Pure Gold: Horace Andy

With his quivering, pure, and high-toned vocal delivery, Horace "Andy" Hinds scored several reggae hits during the '70s and in the process became one of Jamaica's most distinct and influential singers. Beginning with producer Clement Dodd, Andy delivered self-penned classics like "Skylarking," "Love of a Woman," and "Just Say Who." This greatest-hits package contains these and most of Andy's hits for Dodd from the early part of the decade, and features the fine musical backing of the Brentford Road house band Sound Dimension (the lineup included luminaries like organist Jackie Mittoo, bassist Leroy Sibbles, guitarist Eric Frater, and tenor saxophonist Roland Alphonso). Other highlights here include the rockers-style "Every Tongue Shall Tell," the ska-rocksteady cut "Don't Cry," and an effective cover of Cat Stevens' "Where Do the Children Play?" After his stint with Dodd, Andy would make more hits with Bunny Lee and even spend time in Canada and the U.S. cutting impressive sides with producers like Lloyd "Bullwackie" Barnes and Edward DaSilva, finally resurfacing in the '90s on some very engaging sides cut with British trip-hop group Massive Attack. This collection captures the singer early on, sporting the incredible tunes that have now brought him much deserved international attention. Unfortunately, this collection is not available anymore; so, curious listeners should check out the few Horace Andy hits packages on the Music Club label or even look into his more obscure yet still very satisfying releases on Blood & Fire.