After serving as a police officer for ten years in the 40’s, Arthur "Duke" Reid left the profession to help run his family’s Treasure Isle Grocery and Liquor Store at 33 Bond Street in Kingston, Jamaica. Reid then won a substantial lottery and hoping to attract more customers, put that money towards hosting his own radio show “Treasure Isle Time.” Little did he know that this attempt to promote his business would lead to a legendary career as a music producer.
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“Ali Baba” was recorded in 1969 above Reid’s liquor store. It’s an almost genre bending track showcasing the inventive talents of Tommy McCook and his Supersonics, as well as John Holt’s distinctive voice. I adore this song, especially this mix. It’s as if you’re sitting in the room with the band, mistakes and all. It's as honest a performance as you’ll ever find, and another of a long line of fantastic sides released by Treasure Isle.

I’ve always searched for new sounds and songs that veer off the beaten path. Don’t get me wrong, I still adore comfort food pop, I just long for melodies that bend around corners or have something new to say.

I first heard “Hard to Unwind” in 2009 and it quickly became a favorite for my various traveling mixes.  It's the perfect getaway from the upbeat sing-songy big budget “indie rock” clogging the airwaves. It's downbeat, hides it’s influences fairly well, and is catchy enough to stick in my head.
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I don’t know what’s become of these Librarians from Morgantown West Virginia, but they did their job very well.