Dig Deep: Horace Andy – Exclusively – Solid Groove/Wackie’s (1982)

Horace Andy – Musical Episode
Horace Andy – Eating Mess
Horace Andy – Live In The City (aka Spying Glass)

With the release of the first Massive Attack album in 7 years, the unique and sublime vocals of Horace Andy are once again on a lot of our minds. Though there are many other Jamaican vocalists who seem to be more beloved (Gregory Isaacs and Toots Hibbert for example), Andy has been one of the few to remain relevant throughout the changing times, primarily because of his work with Bristol’s Finest (both Massive Attack and Alpha). In listening to Andy’s output over the last 30+ years though, he’s basically been doing the exact same thing he’s always done, sing with great emotion and in a style that is instantly recognizable. It’s also a style that’s damn near impossible to imitate, not just because of his falsetto but because of that warble in his phrasing that sounds like a natural echo effect.

Exclusively comes from a set of very productive sessions with Bullwackie in the early 1980s. The record Dance Hall Style, which many consider Andy’s best work, also comes from these sessions. Having heard both (reissues in both cases, never seen originals of either), I feel like Exclusively is the better collection. There is some overlap (“Let’s Live In Love,” “Stop the Fuss,” “Lonely Woman,” and “Spying Glass” here called “Live In the City”) between both records, but aside from “Money, Money” the sides are superior on this set, including “Bob Lives On,” the heartfelt tribute to Bob Marley, only recently departed at the time of recording.

“Musical Episode” is one of a couple tracks that really stand out here. I first heard this through a 12″ on Cool Chris’ Dis-joint label in 2003. I still find it hard to believe this was recorded in 1982. The groove at the start is so heavy it sounds like it’s from at least 5 or 6 years earlier. A lot of times with Jamaican tracks, there might be a solid intro but then the rhythm gets conventional real fast. This one stays in the pocket all the way throughout, so very tight. “Eating Mess” is another funky reggae number, with great guitar and organ lines in the right channel. It’s also a spot on examination of the problems with food and water faced within the poorest countries.

“Living In the City” is of course “Spying Glass” which Andy also sang on Massive Attack’s classic Protection LP in the 1990s. Back then I don’t think my ears were prepared for Andy’s style (it really took his rehash of “You Are My Angel” on Mezzanine for my love affair with Andy to begin), but now I appreciate this take on urban isolation and intolerance for the Rasta. I’m thankful to have tracked this one down and more than grateful that we still get to marvel at the unique vocal style of Horace Andy’s through his continued work.

Cheers,

Michael