1969
LONG SHOT KICK THE BUCKET * THE PIONEERS * TROJAN 872 * UK
There are about ten records that exemplify the association of Reggae music and Skinhead in the late 1960s and Long Shot Kick The Bucket is one of them. Although the Skinhead movement was well underway by the time this record came out, in fact it was probably at its peak, none the less Long Shot Kick The Bucket keyed in perfectly with the mood of the movement. The novel start, a full on reveille - the early morning bugle call used by the military - is one of those distinctive openings that when they work can lift a recording up above the rest. Not only does this reveille work on the emotions like some military sounds can do, but it seems to be played with a little more musical sweetness that would be the norm, though this subtle difference can be easily overlooked. Another aspect of this record was that at the time of its release many of those Skinheads who heard the song had little idea, at first, what it was about knowing only that death seemed to be involved somewhere. This ambiguity works in its favor because it was unintentional, where ambiguity fails, in my opinion, is when it is gratuitous or used to hide lack of ability.
See also:
 |
 |
 |
| Sometimes | Better Herring | Papa Was A Rolling Stone |