Customer Reviews

Funky Kingston

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Only a handful of times in my life have I listened to an album for the first time and felt I already knew it by heart. I am in awe of this album. Knowing no way to give a just description of it, I will plug Toots himself.

In Nederland, CO, a small town in the mountains above Boulder, after the monstrous "Reggae on the Rocks" Festival, Toots, a 50+ year old man, played a gig to 200 people at 9,000ft for 4 hours without a break. He danced in the crowd. We danced on the stage. The management insisted on only one final song, so Toots broke into a rousing 20 minute version of 54-46. I went home an slept for 18 hours. The single (1) greatest musical experience of my life.

And it all began because I bought this album.

One night while I was an undergraduate at Middlebury College in Vermont, a few buddies and I were hangin out and my friend, Matt a.k.a. Society, puts on the live version of "54-46, that's my number" and in minutes the room erupted to the great sound of Toots Hibert himself. Since then, Midd has never been the same. Toots Hibert, the man who founded the word "reggae" back in the late 1960s on his track "Do The Reggae" brings his musical genius to a pinnacle on "Funky Kingston." Hits, such as Pomp and Pride, Pressure Drop, Sweet and Dandy, Country Roads, Monkey Man, and Reggae Got Soul certainly portray the coolness of the Maytals. For anyone interested in Reggae and Ska, Toots should be the first artist in your CD collection. Having seen Toots live in NYC and Burlington, I can honestly say that his concerts are the best shows I've ever seen. Over 50 years old, Toots still knows how to jam like a youngster. All reggae fans, for the complete Toots recordings pick up Time Tough-the Anthology--one word-Awesome.

Contrary to the Amazon editor's write-up, there WAS a proper album called "Funky Kingston." This ain't it, however. This stingy little collection brings together some of the tracks from the "Funky Kingston" album and some tracks from "In the Dark." For good measure, "Pressure Drop" is added in from "Monkey Man."

The original "Funky Kingston" and "In the Dark" are probably Toots & the Maytals' best albums. They date loosely from around 1973 and 1974. I strongly recommend that you buy these albums in their original form and skip this release which will end up redundant in your collection.

If you want a decent Toots & the Maytals sampler, spring for "Time Tough."

I absolutely LOVE this album. Every song is full of such great beats, it really makes me want to dance every single time I hear it. If you're looking for some good party tunes, this is definitely it!

I know this album by heart. It is certainly the best reggae recording that I've ever heard. The spirit of Toots shines through, and the combination of funk and West Indian understated rhythm is irresistible. My favourite dancing record.

This singles collection, though more than 25 years old, still sounds fresh today - thanks to the earthy, organic arrangements and Toots' soulful voice. Songs like "Time Tough" and "Pomp and Pride" will give you a sample of Toots' very peculiar approach to reggae, and the raspy character of his voice, together with a a tight though unobstructive backing band makes this CD a very enjoyable experience.

As far as classic reggae goes, no one can top Toots. Every song is great through the whole thing. This album is especially great for those slow sunday mornings or a little wake-up music before work. I haven't scene Toots live yet but him and the Maytals will be at Wakarusa festival this summer in Arkansas! I will definitely be there and if you like this record or are considering buying it, you'll want to be there too. Great album! Buy it!

Indespensible compilation....great brass from Sons of the Jungle....one of Bruce Springsteen's favorites....tons of punch but with a sweet, Carribean flavor

Toots is the best, if you can see him live, do so. He may not be young but the man can dance. Toots should be given more credit for what he has done in reggea and ska.

this album is really special to me. i like to collect reggae and world CDs. but this is one of my favorites. i really like it a lot. there version of louie louie will make your jaw drop.