1. Ernie Smith/Inner Circle/Yellowman, “Duppy Gunman” (1974, 1982)
Image: JamminJASounds
Originally written and recorded by Ernie Smith, this lighthearted Jamaican ghost story has been re-cut by some of the island’s biggest acts, including Inner Circle and Yellowman. Each differs significantly one another. Horns (and the trombone in particular) figure prominently into Smith’s original, the inspiration and soundtrack for one of the most loved episodes of Jamaican TV show, Oliver at Large, while Inner Circle’s version (stream it over on Spotify) had more of a twangy, country flavor. And, with its foundation dancehall drum section, Yellowman’s 1982 version is sure to mash up your monster mash effectively.
