Not the classic Heptones, but a good effort
Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 09/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Founding member Leroy Sibbles left the Heptones after the band failed to reach the dizzying heights of success that Bob Marley and the Wailers had reached in the mid 70's- indeed, the Heptones were on the cusp of similar success after Lee "Scratch" Perry produced their acclaimed "Party Time" lp in the mid 70's. For whatever reason, the Heptones didn't reach those levels, and a disillusioned Sibbles left, moved to Canada, and pursued his solo career.The remaining Heptones- Barry Llewellyn, and Earl Morgan, decided to carry on the trio, and recruited Naggo Morris to try to fill the huge void left by Sibbles'absence.While the resulting albums, including this one, have wonderful moments on them and have an excellent, workman like quality to them, the chemistry, creativity, and songwriting that Sibbles brought to the trio was obviously missing. The albums don't reach the heights of success that the earlier efforts did.The highlights of this album are the title track, Earl Morgan's great "Pack Your Things" and "Promise To Be True," as well as a spirited cover of Curtis Mayfield's "I'm So Proud"-all of which are worth a listen to hear the newly re-constituted harmonies the trio have to offer.It would be unfair to pan this album because Sibbles is nowhere to be found on it- but to judge it on its own merits; overall, its a good effort by the trio, and has wonderful moments on it.Hardcore fans of the Heptones will likely appreciate the effort, but new fans should immerse themselves in the classic Heptones lineup first, then move on to the Mark II lineup's output."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1