I had been unfamiliar with Ken Boothe's 1972 release "Boothe Unlimited" until a few weeks ago. I was trying to create a playlist of originals based on Irma Thomas' last release "Love Is The Foundation," which was all covers. The song "Second Chance" took me to the Ken Boothe record. As it turned out, the Irma originals playlist was a let down. Miss Irma's record was far more satisfying. But the Boothe album knocked me out. I just listened again and it felt even better.
The album moves nicely in and out of rock steady and dub and the arrangements throughout feel special. Do we need another version of "Ain't No Sunshine?" Not really. But who knew his cover of Al Green's "Look What You've Done" would work so well.
Is "Boothe Unlimited" going to convert the reggae naysayers? I say, nay. Or, who knows? It may.
But if you are already on board with the genre, you need to listen to "Boothe Unlimited." It's a keeper.
8 comments:
I’ve been on board for a while now and this is indeed a keeper! Tx for the reminder on KB!
He's a good one.
These sound very good. Produced by Lloyd Charmers, too.
- Paul in DK
Catching my ear. Def checking out
Good stuff. And BTW, thanks for the Tom Petty song top left, which was heretofore unknown to me. A total knockout, and I can't believe I'd previously missed it.
On the list to listen to, thanks!
Randy
Made famous by Joe Strummer in "White man in Hammersmith Palais" -
"Ken Boothe for UK pop reggae With backin' bands sound systems "
That Al Green cover is an excellent find! Thanks.
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