OLDIES SUNDAY: Michael Palmer – Dem A Lick Shot (1984)

Happy Oldies Sunday! For today’s selection, we’re gonna give you a rare cut. Many are familiar with the selection, while there are others who will hear it for the first time. Today, we go back in time to check out Michael Palmer’s “Dem A Lick Shot“!

Produced by G. Nicholson and O. Brown and released through Tasha Records in 1984, this is the original version of Michael Palmer’s successful “Dem A Lick Shot” that was produced by George Phang, and released in the same year through the Power House label on the “Mad Mad Riddim“. On the original, Michael shares his experience of being a victim of robbery in his community, and getting help from the authouritives proved to be futile. It all happened in his hometown, but things have to change. The original version of “Dem A Lick Shot” gained positive feedback from listeners when it was released, but soon made way for the George Phang version as it was featured on Palmer’s album of the same name.

Since the release of “Dem A Lick Shot”, Michael Palmer went on to release more music over the years, but sadly had vocal problems, and diverted into production for some time before taking a 20 year hiatus. He returned in the late 2010s, and stays active through performances and recordings. While many celebrate the George Phang version of “Dem A Lick Shot”, there are still those who appreciate the original.