Local duo remakes '60s classic

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Of the many timeless ballads recorded during the 1960s, Unchained Melody, by the Righteous Brothers, is a standout, still packing enough punch to tug at the heartstrings, 40-odd years after it was released.

It also happens to be one of deejay Saba Tooth's (aka King of Love) favourite songs. Recently, he decided to put a dancehall spin on it by teaming up with veteran singer Brian Gold.

"Is a song mi love from long time, so mi waan get it out again fi the older folks an' the new generation who don't know this type of music," the dreadlocked toaster told The Gleaner.

Experienced cast

Saba Tooth's version of Unchained Melody was released by his Brimstone and Fire label. It features an experienced cast of musicians including guitarists Winston 'Bo Pee' Bowen and Dalton Browne, trombonist Nambo Robinson and saxophonist Everald Gayle.

After composing a rap for the song, Saba Tooth brought in Gold, best known as half of the Brian and Tony Gold vocal duo which had hits in the 1990s with Can You and Poison.

"I brought in Brian 'cause I thought he could do a better job than the Righteous Brothers," Saba Tooth said.

The first version of Unchained Melody was released in the mid-1950s, but the most popular edition was produced by Phil Spector and recorded by the Righteous Brothers (Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield) in 1965.

The song got a second wind in 1990 when it was used in the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning movie, Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.

Saba Tooth and Brian Gold's version was released shortly after the former's second album, Heavenly Father, hit the streets. It features collaborations with Junior Reid, Sizzla and Jodian Pantry.

Saba Tooth's debut set, The Teachings Of HIM, was released in 2006.