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The "King" Kong Compilation: The Historic Reggae Recordings 1968-1970 (Island, 1981) This collection reveals in all its glory the wealth of classic rock steady and early reggae produced by Leslie "King" Kong in just a three-year span. The most well-known hits here include Desmond Dekker's "Israelites," The Pioneers' "Long Shot Kick de Bucket," and a pair of Melodians' tunes, "Sweet Sensation" and the legendary "Rivers of Babylon." Some less-known tracks are equally as good as these, though: Bruce Ruffin's "Bitterness of Life" and Ken Boothe's '70s protest song "Freedom Street" are both superbly crafted gems. The Maytals also provide a couple of nice cuts featuring Toots Hibbert's soulful vocals -- with "Monkey Girl" and "Monkey Man" (no relation), while The Pioneers' contribute the lovely "Samfie Man." King Kong would kick Godzilla's ass any day. |
| Track Listing 1. Israelites -- Desmond Dekker and The Aces 2. Monkey Girl -- The Maytals 3. Sweet Sensation -- The Melodians 4. Freedom Street -- Ken Boothe 5. Let Them Say -- Tyrone Evans 6. Samfie Man -- The Pioneers 7. It's My Delight -- The Melodians 8. Peeping Tom -- The Maytals 9. Rivers of Babylon -- The Melodians 10. Gave You My Love -- Delroy Wilson 11. Bitterness of Life -- Bruce Ruffin 12. Sentimental Journey -- Ansell Collins 13. Long Shot Kick de Bucket -- The Pioneers 14. (Ah) It Mek -- Desmond Dekker and The Aces 15. Why Baby Why -- Ken Boothe 16. Monkey Man -- The Maytals |
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