Customer Reviews

Darker Than Blue: Soul from Jamdown (1973-1980)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

DARKER THAN BLUE: Manchester's Blood & Fire crew has been responsible for digging up and dusting off some of the most scorching reggae ever recorded, and SOUL FROM JAMDOWN seems to me to be the very pinnacle of their considerable achievements so far. Whereas earlier B&F collections tended to focus on a particular artist or producer, this release attempts to capture a specific sound : that is, the apocalyptic meeting of reggae and classic American soul music of the 60s and 70s. For Steve Barrow and Mark Ainley the JAMDOWN project has obviously been a labour of love, and their dedication and diligence is reflected in the sheer quality of the material on offer here. Push play, and tune in to sixty-four minutes of flying sparks, as some of Jamaica's most talented musicians meld the raw appeal of reggae to the smooth soul sound of black America. Highlights? The whole disc is one big highlight, but stand-outs would have to include Boris Gardiner's driving organ workout (keys courtesy of Leslie Butler) GHETTO FUNK; Milton Henry's searing take on GYPSY WOMAN; Al Brown's superb reading of AIN'T NO LOVE; and the forgotten Upsetter gem SLIPPING INTO DARKNESS, a deep vibration courtesy of the otherwise unkown Carl Bradney. In short, this collection is ALL KILLER from start to finish; scroll back up top, and put this one in your shopping cart immediately.

I admit I was a little leery, I thought it would simply be some weak reggae-fied 60's soul tracks - more novelty than anything (or worse - steel drums) but these are top notch re-interpretated reggae-funk with meaningful performances.

There are some killer cuts that not only remind you that 1960's soul/r&b was not just fun and games - it held meaning and ask real questions - and this CD shows that that message is universal.

if it were possible to rate this record higher, i surely would! it is impeccable! from older reggae artists found covering classic soulful american jams, EACH ONE of these classic tracks consistently smokes! ...from lighter, more melodic songs like (give me yer love) to bass-heavy, rock-steady tunes like (just 'cos i'm black) this album is phenominal for ANY occasion! vocal arrangements influenced by 'motown's' best talents. SWEET, easy bass and drum grooves with popular music. very difficult to find THIS many classics on one record! (perhaps try the old trojan records comps.) but be CERTAIN not to pass THIS one up! few other albums will have you grooving all the way through!
AND in addition, the photography inside the booklet is priceless! fantastic photos of life in the heart of jamaica.
-enjoy!

A brilliant compilation, a particular favourite is "Is it because I'm black"

This is a classic compilation, though it is only one cd, the folks that put it together know their past in reggae music. It is possible to match this compilation in one cd but to surpass it, no way. This cd brings the past to the present and into the future. Enjoy it.

I've listen to a lot of music and this is by far one of the best reggae compilations that exists. Its by far the best compilation overall that exists. Not only is the music good but the words of artists are lit by the deep emotion each individual artist adds giving it true soul. Recomended listening includes "Slipping Into Darkness" which is backed by the Barret brothers as well as "Is It Because I'm Black".