Customer Reviews

First Among Equals

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The British sure seem to love their ska - as an American while there are a handful of mildly amusing songs in the ska subgenre, we can pretty much take it or leave it.

So, if you love ska - you'll probably enjoy this CD as it combines ska with light funk (and emphasis on light).

There are a some CRACKING tracks like Baby Come Back, Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys & Butterfly Red White & Blue that wouldn't be out of place on a Philly or Memphis sound collection of the 1960's or early 1970's but the rest of the CD is pretty much ska-light funk which to American ears just sound like weak non-descript funk. Perhaps the best description is they sound like The Spinners minus the funk, soul and catchy songs ... if that sounds like faint praise ... it is.

So, the three songs listed above are worth hearing - perhaps on a single disc collection but the rest really depends on how much you like ska & light funk. At 40 tracks, there's way too much American filler.

This UK combo is best remembered by older U.S. radio listeners for their 1968 light-ska top-40 hit "Baby Come Back." Others may have only learned of the Equals in hindsight when their vocalist and primary songwriter, Eddy Grant, returned to the American charts with his 1983 hit "Electric Avenue." But from the mid-60s into the early-70s, The Equals turned out pop, ska, and soul, and dipped into the psychedelic-enhanced rock and funk territory that Norman Whitfield pioneered on Motown. Their songs ventured into social politics with the proud declaration of the band's racial integration, "Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys," and the persecution themed "Police on My Back," the latter of which was famously covered by The Clash. More successful at home than in the U.S., their catalog includes the Memphis soul "Butterfly Red White & Blue," the bubblegum "Viva Bobby Joe," and the guitar garage groove "My Life Ain't Easy." At 40 tracks - all original compositions! - this set's career overview may be deeper than casual fans will seek, but if you liked the hit single, you'll find the group's catalog similar in tone and quality. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]

The Equals burst onto the scene in June of 1968. By July their single "Baby Come Back" was firmly sitting in the number one spot on the British Charts. Not a bad start at all for this interracial British-Jamaician quintet led by Eddy Grant on Guitars and vocals and Derv Gordon, who handled most of the vocal duties. While only having three charted hits that made the British top twenty. They are a fun group to listen to. "First Among Equals" by the Equals is a collection of some of their best music. It's an uptempo Jamaician- Rock and Roll celebration. Eddy Grant shows some great potential on limited lead opportunities. The addition of horns on tracks like "I'm Gonna Dance All Night" and "Just Me And You" show a great touch and on "Just Me And You" there's some nice guitar riffs. The Equals never achieved the success they should have. All you have to do is listen to "First Among Equals" by The Equals, to realize that. I don't know how long this album will be available on Amazon but if you like British pop of the late sixties and early seventies I would be for snatching up a copy of this one. It's good all the way through. "Police On My Back" is another fine example of cross-culure music, fine beat, good vocals, and some nice riffs. We haven't even talked about the fact that this is riff-rock at it's best. "Softly Softly" another hit for the Boys, again with the great guitar riff all the way through, very reminiscent of "Baby Come Back". But for a look back to sixties British Charts this CD is for you. It tends to grow on you too. "Take A Little Sad Song" is just great. If you can find a deal on "First Among Equals" by The Equals I would latch on to it , but quick. I haven't checked the status on Amazon of this fun disc but like i said it's a dying breed. "Viva Bobby Joe" closes the set and my time with you. I hope this album finds a place in your heart and CD collection as it did in mine. If you are lucky enough to find it, Enjoy. Found at Amazon, under The Equals. All The Best, Michael Jay