Desmond Dekker and The Specials – King Of Kings
Release Info
Desmond Dekker and The Specials – King Of Kings
Label: Music On Vinyl | Format: LP | Street date: May 21, 2021
Tracklist
- Sammy Dead
- Fat Man
- Easy Snappin’
- Carry Go Bring Come
- Dancing Mood
- Humpty Dumpty
- King Of Ska
- Oil In My Lamp
- Take It Easy
- Wings Of A Dove
- King Of Kings
- Jamaica Ska
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Let’s make one thing very clear, the level of the original tunes is nowhere equaled. That is not surprising because the atmosphere, the circumstances, the musicians, and the drive were completely different at the time. The choice of songs is excellent, check out those well-known and loved songs from the early days of ska and rocksteady. The arrangements are very ‘nineties’, which does not benefit the atmosphere. The fact that Desmond Dekker was a contemporary of the original performing artists is a plus, he knows what he is singing about and is familiar with the original. Who knows, he may have contributed to one or more songs in one way or another.
The album opens with one of Jamaica’s most famous songs, the traditional Sammy Dead, which became famous with Eric ‘Monty’ Morris’s performance, their rendition of this one is enjoyable. Then follows a slightly too hasty version of Derrick Morgan’s 1968 hit Fat Man. The performance of Desmond’s early hit King Of Ska is rather polished compared to the original. In 1963, Carry Go Bring Come became a super hit for Justin Hinds and The Dominoes, a somewhat daring song with roots influences at the time. Here you’ll find a decent version of this classic. Delroy Wilson’s rocksteady hit Dancing Mood is performed in a very soft way. Hopeton Lewis’ chart-topper Take It Easy, unfortunately, lacks the sharpness of the original. The traditional Wings Of A Dove is one of the most swinging tunes on the album.