Sanctuary Records Group – Trojan
Back to Sanctuary/ Castle Music Review Menu - reviewed
Various Artists: Am I Black Enough For You? (TJDDV219 and also on Cd)
Chicken or egg, leader or Follower, Jamaican songs of freedom – this is a chronological selection and three out of the first 4 are US covers, does that say something or is that just bad track selection. Or just a selection of tracks with similar titles and messages put togther to make a hotch potch now? But things were being said and felt so benefit of the doubt.
Whatever there are some great tunes and some, maybe most, are equally relevant today. Ken Boothe’s gritty cover of the great Is it because I’m black. The wonderful Gregory Isaacs Black a kill black.
Dennis Brown’s catchy two step Equal Rights and Tosh’s Anthemic Arise Blackman. Two offerings from the great I Roy and the wonderful voice of Alton Ellis, th eharmonies of the Soul Twins and the underrated Ronnie Davis.
And closing with the winderfulFrankie Jones & Tapper Z. (Linval Thompson’s Africa is for me out of context to the rest.)
Various Artists: Am I Black Enough For You? (TJDDV219)
Format: Double Vinyl LP Released: Oct 25 2004 Price: £13.99
This compilation features songs highlighting the experience of the African Diaspora around the world and accentuates a sense of black pride. Presented here are some of Jamaica's black heroes in Trojan's hall of fame performing in a conscientious style that has resulted in a dignified and extremely enlightening collection.
Tracklisting
2-LP SET
SIDE 1:
Is It Because I'm Black - Ken Boothe
Black A Kill Black - Gregory Isaacs
Am I Black Enough For You - The Chosen Few
Message From A Blackman - Derrick Harriott
Black On Black (Be A Man) - The Heptones
Equal Rights - Dennis Brown
SIDE 2:
Africa Is For Black Man - Linval Thompson
Black And Proud - I Roy
Arise Blackman - Peter Tosh
Blackman Time - I Roy
Black Man's Word - Alton Ellis
SIDE 3:
Macabee Version - Max Romeo
Botheration - Justin Hinds & The Dominoes
Fire Burning - Bob Andy
Is Dis Ya Time - Ronnie Davis
Don't Call Me Nigger - The Soul Twins
SIDE 4:
Blackman's Time - Neville Grant
Black Oppressor - Leo Simpson
History - Carlton Jackson
Proud To Be Black (aka Be A Man) - Frankie Jones & Tapper Zukie
Born To Be Black (Reprise) - Tapper Zukie & The Musical Intimidators
Visitors: