Toots and The Maytals Album: “Monkey Man/From The Roots”

I've always liked Toots and the Maytals, but I almost felt guilty. I felt like I was cheating on The Wailers.

But I've grown up a bit, and I realize there's room for two favorites in my reggae collection (and one Gregory Isaacs album, the pretty rare "Watchman of the City").

I recently stumbled upon this CD while in the Reggae/World section in a popular music shop. I had no idea what pleasure lay in store.First of all, there are about 27 songs on the CD (I assume that this is the same one. The title's the same, and it's two original albums in one). There isn't one snoozer in the whole lot (as opposed to, say, "Chances Are", by Mr. Marley). Each time I listen it's like I'm throwing a party for myself. The Maytals skank, shriek, and bop. Toots howls joyously, like a Jamaican Otis Redding; deep heartfelt shouting comparable to early Wailers stuff done at Studio One. My favorite right now is the song that goes "Da da da da". Yes, Toots is funny, too. Silly yet soulful.

These albums remind us that reggae is more than wailing, rebellion and dubs. It's FUN! I only wish everyone could hear this collection. Well, maybe not. It's kind of fun having the party all to myself.

Do you love Toots? Do you already have "Reggae Got Soul"? "Funky Kingston"? (Or "In The Dark" or "Greatest Hits", the last three contain the same songs for the most part) Then this is your next best bet. Toots sings like his soul depends upon it. People usually liken him as a Jamaican Otis Redding but on some of these numbers I'd swear he was channeling Van Morrison. The sound and instrumentation on these songs is more stipped down than the later stuff but no less rocking. The tunes are up tempo and energetic like the Maytals early ska but they come in a definite reggae rhythmn. Not to mention the fact that you're getting two albums on one disc for the price of one. Recommended for reggae fans. Essential for Toots fanatics.