CASTLE MUSIC

Tighten Up Volume 5

Released on 11 November 2002.

The earlier Tighten Up's were awesome and still selling in reissue formats, and very collectible in original. Version 5 clearly was following a theme but the material wasn't so consistently hot by the end of 1971. Thirteen bonus tracks in evidence here as well which actually in my view exceed the quality of the original album.

Delroy Wilson's Better must kicks us off in great style. Classic track, sweet vocals, picking up the mood of a nation on a track that became highly politicised.

Some great covers have emerged from Jamaica and this version of In Paradise by the late Jackie Edwards and Judy Mowatt is no exception.

Many styles were in evidence in the early 70's, the slower roots was beginning to dominate and also the DJ style. Clancy Eccles was a well known voice from earlier and his toasting at this point was a bit 'old school' I guess but a good tune with Old Testament lyrics.

Dennis Alcapone was however one of the DJ's of the day and here his witticisms and delivery almost, but not quite, eclipse the massive Cherry Oh Baby.

Three In One by Errol Dunkley is a great amalgam from an unmistakeable voice. Slow paced Rupie Edwards rhythm perfectly suited to a pleading and strong vocal.

Roots in evidence again on a typical Bongo Herman and Bunny item , Know Far I. More unmistakable vocals on the Maytals, It's You, still soulful and still doowoping.

One of the best Wailers is Duppy Conqueror and this is the first version. How great was the three original harmonic trio.

Onto the bonus tracks, which is some ways exceed the quality of the original album. I guess this is possible with a retrospective look back.

- Ken Boothe and Lloyd Charmers with Rasta Never Fails, Rasta Gospel rather than Rasta Grounation.

Another great voice, one of the best from the Island of course is John Holt, here over a laid back but heavy groove with Stick by Me, a big hit in 1971. One of the best voices for me was Stranger Cole, here Crying every Night (These eyes) is pure deep soul. Again more soulful stuff with Little Roy and Hardest Fighter. The rhythms were sure getting laid back at this time allowing the soulfulness to come through. Little Roy particularly should have been bigger.

On the group side of things we have The Ethiopians - Lot Wife and Twinkles Do your own thing.