MOG Editorial Review

One of rocksteady's early pioneers, Alton Ellis managed to combine R&B, ska, and what would eventually be known as reggae into one truly feel-good sound on his proper full-length debut in 1967. Tracks like "Why Birds Follow Spring" were already bona fide hits, but this made for the first place anyone could really get them all in the same place, and hearing them together makes for a joyful affair. The laid-back grooves of songs like "You Make Me Happy" and "Chatty Chatty" are chock full of relaxed horns that feel upbeat even if they're obviously slow-burning jams, which makes for perfect warm weather listening.