Search - Desmond Dekker :: First Time for a Long Time: Rarities (1968-1970)

A must have for any Dekker fan

Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 09/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can not add a lot to the previous review given of this album- it was excellently written, straight to the point, and factual. Nicely done.For any major league fan of Dekker, as I am, these recordings are invaluable insights into his work and personality. As a historian and anthropologist, I suppose I am always looking for more, digging deeper, trying to find hidden nuggets to answer questions about time, place, and conditions (the who, what, when, where, how, and why's of study)... similarly, as a musical completist, I am very much the same way, looking for alternate takes, unissued works, false starts- anything I can to help fill in gaps or better fill in the pictures of an artist.Albums like this one help me, and other like minded collectors, to fill in these gaps. I agree with the previous review in that to the average or new Dekker fan, this cd is not essential; but for those of us who are rabid fans, this lp is GOLD.As always, the tight rocksteady grooves and Dekker's beautiful tenor shine like the sun, and the alternate takes are a perfect compliment to what Dekker has offered in the past. A great insight is gained through this lp, and a wonderful treat, as well."