Today’s featured record is the instrumental flip-side of the glorious “Not for a Moment.” The 1968 Coxsone label ‘Man Pon Spot” differs from the song of the same name released on Bamboo in 1970, but both feature Jackie Mittoo on organ.
Posted in Rocksteady, Sound Clips
Tagged 1968, Coxsone, jackie mittoo, Rocksteady, soul vendors
The Beltones had a fourth member, Rudolph Simmonds (nicknamed “Bop” and “Mr. Legs”) in their early Coxsone days and recorded songs under the name “Bop and the Beltones.” The song featured in this post is pure rocksteady bliss, with lovely vocal harmonies and romantic lyrics.
Many thanks to Trevor Shields for the additional information.
The West Indians, a group which included singer Eric Donaldson, formed during the rocksteady era. They recorded their first tunes for J.J. Johnson, including the two Doctor Bird sides featured in this post.
“Falling in Love” has a much different feel from a typical rocksteady tune. The bass and drums are still at the forefront, but the drummer plays burru style through the song’s entirety. Combined with the vocals, the sound is both haunting and lovely.
The flip side, “I Mean It,” is a nice, mellow rocksteady number.
The release on Doctor Bird will probably run 30 GBP or more, although cheaper ones slip through on occasion. The two sides are also available on the Jamaican J.J. label.
Posted in Rocksteady, Sound Clips
Tagged 1968, doctor bird, jj, Rocksteady, west indians
