Search - Ethiopians :: World Goes Ska

One of the best that ever was.

Jason Robey | Silver Spring, MD USA | 08/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The more I listen to Justin Hinds, the more convinced I am that he is one of the 20th century's greatest forgotten musical artists. A colossus in the world of early Jamaican music, Hinds recorded literally hundreds of singles for legendary ska and rocksteady producer Duke Reid from 1963 to 1972. Between 1964 and 1966 alone he recorded some 70 singles, and it was during this time that he became Jamaica's most popular musical artist.By the time the rest of the world tuned in to Jamaican music in the mid-70s, Justin was no longer in his prime. Arguably neither was the ambassador of Jamaican music himself, Bob Marley. But unlike Marley, Hinds had no real interest in marketing himself and thus never received due attention from audiences outside his own country.After parting with Reid in 1972, Hinds released several singles under producer Jack Ruby, including his debut album "Jezebel" in 1976."Ska Uprising" includes 20 songs, all of which were released between 1963 and 1975. With the exception of I believe one tune, they were all recorded with Duke Reid. "Ska Uprising", which was released by Trojan Records in 1993, is the label's first of two Justin Hinds and the Dominoes compilations. The second, "Peace & Love", covers roughly the same time period and is equally as good. Anyone with an ear for early Jamaican music will want to rush out immediately after purchasing the one to get the other (just like I did.)What you'll get is some of the best Jamaican ska and rocksteady ever recorded. Hinds' distinctive tenor is virtually unmatched in the world of music for sweetness and simplicity. More importantly, Hinds was, without a doubt, a songwriting genius. The consistency of this material is just amazing. The songs are just so comfortable to listen to. It's as if these songs have always been there. Every one speaks to the soul; every one is uplifting. As is true of most Jamaican artists, Justin Hinds is a very pious man and his lyrics reflect that. Don't get me wrong though - this is a very fun selection of tunes. These songs will make you want to dance, skank and rock steady like a natural born rudie.One thing to keep in mind is that these songs weren't produced in a high gloss, state-of-the-art mega-studio. Consequently the sound is a little flat and grainy. It has nothing to do with a poor re-mastering job by Trojan- these songs have always sounded like this. I actually enjoy the lo-fi quality though - it's quaint and charming.If you love Jamaican music, especially ska and rocksteady, you need "Ska Uprising" and "Peace & Love" - both are crucial. Seek them out. Trust me, if you're intrigued you will not be disappointed. Hope this helped!"

One of the greats

Jason Robey | 04/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like reggae, rocksteady or ska; if you like "The Harder They Come" and want a compilation that's as good as that one, this compilation is just as amazing--except it's all one artist! I have about 70 cds of music from Jamaica 1960-1980, and this is one of the absolute best. Justin Hinds is a genius."

Most excellent!

Justin | Illinois | 08/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is cd is a deffinate if you are looking for some real vintage reggae recordings. the songs will be stuck in your head for days and it won't be a bad thing because they are amazing songs. for a real good time i recommend this CD."