|
Jezebel (Island, 1976) Justin Hinds (here spelled Hines) and his two backing singers, The Dominoes, recorded music for over 20 years between the '60s and the '80s, but that didn't result in a whole lot of albums (although they recorded 70 singles for Duke Reid between '64 and '66 alone). Jezebel was the group's first post-Reid album and the first of two for Island Records and producer Jack Ruby, along with Just in Time. Hines and The Dominoes had already traversed through the ska and rock steady eras and by the time this album was released, natty roots had taken over, but the group took to the new sound like Whitney Houston to a crack pipe. A good part of their adaptability is the universal appeal of Hinds' melodic songwriting and his expressive, soulful, almost gospel-inspired vocals. The most impressive example of his allure here is the great "Fire," a mournful description of the plight of the common folk, while "Natty Take Over," "What You Don't Know," and "Spotlight" also excel. A roots remake of their ska smash "Carry Go Bring Come," however, doesn't live up to the original, or even to the numerous covers by artists like Freddie McGregor. There aren't a ton of Justin Hinds albums out there, but Jezebel is a good one to start out with. |
| Track Listing 1. Natty Take Over 2. Dip and Fall Back 3. Fire 4. Carry Go Bring Come 5. Prophecy 6. Babylon Children 7. What You Don't Know 8. Spotlight 9. Precious Morning |
 |
Click pic to buy! |
Travel With Love (Nighthawk, 1984)
Although Justin Hinds and the Dominoes are remembered primarily for their crucial contributions to the ska and rock steady sound of the 1960s and early 1970s, they released two strong roots albums for Island in the 1970s (Jezebel and Just in Time), followed by a pair for Nighthawk, Know Jah Better and Travel With Love. Sadly, Hinds' rootsy side is too often overlooked when people judge his career accomplishments, but roots fans should certainly not pass up this album, as it's a magnificent showcase for his talent and versatility. Travel With Love is a tranquil, laid-back set, especially when compared to the group's up-tempo ska days (even "Get Ready to Rock Steady" is mellow -- not rock steady!). Its sound is roots reggae with soft lovers rock overtones and and old school soulful harmony trio vibe that reminds me at times of The Heptones. Like The Heptones, Hinds and the Dominoes switch comfortably between love songs, like "Miss Wendell" and "Sweet Loraine," and message tunes, like "Book of History" and "Weeping Eyes," all the while with a catchy, easy-to-listen-to, classic sound that makes the 9 tracks rush by in an instant.
| Track Listing 1. Get Ready to Rock Steady 2. Miss Wendell 3. Book of History 4. Travel With Love 5. Weeping Eyes 6. In the Jungle 7. Sweet Loraine 8. Rainbow 9. Meditation |
 |
Click pic to buy! |
Know Jah Better (Nighthawk, 1992)
America's Nighthawk Records never released many reggae albums, and since it began in the early '80s, at the tail end of what's perceived to be the "Golden Age" of reggae, it's not generally remembered amongst the upper-tier reggae labels. That said, the quality of its 20-ish album catalogue is pretty darn good. The label's sound is understated, often somber roots, which is hard to generate excitement over -- particularly when the artist line-up of The Itals, The Gladiators, and Justin Hinds isn't exactly the most popular around. But fans of vintage roots reggae can certainly find plenty to drool over in the Nighthawk vaults. Know Jah Better was one of -- if not the -- last original releases on the label, coming a full 8 years after Hinds' last Nighthawk album, the excellent Travel With Love. Although Know Jah Better was released in a modern dancehall environment, signs of the digital invasion aren't terribly obvious. "No Place Like Home," "Deep in My Heart," and "In This Time" feature emphasized bass lines, but they don't drown out the classic one-drop grooves, and Hines' melodies are lovably old fashioned (He even throws in a retro rock steady tune in "Almond Tree."). It often feels more like a mid-'80s set, with slight synthesizer flourishes to set it apart from the more traditional '70s roots sound. The ethereal title track is the standout star of Know Jah Better, but the rest is solid if not classic. If you're a fan of good ol' roots reggae, you might want to spend some time getting to "know" Nighthawk Records better.
| Track Listing 1. War Time 2. War Time Dub 3. Want More 4. Know Jah Better 5. Almond Tree 6. No Place Like Home 7. Happy Go Lucky 8. Picking Up Chips 9. Love in the Morning 10. Deep in My Heart 11. In This Time 12. Proverbial Dub |
 |