Hello Bovine Ska and Rocksteady Friends,

During last week’s Bovine Ska, we gleefully extolled our love for singer/songwriter/producer Van McCoy after we played Derrick Harriott’s version of McCoy’s 1972 cut, “Let Me Down Easy.” So, for this week’s show, we decided to go deeper into our love for Van McCoy by devoting our entire program by playing ska and reggae covers of some of Van’s greatest compositions that he wrote or co-wrote during his short, but highly prolific career. You’ll hear John Holt and Freddie McGregor taking on “Everything’s Coming Up Love,” which was made famous by David Ruffin. Also, Barbara Jones performing Barbara Lewis’ hit, “Baby, I’m Yours,” and Marcia Griffiths’ interpretation of “Sweet Bitter Love,'” which Aretha Franklin first cut in the mid-1960s.and again in the 1980s. And of course, one awesome reggae version of McCoy’s “The Hustle,” done by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires! Stay healthy and safe this week, friends. XO Generoso and Lily

Hello Bovine Ska and Rocksteady Friends,

As the skies were a bright blue today, we thought to start with a set of “colorful” ska tunes, beginning with Rolando Alphonso’s triumphant cut for Buster in 1966, “Life In Living Colours.” We followed that set up with another “sweet” set of ska before going into this week’s mento set with Monty Reynolds’ boisterous cut for MRS in 1957 leading the way, “Wrong Man.” Lily’s reggae set began with a small tribute to Pervis Jackson of The Spinners as his heavenly birthday was on Monday. Lily selected Otis Gayle’s cover of The Spinners’ classic, “I’ll Be Around” which Otis cut for Coxsone in 1973. And for our label spotlight this week, we took a look at the short-lived but awesome Soul Flower label, which features great reggaes from Jah Thomas and Jah Ruby. Stay healthy and safe dear friends. XO Generoso and Lily

Hello Bovine Ska and Rocksteady Friends,

As the skies were a bright blue today, we thought to start with a set of “colorful” ska tunes, beginning with Rolando Alphonso’s triumphant cut for Buster in 1966, “Life In Living Colours.” We followed that set up with another “sweet” set of ska before going into this week’s mento set with Monty Reynolds’ boisterous cut for MRS in 1957 leading the way, “Wrong Man.”  Lily’s reggae set began with a small tribute to Pervis Jackson of The Spinners as his heavenly birthday was on Monday.  Lily selected Otis Gayle’s cover of The Spinners’ classic, “I’ll Be Around” which Otis cut for Coxsone in 1973.  And for our label spotlight this week, we took a look at the short-lived but awesome Soul Flower label, which features great reggaes from Jah Thomas and Jah Ruby. Stay healthy and safe dear friends. XO Generoso and Lily

Hello Bovine Ska and Rocksteady Friends, 

We began this week’s show with Wilfred Jackie Edwards’ 1965 take on “Stagger Lee,” in honor of the late R&B legend, Lloyd Price, who took the song to #1 in 1959.  We followed up the two ska sets that opened the show with a smooth mento set that began with Chin’s Calypso Sextet and their song, “Adina” which they cut in 1957. For our final set of the first hour, Lily selected some gorgeous reggae cuts, with a highlight being Noel Robinson’s top track for Aires in 1975,” It’s Like Yesterday.” And for our label spotlight this week, we took a look at Dudley Manzie Swaby’s impeccable imprint, Heavyweight, which features some amazing productions from 1977-79 of songs performed by Clint Eastwood, Ronnie Davis, and The Revolutionaries.  Stay healthy and strong, friends! XO Generoso and Lily