OLDIES SUNDAY: Big Youth – S90 Skank (1974)

It’s Heroes Weekend in Jamaica, and we know many will find a way to have some fun during the Covid 19 Pandemic (Please be safe, and don’t add to the high positive cases). While there is a curfew implemented, that won’t stop the people from taking trips around the Island. Many would be looking forward to crews and gangs revving their choice of Bikes ranging from “Ninja Bikes” to “Yeng Yengs”, and today’s Oldies Sunday is a tribute to that, and honour a legend. Today’s selection comes from Manley Buchanan O.D. a.k.a. the great Big Youth with the track, “S90 Skank“.

Produced by Keith Hudson for his Imbidmts label and released in 1974, the track was inspired by the Honda S90, a popular Motorcycle in Jamaica at the time. The song featured Big Youth performing a series of half singing and toasting throughout the track, and you could hear the revving of a Bike at various parts. When recording, a Bike was brought into the Studio for added realism. The song turned out to be Big Youth’s first hit single, and was even used by Honda for a S90 Commercial. The track was featured on his “Everyday Youth (The Best Of Big Youth)” album in 1980, and “Cool Breeze – Ride Like Lightning: The Best Of Big Youth 1972-1976” album in 2002. Big Youth went on release many hits and projects over the years, and become an influence to generations of Reggae/Dancehall artists. This month (October 2020), he has been awarded the Order Of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica for his various contributions to the culture.