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Crown Prince of Reggae – The Best of Dennis Brown

Released on 22 April 2003.

Featuring the best of his post-Coxsone work from the seventies, this set includes 25 of his best-loved recordings for a variety of producers, although it's upon his hugely successful spells with Winston 'Niney' Holness and Joe Gibbs that this compilation primarily focuses. Included are his two hit versions of his evergreen classic, 'Money In My Pocket', along with numerous recordings that are now regarded as Reggae standards.


One of the greatest, most prolific and most consistent performers, certainly in the early to mid 70's. A wonderful showcase of his works through the lovers, covers and righteous paths.


Ok most people wil know him will be down to 'Money' but it is a great tune, even now. Not much to choose between the old or the new versions, both featured here.

The early tracks like Baby Don't do it promise so much, the vocals are allowed to be strong and the backing mellowed out. Some of the early work was done with soul stylist Derrick harriott and this is so helpful and evident on a track like Lips of Wine.


But Denniswas doing the rounds of various producers, learning, picking up vibes and sounds. Some of the covers don't do much for me but also in the early days consciousness was building – What about the half and Concentration. For the most part I prefer the sweeter things and Stages in Life is such a track.


We get Joe gibbs on Man Next Door and Niney on Africa and Conqueror, all excellent but different cuts, but Niney really hits home on the awesome Wolf and Leapord.


Two exceptional cuts were the popular hits for Gussie Clarke, the singalong Funny Feeling and also the ballad Ain't that loving you.

Returning to Joe Gibbs for cuts like Love Me always and The drifter




Money In My Pocket (1978 version)

  Wolf And Leopard

  Baby Don't Do It

  Funny Feeling

  Man Next Door

  Westbound Train

  Lips Of Wine

  It's Too Late

  Ain't That Loving You

  Africa (We Want To Go)

  Black Magic Woman

  (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay

  Equal Rights

  I Am The Conqueror

  What About The Half

  To The Foundations

  Love Me Always

  Yagga Yagga (You'll Suffer)

  Concentration

  Cheater

  The Drifter

  Why Seek More

  Let Love In

  Stages In Life (aka Things In Life)

  Money In My Pocket (1972 version)



 

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