"Road Fever: The Complete Bearsville Recordings 1972-1975" by FOGHAT – Five Albums "Foghat"(July 1972), "Foghat [aka Rock And Roll]" (March 1973), "Energized" (January 1974), "Rock And Roll Outlaws" (October 1974), "Fool For The City" (September 1975) and an Exclusive Compilation "Single Versions 1972-1975" – Featuring Guitarists Lonesome Dave Peverett and Rod Price, Bassist Tony Stevens, Drummer Roger Earl and Bassist, Keyboardist and Producer Nick Jameson (March 2023 UK Cherry Red/HNE Recordings 6CD Clamshell Box Set Compilation – Tim Debney Masters Using 1990s WEA/Rhino Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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RATINGS: 

Material *** to ****

Presentation *****

Audio **** to *****

"…Slow Ride…"

Boogie, Boogie and more Boogie. You could not in a month of Sundays accuse England's FOGHAT of slacking on the let's-rock-until-we-puke front.

As you wade through these good-to-sometimes-great five albums at the start of their huge Blues Rock/Classic Rock career followed by a neatly compiled Single Versions 1972-1975 Bonus CD Companion with Rare Single and Promo-Only Edits – you are left both exhausted and exhilarated – much like one of their live shows I would imagine. 

This is Gee-Tar Rock in the same vein as Ten Years After or Savoy Brown or Status Quo - but with a very (somehow) American tint to it (Foghat were always much bigger in the States than at home in their native Blighty where buyers all but ignored them for decades).

I didn't (in honesty) pick up on Foghat until I heard the brill, catchy and radio friendly Slide Boogie of "Fool For The City" and bought the album of the same name in the Autumn of 1975. I went back and picked up their Bearsville catalogue on the cheap where their LPs were a staple in secondhand record emporiums. Which leads us to this rather cute and cuddly six-disc Clamshell Box Set with dinky Mini LP Repro Artwork Card Sleeves, a decent 20-page booklet and Tim Debney Masters that I swear are simply the Rhino Remasters of old (the 1990s) re-licensed. 

Time to ride people – and I don't mean Red Rum in the Epson Derby – more Fagash Lil in the Cheltenham Paddocks (the seedier end of the stalls, if you get my sack of hayseed)…to the details…

UK released 31 March 2023 - "Road Fever: The Complete Bearsville Recordings 1972-1975" by FOGHAT on Cherry Red/HNE Recordings QHNEBOX184 (Barcode 5013929928428) is a 6CD Clamshell Box Set (Five Albums and One Exclusive Single Versions Compilation) that plays out:

CD1 "Foghat" (38:09 minutes):
1. I Just Want To Make Love To You [Side 1]
2. Trouble, Trouble
3. Leavin' Again (Again!)
4. Fool's Hall Of Fame 
5. Sarah Lee
6. Highway (Killing Me) [Side 2]
7. Maybelline 
8. A Hole To Hide In
9. Gotta Get To Know You 
Tracks 1 to 9 are their debut album "Foghat" - released July 1972 in the USA on Bearsville BR 2077 and belatedly released June 1974 in the UK on Bearsville K 45503. Produced by DAVE EDMUNDS – peaked at No.127 on the US Billboard LP charts (didn't chart UK)

CD2 "Foghat" - aka "Rock And Roll" due to cover art - (38:37 minutes):
1. Ride, Ride, Ride [Side 1]
2. Feel So Bad 
3. Long Way To Go 
4. It's Too Late 
5. What A Shame [Side 2]
6. Helping Hand 
7. Road Fever 
8. She's Gone
9. Couldn't Make Her Stay
Tracks 10 to 18 are their 2nd album "Foghat (aka Rock And Roll)" released March 1973 in the USA on Bearsville BR 2136 and belated released July 1974 in the UK on Warner Brothers K 45514 . Produced by TIM DAWES – peaked at No.67 on the US Billboard LP charts (didn't chart UK)

CD3 "Energized" (40:02 minutes):
1. Honey Hush [Side 1]
2. Step Outside
3. Golden Arrow
4. Home In My Hand
5. Wild Cherry[Side 2]
6. That'll Be The Day
7. Fly By Night
8. Nothin' I Won't Do
Tracks 1 to 8 are their third studio album "Energized" - released January 1974 in the USA on Bearsville BR 6950 and belatedly released July 1974 in the UK on Bearsville K 55500. Produced by TOM DAWES - peaked at No.34 on the US Billboard LP charts (didn't chart UK)

