman T. Washington - It's Christmas Time Again
8. Colin Roach & Anthony Malvo - Merry Christmas
9. J.C. Lodge - Joy To The World
10. Lloyd Seivright - Mary's Boy Child
11. Lui Lepke - Christmas Season
12. Winston Francis - Here Comes Santa
13. Verna Lee Powell - He Is My Santa Claus
14. Sandra Robinson & Lee Scratch Perry - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year
15. Ringo - Never Forget Christmas
16. Sonny Bradshaw - Peace And Love
17. Barry Brown - Christmas Christmas
18. Anthony Selassie - Rub A Dub Christmas
19. Hopeton & Primo - Peace On Earth
20. Tennessee Brown & The Silvertones - Jingle Bells
21. Don Cornell & The Eternals - Christmas Joy
22. Gable School Choir - Reggae Christmas
23. Neville Willoughby - Christmas In JA
24. Rupie Edwards - Christmas Rush
25. Go Home Productions - Karen Meets Roots Radics Uptown

The 2010 Jamaican Christmas Mix

1. Barrington Levy - Once A Year
2. Jah Thomas - Christmas Shopping
3. Tennessee Brown & The Silvertones - Little Drummer Boy
4. Gregory Isaacs - The Christmas Song
5. Sachmoore - Wuh You Got To Gimme For Christmas
6. Leon Danger & Mr. Culture - This Christmas
7. Chris Wayne - Silver Bells
8. Cedric Bravo w/Rico & The Five Stars - Merry Christmas
9. Norman T. Washington - Happy Christmas
10. Norman T. Washington - Happy Christmas Version
11. The Silent Choir - Silent Night
12. Alton Ellis - Praise Jah It's Christmas
13. Trinity - Santa Claus Comes Once A Year
14. Shinehead - Reggae Christmas Medley
15. Tyrone Taylor - Winter Wonderland
16. Admiral Bailey - Christmas Style
17. Ruddy Thomas - Reggae Happy Christmas
18. Tony Tuff - Christmas Irie
19. Little John - It's Christmas Time
20. Triston Palmer - Oh Holy Night
21. Arcanians - Christmas In Jamaica
22. Alton Ellis - Joy To The World
23. Delroy Melody - Christmas Time
24. King Everald - Santa Claus
25. Cimarons - Silent Night/White Christmas

 The 2011 Jamaican Christmas Mix

1. Dean Fraser - Deck The Halls
2. John C - We Three Kings
3. Ken Boothe - This Christmas
4. Glen Adams - Joyful Tidings
5. Byron Lee & The Dragonaires - Winter Wonderland Reggae
6. Don Drummond - Snowboy
7. Barrington Levy - Flash Your Dread
8. Trinity - Flash Your Dread (DJ Version)
9. Johnny Osbourne & Jennifer Lara - Christmas Medley
10. Horace Andy - Hark The Herald
11. D.D. Dennis - Christmas Message
12. Wain Nelson - Santa Claus
13. Lord Beginner - Christmas Morning The Rum Had Me Yawning
14. Raymond Harper - White Christmas
15. Jimpy - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
16. Eek A Mouse - Have A Merry Little Xmas
17. Niyah & The Sunflakes - Merry Christmas
18. Lovindeer - Christmas Feeling
19. Don Carlos - Jingle Bells
20. Tippa Lee, Nardo Ranks, Half Pint & David Brevett - Dedicated To Santa
21. Silvertones - Merry Merry Christmas
22. Dennis Brown - Ding Dong Merrily On High
23. Gregory Isaacs - Ding Dong Bell
24. Junior Roots - Christmas Time Again
25. Owen Gray - Collins Greetings

The 2012 Jamaican Christmas Mix - Seven Inches Of Christmas Joy

1.  Little John - Save A Little For Christmas
2.  Roman Stewart - Christmas Affair
3.  Jah Walton - DJ Christmas
4.  Don Cornel & The Eternals - Christmas Joy
5.  Barry Brown - Christmas Christmas
6.  Cocoa Tea - Christmas Is Coming
7.  Johnny Clarke - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
8.  Verna Lee Powell - He Is My Santa Claus
9.  Glen Adams - Xmas Rock
10.  Trinity - Video Christmas
11.  Silent Choir - Silent Night
12.  Niyah & The Sunflakes - Merry Christmas
13.  Glen Adams - Joyful Tidings
14.  Mutabaruka - Postpone Christmas
15.  Tippa Lee, Nardo Ranks, Half Pint & David Brevett - Dedicated To Santa
16.  Nigger Kojak - Christmas Style
17.  Norman T. Washington - It's Christmas Time Again
18.  Owen Gray - Collins Greetings
19.  Cedric Bravo w/Rico & The Four Stars - Merry Christmas
20.  Leon Danger & Mr. Culture - This Christmas  

It's Politricks Time Again...

I am not about to get on my anti-political soapbox but it's that time of year again... so instead of stating my case for my personal apolitical leanings I'll just let the music do the talking.  

What you're gonna hear...

1.  Half Pint - Political Fiction

2.  Johnny Osbourne - Mr. Politician

3.  Barry Brown - Politician

4.  Papa Tullo - Straight To The Government

5.  Lucky Dube - Political Games

6.  Cornell Campbell - Politricks

7.  Eastwood & Saint - Vote For Me

8.  Big Youth - Political Confusion

9.  Everton Blender - World Corruption

10.  Admiral Bailey - Politician

11.  Mighty Diamonds - Heads Of Government

12.  King Jammy - Government Dub

The 2014 Politricks Mix

Hopeton Lewis Tribute (1947-2014)

I was remiss in not taking action on this tribute sooner but as I mentioned in the midst of last month's festivities that I was going to make this right and I have kept my word.

Hopeton Lewis played a huge part in the history of Jamaican music... at 19 he recorded one of the earliest rocksteady hits, "Take It Easy" with Lynn Taitt & The Jets, as well as the distinction of being the first artist to ever record a ganja tune, "Cool Cool Collie" is considered the first tune of its type ever recorded in Jamaica.  He went on to work for the legendary Duke Reid as a backing vocalist and arranger - winning the 1970 Festival Song title with his tune "Boom Shaka Lacka."  Not long after, he became the singer for Byron Lee & The Dragonaires and had a big hit with "Grooving Out On Life" in 1971.  Hopeton continued recording into the reggae era but soon his attention turned to religious music in the 1980's when he began producing an assortment of gospel albums.  Hopeton Lewis lived in Brooklyn New York and for the last 5 years he hosted a Christian music program on a community radio station, three times a week before his passing on September 4th. 

I really enjoyed putting this tribute mix together and it was a real eye-opening experience for a guy who has had a nearly 30 year passion for Jamaican music but never really took the time to appreciate Hopeton Lewis' talent!  I have been missing out on some great music and for those of you who are also not very familiar with Hopeton Lewis, I really think you're going to love what you hear!

Here's what I've got lined up...

1.  Sound & Pressure
2.  At The Corner Of The Street
3.  On The Right Track w/Phyllis Dillon
4.  Grooving Out On Life
5.  This Music Got Soul
6.  Deh Pon Dem
7.  Tom Drunk w/U-Roy
8.  Skinny Leg Girl w/Glen Brown
9.  Rocksteady
10.  Let Me Come On Home
11.  Cool Cool Collie
12.  Take It Easy
13.  Rock A Shacka
14.  Judgement Day
15.  Boom Shaka Lacka
16.  This Poor Boy
17.  Don't Cry
18.  Let The Little Girl Dance
19.  Hard Ship Of Life
20.  Story Book Children

THE HOPETON LEWIS TRIBUTE MIX