A compilation of 19 sizzling cuts, all drawn exclusively from the Studio One archives and boasting both popular favorites and rarities. There are some drawbacks, though. The digital remastering isn't the greatest, but all the tracks come courtesy of master tapes, not scratchy vinyl, so points there. The sequencing is a bit eccentric as well, leaping from steaming instrumentals to more down-tempo vocal tracks with little regard for mood or rhythms. Even odder, the sleeve notes discuss songs and artists not included on this record. However, the music makes up for these flaws. There's a fistful of frenetic instrumentals featuring the likes of
Don Drummond,
Roland Alphonso, and Rico Rodriguez, and, aptly enough, a pair of songs from Skatalite vocalist-to-be Jackie Opel. There's the scrumptious "Simmer Down" by
the Wailers, and two more early recordings of their's to boot.
The Maytals and Clancy Eccles both offer up magnificent spirituals, the latter so infectious you'll be clapping along with it.
Derrick Harriott performs a scintillating R&B number, Andy & Joey (for the record,
Bob Andy and Joey Garth, sister of
Black Uhuru's Dennis) knock out a sizzling duet,
the Gaylads go to Motown, while the Charmers return to the days of doo wop with a song pushing into rocksteady territory. Lascelles Perkins' "Lonely Moments also strays across that fine line, but it's a strong song nonetheless. Go Ska Go is a powerful collection, filled with quality music, guaranteed to delight general fans and collectors alike.