Al Campbell - Them A Twang

hollymabery

Review by Holly Mabery

Them A Twang by Al Campbell: A Roots Reggae Gem That Still Hits Different Alright, let’s get into it. If you’re a fan of reggae music that feels like sunshine on your soul and dirt under your feet, Them A Twang by Al Campbell is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in ‘84 via Bebo's Music—a label with serious roots vibes—this record isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Nope, it’s just here to remind you why roots reggae still matters. First off, big ups to the producers, Beswick “Bebo” Philips and C. Jarrett. These guys knew what they were doing. They didn’t overthink it; they let Al Campbell do his thing while keeping everything tight but raw. And trust me, that’s exactly what makes this album stick. Now, onto the tracks. The title cut, "Them A Twang," is an instant earworm. It’s got that classic bassline thump that makes your chest vibrate if you’ve got decent speakers (or even halfway-decent headphones). What I love about this track is how smooth Al sounds—he’s not showing off or anything, just riding the groove like he was born for it. There’s something hypnotic about the way his voice dances around the rhythm section. You can tell this wasn’t made in some fancy studio—it’s gritty, real, and unapologetically human. Plus, the lyrics? Straight fire. He’s talking truth without being preachy, which is harder than it looks. Then there’s "Them A Twang (Version)." Same vibe, different flavor. This version strips things down a bit, letting the instrumental shine. The echo-y effects give it this dreamy, almost haunting feel. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you wanna light a spliff, sit back, and think deep thoughts about life—or maybe just zone out and stare at the ceiling. Either way works. What sticks with me most about these two tracks is their simplicity. No bells and whistles, no autotune nonsense. Just good ol’ fashioned reggae done right. It’s the type of music that doesn’t try too hard but still manages to hit you where it counts. So yeah, Them A Twang might not be the flashiest album out there, but it’s got heart. Like, a lotta heart. Listening to it now, decades after its release, feels kinda wild. It’s like finding an old photograph tucked inside a book—you remember why it mattered so much when you first saw it. Oh, and here’s the kicker: as I was writing this review, my cat jumped on my lap and started purring during "Them A Twang (Version)." Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe cats are just better at recognizing timeless tunes than we give ‘em credit for. Who knows?

Download Al Campbell - Them A Twang
Artist: Al Campbell
Album: Them A Twang
Rating: 5.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: al-campbell-them-a-twang.zip
  • MP3 size: 15.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 68.2 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Them A Twang (Version)
Them A Twang

Video

Al Campbell - Them A Twang

Images

lataa albumi Al Campbell - Them A Twang

Labels

Bebo's Music

Listen online

  • ascolta in linea
  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören
  • écouter en ligne
  • online luisteren
  • escuchar en línea
  • lyssna på nätet
  • ouvir online
  • kuunnella verkossa

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 12"
  • 45 RPM
  • Single

Companies

RoleCompany
Distributed ByBebo's Records & Tapes

Credits

RoleCredit
ProducerBeswick "Bebo" Philips, C. Jarrett

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout: BB - 86-A
  • Matrix / Runout: BB - 86-B

About Al Campbell

Born 1954 in Kingston, Jamaica, part of the first generations of dancehall artists. Not the owner of Allan Campbell's label, a producer based in Greenwich Farm. Also, do not confuse with , performer of Studio 1 songs "Take A Ride" & "Expressive Love" credited to Al Campbell.

Real Name

    • Alphonso Campbell

Name Vars

  • A Campbell
  • A. A. Campbell
  • A. Campbell
  • A. Campbell (Bunny)
  • Al
  • Al Cambell
  • Al Camble
  • Al Campbells
  • Al Campble
  • Al Campell
  • Al Champbell
  • Al Compbell
  • Al.Campbell
  • All Campbell
  • Campbell

Aliases

  • The Spade

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Them A Twang* by Al Campbell is a hidden gem in the world of Roots Reggae. Released in 1984 in the US, it carries a raw, authentic vibe that fans of the genre love. The title track and its version are the only two tracks on the record, but they pack a punch. Produced by Beswick "Bebo" Philips and C. Jarrett, this minimalist release still resonates with reggae enthusiasts today. Sometimes, less really is more.

Comments

biiiim