The golden touch of producer Winston "Niney" Holness is on vivid display throughout this compilation of rare and classic reggae sides from the '70s.
Niney has worked with many of Jamaica's top male vocalists, including Michael Rose, represented by an early version of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (recorded in the '80s as a member of Black Uhuru with production by Sly & Robbie), "cool ruler" Gregory Issacs with "PayMaster," and
Dennis Brown, one of
Niney's most frequent collaborators, with "No More Will I Roam." One vocalist who most definitely does not make an appearance is
Bob Marley, who accused
Niney of plagiarism when he released his biggest hit, "Blood and Fire" (which he performed as well as produced).
Niney admits that it was inspired by "Duppy Conqueror," but Marley felt that it was a rip-off of "Love Light."
Niney claims not to have heard the song at that time (although his does include the chorus, "Let it burn"). In any case, he has recorded several versions of "Blood and Fire" over the years. This collection takes its name from a Mad Professor-styled version, "Observer Station," which follows the original, voted Jamaica's song of the year in 1971. All of the tracks feature the Soul Syndicate Band, who have also recorded as the Aggravators and, more famously, the Upsetters, when working with producer
Lee "Scratch" Perry and
Bob Marley. They're represented, sans guest vocalist, by the ska instrumental "Cassandra" (later recorded by
Dennis Brown). Producer King Tubby adds his dubbing talents to the mix with Tyrone Taylor's "Sufferation" and Porti's "Mr. Big Man," while Scratch is responsible for the dub mix on I-Roy's "Maggie Breast." ~ Kathleen C. Fennessy