I can't think why this song has come into my head today.
The Toots and the Maytals classic soulful ska original from 1969 v the punky reggae party cover from 1980.
Listen to both without prejudice and say which you prefer.
And yes Robert Palmer and The Specials did good covers too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw66FA6OTqAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyv16mZakVELord Bowyer under heavy manners
Comments
The ultimate version of this however is by Guns n Roses alumnus and creative powerhouse Izzy Stradlin and his JuJu Hounds from his first post GnR album. Can’t add a link on this phone but do y’selves a favour and look him up
Ditto
That said go listen to Izzy as StigT advises.
The Clash version is greaterer.
It's one of the songs that you'd have to try really hard to make bad. Even a group like Boyzone or Little Mix could probably do it well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW4OtJLQu6w
That is awful, it's likes a really bad Ramones tribute band.
Clash are one of the few white bands who can sing reggae songs and emerge with credit