Cover Culture : Desi Roots / The Brothers Four – Weedfields
COVER VERSION VS ORIGINAL SONG
Since the early 1960s and even prior, numerous iconic Jamaican hits were derived from popular foreign songs. The original pop and soul tracks were frequently embraced by audiences on the island, leading reggae artists to create their own renditions. Some of these artists gained fame by covering chart-topping songs, turning these adaptations into timeless classics.
For instance, American artist Bill Withers recorded the Grammy-winning song Ain’t No Sunshine, which Horace Andy later adapted, while Dennis Brown’s rendition of Black Magic Woman originally came from Fleetwood Mac. These two examples represent just a small fraction of the many covers that have emerged over the past sixty-five years.
Since the advent of these adaptations, both Jamaican and international reggae musicians have persistently reimagined pop and soul hits, continuing this tradition into the present. You’re welcome to listen to both the original and the cover versions to determine which one resonates with you the most.
DESI ROOTS
Desmond Young, better known by his stage name Desi Roots, took The Brothers Four’s tune Greenfields and reimagined it into a poignant reflection on the challenges of the DIY cannabis economy in Jamaica. His track, Weedfields, features hauntingly subtle lyrics that resonate with a genuine honesty, boasting a meditative roots vibe that effortlessly captivates listeners. The steppers riddim is infused with a considerable amount of subtle funk, pulsating with every drum hit and bassline step. Over the years, this sought after roots song appeared on various pressings since its initial release in Jamaica in 1979 through Rockers Plantation, quickly followed by the Hawkeye 12″ release in the UK within the same year.
THE BROTHERS FOUR
The US folk music ensemble The Brothers Four came together in Seattle, WA, in 1957. Consisting of Bob Flick, John Paine, Mike Kirkland, and Dick Foley, the group is primarily recognized for their 1960 hit Greenfields. They relocated to San Francisco in 1959, where they met Mort Lewis, the manager of Dave Brubeck, who became their mentor and helped them secure a contract with Columbia Records later that year. Their debut single, Darlin Won’t You Wait, paired with Chicka Mucka Hi Di as the B-side, had limited success. However, their second release, Greenfields, which debuted in January 1960, soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single achieved significant commercial success, selling over a million copies and earning a gold disc.
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