Wayne Smith, who died earlier this week aged only 48, is only really known for one record - but what a record. As well as being excellent in its own right, when "Under Mi Sleng Teng" came out in 1985 was the first time a digital rhythm track was used in Jamaica. As such it was hugely influential in the development of dancehall - not always for the better it must be said - and the "riddim" itself has been used many, many times. Here are a few examples.
"Cowboy Style" - Josey Wales
"Call The Police" - John Wayne
"Every Posse" - Tonto Irie
"Mr. Pleasure" - Mad Cobra
To prove that there were other records as well, here is something different from Wayne.
"Time Is A Moment In Space" - Wayne Smith
And if you are wondering why that sounds strangely familiar, it's because it is a cover version of "A Woman In Love" by Barbara Streisand. Oddly there does not seem to be a single decent video of her singing it, so you'll have to settle for this lady from the Greek version of "Stars In Their Eyes".
There's not enough bloggers posting Greek chanteuses. Vicky Leandros next?
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