Theophilus Beckford - Dont Worry To Cry Love Me Or Leave Me

andrewgmarques

Review by Andrew Gomes

Theophilus Beckford’s Don’t Worry To Cry / Love Me Or Leave Me – A Raw Ska Punch from 1964 Alright, let’s get one thing straight: this ain’t your polished, overproduced reggae record. Nope. This is Theophilus Beckford throwing down two tracks so raw and unfiltered that they feel like a slap to the face—and I mean that in the best way possible. Released in ’64 on Blue Beat Records in the UK, this little gem of a ska single punches way above its weight. It’s messy, it’s gritty, and damn if it doesn’t stick with you. First up, “Love Me Or Leave Me.” Man, this track hits hard. It’s got that driving ska rhythm—piano stabs sharp enough to cut glass, basslines thumping like a heartbeat under pressure, and drums that just don’t quit. What makes it unforgettable? The sheer attitude dripping off every note. Beckford wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; he was just laying down some serious vibes. The lyrics are simple but hit home—love me or bounce, no in-between. You can almost picture him leaning into the mic, sweat dripping, delivering each line like it’s his last stand. It’s not perfect, but who cares? That imperfection is what makes it real. Then there’s “Don’t Worry To Cry,” which flips the mood entirely. If “Love Me Or Leave Me” is a clenched fist, this one’s an open palm reaching out for connection. The tempo slows down just enough to let the emotion seep through. The horns wail like they’ve got something to say, and Beckford’s voice cracks in all the right places. This tune sticks because it feels lived-in, like he’s singing about pain he knows too well. There’s no sugarcoating here—it’s raw, honest, and kinda beautiful in its own rough-around-the-edges way. Now, sure, this record ain’t gonna win any Grammys (they didn’t even exist back then), but who gives a damn? This is music made for the moment, not for some shiny trophy case. Listening to these tracks now, decades later, feels like stumbling across an old photograph tucked inside a book—you didn’t expect to find it, but once you do, you can’t stop staring. And honestly? That’s what makes Don’t Worry To Cry / Love Me Or Leave Me special. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is—a snapshot of ska at its most primal and human. So crank it loud, let those scratches and imperfections remind you that music doesn’t need to be flawless to be unforgettable. Oh, and hey—if you’re reading this while wearing headphones, good choice. You’ll hear every bump and groove, just like Beckford intended. Peace out.

Download Theophilus Beckford - Dont Worry To Cry Love Me Or Leave Me
Artist: Theophilus Beckford
Album: Dont Worry To Cry Love Me Or Leave Me

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: theophilus-beckford-dont-worry-to-cry-love-me-or-leave-me.zip
  • MP3 size: 9.2 mb
  • FLAC size: 78.6 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Don't Worry To Cry
Love Me Or Leave Me

Images

last ned album Theophilus Beckford - Dont Worry To Cry Love Me Or Leave Me
lataa albumi Theophilus Beckford - Dont Worry To Cry Love Me Or Leave Me

Catalog Numbers

45/BB 257

Labels

Blue Beat

Listen online

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM

Companies

RoleCompany
Record CompanyMelodisc Records Ltd.
Published ByCopyright Control

Credits

RoleCredit
Written-ByBeckford

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Label A): 45/BB 3612-A
  • Matrix / Runout (Label B): 45/BB 3613-B
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout A stamped): BB 3612 +
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout A stamped): BB 3613 +

About Theophilus Beckford

Born: December 23rd 1935, Trench Town, West Kingston, Jamaica Died: February 19th 2001, Kingston , Jamaica Composer, singer, and pianist Theophilus Beckford was one of the key musicians who defined the development of Jamaican music from r&b to ska.

Real Name

    • Theophilus Beckford

Name Vars

  • Beckford
  • Bedford
  • C. Beckford
  • Caffilous Beckfork
  • Cotheo Beckford
  • Easy Snapping Beckford
  • Snapping
  • Snappy (T.Beckford)
  • Snappy (Theo Beckford)
  • Snopping
  • T Beckford
  • T. 'Snapping' Beckford
  • T. 'snapping' Beckford
  • T. Beckford
  • T. Beckford (Snappin)
  • T. Beckford (Snapping)
  • T.Beckford
  • Thed Beckford
  • Theo
  • Theo \
  • Theo 'Easy Snappin' Beckford
  • Theo 'Snappin' Beckford
  • Theo - Beckford
  • Theo Beckdord
  • Theo Beckford
  • Theo Beckford & Friends
  • Theo Beckford's Group
  • Theo Beckord
  • Theo. Beckford
  • Theophelus Beckford
  • Theophieius Beckford
  • Theophilius 'Easy Snappin' Beckford
  • Theophilius 'Snappin' Beckford
  • Theophilius Beckford
  • Theophillus \
  • Theophillus Beckford
  • Theophilous Beckford
  • Theophilus \
  • Theophilus 'Easy Snappin' Beckford
  • Theophilus 'Easy Snappin'' Beckford
  • Theophilus 'Easy Snapping' Beckford
  • Theophilus (Easy Snapping) Beckford
  • Theophilus (Snappin) Beckford
  • Theopholis Beckford
  • Theopholus Beckford

Aliases

  • Easy Snappin'

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? Theophilus Beckford’s 1964 album *Don’t Worry To Cry Love Me Or Leave Me* is a hidden gem in the world of ska and reggae. Released on the Blue Beat label in the UK, it blends raw emotion with upbeat rhythms. The tracks "Love Me Or Leave Me" and "Don’t Worry To Cry" showcase Beckford’s talent as both a writer and musician. It’s a piece of music history that still resonates with fans of the genre today.