Bam Bam

Sister Nancy: Bam Bam and Gwan A School
From: One Two (Techniques, 1982)

One of the great bonuses of hip hop sampling is that it introduces you to artists you might otherwise never ever hear. As my knowledge of Reggae doesn't stretch much further than the works of Lee Perry, Yellowman and a childhood obsession with Musical Youth there is little doubt in my mind that were it not for the prolific sampling of Sister Nancy's Bam Bam I never would have come across the artist and her 1982 album One Two.

However, thanks to Large Professor and Pete Rock it's become one of those simple pleasures I'll return to from time to time - a quality pick me up of an album.

The track Bam Bam itself is a masterpiece in early eighties reggae minimalism. From the moment those heavily sampled horns come in the track rolls along as smooth as you like with the obligatory dub bassline over the Stalag rhythm. It's Nancy's vocal that holds it all together though, her voice the melody accompanying the production.

Gwan A School has some of my favourite production on the album, Winston Riley keeping the sound tight as Sister Nancy espouses the necessity of school to the youth of today. I love the multiple breakdowns in the track, the beat returning each time with an extra layer of complexity. Great tracks and a great album to get you in the mood for the weekend.