Funky Kingston - Toots & The Maytals (1975)
Toots Hibbert and his band were there at the beginning of the reggae movement, and from the start had bigger vision than just their own island.
They integrated Motown soul and R&B and a lot of American style showmanship into their act.
They seem, rather confoundingly, to have released two different albums called Funky Kingston. This one was in the American market, and was more of a comp of the best tracks from their previous few Jamaican albums.
Whatever it is, it works.
Tracks I Liked
Funky Kingston - A great Motown rave-up that’s still all Maytals
Country Road - yeah, that Country Road. “Jamaica” not “West Virginia”, natch.
Pressure Drop - A big hit for the band, a future Clash hit, and a great tune.
BONUS: in the first ten seconds I found a sample from one of my all-timer Soul Coughing tracks.
