(As published in Offbeat ... )
Chaka Demus & Pliers
For Every Kinda People
(Island Jamaica)
Demus is a patois-mouthed toaster, Pliers a silken-voiced soul singer, and neither is the main reason for this disc's considerable appeal--that is, unless one or both of them is behind the decision not only to cover good songs previously covered by Robert Palmer ("Every Kinda People," "Man Smart, Woman Smarter") but also to cover them better. The real reasons to listen are Sly and Robbie (who produce and contribute crucial riddims), Robbie Lyn (who contributes crucial keyboards), and "Witness Stand"--a "Red, Red Wine" re-write so ace it can make you forget UB40 and Neil Diamond.
Chaka Demus & Pliers
For Every Kinda People
(Island Jamaica)
Demus is a patois-mouthed toaster, Pliers a silken-voiced soul singer, and neither is the main reason for this disc's considerable appeal--that is, unless one or both of them is behind the decision not only to cover good songs previously covered by Robert Palmer ("Every Kinda People," "Man Smart, Woman Smarter") but also to cover them better. The real reasons to listen are Sly and Robbie (who produce and contribute crucial riddims), Robbie Lyn (who contributes crucial keyboards), and "Witness Stand"--a "Red, Red Wine" re-write so ace it can make you forget UB40 and Neil Diamond.
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