BARRY BIGGS
The Vintage Series (VP)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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As a lover of roots reggae, I avoid reviewing the genre known as "lover's rock" because... it bugs the hell out of me. The rhythms are usually so watered down that any link to reggae is reduced to a hint. Imagine my surprise when I put this Barry Biggs disc on and found myself slo-mo-skankin' to that great hesitant beat. Biggs, a long-time member of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, sings in sweet falsetto that works perfectly with his obvious fondness for the Motown style of the 60s. Anyone wishing to debate that is hereby referred to track three ("Just My Imagination"). The liners don't give the dates for these 17 songs, but my semi-educated ear puts them somewhere between 1968 and 1975. No matter. It is what it is: sweet lover's rock with legitimate reggae beats. Or, in U.S. terms, really, really good make-out music.

Track List:

Wide Awake In A Dream * Love Come Down * Just My Imagination * Since You've Been Gone * So Much In Love * This Is Good Life * Love On A Two Way Street * Rain From The Skies * For The Love Of You * Sideshow * Sincerely * Let's Put It All Together * I'm In The Mood * What's Your Sign * A Night Like This * It's Time For Love * Goodnight My Love

© 2000 - DJ Johnson