Maytones
Released by Burning Sounds on 180-gram red vinyl with a sleeve insert full of notes, the Maytones’ Madness is a roots reggae classic that still holds up today. Vernon Buckley and Gladstone Grant grew up in May Pen and have been lifelong friends. Their harmonies are effortless, full of soul and connection. Vernon is still active today, keeping the Maytones’ sound alive. The album was produced by Alvin Ranglin, who has a long history of shaping Jamaican roots and lovers rock with tight rhythms and a natural feel. The Revolutionaries back the duo with a rhythm section that locks in perfectly.
Side 1
The album opens with one of their best know tunes, Madness, a hypnotic, smooth track that immediately showcases the duo’s harmonies and lyrical precision. Loving Reggae follows with a joyful, melodic ode to music itself. Cantankerous (titled Contiquros on most other releases) balances playful lyrics with a rootsy groove, while Serious slows things down with thoughtful, socially aware themes. Funny Man is the closer of Side 1, though on some early pressings it was mistakenly replaced by the remake titled Father & Mother.
Side 2
Side 2 kicks off with Music Is A Part Of Life, a spiritual and uplifting track, and continues with Ital Queen, a warm, Rastafarian-themed tune. God Bless The Day showcases their heartfelt lyrics and smooth harmonies perfectly. Then they dive into Judgement A Come a deeply reflective and socially conscious song that is instantly recognizable as one of their best. The album concludes with Zion Land, a contemplative yet celebratory piece that perfectly embodies the Maytones’ spiritual and musical vision. On some early pressings, Alvin Ranglin was miscredited as A. Raglin. This reissue fixes all those mistakes and restores the correct track titles and credits.
Roots Reggae at its Purest
The music is alive and immediate. The Revolutionaries’ riddims lock in perfectly with the Maytones’ voices, and Ranglin’s production keeps everything flowing naturally. On heavy 180-gram vinyl with the detailed insert, this release lets you hear Madness exactly as it should be. It’s roots reggae at its purest, performed by two friends whose voices have stood the test of time.