One in a Million in Bloomington, MN

Shanachie
's
One in a Million
is actually a reissue of the 1982
Greensleeves
10"
Operation Eradication
, which itself was a compilation of early
Yellowman
singles. Confusing history aside, it's a fantastic set and includes many songs that still play a part in
's shows.
"Them a Mad Over Me"
turned out to be his anthem and
"Shorties"
was such a famous slack song it caused
Peter Tosh
to denounce
and his dirty talking imitators. Using
the Itals
'
"In a Dis Ya Time"
rhythm,
"Operation Eradication"
has an infectious hook, some fantastic vocal sparring with the late
Fat Head
, and remains
's greatest political observation.
"Morning Ride"
and
"Couchie"
have been fan favorites for years, and the remaining tracks would be considered highlights on
's lesser albums. The only disappointments are the 30-minute running time and
's softening of the album's title for mass appeal.
's career would suffer the same softening, but
(or whatever you want to call it) is stupendous. ~ David Jeffries