CD4 "Rock And Roll Outlaws" (38:58 minutes):
1. Eight Days On The Road [Side 1]
2. Hate To See You Go
3. Dreamer
4. Trouble In My Way
5. Rock & Roll Outlaw [Side 2]
6. Shirley Jean
7. Blue Spruce Woman
8. Chateau LaFitte '59 Boogie
Tracks 1 to 8 are their fourth studio album "Rock And Roll Outlaws" - released October 1974 in the USA on Bearsville BR 6956 and October 1974 in the UK on Bearsville K 55502. Produced and Engineered by NICK JAMESON - peaked at No. 40 on the US Billboard LP charts (didn't chart UK)

CD5 "Fool For The City" (35:36 minutes):
1. Fool For The City [Side 1]
2. My Babe
3. Slow Ride
4. Terraplane Blues [Side 2]
5. Save Your Loving (For Me)
6. Drive Me Home
7. Take It Or Leave It
Tracks 1 to 7 are their fifth album "Fool For The City" released October 1975 in the USA on Bearsville BR 6959 and February 1976 in the UK on Bearsville K 55507. Produced and Engineered by NICK JAMESON – peaked at No.23 on the US Billboard LP charts (didn't chart UK)

CD6 "Single Versions 1972-1975" (46:17 minutes):
1. I Just Want To Make Love You (Mono Edit, 3:14 minutes)
2. I Just Want To Make Love You (Stereo Edit, 3:14 minutes)
3. What A Shame (Single Edit, 2:50 minutes)
4. A Hole To Hide In (Single Edit, 3:50 minutes)
5. What A Shame (Mono Edit, 3:24 minutes)
6. What A Shame (Stereo Edit, 3:24 minutes)
7. Ride, Ride, Ride (Stereo Edit, 2:59 minutes)
8. Long Way To Go (Stereo Edit, 4:06 minutes)
9. That'll Be The Day (Mono Edit, 2:52 minutes)
10. Step Outside (Stereo Edit, 3:12 minutes)
11. Slow Ride (Stereo Edit, 3:45 minutes)
12. Slow Ride (Stereo Edit, 5:55 minutes)
13. Fool For The City (Stereo Edit, 3:10 minutes)

Foghat fans have been here before when in March 2012 Edsel Records of England issued six twofer-CDs covering their catalogue from July 1972 to July 1983 – but they and the Complete Albums Box set that followed have long since been deleted and garnishing hefty price tags on auction sites. HNE Recordings (part of Cherry Red) have decided to close the gap with this March 2023 sixer – a good idea. The Mini LP Repro Artwork Card Sleeves appeal to all collectors – front and rear covers – all CDs with generic HNE Recordings logo and not the Bearsville labels of old. 

The 20-page booklet has all the album credits and Box Set details at the rear preceded by an in-depth article on the band by XAVIER RUSSELL that includes new and old interviews with Peverett, Price and Nick Jameson. Peppered between are rare Picture Sleeves of Euro 45s. Although it doesn't say so – TIM DEBNEY of Fluid Mastering has I suspect used the Rhino Remasters done in the 1990s (this set is licensed from WEA). But whatever way you look it – every album boogies – solid – punchy – and without doubt four and five having the input of Producer Nick Jameson – sound the most ballsy. 

"Lonesome" Dave Peverett (Guitar & Lead Vocals), Tony Stevens (Bass) and Roger Earl (Drums) came out of the ashes of British Rock-Blues band SAVOY BROWN while second slide-guitar specialist Rod Price was in BLACK CAT BONES who managed one highly collectable album on Decca-Nova in 1970 (featured members of Leafhound and Free guitarist Paul Kossoff). Working on his debut solo LP "Rockpile" at the time – DAVE EDMUNDS recorded Foghat's debut at Rockfield Studios in Wales also. Their aural brief was no-nonsense boogie – Rock and Roll – with maybe some blues and soulful rock in between the cracks. And as a British band they were famously huge in the USA (charted 13 albums there) but less so in their native land. 

