http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1189&variant=artist-playlists&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rssIf the Paragons were from Detroit, it's likely Berry Gordy would have snatched them up and made them into world-famous stars, and they'd have lived public lives as long as Methuselah's, thanks to boxed set reissues and endless reunions. Instead, Jamaica's most amazing vocal group blazed at home -- their star did reach as far as Ska-crazed Britain -- until their flame faded to a smoldering cult. Among the finest of Ska's original acts, the Paragons delivered four-part harmonies that comfortably rode waves of music, gliding through verses as if fitted with sails. Their songs didn't rely on Ska's standard props of horns and bass as much as they glorified Soul, placing Ska rhythms beneath vocal lines that could have been bred in the Motor City. The band progressed to Rock Steady before slowing the tempo to Roots Reggae's leisurely pace, eventually performing Dub and Dancehall with new stars such as Yellowman. Unfortunately, outside of Jamaica few know of the Paragons' work, aside from Blondie's impressive interpretation of their classic "The Tide Is High." As is often the case with originals, they've made it into the history books, but only as a footnote. - Kali HollowaySkaen720Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:06:08 -0800 http://static.realone.com/rotw/images/logo_rhapsody_113x22.gif http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1189&variant=artist-playlists&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss If the Paragons were from Detroit, it's likely Berry Gordy would have snatched them up and made them into world-famous stars, and they'd have lived public lives as long as Methuselah's, thanks to boxed set reissues and endless reunions. Instead, Jamaica's most amazing vocal group blazed at home -- their star did reach as far as Ska-crazed Britain -- until their flame faded to a smoldering cult. Among the finest of Ska's original acts, the Paragons delivered four-part harmonies that comfortably rode waves of music, gliding through verses as if fitted with sails. Their songs didn't rely on Ska's standard props of horns and bass as much as they glorified Soul, placing Ska rhythms beneath vocal lines that could have been bred in the Motor City. The band progressed to Rock Steady before slowing the tempo to Roots Reggae's leisurely pace, eventually performing Dub and Dancehall with new stars such as Yellowman. Unfortunately, outside of Jamaica few know of the Paragons' work, aside from Blondie's impressive interpretation of their classic "The Tide Is High." As is often the case with originals, they've made it into the history books, but only as a footnote. - Kali Holloway http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.18150297&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss World/Reggae Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:06:43 -0800 Playlists Featuring The Paragons on Rhapsody Online 18150297 ply.18150297 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.18150297&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.17369610&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss World/Reggae Sun, 24 May 2009 09:00:57 -0700 Playlists Featuring The Paragons on Rhapsody Online 17369610 ply.17369610 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.17369610&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.14280195&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss World/Reggae Wed, 6 May 2009 09:31:14 -0700 Playlists Featuring The Paragons on Rhapsody Online 14280195 ply.14280195 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.14280195&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.10853911&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss World/Reggae Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:24:14 -0800 Playlists Featuring The Paragons on Rhapsody Online 10853911 ply.10853911 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.10853911&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.9439425&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss World/Reggae Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:30:18 -0800 Playlists Featuring The Paragons on Rhapsody Online 9439425 ply.9439425 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.9439425&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.8593192&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss World/Reggae Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:10:27 -0700 Playlists Featuring The Paragons on Rhapsody Online 8593192 ply.8593192 http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=ply.8593192&variant=play&rws=%2Fthe-paragons%2Fplaylists.rss