“One, Two” by Sister Nancy - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1982 → ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1980s →

Nancy was coming through at the same time as her big brother, Brigadier Jerry, and the talent clearly runs in the Russell family. She'd been DJing with various Sound Systems since 1977 and released her first single (“Papa Dean”) a couple of years later. Now 20, her profile was such that the time was right for her first LP. As with her recent singles, the set was produced and arranged by Winston Riley at Channel One Studio. She's proud of her achievements as a female in a tough business and, quite rightly, lets us know all about it in “Ain’t No Stopping Nancy” (“coz ah've been DJing fram ah was 15 years old”) and “Bam Bam” (“Wha' mek dem a talk 'bout me ambishan, 'ca some a dem a ax me whey me get it fram, A true dem nuh know it's-a fram creation”). Whether it's literally true I could not say, but “Only Woman DJ With Degree” finishes the set on an air of self-positivity: (“Mi name is Nancy mi chat with dignity, anywhere mi go the people say mi ready, some ah dem say me have ability, mi chat 'pon de mic and make yu feel irie, I am de only woman DJ wit' degree”). An inspiration to many women in Jamaica; respect is due.

The Jukebox Rebel
13–Nov–2014

Tracklist

A1	[03:40] Sister Nancy - One Two (?) Reggae
A2	[03:08] Sister Nancy - I Am A Geddion (?) Reggae
A3	[03:30] Sister Nancy - Ain’t No Stopping Nancy (?) Reggae
A4	[03:26] Sister Nancy - Gwan A School (?) Reggae
A5	[04:03] Sister Nancy - Coward Of The Country (?) Reggae
B1	[03:17] Sister Nancy - Bam Bam (Winston Riley, Nancy Russell) Reggae
B2	[03:48] Sister Nancy - Transport Connection (?) Reggae
B3	[03:30] Sister Nancy - Pegion Rock (?) Reggae
B4	[03:22] Sister Nancy - Roof Over My Head (?) Reggae
B5	[03:26] Sister Nancy - Only Woman DJ With Degree (?) Reggae

ratings by TJR