Snailboy got me in the mood for some island sounds and when that happens, this is one of my go-to cuts. By now I hope most of you know Mr. Spear. If not, go buy yourself his “Marcus Garvey” [+] album and get learnin’. This cut is from the proceeding album “Rocking Time” which came out on the legendary Studio One label. It’s an up-tempo number with a beautiful / haunting melody and a bouncy organ. It’s one of those cuts that sends shivers down yr spine… at least it did for me… Is that too personal? Fsssh… Don’t be uptight man!

Anyway, I really really really hope some phone company licenses this for an ad (hello? “CALL on you”? it’s a no-brainer). In the meantime, I guess we’ll just have to make due enjoying an amazing song on its own merits. If that’s even possible.

Artist: Burning Spear [+]
Album: Rocking Time [+]
Year: 1974
Label: Studio One [+]
Production: Coxsone Dodd [+]

Alas, the album appears to be out of print. Looks like the great SoulJazz label has a comp with this track available for purchase here.