Tighten Up Volumes 5 & 6 (Trojan, 1993 [orig. released 1971 & 1972])

Getting two volumes of this popular British reggae series for one low price is a nice deal, particularly for connoisseurs of rock steady and early reggae.  One of the things I found most interesting about these two albums is the rather bizarre choice of songs that are re-made here.  Covers of tunes from every walk of life can be found, from Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" to Allan Sherman's novelty hit "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" to Bobby Womack's (although George Benson's version is probably better known) jazzy "Breezin'" to Three Dog Night's hippy romp "Joy to the World" to a pair of Isaac Hayes tunes from the Shaft soundtrack!  If nothing else, these are conversation starters, but actually most of them aren't bad ("Hello Mother" being the silliest exception, with "Joy to the World" closing fast).  The volumes are equally solid, although Volume 5 probably has more landmark tracks: Bob Marley's "Duppy Conqueror," The Maytals' "It's You," Delroy Wilson's "Better Must Come," Jackie Edwards' "In Paradise," and Bongo Herman & Bunny's "Know Fari."  However, it also has "Hello Mother" and "Joy to the World."  Volume 6 highlights include Ernie Smith's sugary yet catchy "Pitta Patta" (later covered by Chaka Demus & Pliers), Jackie Edwards' hearfelt lovers track "Who Told You So," The Maytones' "As Long As You Love Me," The Maytals' "Redemption Song" (not the Bob Marley tune), and The Cimarons' cover of Jimmy Cliff's "Struggling Man," which incorporates digital effects to create a "Star Wars remix" feel.

Track Listing
Volume 5:
1. Better Must Come -- Delroy Wilson 
2. In Paradise -- Jackie Edwards & Julie Anne 
3. Hello Mother -- The Dynamites
4. Rod of Correction -- Clancy Eccles 
5. Ripe Cherry -- Dennis Alcapone 
6. Three in One -- Errol Dunkley
7. Joy to the World -- Julien & The Chose Few with The Gaytones
8. Know Far I -- Bongo Herman & Bunny 
9. It's You -- The Maytals 
10. Bridge Over Troubled Waters -- Jimmy London & The Impact Allstars
11. Shaft -- The Chosen Few
12. Duppy Conqueror -- Bob Marley & The Wailers 
Volume 6:
13. Pitta Patta -- Ernie Smith 
14. Do Your Thing -- The Chosen Few 
15. Breezing -- Mikie Chung
16. As Long As You Love Me -- The Maytones
17. Down Side Up -- Harry J Allstars 
18. Suzanne Beware of the Devil -- Dandy Livingstone
19. Struggling Man -- The Cimarons
20. Redemption Song -- The Maytals
21. Hot Bomb -- I Roy & The Jumpers
22. President Mash Up the Resident -- Shortie 
23. Who Told You So? -- Jackie Edwards 
24. Unite Tonight -- Clancy Eccles