Funky Kingston / In the Dark
Toots & The Maytals
Open iTunes to preview, buy, and download music.
| Total: 21 Songs |
iTunes Review
On this two-in-one reggae album, Toots Hibbert -backed by Ralphus "Raleigh" Gordon and Nathaniel "Jerry" Matthias-does more than sing; he yowls, pleads, roars, bares his soul, and testifies. These sessions, which capture early reggae's deep ties to soul music, contain the best songs he ever recorded. In addition to the energetic bop of "Pressure Drop" and "54-46 Was My Number" (a crucial indictment of his own imprisonment that's more Otis Redding than Bob Marley), songs such as "Time Tough," "In the Dark," and "Pomp and Pride" have all become classics of Jamaican music. Truly, there's not a bad song on the collection. Even the covers have so heart; the album contains what is arguably the best version of "Louie, Louie" ever recorded. Within a driving reggae rhythm, Hibbert testifies his way across the water, leaving just enough room in the boat for a sun-blistered sax solo. "Take Me Home Country Roads" becomes a cry of longing John Denver never even imagined. And "I Can't Believe" bounces head and shoulders over Ike and Tina Turner. Toots Hibbert has enjoyed the longest running career in reggae. This is why.
Customer Reviews
Probably the best way to get these classic Maytals albums...
As the review says, this two-fer combines the Maytals '73 album "Funky Kingston" and '74's "In The Dark." Plus it tags on "The Harder They Comes"'s "Pressure Drop" as it was included on the US release of "Funky Kingston," (an album compiled from the two previously mentioned albums). This may be the best place to acquire this music in one shot. (There are supposedly some recordings differences between the original albums and the '75 "Funky Kingston", but I'm not sure what is specifically included here... or even if there are drastic differences). In short, this is what I own and it is great, soulful, reggae.
One of the greatest albums of all time
No disrespect to Mr. Marley, but 'Funky Kingston' is the best reggae album of all time.
One of the Best
The iTunes review pretty much nails this one. Toots is one of the most amazing reggae artists ever, and doesn't always get his due. Even though the studio albums are great, his live shows are even better.
Biography
Formed: 1966
Genre: Reggae
Years Active: '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s
Top Albums and Songs By Toots & The Maytals
| Name | Album | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Pressure Drop | The Very Best of Toots & the Maytals | 3:44 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
2 |
54-46 Was My Number | The Very Best of Toots & the Maytals | 3:11 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
3 |
Funky Kingston | The Very Best of Toots & the Maytals | 4:51 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
4 |
Take Me Home, Country Roads | 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Toots & The Maytals | 3:21 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
5 |
Reggae Got Soul | The Very Best of Toots & the Maytals | 3:06 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
6 |
54-46 That's My Number | The Very Best of Toots & the Maytals | 2:55 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
7 |
Country Road | Funky Kingston | 3:25 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
|
8 |
Sweet and Dandy | The Very Best of Toots & the Maytals | 3:12 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
9 |
Time Tough | The Very Best of Toots & the Maytals | 4:24 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
|
10 |
Pressure Drop | 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Toots & The Maytals | 3:42 | $1.29 | View In iTunes |
- $11.99
- Genres: Reggae, Music, World, Ska, Roots Reggae
- Released: Mar 25, 2003
- ℗ 2003 The Island Def Jam Music Group