Highlights on the debut include the lead-off single that got them noticed – a great boogie version of the Willie Dixon penned/Muddy Waters classic "I Just Want To Make Love To You". There's a fast-as-we-can–go cover of Chuck Berry's "Maybelline" – but there's also the opposite – a very soulful near eight-minute take on Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Gotta Get To Know You" which finishes the album in great style. But the other 6 originals mainly written by Peverett and Price are just as impressive – especially "Leavin' Again (Again!)" where Edmunds treats the vocals and guitars to phasing which gives it such a "Rockpile" sound. "Sarah Lee" is excellent too while the rocking 'money-worries' song "A Hole To Hide In" was a B-side of their debut 7" single in the USA. "Highway (Killing Me)" is gritty too – boogie about life on the road.

Things heat up considerably on the 2nd LP as it opens with "Ride, Ride, Ride" which along with their 2nd US 45 "What A Shame” set down the template for their trademark rocking sound for years to come. But best of all for me is the legendary drummer Bernard Purdie and the Brass section on the blistering "Road Fever" (lyrics above) – they combine with Peverett and the band to incredible effect - rocking like mad men and then Peverett losing it with vocal enthusiasm as the tracks rushes to a manic finish.

By the time Foghat hit studio album number three "Energized" released on the US market in January 1974 – they were on a very definite Rock and Roll upward trajectory (in America at least). The album became their first to finally break the top 50 settling at a peak of No.34 on a very healthy 30-week run. And when you hear the bashing drums and twin-guitar attack of stuff like "Wild Cherry" which Bearsville put on the flipside of their cover of the Buddy Holly 50ts classic "That'll Be The Day" - it is hardly surprising. They also bolstered up that 2:52-minute cover with (uncredited) girly backing singers and brass arrangements to give it more muscle – and it worked. 

Speaking of cool cover choices, Foghat opened the "Energized" album with a rapido Rawk version of the old Joe Turner tune "Honey Hush" – their manic guitar assault resembling the way Fleetwood Mac of the 1970 "Kiln House" line-up did up – just amped up ten-fold. It is also easy to hear why Bearsville chose the catchy sung-chorus of "Step Outside" as the second 45 from their third album platter hooking it up with the Chuck Berry cover "Maybelline" from their debut as its flipside. For me (at least) far better is the fast train song "Golden Arrow" – the distorted vocals of Peverett sounding like a choo-choo a-chuggin' down the line just before a blistering guitar solo. 

The 8-track no-nonsense Brassed-Up Boogie Rock of "Energized" with tracks like (paying my debt with my) "Home In My Hand" song structure worked – so album number four "Rock And Roll Outlaws" followed suit and again broke the Top 50 although this time slipping down a few notches to No.40 and staying only 10-weeks on the US Billboard chart. Opening accounts on Side 1 is another pinging ZZ Top-type boogie cover version that hammers down for 6:08 minutes – this time from a 60ts Howard Tate R&B number on Verve Forecast Records. Their version of "Eight Days On The Road" does the absolute business - Nick Jameson now more involved and arranging guitar parts too – dig that fantastic solo. That is followed by another great slice of riffage "Hate To See You Go" that could easily have been a single too. I also like the acoustic and slide of "Trouble In My Way" – a ballad for Foghat that ended Side 1. 

Another outsider with a six-string gun shows up for the LP title track "Rock & Roll Outlaw" – back to Boogie – itself followed by the very R&R shuffling "Shirley Jean" purring like a wasted movie queen – their trick of singing with the guitar lines making the basic Chuck Berry backbeat feel new. Another impressive gal shows up (this time out of the woods) in the shape of "Blue Spruce Woman" – the lecherous pre-Black Crowes guitars soon joined by Drums and Tambourine. They end their fab fourth with an all-out slide attack – the real-good-time Boogie of "Chateau LaFitte '59 Boogie" – the boys rolling all night long with not-so-cheap booze. For my money – it ends an overlooked album in their cannon. For sure "Fool For The City" is always going to be the LP they will be cited for – but "Rock And Roll Outlaws" is far better than its naff band-and-jet artwork would suggest. Going in my I Saw The Light e-book of over 500 Overlooked Albums between 1955 and 1979. 

