Uniques

Uniques

All of the producers had at least one vocal group on their label. They all had the potential to be a 'Maytals' or a'Pioneers' or a Heptones, the big problem was keeping them together long enough for them to become successful.

Bunny Lee solved this problem in a very 'Unique' way. Instead of a vocal group, he formed a vocal team. Their name was the Uniques.From the time that they were created. the line up was in a constant state of change.

Once again, this was nothing new, most vocal groups so change personnel very quickly, in doing so they usually lose their sound. Bunny turned this problem into the solution of the problem. During the reggae era, the Uniques included,Jimmy Riley, Lloyd Charmers, Franklyn White, Roy Shirley and most important of all Slim Smith, who was the sound of the Uniques. His voice was so strong, that in the end it was natural for him to go solo.

'Absolutely' the groups debut album find them in the rock steady and reggae eras, and is a classic set. with a fine selection of rock steady and reggae tunes. All there big hits are here including tunes like 'My Conversation' and 'Never Let Go' which years later as rhythms became the foundation of the dance hall style - such is there power - a superb mixture of lyrics, melody - and rhythm.

Other tracks are just as good 'Out Of Love' 'The Beatitude' and 'Give Me Some More' - and of course the title track 'Watch This Sound' - which was a massive hit at the time. It was a cover song - but its sung with such feeling that you would never know it.