I don't know why this fascinates me as much as it does. Maybe it's because the idea is so wacky. Or maybe it's the element of surprise every time I put on a reggae record. I expect to hear one song but get another. Regardless of how shady the practice might be, I think it's a whole lotta fun. I mean, could you see an American artist recording a straight cover of "Street Fighting Man" and calling it "The Jungle" and putting his name underneath as the writer? Never gonna happen, friends! But in jolly ol' Jamaica, this is more common than spliff clouds.
Today's example is a song called "Musical Happiness" by the Soul Vendors. On some 45s, the writer is credited as Rolando Alphonso. On others, it's C. Dodd. But one listen to the chorus, and you'll realize, someone is getting the shaft.
Still, I do love the track.
I never knew the Who covered The Last Time, and the B side was Under My Thumb. Wow.
ReplyDeleteTasty tune with (presumably) Roland Alfonso's great saxophone work. He was one of the greats on sax. Saw him several times during the Skatalites reformation in the 90's and he was superb every time. While the chorus is familiar, I'm not sure of what.
ReplyDelete- Paul in DK
I've always loved the fact that you can't copyright a title. Which means that I could write a novel called "Gone With the Wind" and publish it without legal problems.
ReplyDeleteDon't know about all that, but I really enjoyed listening!
ReplyDeleteListen to "Bronco" by The Upsetters. It's "Ol' Man River."
ReplyDeleteListen to "President Kennedy" by The Skatalites. It's Georgie Fame's "Yeh Yeh."
"Darker Shade Of Black" by an number of reggae and ska artists is always "Norwegian Wood."
Today's selection is "Everybody Plays The Fool."
"Malcolm X" by The Skatalites is "The Sidewinder." My copy does give Lee Morgan credit.
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