Donovan wrote:To me, Funky Kingston is the US Mango release. That UK version ... I wouldn't even recognize it.
In fact, I'll have to get me a copy of In The Dark so that I have those tracks.
Whereas my UK perspective is exactly the opposite. The problem I have with the UK is that some tracks are just too long, Louie Louie in particular outstays it's welcome by a couple of minutes. I guess the shorter US mix is the same as that on Slatyam Stoot.
The reason I would argue that the UK feels more "official" is the US bastardisation of In The Dark tracks. Those tracks were originally issued in Jamaica as part of the Roots Reggae set, which is the same as the UK In The Dark. Also Pressure Drop doesn't belong anywhere near Funly Kingston IMHO, it's totally out of place.
Just a shame that Island/Mango didn't use all the Slatyam tracks I guess.