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The Uniques are definitely one of the most popular vocal harmony groups of the Rock Steady era (mid to late 60ies). Pressure Sounds presents the second incarnation of the group around lead singer Keith 'Slim' Smith. The vinyl longplayer comes along with 14 tracks, high quality packaging, liner notes and top sound (re-mastered), including 'I'll Let You Go (Let Me Go Boy) feat. Dawn Penn!
Original Label info:
One of the most popular and enduring vocal harmony groups of the Rock Steady era The Uniques occupy a very special place in the hearts of Jamaican music lovers. Ask any reggae aficionado to name their favourite singer and it’s a certainty that Slim Smith’s name will head the list.
Keith 'Slim' Smith was one of the original Techniques with Winston Riley and Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd recalled "before The Wailers hit the most popular group was The Techniques with Slim Smith…" but in 1966 Slim left to form The Uniques. They immediately established themselves as Jamaica’s Number One group with hits such as ‘People Rock Steady, ‘Let Me Go Girl’ and ‘My Conversation’.
"At The Carib Theatre, The State Theatre, The Regal Theatre and the Music Union we stole the show from any other group performing and, on one memorable occasion, from The Wailers where Bob Marley threatened Slim Smith…" Jimmy Riley
Slim developed a close working relationship with up and coming producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee although, in typical fashion, he also recorded for other Kingston producers including ‘Coxsone’ at Studio One.
"After a few years Slim left The Uniques and went solo and the hits continued… ‘Everybody Needs Love’, ‘Blinded By Love’ and he was off on tour of Canada. He appeared in places like Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Wales and all over London. In London he was regarded as the best Jamaican singer and was hailed wherever he appeared." Tony Mack
"I was in New York when I heard about the tragedy and I did not believe it at first… only when I heard it from several sources did I believe it. Slim had returned home to his parent’s house after smoking ganja with some friends and could not get into the house. He broke a window to get in and badly cut his arm. His injuries were so severe that he bled to death before he could get treatment…" Jimmy Riley
"Slim is an incomparable singer even though he’s been dead thirty odd, coming on for forty years. Slim was the nearest thing to Curtis Mayfield and he could also play instruments… look how long Slim Smith dead and you hear his music still. Do you know of another singer who’s come up like Slim Smith? You’ve never had another singer who’s made that impact on Jamaican music like Slim Smith." Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee
'Absolutely Rock Steady' is a spellbinding release showcasing a selection of some of The Uniques most popular hits presented alongside some of their less well known recordings. If you know and love the work of Slim Smith and The Uniques you’ll be reaching for your wallet already… if not we’re envious of you as you’ll be hearing them for the first time. We guarantee that you will not be disappointed. |
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