Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown 1973-1980

The musical bonds between Jamaica and the States are deeply entangled. Ska was born out of hearing New Orleans R&B beamed across the Gulf of Mexico, New York’s disco remixers took inspiration from the myriad effects of dub, while the best hip-hop producers of the ‘90s always had an ear tuned to Jamaican dancehall. To say nothing of how many times the stinging guitar lick that opened Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” got re-purposed on a reggae tune. This crucial compilation shows just how deep the island’s love of American soul runs, these island covers offering a mirror back to the mainland. Slinky, steady-moving, and funky versions of hits for the likes of Syl Johnson, Bobby Bland, Curtis Mayfield, and Bill Withers recast them in warm sunshine. And the Tamlins’ Sly & Robbie-powered version of Randy Newman’s “Baltimore” proves just how powerful the synergy between these two cultures can be.