ALBUM REVIEW: Cherry Red Reggae Reissues - No More Heartaches/What Am I To Do & Marcia Griffiths: Naturally / Steppin

Cherry Red Reggae Reissues September 2017

By Leggy Mountbatten

No More Heartaches/What Am I To Do 2 CD Set Compilation

Marcia Griffiths Naturally and Steppin 2 CD Set

No More Heartaches and What Am I To Do various artists reissued by Doctor Bird/Cherry Red

Having the original Trojan and Harry J vinyl versions which would set you back now in the 3 figure mark, its great to have these released in CD form. In the late 60`s early 70`s reggae compilations were big sellers, the Trojan Tighten Up series, and Pama`s Straighten Up`s, plus a mix of others were lucrative and established some of the solo artists now associated with the great tunes of the period.

Trojan have been reissuing compilation box sets for some time now, but its nice to have the original albums here on CD thanks to Doctor Bird.

Highlights are the title track No More Heartaches by the Beltones a boss tune indeed, Soul Special a classic instrumental from King Canon, and Hang Em High.. by Richard Ace..

What Am I to Do is equally as good, the opener and title track with its sample of Liquidator Harry J all Stars is a belter , Early in the Morning by The Jamaicans is Ska/Gospel skank at its best.. ..

Also released this month are probably The Queen of Reggae Marcia Griffiths two finest albums Naturally and Steppin. Originally released on Sky Note in 1978/79. Griffiths is really a great vocalist and her work with The Wailers and other artists won her the Jamaican order of distinction for music in 1992. However these early albums are stunning, and include tracks like Dream Land, Mark My Word, Its Impossible and Sweet Bitter Love.

Both of these 2 CD issues are worth every penny, and im looking forward to more releases from Doctor Bird in the near future.

8/10

Tracks No More Heartaches/What Am I To Do

NO MORE HEARTACHES