Produced to perfection by Nick Jameson - "Fool For The City" opens with a title-track killer. It was edited down from its album length of 4:33 minutes to 3:28 minutes and put out as a 45 in March 1976 in the USA (Bearsville BSS 0307) with “Take It Or Leave It” as its flip. What a killer tune – to this day it elicits a grin and is an oldies playlist regular. But it was the Side 1 monster "Slow Ride" that blew everyone away. Its stunning eight-minutes of slide Blues Boogie was also edited down a more manageable 3:59 minutes and in January 1976 it broke into the US singles chart peaking at a respectable 20 on Bearsville BSS 0306 (the UK variant is on K 15522). CD6 also provides us with a 5:55 minute Stereo Edit of "Slow Ride".

Their take on The Righteous Brothers hit "My Babe" gets a truly fantastic kick-ass makeover as does the Robert Johnson Side 2 opener "Terraplane Blues". The girls and cars "Drive Me Home" goes all barroom Honky Tonk with its sloppy piano backing supporting rocking guitars. It ends on the rather sappy "Take It Or Leave It" – a stab at MOR keyboard schlock – but by that time the rest of the album has boogied its way into your heart.

To sum up – none of these FOGHAT albums are masterpieces of the genre by any stretch of the imagination despite what 5-star reviews may say (and sadly both Peverett and Price passed on in 2000 and 2005). 

But Foghat are remembered with affection for a reason and there are truly great moments of Rock meets the Blues meets Rock 'n' Roll on each one of these Mini LP CD reissues. And now it won't cost the Terraplane or Jet Stream to get them either. Nicely done…

US 7" 45-Singles Covering 1972-1975 Albums:
"I Just Want To Make Love To You" (Single Edit) b/w "Hole To Hide In" (Single Edit)
July 1972, Bearsville BSV 008 (Track 2 on CD6 and 8 on CD1)
July 1972, Bearsville BSV 008 (Promo Only Version of the A-side only - 3:15 Single Edit Version MONO on the A and same timings STEREO on the B – Tracks 1 & 2 on CD6

"What A Shame" (Single Edit, 3:24 minutes) b/w "Helping Hand" (Single Edit)
April 1973, Bearsville BSV 0014 (Tracks 6 on CD6 and 6 on CD2)
April 1973, Bearsville BSV 0014 (Promo Only Version of the A-side only – 3:24 minute edit in MONO on the A and same times STEREO on the B – Tracks 5 & 6 on CD6

"Ride, Ride, Ride" (Single Edit) b/w "It's Too Late" (5:38 minutes)
June 1973, Bearsville BSV 0016 (Track 7 on CD6 and 4 on CD2)
"That'll Be The Day" (2:52 minutes) b/w "Wild Cherry" (5:27 minutes)
January 1974, Bearsville BSV 0019 (Tracks 6& 5 on CD3)
January 1974, Bearsville BSV 0019 (Promo-Only of the A-side – MONO and STEREO Version on the A&B-sides – MONO Mix at 2:52 minutes was exclusive to this release (Track 9 on CD6)

"Step Outside" (Single Edit, 3:12 minutes) b/w "Maybelline"
April 1974, Bearsville BSV 0021 (Track 10 on CD6 and 7 on CD1)
April 1974, Bearsville BSV 0021 (Promo-Only of the A-side – MONO and STEREO Version on the A&B-sides – MONO Mix was exclusive but is not on this set

"Slow Ride" (Single Edit, 3:45 minutes) b/w "Save Your Loving (For Me)"
November 1975, Bearsville BSV 0306 (Track 11 on CD6 and 5 on CD5) 
November 1975 Promo-Only Version of the A-side also had an edit at 5:55 minutes of the seven-minute song – Track 12 on CD6

"Fool For The City" (Single Edit, 3:10 minutes) b/w "Take It Or Leave It"
May 1976, Bearsville BSV 0307 (Track 13 on CD6 and 7 on CD5) 

UK 7" 45-Singles Covering 1972-1975 Albums:
"What A Shame" (Single Edit) b/w "Hole To Hide In" (Single Edit)
June 1972, Bearsville K 15501 (Tracks 3 & 4 on CD6)

"Long Way To Go" (Single Edit) b/w "Ride, Ride, Ride" (Single Edit) 
February 1974, Bearsville K 15511 (Tracks 8 & 7 on CD6)

"Step Outside" (Single Edit) b/w "Maybelline" 
July 1974, Bearsville K 15517 (Track 10 on CD6 and 7 on CD1)

"Slow Ride" (Single Edit, 3:45) b/w "Save Your Loving (For Me)"
January 1976, Bearsville K 15522 (Track 11 on CD6 and 5 on CD5)

"Specials: 2CD Special Edition” by SPECIALS (2015 Chrysalis/Two Tone 2CD Set – Tim Debney Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry

This Review Along With Over 327 Others Is Available In My

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"...A Message To You...Don’t Call Me Scarface!"

