The Reggae Strings: Reggae Strings (72) / Reggae Strings Volume 2 (74)
An unexpected best-seller for the Trojan Records following its release in 1972, “Reggae Strings” demonstrated the-then widespread appeal of ‘commercial reggae’, primarily among more mature record buyers whose musical tastes veered towards the relaxing and romantic.
Featuring orchestrated instrumental versions of major hits alongside equally appealing cuts of lesser known tracks from the Trojan catalogue, the prolonged popularity of the set prompted a second volume two years later, which sold almost as strongly, despite the prevailing sound of roots reggae.
Although uncredited, both volumes showcased the talents of leading British-based arrangers Johnny Arthey and Tony King, whose work graced numerous best-selling British recordings from the period, including many tracks now widely regarded as reggae classics.
Now, almost five decades since their original release, these two popular albums finally see reissue with this collection, which as a special bonus, collects the original vocal and instrumental versions on disc two.
TRACK LISTING
DISC ONE: REGGAE STRINGS – The Reggae Strings
1. ONE WOMAN
2. MOON RIVER
3. LET THE MAN GO
4. WORLD WITHOUT LOVE
5. ROLL MUDDY RIVER
6. LONELY FOR YOUR LOVE
7. LEAVING ROME
8. PANTOMIME
9. STAND BY YOUR MAN
10. YOUNG GIFTED & BLACK (PIANO MIX)
11. WHITE AND WONDERFUL, BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL
12. GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN
REGGAE STRINGS VOLUME 2 – The Reggae Strings
13. HOW MANY TIMES
14. LET’S FALL IN LOVE
15. YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS
16. SWEET BITTER LOVE
17. JUMP HALLELUJAH
18. TELL IT LIKE IT IS
19. IT’S TOO LATE
20. I DON’T CARE
21. STRANGE WORLD
22. SOMETHING
23. OVER THE RAINBOW
24. SCIENTIST
25. BUT I DO
26. JAMAICA JERK OFF
DISC TWO: ORIGINAL VERSIONS
1. ONE WOMAN – Bob Andy
2. MOON RIVER (7” MIX) – Greyhound
3. SWEET MUSILLE – The Corporation
4. WORLD WITHOUT LOVE – Del Davis
5. ROLL MUDDY RIVER – The Pioneers
6. LONELY FOR YOUR LOVE – The Uniques
7. ROME – Lloyd Jones
8. FLIP – Winston Wright
9. STAND BY YOUR MAN (STRINGS MIX) – Merlene Webber
10. YOUNG GIFTED & BLACK – Bob & Marcia
11. WHITE AND WONDERFUL, BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL – Danny Ray
12. GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN – Nicky Thomas
13. LET’S FALL IN LOVE – Bob & Marcia
14. HOW MANY TIMES – Tito Simon
15. YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS – Tito Simon
16. SWEET BITTER LOVE – Marcia Griffiths
17. JUMP HALLELUJAH – Tito Simon
18. TELL IT LIKE IT IS – Nicky Thomas
19. IT’S TOO LATE (STRINGS MIX) – Laurel Aitken
20. I DON’T CARE – Bob & Marcia
21. STRANGE WORLD – Bob & Marcia
22. OVER THE RAINBOW – The Cimarons
23. SCIENTIST – Winston Groovy
24. BUT I DO – Bob & Marcia
25. JAMAICA JERK OFF – The Pioneers |
