Sanctuary Records Group - Trojan

Back to Sanctuary/ Castle Music Review Menu - reviewed

John Holt - 3000 Volts of Holt

Released on 10 March 2003.

"By the end of 1976, the John Holt/Tony Ashfield partnership that had so spectacularly blended Jamaican rhythms with sophisticated Pop arrangmeents was well and truly over. But when Bunny Lee delivered to Trojan a collection of John Holt ballads, the company chose to select a title in keeping with the singer's previous volumes. So it was that early in 1977, 3,000 Volts hit the streets and while the album lacked the elaborate orchestration prevalent on the first two Volts collections, the LP still succeeded in becoming one of Trojan's best selling albums of all time. Now, some 26 years since its original release, we re-present the album, bolstered by an additional 13 Bunny Lee produced tracks from the period."

There is a cool feeling to this album, very definitely the sound and vibe of 1977 (although actually recorded in the period 1974 to 1976) starting of with the rhythm also popularised on Cultures massive 2 Sevens Clash. The Rockers feel and Holts voice, one of THE Jamaican voices after all, merge together perfectly in the stripped down sound of the day.

Still included are some excellent covers of US Soul Hits like the Manhattans, Kiss and say goodbye, and Lou Rawls You'll never find another love like mine, but also own creations like Oh What a day, let's do it long etc. The self penned items are more conscious I guess, or at least a better reflection of Jamaican life such as No place like Home. Ungrateful Lady with pleading vocals, and well known hard hitting bassline, cuts a tune.

Such was the (short) length of albums back then it now allows for some interesting bonus cut additions. Somehow they seem harder, sparser and more roots, with a wicked tune with the Paragons, Let the Wicked run away. My Desire though Lovers really has a hard edge to it but is a great love song. No man is an Island also has an 'unfinished' edge to it, yet is excellent. Couple of covers again, Sam Cooke & Curtis and some instrumental dubs.

Track Listing : -Let's Get It While It's Hot In The Springtime Till I'm Gone Let's Kiss And Say Goodbye Winter World Of Love (It's Cold Outside) Oh What A Day Let's Do It Long No Place Like Home Ungrateful Lady You Will Never Find Another Love Like Mine BONUS TRACKS: My Desire No Man Is An Island I've Got To Go Back Home Sugar (You Are Mine) Bring It (On) Home To Me You Must Believe Me Look What You Have Done Bunny Lee Has Arrived - Tomy McCook & The Aggrovators Let The Wicked Run Away - John Holt & The Paragons Can't Keep Us Apart Goodnight My Love Find A Dub A Springing Version - John Holt & The Aggrovators

 

.

Visitors:

Bravenet.com