There are some albums that just put a smile on your face – and a lot of them are debuts from British bands released in the late Seventies. There’s Derry’s finest “The Undertones” from May 1979 – Madness and their fab Nutty Boys opening salvo “One Step Beyond” from October 1979 – and of course those other very rude boys – The Sex Pistols and “Never Mind The Bollocks...” from way back in October 1977 (my mum thought they were lovely chaps deep down and just needed a good meal). But for sheer joy-inducing affection – the November 1979 self-titled Ska Rock debut from Coventry’s The Specials on the wonderful 2 Tone Records takes some beating.

I recall on many occasions when I worked in Reckless Records in Soho’s Berwick Street when the album would come in (a sure sign of a decent collection) - within minutes of purchase it would take pride-of-place on our display wall dressed up in a shiny new heavy-gauge PVC sleeve and a natty display triangle. But we quickly learned that this was sort of futile - because milliseconds later some visibly animated punter would slap it down on the counter sporting the aforementioned smile on his 30-something kisser and say out loud “I WANT THIS!” in an excitable way. You could even see he was already thinking of acquiring yet another 2 Tone button and skinny tie in Sister Ray just up the street. Ah...them was the days...still are...

Some 35 years after its first appearance on vinyl LP with that gorgeous laminate sleeve – Chrysalis have decided to do a solid by The Specials much-loved debut album and give it a 2015 Special Edition 2CD overhaul. And a lovely thing it is too. Here are contraceptive-married with a kid should be having fun details...

UK released 30 March 2015 (April 2015 in the USA) – “The Specials: 2CD Special Edition” is on Chrysalis/Two Tone CDLTTR 5001 (Barcode 0825646336081) and it gangsters out as follows....

Disc 1 – The Album (47:43 minutes):

1. Gangsters

2. A Message To You Rudy

3. Do The Dog

4. It’s Up To You

5. Nite Klub

6. Doesn’t Make It Alright

7. Concrete Jungle

8. Too Hot

9. Monkey Man

10. (Dawning Of A) New Era

11. Blank Expression

12. Stupid Marriage

13. Too Much Too Young

14. Little Bitch

15. You’re Wondering Now

[Notes: Produced by Elvis Costello - the British LP is tracks 2 to 15 and was released 3 November 1979 on vinyl LP in the UK on Chrysalis/2 Tone CDL TT 5001. It was preceded by their debut 45 in the UK “Gangsters” (credited to The Special A.K.A.) released 28 July 1979 on Two Tone TT 1. The American variant of the album on Chrysalis FV 41265 came out in December 1979 as a 15-track LP placing the song “Gangsters” at the end of Side 1. Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders sings backing vocals on “Nite Klub”]

Disc 2 – Extra Specials (44:42 minutes):

Too Much Too Young EP by THE SPECIAL A.K.A. LIVE! Featuring Nico

1. Too Much Too Young (Live)

2. Guns Of Navarone (Live)

3. Skinheads Symphony (Live)

(a) Long Shot Kick The Bucket (b) Liquidator (c) Skinhead Moon Stomp

Tracks 1 to 3 released in the UK January 1980 on Chrysalis/Two Tone CHSTT 7

BBC In Concert – The Specials At The Paris Theatre (15.12.79)

4. (Dawning Of A) New Era

5. Do The Dog

6. Rat Race

7. Blank Expression

8. Rude Buoys Outa Jail

9. Concrete Jungle

10. Too Much Too Young

11. Guns Of Navarone

12. Nite Klub

13. Gangsters

14. Medley: (a) Long Shot Kick The Bucket (b) Skinhead Moon Stomp

CDLTTR 5001 comes in a four-way foldout card digipak like those Universal Deluxe Editions but without the bandana. On the inner flaps are the black and white photos of the band looking up at the camera – those most closely associated with the original vinyl LP’s rear sleeve. On the inner flaps are photos I’ve not seen before – on an estate with their feet on a pile of steel girders and on an Odeon sign. The CDs sport the distinctive Rude Boy 2 Tone logo and design. The 20-page booklet features affectionate new liner notes from Mojo’s LOIS WILSON along with more black and white photos of the boys in varying poses. There’s a singles page which shows those early 45s – The Special A.K.A. vs. The Selector stamped sleeve of “Gangsters” and the Too Much Too Young Live EP and so on.

