musicology #403

Catharsis #1

(Lord Creator – Wasting Time)

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Still struggling to find direction on themusicologist. It’s not inspiration that’s the problem, (music always delivers), or that I don’t have themes in mind maybe it’s a simple matter of the fallout from the metamorphosis that I am in the middle of. Want it straight?

My partner, (and mother of our children), has, after twenty years, called time on our relationship for the second, (and final), time in 12 months. Why am I laying this out here on themusicologist? ’cause it’s distracting, painful and needs exorcising and where better to get some therapy than here through the form that for me has always delivered catharsis.

Don’t worry though as I’m certainly not going to let the black cloud descend. Nietzsche once wrote, (in The Genealogy Of Morals)

“All instincts which do not find a vent outside oneself turn inwards” and that in a sentance sums up what themusicologist is for me…a vent for my instincts.

First up is a piece from Kendrick Patrick a.k.a Lord Creator who has already featured on themusicologist with his majestic 1968 cut Such Is Life. Produced by Vincent Chin and released on his Top Ranking Randy’s label in the first half of the 1960’s.

musicology #295

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #6

(Dion Cameron & The Three Tops - Get Ready)

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Today's 1966 cut is one from themusicologist's Ska box courtesy of the almost unknown Dion Cameron & The Three Tops who are perhaps better known for the few slices released on Duke Reid's Treasure Isle label, This one is An 'Olive Branch'? production released in the UK on the Rio label. Can't tell you much more about it other than it was one of my earliest purchases back in the early 80's.. Ranking Saxaphone break on this one.

musicology #233

communication #11

(The Wailers - Dreamland)

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today finds themusicologist standing at a crossroads. November the 6th has, for 20 years, been a special day in my calender and today is no exception. Circumstances have changed which makes it all the more poignant as it's the woman who I have spent my life with's 40th birthday and even though our paths have taken different turns I will always cherish and love her.

This cut is, as far as I'm concerned, the Wailers at their best. 'Bunny' delivers lead on this one with Peter and Bob harmonising in true Impressions style and it's yet another piece of majesty from Coxsone Dodd's Studio1 label. I grew up listening to and being inspired by Third World's version of this song from their 1977 '96 Degrees In The Shade' LP and much as I cherish that version this 'marrow trembler' brings me to my knees whenever I hear it.