II found this original 1972 Australian pressing in a small record store in the Victorian coastal town of Port Fairy, which is known for its folk festival. I had never seen this album on vinyl before and the store owner said these sorts of rare records “slip through the cracks” every now and then. I was only beginning to collect vinyl and this was the perfect way to start what has become a passion and at times, addiction! A black and gay rights activist, I have always found Labi Siffre’s songs to be thought-provoking, inspiring, funky and soulful. The fact that his music is still sampled by modern artists such as Eminem speaks to the talent of this musical pioneer.