The remaster has been done by TIM DEBNEY at Fluid Mastering in the UK and to my ears it’s far better than the version I’ve had for years (as well as tracks on the “Stereo-Typical: A’s, B’s & Rarities” set). There’s ever so slightly more hiss on tracks like their cover of Dandy Livingstone’s “A Message To You Rudy” but the clarity of the organ and the brass is far better – and you can hear those drum cracks with a force now. When you play the Jerry Dammers cut “It’s Up To You” you can amplifiers buzzing and when that Bass and Terry Hall deadpan vocal kicks in – it packs an amazing punch. This time around you can almost discern Chrissie Hynde’s backing vocals on the “what am I doing here” dancer “Nite Klub” (well almost). It sounds fabulous to me. The reggae backdrop to their version of Cecil Campbell’s “Too Hot” features amazing clarity on those drums rolls and highhats as the boys moans about the temperature. The “court in session” vocal hijinks by Judge Roughneck on “Stupid Marriage” jumps out of the speakers at you – and what a great tune – utterly infectious stuff. Again there’s momentary hiss on Dodd Coxsone’s “You’re Wondering Now” and quite a bit during the Acapella finish – but I’d argue that it stills sounds fresher and more alive than before. And those lyrics about council estates lack of condoms and youth just wanting to dance still get me every time.

Everyone knows and loves the “Too Much Too Young” Live EP – it’s always been a total winner. But I was expecting the Paris Concert to be a bit of an Anniversary excuse roll out – but I’m thrilled to report that it’s brilliant and captures the band at the very top of their Ska Bopping crowd-pleasing best. To chants of “Rude Boy” – The Specials launch into an ubertight version of “(Dawning Of A) New Era” and immediately you’re hit with the great audio. Well produced by the BBC – it feels fantastically alive and fresh. They dedicate “Rat Race” to “all you students revising...” while the organ and Joe Jackson “Look Sharp!” guitar of “Blank Expression” are right in your face and bustling with newness. The Ska classic of “Guns Of Navarone” sends the crowd into a frenzy and why wouldn’t it (stunning brass and flicky guitar work) – but I have to say that my heart has always been with the magical “Gangsters” which to this day sends me pogoing around my living room like a Two Tone loon (not a good look at my age). The Medley of The Pioneers’ “Long Shot Kick De Bucket” with Symarip’s “Skinhead Moon Stomp” (both originally on the mighty Trojan label) finishes the crowd off proper – breathless, screaming and stamping the floor for more, more, more..

Britain has produced some extraordinary bands fronting a bewildering diversity of musical styles – but The Specials have always been (for the want of better words) that little bit...well special. 

Get this double-CD Rude Boy joy into your life pronto. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah...

"War Ina Babylon – An Island Reggae Anthology" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (May 2009 Universal/Island 3CD BOX SET of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…You Make My Heart Go Giddy Up…You Set My World on Fire..."

Released 25 May 2009 - "War Ina Babylon: An Island Reggae Anthology" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Universal Island 531 833-1 (Barcode 600753183311) is a 64-track 3CD Mini Box Set with music spanning between 1962 and 2005. It was released as part of the Island Records 50th Anniversary celebrations (1959-2009) and as such contains some of the label's hardest-to-find music/vinyl - much of which has never been on CD before (the Island Records Folk/Folk-Rock equivalent is called "Meet on The Ledge..." see separate review).

