Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae

Rating: * * * *

The golden age of Rocksteady in Jamaica was a brief two-year window from 1966-68 when jumped-up ska gave way to something more laid-back, cool and bass-heavy.

It was only a short time before reggae would take over but some timeless tracks, including Dawn Penn's version of (You Don't Love Me) No No No and Rivers of Babylon - which went on to be world famous thanks to Boney M's disco hit - came out of this Rocksteady time.

This album is the soundtrack to the documentary Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae which screens at the World Cinema Showcase. The film follows reggae greats, from vocalists such as Penn, Judy Mowatt, Ken Boothe and U-Roy, to band leader and guitarist Ernest Ranglin, as they record versions of the era's big hits and put on a live show. Very much like the Buena Vista Social Club.

On the album, the highlight is the brand new version of No No No by Penn which is righteous and delightful all wrapped up into one, from the heavy opening rumble and skank through to her sweet and soulful chorus. A triumph of a song. As is U-Roy's take on Stop That Train, with his commanding rap a stunning contrast to the soul-gospel backing singers.

Familiar oldies like Rivers of Babylon and Tide Is High (the latter made famous by Blondie) get a modern-day yet authentic reworking; and on a more low-key level, Love Me Today has a singalong garage party groove similar to the style of New Zealand's Tigi Ness.

What also comes through is Ranglin's masterful noodly licks and touches. He played on many of these originals, including Babylon, and he prowls around the songs effortlessly and keeps them skanking along.

There's also a fun and joyous mood to the songs even though the subject matter is often heavy - it's as if they're having a hoot revisiting and playing them again.

You can't beat the earlier versions for purity and rawness, and the album probably has a lighter touch than what was the norm back in the day, but what remains is the catchy lilt, good-time groove and freshness of some great tunes.

Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae, 6.15pm today and 8.45pm March 30 at the Academy. The showcase is also on in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.