Dennis Alcapone: Guns Don't Argue - The Anthology 1970-1977

Guns Don't Argue: The Anthology 1970 to 1977

One of the most listenable and melodious of the many DJ/toasters was Dennis Alcapone, who was U-Roy's biggest rival in the early/mid-seventies. He was originally known as Dennis Al Capone.

As opposed to just growling every now and again over a dub beat, Alcapone actually sang, often singing back to the vocals on the original cut he is "versioning". His voice was light, lilting and tuneful and his lyrics were accompanied by high-pitched wails and whoops. He claimed that he was the first "sing-jay" (DJs who sang as opposed to rapping/growling)

The years 1970-1973 saw Dennis at the peak of his powers, being even more popular than U-Roy during that period. He worked with Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd, Bunny Lee, Keith Hudson and Lee "Scratch" Perry among many others. 

His biggest hit was Teach The Children, from 1972 - with its often-sampled "oh oh yeah"  female backing vocal. 

Other highlights were Cassius Clay, Won't Tell You Goodbye, Teacher Teacher, King Of Kings, DJ's Choice, King Of The Track (a version of John Holt's Stick By Me), Wake Up Jamaica, Guns Don't Argue (an excellent, different version of Love Of The Common People), Trying To Conquer Me, Musical Liquidator (from Harry J All Stars' iconic cut) and a version of The Cables/UB40's Baby Why. 

On most of his recordings there is a good sound quality and a deep, warm bass (unsurprisingly).

An individual album to check out (if you can) is Forever Version but it is difficult to source these days. A lot of the material can be found on this anthology anyway. The classic period for Alcapone was 1970-77, particularly those early years of 71-73.

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