Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Top Rankin': Johnny Too Bad

This track is a jamaican classic and one of my favorite reggae tunes of all time.  Produced by Byron Lee in 1970 and featured in the excellent film, "The Harder They Come", the tune was recorded by an elusive group called the Slickers.  There isn't much info on the Slickers, but they are rumored to have been made up of several band members from the top-notch reggae outfit, The Pioneers.  I've also read that Delroy Wilson and his brother Trevor Wilson actually wrote the tune.  

There are several versions of this song, including a Lee Perry production, but the 1970 soundtrack version is by far the best.  It features an amazing vocal performance by a super young Abraham Green (later known as Ras Abraham).   There is something so sweet about the way he belts out this tune.  The cautionary wisdom within the songs lyrics, resonates with every note he sings.  This song is deeply moving.  Play it loud - and sing along!  
 
Critical Rating:  999% Dynamite!  


The Slickers - Johnny Too Bad (1970)

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