Harder They Come, The [Remastered] - Various Artists > Reviews > Roots Reggae By Jimmy Cliff And Shantytown Chums

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Good

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

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

There are not that many film soundtracks that are made into CD's and are played and treasured as an album in their own right. People usually buy them because they liked the film, find that half the tracks are not so good without said film, and the CD inevitably gravitates towards the dusty, never played, soon-to-be-in-a-boot sale section of the CD rack.

There are a few exceptions to the rule. 'Easy Rider' comes to mind for those of you who are greying, balding or drooping. 'Pulp Fiction' is probably a better example for those who still have all their own teeth. Being a member of the former I can also cite this album, now digitally re-mastered, 'The Harder They Come'. It is the soundtrack of the 1973 film of the same name made by Perry Henzel.

By the way, if you don't like Reggae read no further.

The film was the story of a Kingston shantytown low-life gangster (played by Jimmy Cliff) and his Robin Hood style journey from disaster to tragedy in the Jamaican slums. It was, and is, a brilliantly engaging film to which the Brazilian film 'City of God' owes not a little of its style and atmosphere.

The soundtrack, as well as complimenting the atmosphere of the film, in its compilation nicely represents that form of pre-Marley reggae known as Rock-Steady. Together with Ska, Rock-Steady came directly from Calypso and retained some of its 'jauntiness' while still being able to be sometimes dark and mournful.

Half the tracks on the CD are performed by Jimmy Cliff himself, as is the first:

*1-You Can Get It If You Really Want*
Well known track that hit the mainstream charts. Up tempo reggae.

*2-Draw Your Brakes*
Sung by 'Scotty', a popular Jamaican DJ in the 60's and 70's. He's a legend in Jamaica, who died in 2003. This is probably his most famous song and could make your granny dance.

*3-By The Rivers Of Babylon*
The original rastafarian anthem by the 'Melodians'. Always makes me cry and I'm as white as tripe! Boney M, eat your hearts out!

*4-Many Rivers To Cross*
Jimmy Cliff again. Slow tear jerking lament about the weary trudge through life. Start looking for that half bottle of whisky!

*5-Sweet And Dandy*
Performed by 'Toots and the Maytals' who were one of the groups who bridged the gap between Rock-Steady and modern reggae. You can dry your eyes, I've never heard a Maytals' track that hasn't uplifted me. If you like this, check out a CD called 'Funky Kingston'.

*6-Harder They Come*
Jimmy Cliff singing the title track. Basic bread and butter reggae.

*7-Johnny Too Bad*
Performed by the 'Slickers' another 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 history-of CD as most of the tracks are classics in their own right. The re-mastering is inaudible to my ears but I'll take their word for it. I heartily recommend it if you like Reggae and I defy you not to dance around the kitchen when you put it on!Available at a variety of prices these days but shouldn't be more than a fiver really. There is also a deluxe 2 CD set around., but that's not the original soundtrack and is for another review.
 

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Jimmy Cliff