* Marking the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence in August 2022, this celebratory album collection showcases an array of major hits and previously unissued tracks all of which were recorded in the year that the island became a sovereign nation: 1962. The first of the two discs focuses on the biggest home-grown sellers of the year, featuring ska and r&b hits by such celebrated foundation artists as Jimmy Cliff, Derrick Morgan, Owen Gray and Don Drummond, while the second disc comprises previously unissued recordings, produced by the country’s leading sound system operator-turned-record producer, Duke Reid. *
* More Calypsoes by Lord Melody, released in 1962, showcases the talent of the Trinidadian calypsonian during a pivotal period in his career. Lord Melody, one of the most renowned figures in calypso music, is celebrated for his captivating performances and witty lyricism. This album presents a collection of vibrant calypsos, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. With his distinctive style and infectious rhythms, Lord Melody captures the essence of Caribbean music, captivating listeners with his storytelling and musical prowess. "More Calypsoes" is a testament to his enduring legacy as a masterful calypso artist. *
2008 - The Kinks - Picture Book [Universal Box Set 6CD] (Flac)
There have been many, many Kinks compilations over the years but 'Picture Book' is different. Presented in a solid box format are 6 CDs and one excellent booklet which together cover the history of one of this country's finest rock bands. Indeed, The Kinks invented rock music with 'You Really Got Me' in 1964. There was nothing like this song before they came along. It was truly a revolution. So, when you listen to Oasis or David Bowie or Coldplay, this is where it started.
'Picture Book' is Ray Davies' musical autobiography of his band from 1964 through to the mid nineties. Everything you need is here plus a good number of previously unreleased tracks. In all, there are a staggering 138 songs here! All their hits, all their great album tracks plus a couple of dozen previously unheard tracks.
What is important here is how this band changed styles and influenced so many other artists over the years, how they invented garage band music ('I need you'), wrote about sunny afternoons, dedicated followers of fashion, village greens and transvestites ('Lola') right across to their American period on Arista and Sony.
All this essentially from a small handful of musicians and two amazing brothers. Ray may have been the lyrical and musical genius but we should never forget the edgy guitar sounds provided by Dave Davies.
If Ray had only written 'Waterloo Sunset' he would have gone down in music history. But what he and his band have contributed to rock music is basically incredible. And don't forget he wrote 'You Really Got Me' at the age of 19. How many kids out there have any chance of achieving one hundredth of that? Genius is rare, genius is Ray Davies.
What this 6 CD box set does is confirm their achievements in one place. Listening to 'I Go To Sleep' (covered by the Pretenders) and Oklahoma USA, for example, also reminds me of what a great ballad writer this guy is. It is one thing to make a big noise; it's another to be able to write a gentle ballad. The Beatles ('Yesterday' for example) and the Stones could also do this which is a mark of true genius.
While we have often focused on the Pye years up to 1971, we tend to forget what followed. Some 5 years on RCA produced some gems but this was the band's leanest period in my opinion. Too much focus on rock opera themes that were generally weak. Wrong label and a lack of strong direction from those around the band allowed this period to happen, I guess.
However, when we get to 1975, things picked up dramatically. Signing to Arista and Clive Davis' direction, the band had a new lease of life. America took to them in their droves. Hit albums, hit singles and some great material. If you like what is on CD's 4 - 6, then check out albums like 'Sleepwalker' and 'Low Budget' - tremendous rock albums but a long way from where they started.
For me, this band exceeded what the Beatles achieved and give the Stones a close run for their money. If I could listen to one song for the last time it would be 'Waterloo Sunset' - the perfect pop song in all senses.
For me - and many others around the world - The Kinks have given me endless hours of music pleasure over the past 40 plus years and always will do. From a little kid of 9 years old right up to today. God Bless Ray and Dave Davies. God Bless The Kinks.(Amazon review)
The three original Wailers were an interesting mix of personalities. Bob Marley was the charismatic -- a prophet, mystic and ladies' man all rolled into one. Peter Tosh was the cynical revolutionary. And Bunny Livingston was... what? It was hard to say until the group splintered and the three all went on to varying degrees of solo success. Once Bunny was out of the shadow of Peter and Bob, it became clear that his was, in some ways, the more fully integrated talent and the more grounded vision. Listen to the rich, melodious speaking voice that introduces "Rise and Shine," the lead track on Liberation. Listen to the chesty, resonant voice that then proceeds to deliver the song itself. Bunny may simply be the best singer of the three -- Bob always seemed to be possessed by the song, sometimes shaken across the stage like a rag doll by the need to get the words out of his head. Peter Tosh always seemed slightly contemptuous of the whole singing process and invested minimal effort in it. But Bunny is always in control of both his instrument and his material, and is, in some ways, a more effective messenger because of it. There are so many highlights on this album that they almost don't count as highlights -- "Want to Come Home," with its Nyabinghi drum foundation and its simple, powerful repatriation message; "Liberation," with its effortless melodic hook; "Bald Head Jesus" with its matter-of-fact references to Jesus as a "dreadlocked Nazarene" and its incorporation of "Give Me That Old Time Religion." It just doesn't get much better than this. (AllMusic)
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