[.ca] Very Best Of

From Amazon.com:
Toots Hibbert is often compared to Otis Redding, and since Hibbert was greatly influenced by classic American R & B as well as the music of his own Baptist church, that comparison is certainly apt. But while he owes a debt to the intense, high-octane vocal approach of Redding, there is also a great deal of similarity between Toots and the great James Brown. In many ways and at roughly the same time, Hibbert did for Jamaican soul what Brown did for its American cousin--he made it funky and nasty! One listen to the chunky guitar riffs underneath and Hibbert's repetitive vocal chants on top of 1968's "Do the Reggay" and this much is clear: while the energy of ska remains, the deep groove has become supreme ruler. This awesome collection goes back to an early Prince Buster-produced single from 1964 and follows the Maytals--and with them, the history of Jamaican pop--from sweet-harmonizing, horn-driven ska to steadfast rock steady to archetypical roots reggae. And don't forget that Hibbert wrote 18 of these 19 jewels himself (there's one Redding cover here), showing himself to be highly effective with both topical tunes and cheerful rave-ups. --Marc Greilsamer

Love this CD!:
I couldn't wait to listen to the CD when I got home. I had to listen to it. Hearing the samples was enough to make me want to buy it. And listening to it completely had me dancing and shouting. This CD is a good investment if you are an avid collector and listener of reggae music. Artists such as Sister Nancy sample the baseline from him. Toots is great to listen and dance to.

I know that other guy has that one album and thats it:
because if you bought Toots - LIVE, you'd realize what you're missing by sitting at home listening to that disc, instead of standing in the audience dancing until you are drenched in sweat, and have to drag yourself away from the music to buy another Red Stripe. Toots makes great music... but there is nothing... NOTHING like seeing and hearing the guy in the flesh. He is a jamaican reggae version of James Brown... and he just makes you want to party and dance. Buy the live album (the white one with black writing... avoid the live in london double disc)... it captures a tiny bit of the energy he creates when he performs. buy the studio discs at your own risk. He releases a lot of them with old material. The old guy has to make money you know? I Love im.

Godfather of Reggae:
Bob Marley may be the king but Toots was the originator. He was one of the first musicians to use the word Reggae to describe this popular Jamaican musical style. My only complaint with this compilation is that it omits the song, "Premature" from the LP, Reggae Got Soul. It's a great tune and one of his biggest international hits. Otherwise, this CD is a keeper.

10/10 That's His Number!:
Of course, mention reggae music to nearly every human on the planet and the first name out of their mouths is Bob Marley. But if there's gotta be a #2 slot, then let it go to Frederick "Toots" Hibbert. He's the very embodiment of the word "journeyman". Influenced as much by classic sixties soul as by the bluebeat of his native land, Toots scored a series of funky, soulful, genuinely skanking hits in Jamaica and overseas. Total fans looking for a detailed and loving anthology are directed to TIME TOUGH, a double CD retrospective released in 1997 that touched on all the right bases. Those looking for a more concentrated dosage can line up here without guilt. If you regularly play the heck out of your Bob Marley LEGEND disc, then you'll equally play the heck out of this one, too. All the coolest cuts are here: "Bam Bam" (which was sampled and covered by Chaka Demus & Pliers), "54-46 That's My Number", "Reggae Got Soul" (where Kingston, Jamaica meets up with Atlanta, Georgia!), "Funky Kingston" and his remarkable remake of Otis Redding's "Dreams To Remember" (which, you may recall, was used as the music bed for a series of Club Med TV spots). The ultimate marriage of roots, rock, reggae on a disc that'll quickly become a fave! "54-46" may have been his number, but 10/10 is the number you can assign this set! Recommended!

• Broadway Jungle
• Bam Bam
• 54-46 Was My Number
• Do the Reggay
• Pressure Drop
• 54-46 That's My Number
• Sweet & Dandy
• Monkey Man
• Pomp & Pride
• In the Dark
• Funky Kingston
• Time Tough
• Reggae Got Soul
• Never You Change
• Living in the Ghetto
• Never Get Weary
• (I've Got) Dreams to Remember
• Spiritual Reading
• Peace, Perfect Peace