Track Listings (20) - Disc #1| All Artists: Desmond Dekker Title: Rockin Steady: Best of Members Wishing: 4 Total Copies: 0 Label: Rhino / Wea Original Release Date: 3/24/1992 Release Date: 3/24/1992 Genres: Alternative Rock, International Music, Pop Styles: Ska, Caribbean & Cuba, Jamaica, Reggae Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 081227027124 |
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Search - Desmond Dekker :: Rockin Steady: Best of
 | Desmond Dekker Rockin Steady: Best of Genres: Alternative Rock, International Music, Pop
While he's generally classed as a ska artist, Dekker's biggest hits, which he recorded with producer Leslie Kong, were prime examples of rock steady and early reggae. But what hits! "Israelites," "007 (Shanty Town)," "It M... more » |
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Amazon.com While he's generally classed as a ska artist, Dekker's biggest hits, which he recorded with producer Leslie Kong, were prime examples of rock steady and early reggae. But what hits! "Israelites," "007 (Shanty Town)," "It Mek" wrapped the cool riddims around some glorious pop music to become international hits, all led by Dekker's high distinctive voice. To be fair, when you get past the prime period, not everything here is USDA, but most of the tracks here are juicy enough to get you salivating. And when he was great, Dekker was up there with the giants; 30 years later, the best still sounds wonderful. --Chris Nickson Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsPaving the way for Toots. Tom | Palatine, IL USA | 05/14/2001 (5 out of 5 stars) "I don't know when the word reggae came into common use, or who really was the first reggae artist, but it has been well argued that Dekker was up near the front.Not as dark as Marley, nor as rocking as Toots, Dekker's contribution to island music may have been the development of a really funky driving groove.I am not always a fan of Rhino's over cleaning of old analogue masters, but in this case, it was very necessary.According to the Rhino-typical detailed liner notes, much of the work on this CD comes from a tiny 4-track "studio" in the back of an ice cream shop.Here's a note for music fans: Desmond Dekker is THE Desomond in the Beatle's song "Ob La Di Ob La Da." Apparently Paul was a huge fan of Desmonds.Anyway...this CD is a load of fun. Is it reggae? Not really. Did Dekker influence Toots and later reggae artists? Almost certainly.This is one of my most played CDs. Great for a long drive.Oh! Here's a fun note: If you enjoy this restrained cut of "The Isrealites," you will really like the hot dance version Dekker cut for Stiff Records, available on the Rhino (again!) Stiff Box." Simply the Greatest Dekker CD Worldwide! mehmet itmek | Lambert, GA | 10/10/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "1992's "Rockin' Steady: The Best Of Desmond Dekker" is by far the best compilation ever done on Desmond Dekker. As opposed to the slip-shod, random, England-centered Trojan releases, "Rockin' Steady" is mainly based on Jamaican and American sources. That means including the 'B' side of the UNI "Israelites" 45 ("My Precious World--The Man") and the best cuts from Dekker's UNI 'Israelites' album, in the proper sequence. The CD booklet is a goldmine of information, much it derived from Jamaican newspapers and US Reggae experts. The artwork recalls Jamaica's classic BEVERLEYS label, which released most of these songs. All in all, a SUPER job by Rhino Records." Dear Rhino, get this back in print now TimothyFarrell22 | Massachusetts | 09/20/2005 (5 out of 5 stars) "I have no idea what is happening to Rhino Records. They used to have so many great compilations. Their "Greatest Hits" CDs where better than all their competitors, with percise and dead-on song selection. What are they producing now? The greatest hits of Sugar Ray and Ole Diry Basterd. That wouldn't bother me so much, but all their great old compilarions are going out of print. Please, go back to being the greatest record label ever like you used to be. But enough of that rant. As for Desmond Dekker, if you only need a single album this is the one to pick up. Every song is a classic, showcasing his emense songwriting talents. He is by far one of my favorite Jamacian artists. To pick my favorite song is an impossible task. Most of his big classics is included on this disc, and each song contains incredible lyrics and songwriting skill. Many of his songs have gone on to become rude-boy anthems, and they are certainly worthy of that status. He could create an up-tempo ska tune and a mellow yet not at all weak rocksteady tune. Anyone who wants to venture beyond Bob Marley in the spectrum of Jamacian music has better check out Desmond Dekker."
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