Diamond Range
1998
Fabulous Greatest Hits
About This Album
Fabulous Greatest Hits remains the definitive roundup of Prince Buster's own work, rounding up as it did a flood of hits from the ska and rocksteady age. This quirky compilation, in contrast, leans heavily toward the rocksteady years, and while bundling up many of the same numbers, does include a few of Fabulous' omissions, including the splendid "Dance the Pardon," inexplicably retitled "Barrister Pardon," which closed the courthouse doors for good on Buster's infamous "Judge Dread." The "Judge" appears as well, as does the equally notorious "Al Capone," alongside the extraordinarily politically incorrect "10 Commandments of Man," wherein the Prince lays down the law to his woman. The superb "Free Love," despite its title, does not advocate sexual experimentation, but instead sublimely spreads a unity message, black pride, and Garvey-esque self-empowerment, all set to a splendid rocksteady backing and sweet harmonies. "Julie on My Mind" finds Buster in a romantic mood, "Ghost Dance" in a more pensive state, as the Prince pens a missive to late friends, while "Take It Easy" is as laid-back as its title. Prince Buster unleashed a deluge of singles during the '60s, more's the pity that modern compilations continue to cull from the same group of 50 or so. Here's another dozen drawn from the same pot -- however, with the vast bulk available on the more copious Fabulous, only hardcore fans should be tempted by this set. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9 and 10)

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