Clarks In Jamaica the Album

You’ve worn the shoes, you’ve read the book, now buy the album! Al Fingers has just released a compilation album on the GREENSLEEVES label no less, featuring 21 old school reggae and dancehall tunes that name-drop the legendary crepe masters from Somerset. At the recent V&A shindig Al was summed up why he’s put the album together:

“Growing up in England I’ve always been fascinated by the Jamaican love of Clarks shoes and the way the brand is referenced within reggae and dancehall music. Vybz Kartel’s tune ‘Clarks’ brought the phenomenon to many people’s attention in 2010, but the relationship goes back a lot longer, and I wanted to bring attention to that, highlighting the work of artists such as Dillinger and Little John who sang about Clarks many years before.”

So fire up your chalice, put on your Desert Trek and give this album maximum respect. Tracklistings for both CD and vinyl versions below, oh and here’s a rather wonderful vid of Jah Stitch talking about just how mint Clarks shoes are.