Bunny Lee: Rocksteady Years

(Coll) Bunny Lee: Rocksteady Years (Moll-Selekta)
Reviewed by Sadie O., 9/14/05
Classic rocksteady from the top ranking producer of the musical form that bridged ska and reggae in the late 60’s. Pretty much all mid-tempo (because that’s what Rock Steady was), and they all sound like they were produced using a single mike in a bathroom, which isn’t far off either. Meant for dance numbers at “sound system” parties (where people have been known to conceive children while dancing), they all speak of love and try to emulate Motown, but with Jamaica’s inimitable lack of equipment and excess of marijuana. It’s hard to describe the hallmark sound of Rock Steady, so slap on any cut and find out. Be warned – it is NOT slick…
No FCC. All very similar in sound. Track 20 great; 4, 12, 15, 22 kinky cool.
1. falsetto lead vocals with rather unique harmonies
2. interesting vocal take on classic number; longest track on record, rather repetitive piano tinkle
3. tenor vocal on song we’re used to hearing as falsetto. Cute surf vibrato on guitar
4. **echo chamber production and farfisa – what’s not to love?
5. off-key female with baritone backup singer – pretty amusing
6. everything sounds slightly off kilter, but vocals slide into place. Sad song of love, alas
7. *wish the horns were as spot on as the sweet vocal harmonies.
8. *harmonies not as good, but check out the crazy stuttering “bass”
9. pretty odd lyrics, nice bubble in the cheesy keyboard
10. apparently that’s Schroeder on piano (ha!), nice vocals
11. similar to his huge hit “Dancing Mood” (hey, if “loving” works, try it again with “dancing”!)
12. **unique backup vocals, odd chord progression in bridge – cool!
13. largely extemporized vocals, pretty standard sound
14. sounds like a captive elephant helping the horn section. Instruments sound random, singer trying hard to be romantic
15. **cool harmonies, typical Jamaican patois phrasing
16. *decent female vocals, wishful thinking lyrics, neat sax
17. things sound a little off kilter, but ok
18. cover of US hit, pretty straight (echo-laden) vocals
19. nice “juvenile” vocals, another stuttering “bass” number
20. **the total package comes together really well, esp. vocals
21. *classic sound, interesting lyrics, fun bass vox near end
22. **farfisa from hell, falsetto vocals – so weird it’s good
23. awkward intro, nice singing once it gets started, cheesiest organ solo EVER EVER EVER
24. *nice female harmonies, more Jamaican patois phrasing
25. slightly uptempo, truly strange horns. Dem cats is crazy!