Never Grow Old – THE MAYTALS***

I’ll Never Grow Old/Sweet Sweet Jenny/Are You Mine/Matthew Mark/My Destination/True Love/Just Got To Be/ Treat Me Bad/Hallelujah/Don’t Let/War No More/Tell Me Your Love

Toots and the Maytals from Jamaica are best remembered as a reggae group, but their roots go back to the early days of ska. Never Grow Old is considered to be one of the best of the genre.

“After many years of listening to, and collecting, ska and reggae, this album continues to be among the best I own. I have everything Toots has ever done, but these songs from the beginning are amongst the best he ever recorded. Never Grow Old and Hallelujah alone are worth the price, but all the others are great as well. If you like ska at all, do yourself a favour and add this to your collection immediately.”

“In 1963, when these cuts were recorded, Toots was still in his teens. The harmonies have traces of American gospel and R & B, but are already breaking out into the distinctively Jamaican rhythms that would evolve throughout the 1960s. The Skatalites provide typically pumped-up brass, The Maytals add tight harmonies, and Toots soars over it all. The brightest gem is the title track, which mixes it all together in an exuberant celebration of wailing voices and honking saxophone.”

“If you get the opportunity this album will change your life. Early Toots records started with a bang and got fiercer as the song developed. Just try it and see. You will not be disappointed.”

“Like all of the major Jamaican bands of the time, The Maytals were performing ska during this era, and doing a pretty good job of it, although the more distinctive styling of their reggae prime are only hinted at here. Featuring The Skatalites on backup, Never Grow Old is respectable early ska.”

“This is terrific vintage Toots from the early days of the ska rhythms in Jamaica. Your feet will be tapping and you will be dancing round the kitchen. Turn the volume up and enjoy it. This is the real thing - vibrant and toe-tapping. It is amazing to think that Toots was still only 19 when these songs were recorded and the other two group members in their twenties. The background music is provided by The Skatalites and they are all great songs. Buy it and have the neighbours in for a party.”