Our latest single 'I'll Get Along Without You' featuring the great Earl 16, is out now on all streaming platforms, you can also download it in HD from our Bandcamp page here.

The release also features a brand new Dub version of the track, mixed by Reggae Roast’s very own Matt Interrupt, which deconstructs the riddim, showcasing each element in the mix.

We always love working with Earl 16, he is one of the most revered Reggae singers of his generation, having worked with the crème de la crème of producers in both Jamaica and Europe. He is a foundation Jamaican singer who has worked with influential producers like Linval Thompson, Lee Scratch Perry, Augustus Pablo, Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd & Sugar Minott since the mid 1970’s.

The song is a cover of one of our favourite Rocksteady tunes by The Melodians from 1967. 

While building the riddim, we were surprised to discover that The Melodian's version was also a cover, of a Country R&B song from 1955 called 'Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now' from a lady named Skeeter Davis.

Well, not so much of a cover as a rendition, because The Melodian's Tony Brevitt, aged just 17 at the time, penned his own verses whilst giving Skeeter's original version the Rocksteady treatment in fine style.

The song is an uplifting and optimistic track about recovering from heartbreak, and while The Melodian's version has a certain cheeky youthful optimism to the vocals, Earl's rendition brings a tone of sage wisdom, secure in the knowledge that "this too shall pass". 

The riddim samples the original melody from the Melodian's cut but we've given it the Reggae Roast treatment with beefier bass and drums. This version was originally released on our most recent album 'More Fire' which is available to buy on vinyl from our site now.