VA - The King Kong Compilation (Island, 1981)

This collection reveals in all its glory the wealth of classic rocksteady and early reggae produced by Leslie "King" Kong in just a three-year span between 1968 and 1970.

The most well-known hits here include Desmond Dekker's "Israelites," The Pioneers' "Long Shot Kick de Bucket," and a pair of Melodians' tunes, "Sweet Sensation" and the legendary "Rivers of Babylon."

Some less-known tracks are equally as good as these, though: Bruce Ruffin's "Bitterness of Life" and Ken Boothe's '70s protest song "Freedom Street" are both superbly crafted gems.

The Maytals also provide a couple of nice cuts featuring Toots Hibbert's soulful vocals - with "Monkey Girl" and "Monkey Man" (no relation), while The Pioneers' contribute the lovely "Samfie Man."
King Kong would kick Godzilla's ass any day.

Track Listing:
1. Israelites - Desmond Dekker and The Aces
2. Monkey Girl - The Maytals
3. Sweet Sensation - The Melodians
4. Freedom Street - Ken Boothe
5. Let Them Say - Tyrone Evans
6. Samfie Man - The Pioneers
7. It's My Delight - The Melodians
8. Peeping Tom - The Maytals
9. Rivers of Babylon - The Melodians
10. Gave You My Love - Delroy Wilson
11. Bitterness of Life - Bruce Ruffin
12. Sentimental Journey - Ansell Collins
13. Long Shot Kick de Bucket - The Pioneers
14. (Ah) It Mek - Desmond Dekker and The Aces
15. Why Baby Why - Ken Boothe
16. Monkey Man - The Maytals

The King Kong Compilation (Island, 1981)
(256 kbps, cover art included)