Tune of the Week: Love Joys

Starting in the early 70s, Lloyd “Bullwackie” Barnes is credited with opening the first US reggae studio, “Wackies House of Music”. Having apprenticed with Prince Buster and Duke Reid, Barnes had access to backing tracks from the hottest studios in Kingston. Eventually he went on, with help of Leroy Sibbles and Jackie Mittoo, to create his own heady sound out of his base in the Bronx. While crafting legendary records for such luminaries as Horace Andy and Sugar Minott, Barnes and company would also make masterpieces for some more obscure artists. The Lovejoys were a duo of UK ex-pats who, through only a few sides created at the House of Music, came in and recorded a few instant classics only to disappear back into obscurity. Check the vibes and hope for a better world one day!