Sir Collins & the power of music

 Quite a story about an album I rarely spin. I almost feel some kind of shame when I listen to it because to me this album is a document of somebody elses very deep personal emotions. I decided to bring it out here because to me it is a precious piece in my collection by showing me the power of music. Maybe I shouldn`t but I do it with sincere and deep respect to all people who were somehow involved in the tragedy behind this album. At the time I picked up this record I had no idea what I was buying. It was certainly the sleeve that triggered me to buy it but I wasn`t aware of the story behind this album. At home I gave it some serious listening and I digged into the history of the New Cross fire. A disaster that happened on the night of Saturday the 17th and Sunday 18th of January in 1981. Something about this album touched me very deeply.

Some years ago I discussed this album with an other reggae lover. He stated to me that this album wasn`t interesting in his opinion. All he heard was some "happy catchy reggae" he said. How can you hear happy catchy reggae on an album which is a tribute to all the victims of the New Cross Fire, I thought!? So I tried to explain to him how I experienced this album. What happened to me when I listen to the songs in which Sir Collins used the voice of his son that passed away. How I tried to put myself in the position of Sir Collins who made this album in a proces of deep mourning. What touches me is not the voice, it's the mix. The emotions that Sir Collins put in certain songs are very strong. If you want to be touched by that you have to place yourself in the frame in which the artist created the album. And on those rare occasions that I spin this record I still feel Sir Collins full emotions from those days; goose bumps! Is the music interesting? Musically technically maybe not, but who cares? Music is so much emotion and can help you in every part of your life. When, where, how and which music does help you is something that just happens. So let it happen and describe your experience. So you can inspire others to appreciate the music by making them listen through your ears. And so I asked my friend to try to listen with different ears to this album. The power of music that is what this album is all about!

Flying D