Tonight’s show is a special tribute to the late troubled man with an amazing career. After the reggae cover versions–some beautiful and some barely passable–I play a request for a listener that called in to the voice mail line. Thanks to all the people that have been posting comments on the web site, e-mailing me, and leaving voice mails. It means a lot to me to know that you appreciate the thought that goes into these shows.

Kashief Lindo – She’s Out of My Life
Wayne Wonder – She’s Out of My Life
Shinehead – Billy Jean
Shinehead – Lady in My Life
Ambelique – Human Nature
Little Kirk – Man in the Mirror
Bloodfire Posse – Remember the Time
Wayne Wonder & Buju Banton – Heal Massa God World
Pam Hall – You Are Not Alone
Dean Fraser – You Are Not Alone
Don Campbell – Rock My World
JC Lodge – Stay In Tonight

Thanks to a great suggestion by listener Randy, I put together a handful of versions of the Sensations (featuring Johnny Osbourne on lead) “Come Back Darling” rhythm. Then it’s a longer version excursion of the Paragons (featuring John Holt) “Come Back Darling.” I hope you like both of these songs. Otherwise you’re in for a long night!

Sensations – Come Back Darling
Johnny Osbourne – Come Back Darling
Brian & Tony Gold – Come Back Darling
UB40 – Come Back Darling
Paragons – Only a Smile
Lyn Taitt & the Jets – Only a Smile
U-Roy – Flashing My Whip
Dennis Brown – Only a Smile
Dennis Brown – Only a Smile Dub
Big Youth – Is Dread in a Babylon
Pat Kelly – Only a Smile
Errol Dunkley – Only a Smile
Errol Dunkley – Smiling Dub
Leroy Gibbons – Only a Smile
Maxi Priest – Only a Smile
Blackstones – Only a Smile
Cocoa Tea – Smiling Face

A few cool things that I want to share with you. First, I have been watching The UB40 Story of Reggae DVD from 1999. There is a great scene where they intersperse footage from their version of “Crying Over You” with footage from Ken Boothe singing it in Jamaica at their Oracabessa studio. It made such an impact on me that I immediately wanted to play the original Ken Boothe song for you. Then I decided to just pull the audio from the DVD and play that segment for you back to back.

Second, one of my best listeners, Lynda, sent me the original R&B instrumental, “Party Time,” by Ramsey Lewis. It definitely makes you want to get up and move. It will also remind you where Dave Barker & Ansel Collins got their inspiration for “Double Barrel.”

Third, I am crazy for “Time To Shine” by Laden, a young Jamaican who is singing and rapping about reality, something we rarely hear about anymore on radio in the United States. It’s all about bragging and spending money when the reality for most people–even singers and DJs in Jamaica–is that they don’t have a lot of extra money to throw away. The video is very good so do a Google search and watch it. This song is so original and unique, yet it will make an instant impression. Let me know what you think of it.

Ken Boothe – Crying Over You
Excerpt from The UB40 Story of Reggae DVD
Laden – Time To Shine
Ramsey Lewis – Party Time
Dave Barker & Ansel Collins – Double Barrel
Ansel Collins – Nuclear Weapon
Monty Alexander & Ernest Ranglin – Double Barrel

Tonight’s show is inspired by a Dutch listener named Gijs. He suggested a version excursion on the “Soul Rebel” rhythm. Since I’m so busy these days, I welcome your creative suggestions. E-mail me with your ideas or leave a voice mail.

Wailers – Soul Rebel
Wailers – Soul Rebel Version 4
Jacob Miller – I’m a Natty
Bunny Wailer – Soul Rebel
Carlene Davis – Soul Rebel
Lee “Scratch” Perry – Soul Rebel
Lee “Scratch” Perry – Denise the Bitch
Queen Omega – Hyprocrites and Parasites
Sanchez – Rude Boy
Fiona – Together
Freddie McGregor – Weh Dem Tek Wi Fah

Finally, a Sunday morning and some time to myself to put together a show and record at the Golden Touch studio. Lots of short rhythm updates. 430 subscribers! Thank you!

Jacob Miller – Love Is a Message
Jacob Miller & the Sound Dimension – Love Is a Message Part II
Jah Mali – Conscious Lover
Daville – I’ll Be Your Best Friend
Heptones – Pure Sorrow
Chuck Fender – Gash Dem
Fantan Mojah – Jah Time
Tarrus Riley – It’s Better This Way
Peter Tosh – African
Bushman, Gramps Morgan, Beres Hammond, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Louie Culture, Marcia Griffiths, Buju banton – African
Derrick Parker – Cool It Off
Flourgon & Daddy Lizzard – Jump and Shock Out
Chaka Demus – Ital Man
Cocoa Tea & Buccaneer – Too Much Gun Lyrics