|
Click pic to buy! |
| Up Front (Ras, 1992) I don't know much about The Psalms, but based on Up Front, I can draw two conclusions: 1) Despite their biblical moniker, most of their material is not particularly righteous, and 2) You'd be hard-pressed to find a less imaginative set than this debut, Up Front. Covers abound, from the opening version of Alton Ellis's "Joy in the Morning" to The Melodians' "You Have Caught Me" ("Caught Me Baby") and "Nut Tree," The Abyssinians' "Satta Massagana," Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" (famously remade by The Heptones), and Delroy Wilson's "Dancing Mood." Frankly, I can't promise that the other four tracks aren't remakes either. None of the covers are particularly bad, even with Bunny Wailer's dated production (James Brown sample anyone?), but they're so safe and expected, it's like Roots Harmony 101. That said, the remakes are the best cuts here (the originals are uber-bland), and it's good to hear a roots trio in a (relatively) modern setting. If only there were more of them around today... |
| Track Listing 1. Joy in the Morning 2. Nut Tree 3. Dancing Mood 4. Red Dress 5. Caught Me Baby 6. Sata Amasagana 7. Young Gal 8. You Should Never Do That 9. I Shall Be Released 10. Love You With All Your Heart |
 |