Ken Boothe - A Man And His Hits (1999)

Contrary to the title, this is not a reissue of the 1972 Studio One album of the same name, although it does include many of that album's tracks, while also bundling up classic cuts from across the years, from the classic ska years into the rocksteady era and on into the reggae period, ending in the late '70s. Although the sleeve notes give a potted bio of the singer, they provide little help in dating many of these songs; more details are given about the actual backing bands, so it's a real test of the listener's expertise. The liner notes do include interviews with both Ken Boothe and producer Coxsone Dodd, however, which helps make up for the lack of hard info. And then there's the fabulous music itself. Several of the songs included are duets, including two stellar numbers with Delroy Wilson, while the ska classic "Artibella" features Stranger Cole on lead vocals, and dates back to the days before Boothe struck out on his own and was still part of the legendary duo Stranger & Ken. An equally seminal song was the rocksteady gem "The Train Is Coming," featuring backing vocals by the Wailers, and became Boothe's first solo hit. Boothe's distinctive yet versatile vocals are always a wonder to behold, and A Man and His Hits showcases many of his moods. From the torch singer of "I'm a Fool" to the emotional despair of "Lonely Teardrops," the pensiveness of "Thinking" and onto the outright exuberance of "Artibella," where he steals the song right out from under Cole, Boothe's evocative vocals give an emotional charge to everything he sings. This is the perfect introduction to one of Jamaica's most irrepressible talents. Enjoy.