Fans have eagerly awaited this box set of remasters and frankly frank - it’s been worth the 'irration in the nation'. Here's a detailed breakdown of the tracks with catalogue numbers provided for the first time (most songs are UK 7” singles unless otherwise noted):

Disc 1 - "The Harder They Come - Ska To Reggae 1959-1973" (76:55 minutes):

1. Boogie in My Bones – LAUREL AITKEN (1965 UK 7" single, Island WI-198, A)

2. We're Gonna Love – WILDRED 'JACKIE' EDWARDS (1963 UK MONO LP "The Most Of Wilfred Jackie Edwards" on Island ILP 906)

3. Darling Patricia – OWEN GRAY (1962 UK 7" single, Island WI-002, A)

4. Forward March – DERRICK MORGAN (1962 UK 7" single, Island WI-011, A)

5. Housewives Choice – DERRICK MORGAN & PATSY (1962 UK 7" single, Island WI-018, A)

6. Honour Your Mother And Father – DESMOND DEKKER (1963 UK 7" single, Island WI-054, A)

7. King Of Kings – JIMMY CLIFF (1963 UK 7" single, Island WI-070, A)

8. Exodus – ERNEST RANGLIN (1963 UK 7" single, Island WI-128, A) - Instrumental

9. Eastern Standard Time – DON DRUMMOND & THE SKATALITES (1964 UK 7" single, Island WI-149, A) - Instrumental

10. My Boy Lollipop – MILLIE (SMALL) (a 1964 song on the 1967 UK MONO LP "The Best Of Millie Small" on Island ILP 953 - UK 7" single credited to MILLIE)

11. Carry Go Bring Come – JUSTIN HINDS & THE DOMINOES (1964 UK 7" single, Island WI-154, A)

12. Bonanza Ska – CARLOS MALCOM & HIS AFRO JAMACIAN RHYTHMS (1965 UK 7" single, Island WI-173, A)

13. Sweet William – MILLIE (SMALL) (as per 10)

14. Dance Crasher – ALTON ELIS & THE FLAMES (1965 UK 7" single, Island WI-235, A)

15. Guns Fever – THE BABA BROOKS BAND (1965 UK 7" single, Island WI-229, A)

16. Take It Easy – HOPETON LEWIS (1967 UK MONO LP "Take It Easy: Rocksteady With Hopeton Lewis" on Island ILP 957)

17. On The Beach – THE PARAGONS (1967 UK 7" single, Island WI-3045, A)

18. You Don't Care (You'll Want Me Back) – THE TECHNIQUES (1967 UK MONO LP "Duke Reid's Rock Steady" on Island ILP 958 – a VARIOUS ARTISTS compilation featuring The Techniques)

19. Stop That Train – KEITH & TEX (1967 UK 7" single, Island WI-3091, A)

20. Rock Steady – ALTON ELLIS & THE FLAMES (as per 18)

21. My Conversation – THE UNIQUES (1968 UK 7" single, Island WI-3122, A)

22. Ride Your Donkey – THE TENNORS (1968, Island WI-3188, A)

23. Take Five – VAL BENNETT (1968 UK 7" single, Island WI-3146, aka "The Russians Are Coming - Take Five")

24. Hold You Jack – DERRICK MORGAN (1968 UK 7" single, Island WI-3159, A)

25. The Harder They Come – JIMMY CLIFF (1972 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6139, A)

26. Breakfast In Bed – LOMA BENNETT (1972 UK 7" single, Blue Mountain BM-1013, A)

27. This Is Reggae Music – ZAP POW (1973 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6181, A)

Disc 2 - "Party Time, Roots, Dub & Lovers 1973-1979" (78:29 minutes):

1. Book Of Rules – THE HEPTONES (1973 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6179, A)

2. Marcus Garvey – BURNING SPEAR (1975 UK LP "Marcus Garvey" on Island ILPS 9355)

3. King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown – AUGUSTUS PABLO (1975 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6226, A)

4. Carry Go Bring Come (Reggae Version) – JUSTIN HINDS & THE DOMINOES (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6261, A - Remake of a 1964 track)

5. Reggae Got Soul – TOOTS & THE MAYTALS (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6296, A)

6. Police And Thieves – JUNIOR MURVIN (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6316, A)

7. Soldier And Police War – JAH LION (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6356, A)

8. War Ina Babylon – MAX ROMEO (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6283, A)

9. Back To Africa – ASWAD (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6312, A)

10. Roast Fish And Corn Bread – LEE PERRY (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6326, A)

11. Cokane In My Brain – DILLINGER (1977 UK 7" single, Black Swan WIP 6416, A) miscredited in booklet as WIP 6334)

12. Ballistic Affair – LEROY SMART (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6353, A)

13. Party Time – THE HEPTONES (1976 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6364, A)

14. 96 Degrees In The Shade – THIRD WORLD (1977 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6413, A)

