|
|
Click pic to buy! |
|
Songs For Midnight Lovers (Trojan, 1990 [orig. released 1981]) Although Derrick Harriott is a popular pioneer of ska and rock steady, it has always seemed to me that he's been a bit underrated. When taking into account not only his singing but also his production skills, it's evident that his talents rival a legend such as Alton Ellis, whose style is easily comparable to Harriott's. Like Ellis, Harriott sings in a soulful, charismatic manner that exudes universal appeal, covering many old R&B love songs in a rock steady format. One of his best (and best-known) tunes, "The Loser," is actually self-penned and features a classic old-fashioned R&B melody and piano riff. Other similarly strong rock steady tracks included on this "best of" compilation are "Do I Worry," "Standing In," "No Man Is an Island," "Groovy Situation" (later remade by Sanchez as "That Girl"), the fun "Solomon Gundie," and the funky doo-wop of "Eighteen With a Bullett." Two of the best songs on Songs For Midnight Lovers, however break the love song mold, injecting social consciousness -- anger and sadness about social ills -- into the mainstream: the funky, poignant "Slave" and the militant, bass-heavy "Message From a Black Man." Both tunes feature music and melodies with a harder edge, funky acoustic guitars that echo protest songs of the late '60s and early '70s. These classic cuts alone add a depth to Harriott's repertoire that will silence any criticisms that his material is lightweight. |
|
Track Listing |
 |