1965
HANGING THE BEAM * THE SKATALITES * BLUE BEAT 286 * UK
As the title printed on the record suggests this is a Prince Buster production, it was first issued on Blue Beat 275, and possibly to generate further sales, it has been re-titled as Roland Plays Prince. Not quite sure what 'Hanging the beam' means, it could refer to the gallows; as in the 18th century two trees with a beam between them formed the gallows for state executions:
An image of the 'hanging beam' at Miss Blandy's execution in 1752, where, before being strung up, she is reported to have said to the officials "for the sake of decency, gentlemen, don't hang me high". Hmm, I think I would have had to commute her sentence to a custodial one after she came out with that.
See also: