Jah Rock Style (The Anthology) - Jackie Mittoo

Advantages: Superb music by the first great female.rock.band to go mainstream.
Disadvantages: No lyrics. Band members don't get a penny from this anthology.

...the lament, 'It's so f*cking hard!', softly but audibly, shocking my young and innocent ears when I finally made out what she was saying. I'd never encountered the f-word in any pop or rock song before-another first for Fanny, in my book! June's pop side emerges on the upbeat and jangly 'Sound and Fury', which highlights delicious slide guitar in the background and instrumental, coupled with a terribly infectious chorus. Nickey's 'The First Time' (from which the CD anthology gets its name) makes for a fitting end to the album. It's another Beatles-influenced tune whose simple beginning yields to a multilayered, orchestral grandness and density with the bright and shiny trombones enhancing the group's lovely yet totally rocking vocal harmonies. By the time things die down and fade away at the end, there's a feeling of catharsis. (Don't know... Read review

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Advantages: Perfect summer day's album
Disadvantages: not really winter listening

...Jackie Mittoo is perhaps not as well known as he should be. Perhaps this reissue will help people remember. Prominent in the rocksteady and burgeoning ska scene in Kingston in the 60s, he became the inhouse producer and arranger at Studio One. On this compilation, he shows the funkiness and louche coolness of his keyboard playing. You can feel the sheer dopeness of his attitude throughout. The instrumentation is assurred and funky but never too showy, giving an impression of relaxed contentment. You just feel that you are in some hot, humid (but not oppressive) summery environment, watching the boats leave the harbour in Montego Bay or lounging on the balcony at a bijoux Notting Hill or Brighton appartment Mittoo doesn't have make the listenere realise he has style, it is just too plainly obvious. He ain't too bad at singing either... Read review

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Advantages: 2 Discs, 34 songs
Disadvantages: 70s era songs are missing.

...to sing alone too. A nice tempo and nice in contrast to the track just before it. Head First This song I had not heard untill I purchased the album. As before, lyrics to sing along to, and a nice steady tempo. Some nice short guitar solos included in this track. I grew to like this track straight away. Great to listen to while in the car or something like that. Livin On The Edge - Acoustic Version: I prefer the original version of this to be honest, but this is still a good song. With an Eastern style of music backing it is a nice relaxed song. Generally just a nice song. Like stated above, prefer the original, but this is still a good song. A good solid chorus. Don't Stop: Hard bass beats, fast tempo.I had not heard this song untill I purchased this album. It is rock.Catchy tune and great guitar playing. Can't Stop Messin... Read review

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