Credits:

The Inspirations (Reggae)

Description:

This delightful compilation collects tracks produced by Joe Gibbs (with Niney engineering) between 1969 and 1971, most of which are by a vocal duo called the Inspirations (Jimmy London and Billy Dyce) and the instrumental group known as Lloyd Willis & His Destroyers. There are also scattered cuts by Ken Parker and a group called the Immortals. The end result, though, isn't as diffused as it might appear, but is actually a remarkably consistent sequence of gritty late-era rocksteady gems. The opening track, "Mad Rooster," is typical of the Willis pieces, while the impressive (and cleverly titled) "Why Do We Laugh at My Calamities," "The Train Is Coming," and the absurd (but infectious) "Take Back Your Duck" are among the highlights from the Inspirations. The rhythms on this collection are sparse and heavy-sounding, full of speedy organ fills and ragged guitar lines, and the vocal pieces are stellar examples of Jamaican harmony, making Reggae Fever a masterpiece of a minor sort. ~ Steve Leggett

Tracklisting:

1.Lloyd Willis & The Destroyers / Mad Rooster
2.The Inspirations / Ease Up
3.The Inspirations / Wet Dreams
4.The Inspirations / Why Do You Laugh At My Calamities
5.The Inspirations / Samfie Man
6.Ken Parker / Only Yesterday
7.Lloyd Willis & The Destroyers / Reggae Fever
8.The Inspirations / Bongo Nyah
9.The Inspirations / Who You Gonna Run To
10.The Inspirations / Sweet Sensation
11.The Inspirations / Fattie Fattie
12.Lloyd Willis & The Destroyers / Liquidator
13.The Inspirations / The Train Is Coming (Bonus Track)
14.The Inspirations / A Message To My Girl (Bonus Track)
15.The Inspirations / La La (Na Na Hey Hey) (Bonus Track)
16.The Inspirations / Take Back Your Duck (Bonus Track)
17.The Inspirations / Man Oh Man (Bonus Track)
18.The Inspirations / Nothing For Nothing (Bonus Track)
19.Niney & The Destroyers / Danger Zone (Bonus Track)
20.Ken Parker / It's Alright (Bonus Track)
21.Stranger Cole / What Mama Na Want She Get (Bonus Track)
22.The Versatiles / Lu Lu Bell (Bonus Track)
23.The Hippy Boys / The Hippys Are Here (Bonus Track)
24.Ken Parker / Sugar Dumplin' (Bonus Track)
25.Stranger Cole / We Two (Bonus Track)
26.The Versatiles / Long Long Time (Bonus Track)
27.Lord Comic & The Destroyers / Franco Nero (Bonus Track)
28.The Destroyers / Franco Nero (Version 2) (Bonus Track)