Israelites: Greatest Hits

RELEASE
January 11, 2011
LABEL
Secret Records
GENRES
Pop/Rock, Rocksteady, Ska, Roots Reggae, Bluebeat

Album Review

While the only comprehensive Desmond Dekker compilation in existence is the double-disc You Can Get It If You Really Want: The Definitive Collection, issued in 2005 from Trojan, this budget-priced set from Fuel contains almost all of the major singles from his 1967-1971 period. In addition to the ubiquitous "Israelites" and the smash version of Jimmy Cliff's "You Can Get It If You Really Want It" are bubblers and strutters like "007," "It Mek," "Sing a Little Song," and "Day-O." Here, ska and reggae numbers collide against and dance with one another. The closing medley, of "007/All I Have to Do Is Dream/Baby Come Back," is an added treat, and the sound is better than most comps. The only point of aggravation with this disc is the complete lack of documentation provided -- just a one-sided slip sheet is included as a cover.
Thom Jurek, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Israelites
  2. 007 (Shanty Town)
  3. You Can Get It If You Really Want It
  4. It Mek
  5. Pickney Girl
  6. Mount Zion
  7. Honour Your Mother and Father [Live]
  8. Good Loving [Live]
  9. Half Way to Paradise [Live]
  10. Sing a Little Song [Live]
  11. Day-O [Live]
  12. Medley: 007/All I Have to Do Is Dream/Baby Come Back [Live]