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A brief history lesson from the end of the sixties and beginning of the seventies! The late Desmond Dekker should need no introduction, the original outernational reggae superstar is represented by the album compiled to cash in on the success of ‘Israelites’ – though for this CD reissue the original dozen tracks are expanded to a massive 31! All the material dates from the years 1966 to 1968, thereby incorporating rocksteady and fast reggae styles, with Desmond’s frequently falsetto vocals instantly recognisable. The themes range from local gossip and love songs to rude boys and Africa, and the CD is certainly recommended.

Dave Barker, as one half of Dave & Ansel Collins, also enjoyed a couple of hits around the beginning of the seventies. This compilation of Lee Perry produced material covers the years 1970 to 1973 and doubles the thirteen tracks of the original album. It shows that though the humble Mr. Barker may be best known for his DJ work on ‘Double Barrel’ and ’Monkey Spanner’, he was also one of the most soulful singers to come out of Jamaica – take a listen to the exquisite title track for confirmation. The bonus material includes songs recorded with Bunny Wailer, Charlie Ace and Dennis Alcapone  - and Perry completists should note that ‘The Same Game (Version)’ is previously unissued.

And so on to Eric Donaldson, chiefly known these days for ‘Cherry Oh Baby’, since recorded by the Rolling Stones and UB40. Its influence (and riddim) looms large over this set of songs from across the seventies but again Eric reveals himself to be an expressive singer and due to the juxtaposition of these CDs, there is a definite impression of Eric being inspired by Desmond – both were festival song winners of course, and Eric’s use of falsetto brought Mr. Dekker (or Dekkar if you worked for Trojan way back when) to mind several times – as did the lovely melodic material from time to time. Yet another fascinating set. History lessons have never been so much fun…

- Norman Darwen