In 1977, Chris Blackwell started building his dream studio on the paradise island of New Providence in the Bahamas. Blackwell’s vision, apart from creating the perfect studio environment, was to install, ‘the best band I’ve ever heard’ under studio team Alex Sadkin and Steve Stanley. The Compass Point All Stars included Sly and Robbie, African-French keyboard maestro Wally Badarou and UK rock guitarist Barry Reynolds. Blackwell’s vision couldn’t ask for a better tribute than the intoxicating mix of reggae, disco, funk and rock on this compilation, including Grace Jones [first artist to enjoy the All Stars on her Warm Leatherette album], Ian Dury’s controversial swansong ‘Spasticus Autisticus’, Patti Smith protŽgŽ Lizzy Mercier Descloux covering Bob Marley’s ‘Sun Is Shining’, disco queen Cristina, photographer Lynn Goldsmith as Will Powers on ‘Adventures In Success’ [here in dub version], Sly & Robbie’s own ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ and Larry Levan’s shimmeringly-hypnotic mix of Gwen Guthrie’s ‘Padlock’. Talking Heads loved recording at Compass Point, here contributing ‘Born Under Punches [The Heat Goes On]’. In 1981, encouraged by Blackwell, Heads rhythm section Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz started the Tom Tom Club, the magical ‘Genius Of Love’ cementing the CBGB’s-disco crossover. These are just highlights of a beautiful little tribute.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
