Desmond Dekker - Desmond Dekker

Advantages: A good mixture of covers
Disadvantages: Not enough songs!

...Madness in the their latter years somewhat lost touch, and lost their connection with their roots. Everything that made them who they were in the late part of the 70's had all but gone by as early as 1981. But 2005 saw Madness take a welcomed return to those roots we all missed. However it wasn't with new writings or recordings. It was covers of those bands that helped create them. The Dangermen Sessions - Volume 1. From the soulfulness of The Supremes - You Keep Me Hanging On to the roots reggae of Bob Marleys' - So Much Trouble In The World. Not to mention covers of The Kinks, Desmond Dekker and of course, probably the man who played the biggest influence on Madness. . . . Prince Buster. This CD is a must have for any Madness fan.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great sound
Disadvantages: Some weak links

...as it captures the feel of the original but turns it into a faithful soft-core punk rendition. The track is quite hard-hitting, very in your face material as is '9 to 5' by Dolly Parton, modifying less boisterous tracks into real music. However, most people will probably disagree with me on that one! 'Dragster', off the 'Story of My Life' single, begins calmly, and is in fact a welcome relief after '9 to 5'. The bass line, although not complicated, provides a gentle feel before a relaxed tune sets in, ending with a fantastic tuneful mellowness. I hope I haven't lost you here! 'An Elf and His Zippo' returns to the wild feel we had come to expect of this band. Off the 1996 single named 'Move Your Car', this is the real Millencolin, pacey and creating music which strays less. I cannot stand 'Israelites', a cover of Desmond Dekker's hit. I suppose... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: some classic reggae tracks including Rivers of babylon
Disadvantages: 2 tracks are repeated

...legendary combo in 70's Jamaica. Calypso influenced Reggae song about a tragedy waiting to happen called Johnny. Good sing-along stuff. *8-007 (Shanty Town)* Sung by Desmond Dekker of 'Israelites' fame. Better in my humble opinion. What is this obsession the Jamaicans have got with 007? *9-Pressure Drop* Toots and the Maytals again. Probably the song they're best known for. *10-Sitting in Limbo* Jimmy Cliff singing the most commercial song on the CD. It's ok but nothing to write home about. Every CD has to have one. *11-You Can Get It If You Really Want* *12-Harder They Come* These are my main complaint with this album. They aren't the same as the previous versions, but almost. The only difference is that they include protracted instrumentals. As I said, this a soundtrack CD which is able to stand alone as an album. It could be a Reggae... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful