Max Romeo
Every Man Ought To Know
Max Romeo is perhaps best known for his work in the mid to late 70s with the innovative producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, “War In A Babylon,” “One Step Forward” and The Prodigy sampling “Chase The Devil” among his most notable works. Yet, the music that preceded that fruitful era is equally as important to the development of the Reggae genre.
His work with ‘The Gorgon’ aka Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee began with the controversial track “Wet Dream,” a track which had phenomenal success in the U.K. and became a top ten Pop chart hit. “Every Man Ought To Know” is the continuation of the working relationship between Romeo and Lee and includes a varied mix of songs, ‘slackness’ from “Pussy Watch Man,” soulful covers,
“Sometimes” (originally sung by Gene Thomas) and “Stick By Me” (by Shep & The Limelites – made famous by the late, great John Holt) plus early ‘message’ music promoting the teachings of the Rastafarian faith with the title track “Every Man Ought To Know.”
This LP is a super obscure rarity that highlights a very interesting time in the evolution of Reggae music. Now remastered and reissued for all to enjoy plus the album cover features a scarcely seen photograph from Peter Simon.