On The Beach (Uk) [LP], Paragons, Vinyl

- A Treasure Isle "treasure!"- Features the original 1967 recording of 'The Tide Is High' taken to international stardom in 1980 by Blondie - A feel-good party album drenched in soulful harmonies set to a rocksteady beat - 140g black vinyl - High-gloss printed outer sleeve- A joy from start to finish... "see you on the beach!"?.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.