Sunday, August 19, 2018

John Holt - 1000 Volts Of Holt

This album is peculiar. It comes across as quite easy listening akin to the likes of Cat Stevens who graced the 70's airwaves with the fashion of the day, but its reggae, which is quite independent, and outsider to the fashion norms of the times. It's intriguing with the various horn and string sections that completely transform the album into a joyous melodic masterpiece. All the tracks are covers, and the standouts have to be ''Mr. Bojangles'' and ''Morning Of My Life''. If one was to start their reggae fascination, this would be a great way to delve away from Bob Marley and in to something different. Though rock steady was quite easy listening (John Holt did front the Paragons, known for their track later covered by Blondie, ''The Tide Is High''). This album is both a lost gem and a masterpiece. It's odd how each song is a cover but nailed so well vocally like it's John's own little personal work. This speaks highly for these adaptions to reggae from an experienced master. All in all it works terrifically well.

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