Essentially two songs paired together upon the “Late Night Blues” riddim – a powerful yet rarely versioned bass-driven cut inspired by “Shine Eye Gal” from Black Uhuru – this is a rather unique extended mix from the discerning duo of Bunny Lee (producer) and The Scientist (engineer).
There’s a clear causal relationship here, with “Bandulu” covering the temptations created by crushing poverty, while “Hard Times” addresses the underlying situation that can so easily create a culture of crime.
Wielding his hypnotic falsetto, Cornell Campbell sings a warning to criminals: “Remember what the parrot said to the crow, don’t follow bad company or you will end up like Bandulu.” With the threat of the Spanish Town gallows, Campbell commands: “hang down your head rude boy, or boy you bound to die.” The lyrics suit the sparse riddim, creating a dark and heavy atmosphere clearly appropriate for the turbulent times found in late 70s Jamaica, only slightly lightened by the sweet melody.
As their vocals slightly overlap, Ranking Dread – a true Bandulu, who was once labelled ‘the most dangerous man in Britain’ – makes it more personal, as he loses his house, wife, and job, creating such economic pressure that he “can’t get no food, can’t get no clothes.” Further sociocultural analysis comes in the form of the options for escape, humor or drugs: “different strokes for different folks, some run joke and some love coke.” A tough tune throughout, dynamic and poignant.
While the mix style between the two is far from modern, they are both heavyweight selections and could easily devastate the dance played straight through.
For selectors: dub versions of both songs are also available, as B-sides on their respective 7″s, plus The Scientist has recently revisited the tune with melodica specialist Dubiterian.
The Groove Thief
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