As always, Toots and the Maytals puts out decent second wave ska, there’s no ‘punk’ aspects in here for you third wavers and its nowhere near as minimalist for you first wave purists.
First track, “Johnny Coolman” is a primarily ska song but with a weird, almost country vibe under it in their choice of guitar rhythms. Its not entirely unpleasant but not a combination I personally would have chosen. “Premature” is a great track I’m a sucker for female vocals in ska having more of a prominent role than just delegated to backup chorus. “Don’t Bother Me” is a little lacking as a track though, the vocal melodies are more along the lines of R&B for me and its really hard to find traces of ska here.
I know, not everyone is really into ska but when I put on a Toots and the Maytals album, I come in with certain expectations. The Ray Charles song “I Gotta Woman” (the song sampled for the chorus of “Golddigger”, guys!) is covered superbly on this album though and is one of the few nice, interesting breaks from the occasional blur that this album sometimes unfortuantely falls victim to. On the whole, I honestly did find myself being bored at times.
After 25 albums and after being around for about fifty years now, it can be hard constantly finding new hooks so I’m not faulting the Maytals. I’m trying not to sound too negative about such ska and reggae legends but really, this is another album I’d register to background ambiance music category.
When you’re not paying attention and pick up on the gems, that’s awesome but when you’re sitting and actually listening to the whole thing, it does get to sound a bit repetitive. God, I feel like such a heel.
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Track Names
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Johnny Coolman
Premature
Pain in My Heart
Love So Strong
Don’t Bother Me
Celia
Image Get a Lick
I Gotta Woman
See the Light
Tribute to Coxson/Guns of Navarone
Do You Remember
Light U Light
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Artist: Album
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Toots & The Maytals: Light Your Light
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Genre
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Reggae
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Web Links
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http://www.tootsandthemaytals.com
http://www.myspace.com/tatm
http://www.concordmusicgroup.com
