Even as a kid, I remember thinking this novelty single was inauthentic. Inauthentic but catchy enough to top the charts. (more…)

Everything I Own has an unusual place in pop history. It’s a song that gave two artists their only number one hits – but was a comparative flop for the band that wrote and recorded it first. (more…)

So very sad to hear of the death of Jamaican toaster U-Roy, aka Ewart Beckford, aka The Originator, aka Daddy U-Roy. One of the reggae greats.

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Bob Marley & The Wailers made their British TV debut when they appeared on the Old Grey Whistle Test in May 1973. (more…)

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Michael Prophet has an unusual “crying” voice that can be heard at its distinctive best on his first hit, a cover of a tune by The Maytones. (more…)

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Wayne Smith’s landmark ragga anthem Under Me Sleng Teng in 1985 marked the move away from conscious reggae into digital dancehall music in Jamaica. (more…)