15. Ska Wars – RICO (1978 UK 12” single on Island IPR 2006, A) (miscredited as IPR 2002)

16. Prodigal Son – STEEL PULSE (1978 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6449, A)

17. Want Fi Goh Rave – LINTON KWESI JOHNSON (1979 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6494, A)

18. Love And Devotion – JIMMY RILEY (1981 UK LP "Rydim Driven" on Island ILPS 9671 (miscredited as released in 1979))

19. Guess Who's Coming To Dinner – BLACK UHURU (1980 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6626, A)

Disc 3 - "Welcome To Jamrock 1980-2005" (79:26 minutes):

1. (Stalk Of) Sensimilla – BLACK UHURU (1980 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6626, A)

2. Warrior Charge – ASWAD (1980 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6646, A)

3. The Bed’s Too Big Without You – SHEILA HYLTON (1980 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6671, A)

4. Fort Augustus – JUNIOR DELGADO (1981 Various Artists LP called "Sly And Robbie Present Taxi" on Island ILPS 9662)

5. One Love Jamdown – PAPA MICHIGAN & GENERAL SMILEY – (1980 UK 12” single on Island/Tuff Gong IPR 2035, A)

6. Sitting And Watching – DENNIS BROWN (1982 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6777, A)

7. Night Nurse – GREGORY ISAACS (1982 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6800, A)

8. Pass The Kouchie – THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS (1982 UK 7" single, Island WIP 6838, A)

9. What is Life – BLACK UHURU (1984 UK 7" single, Island IS 150, A)

10. Revolution – DENNIS BROWN (1983 UK 12” single on Island/Taxi IPR 2059, A)

11. Trouble You A Troble Me – INI KAMOZE (1983 UK 12” single on Island/Taxi IPR 2061, A)

12. Oh What A Feeling – GREGORY ISAACS (1983, Island/Taxi TX 03, A)

13. Don’t Turn Around – ASWAD (1988, Island/Mango IS 341, A)

14. Tease Me – CHAKA DEMUS & PLIERS (1983, Island/Mango CIDM 806, A)

15. Boom Shack A Lack – APACHE INDIAN (1993, on the "Nuff Vibes EP" Island CID 560)

16. Murder She Wrote – CHAKA DEMUS & PLIERS (1994, Island/Mango CIDM 812)

17. Whine And Grine – PRINCE BUSTER (1998, Island CID 691)

18. Welcome To Jamrock – DAMIEN MARLEY (2005, Island MCSTD 40432)

LAURENCE CANE-HONEYSETT has penned the extremely detailed 28-page booklet. Reggae fans will know his name - he co-authored the fabulous "Young Gifted & Black" book about Trojan Records and also did the well-knowledgeable liner notes for the Deluxe Editions of Tighten Up 1 and 2 (see separate reviews for all 3). Each page features 3 pictures beside the text showing rare label variations, artist photos, obscure album sleeves, trade adverts, music industry charts...etc. If I was to complain it's that the booklet is small and the pictures hard to see let alone appreciate – and where’s Bob Marley – their biggest Reggae star?

The remastering is done by TIM DEBNEY at Fluid Mastering and being Reggae Music the sound quality ranges from muddy and awful in the early Sixties to sublime in the Seventies and Eighties - Disc 2 and 3 being particularly good - warm, clear and ballsy without being too brash. And it has to be said that sheer charm of the Sixties Ska on Disc 1 shines through regardless of production values.

The song choices are clever too - the rare 12" IPR series that has been reissued by other labels because you just can't get the originals other than in battered condition - the superb LP-only songs like The Techniques track on "Duke Reid's Rock Steady" - an album I've seen once in my life. Purists will however cringe at the inclusion of Aswad's horridly commercial "Don't Turn Around" (I bet their bank-accounts loved it though) but will appreciate the inclusion of their superb brass and harmonica-driven instrumental "Warrior Charge" which is very hard to find now (I’ve seen it at 4 times its Price Guide value). It all goes a bit pear-shaped towards the end of Disc 3 but "Whine and Grine" and "Boom Shack A Lack" are still great fun.

There’s always been something magical about Island Records and Reggae Music and this fabulous little Box set only hammers that home. Top-notch jam rock and big time recommended…

PS: it's companion volume "Meet On The Ledge" (pictured below) is reviewed separately