Bringing together some quality rocksteady singles, Trojan's
Dance All Night features a wealth of Jamaica's in-the-pocket grooves from 1966-1968. Although the liner notes don't list any credits, these 16 cuts probably come from a variety of producers, including
Duke Reid,
Clement Dodd,
Joe Gibbs, and others, and
Tommy McCook's Supersonics and the Studio One house band the
Soul Vendors (with
Roland Alphonso and
Jackie Mittoo) more than likely provide the backing. While a few recognizable numbers like
Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' "Save a Bread" are included, the cream of this collection comes from its many rare sides: among them, excellent vocal numbers like the
Federals' trio harmony side "Shocking Love,"
Noel Brown's minor-mood solo spot "Heartbreak Girl," and
Clancy (Eccles) and Cynthia's duet "Two of a Kind." More fine harmonies are provided by unsung groups like the Natives,
the Federals, and the Tartans, while the Rulers' rude-boy cut "Wrong Emboyo" (covered by the
Clash on their
London Calling album) and
Alfred Brown's version of
John Lee Hooker's "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer" provide some nice variety. And there's the added collector's bonus of "Silent River" by the Gaylets, one of the very few female vocal trios from the rocksteady era. So, turn down the lights, get in the mood, and don't be rude -- this is top rocksteady for dancers and pundits alike.