Duff Review: The Forthrights "Other People" b/w King Django & The Forthrights "Anywhere I Roam"

7" single
Stubborn Records
2009

If you're not already familiar with them, The Forthrights are vintage-sounding rocksteady crew based in Brooklyn with a laid-back, soulful sound that is in a similar vein to acts like The Bluebeats, The Slackers, and The Insteps (remember them?). I picked up this single after catching their terrific set at a Knitting Factory Brooklyn gig, and after hearing it, can say that this recording accurately captures the vibe and essence of their live performance (which is no small feat, since something is usually lost in the transition from stage to studio).

Expertly produced by King Django at his Jersey Version City, The Forthrights' "Other People" may be wrapped in an almost cheery--and definitely catchy--melody (singer/keyboardist Jack Wright can compose a really sweet tune), but it doesn't bury the heartache of rejection in the lyrics: "There are other people in world for you and I, yeah/You can get what you want, but what you want is to be free/I know you're no longer infatuated with Cincinnati/Yeah, I know that my soul will always rest in her..." Django steps up to the mic on the flip side, a version of "Other People" titled "Anywhere I Roam," where he playfully boasts like Prince Buster about his mad lyrical and musical skills, while slyly celebrating his sexual and emotional freedom: "Anywhere I roam/That's where I make my home/So mind where you lay up your britches/A home is where you can scratch where it itches!"

This single is an instant classic. Get it!

The Duff Guide to Ska Grade: A