The Paragons - On The Beach (2024) [Hi-Res]

This classic Jamaican party album was recorded in 1967on Duke “the Trojan” Reid’s Treasure Isle label. It sold well locally and saw a UK release where it was a hit on the hugely popular ska and soul scene. It pre-dates the reggae boom and defines the short-lived rocksteady era fusing down beat ska with doo-wop and angst-drenched soulful vocals.

The Paragons, featuring the signature vocals of lead singer John Holt, have been compared to a laid-back Four Tops with a tinge of Beach Boys thrown in. Whatever your view there is certainly an R&B flavour in the vocal harmonies and it’s easy to see why this sought-after album is at the foundation of any Northern Soul or reggae collection.

The soulfulness of The Paragons is no more apparent on Harry Belafonte’s classic ‘Island In The Sun’, ‘Happy-Go-Lucky Girl,’ ‘Only a Smile’ and their original feel-good recording of ‘The Tide Is High’ which became an international hit for Blondie in 1980.

A fabulous rocksteady record underpinned by the super-tight session band Tommy McCook and The Supersonics.

Tracklist:
1 On the Beach
2 Island in the Sun
3 When the Lights are Low
4 The Tide is High
5 So Much Pain
6 Only a Smile
7 I Want to go Back
8 Happy-Go-Lucky Girl
9 Yellow Bird
10 Wear You to the Ball