Sanctuary Records Group - Trojan

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Susan Cadogan – Hurt So Good

Released on 23 June 2003.

"One of the singer's first recordings with Lee Perry resulted in an impressive version of Millie Jackson's US hit, 'Hurt So Good', which quickly broke in the UK and peaked at No. 4 in spring 1975. Released by Trojan in 1976, 'Hurt So Good' - the album - illustrates a side to Lee 'Scratch' Perry's work over-looked in favour of his Roots-flavoured productions. In fact, this is one of the finest collections of romantic Reggae from the mid-seventies, with the charm of Cadogan's plaintive vocal perfectly complimented by some of Perry's finest rhythms from the period. Now augmented by a smattering of bonus tracks from the Upsetter vaults, this superb album finally received its due respect with this long overdue overhaul."



Hurt so good is a classic, it's a classic song regardless of which version you take. It does however suit the mellow reggae lovers beat and was a huge hit. Here we have Lee Perry's original and best cut and the single version. The song is also far and away the best track on this album. Susan's sweet almost child like delivery is suited to Lovers Rock but it has to be a real top tune to break through and nothing else much really comes close. Nice and easy is one of the better of the seductive tunes.

Plenty of covers, as was the way back then and still is to some extent but none especially benefit from the reggae treatment except Hurt. Perry's material in the main is preferable.

Lay Down a Lovers track but a rootsier vibe and bass line is one of the best tracks in my view.

Some fascinating sleeve notes about Susan's early career.

Some additional bonus cuts of dub versions and so on. Some of it actually sounds surprisingly good in dub. Highlight though is Junior Byles who manages to roots up 'fever', and Jah T with a wicked slow toast over Pablo's melodica.



In The Ghetto

  Nice And Easy

  Hurt So Good

  Congratulations

  If You Need Me

  Lay Down

  I Keep On Loving You

  Don't Burn Your Bridges

  Feeling Is Right

  Fever

  Shame

  BONUS TRACKS:

  Hurt So Good (single version) - Susan Cadogan

  Loving Is Good - The Upsetters

  Dub It - The Upsetters

  Fever - Junior Byles

  Influenza Version - The Upsetters

  Lick The Pipe Peter Part 4 - Jah T

  Hot & Cold Version - Augustus Pablo & Upsetters

  This World - Milton Henry

  Rub A Dub - The Upsetters



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