Following a run of outstanding and acclaimed singles, on 26 May Sunday Best recordings will release Version Girl, Rhoda Dakar’s first album in five years.

Version Girl’s title is derived from Dandy Livingstone’s ‘Version Girl’, a song partly used as an intro track to the album. Rhoda’s connection to Livingstone dates to her first ever release, a cover of his ‘Let’s Do Rocksteady’ which she recorded with The Bodysnatchers for the iconic 2-Tone label.

A 12-song collection, the album features a diverse range of covers chosen by Rhoda, celebrating her love of Reggae, Ska and Rocksteady. Most of these songs have never before been given proper treatments in these incredibly versatile and timeless Jamaican genres.

“I wanted to go a little left field for this. There seemed no point in covering songs which already had perfectly good Reggae versions. Both UB40 and Madness have already done a series of definitive covers albums. So, rather than hanging on their coat tails, I went for songs that had no previous definitive Reggae, Ska or Rocksteady versions, that we could find anyway. I think it also continues to demonstrate the amazing adaptability of these Jamaican genres!”

The following is an exclusive interview with Rhoda:

Can you please tell me a bit about your background and childhood?

My parents met in my dad’s West End club in the late forties. Born in North London, as my parents moved from Notting Hill because of the race riots. Grew up South, in Brixton.

What was the first music you can remember hearing?

40s and 50s Jazz with vocals.

What was the first serious music you can remember hearing?

Serious music? Anglican hymns.

When did you first start singing? Who influenced you to start singing?

If you mean before an audience, then it was 1969. I was at dance school and we performed in old peoples’ homes – when they used to exist. So, a requirement rather than an influence.

How did you first start singing with bands?

I was asked to come and audition for The Bodysnatchers.

Were you in any band prior to The Bodysnatchers?

No.

How did The Bodysnatchers form?

From an advert in Melody Maker, a music paper

Did writing and recording material come quite easily to you and the rest of the band?

Recording was an expensive process back then, so no. We wrote, don’t remember it being difficult or easy. Quality is the only yardstick.

What was the period like around signing to 2 Tone and playing live?

Very busy. We played nearly 200 gigs in a year.

You went on to tour with The Specials. Do you have any memories of John Bradbury and Terry Hall?

Yes of course. The Holiday Inn, Munich. We had arrived in the morning before our rooms were ready so had to wait. Brad was ranting about Munich being the headquarters of the party. Terry asked at reception for a room without a shower.

The track The Boiler touched some nerves when it was released at the time. Maybe now it’s less sensitive to touch on the subjects of the record and will help victims. Have you found this to be the case?

I really couldn’t say. I’m not inundated with messages and that’s as it should be. Professional help is always better.

The Special AKA release Nelson Mandela went on to be a definitive anthem for many at the time. Do you have happy memories being in the band?

No, not at all.

Since these hedonistic days you’ve gone on to work with Madness, Dub Pistols and The Interrupters. Do you have any vivid memories of working with these artists?

I’ve been around Madness a lot, it’s hard to pick out one moment. The others I’ve gone to see more often than I’ve worked with them, so those memories are more vivid.

You’re now releasing a new album. What has lead you to record new material?

My first album contract.

Some of the tracks you’ve chosen to cover might be a curious to some, the likes of Everyday Is Like Sunday, Hangin’ Around, Love Hurts and The Man Who Sold the World will be a pleasant surprise for some, why did you chose these songs?

I chose them because I like them, but also thought I could bring something to the vocal. They also had no definitive reggae covers.

Did you have the ideas for the structure of the songs or was this a band effort?

I discussed what style we would use with producer Lenny Bignell. There was already a structure as they were covers.

Did you have the idea for famed artist Pete McKee to do the artwork for the album?

I asked Pete if he’d do the cover for the first single and he said yes. The rest is history.

Are you looking forward to going out on tour?

Yes!

Are you up to anything else musically at present?

Got a couple of colabs on the go. Hopefully they’ll work out well.

Finally, what’s on your turntable?

Couple of framed photos I keep meaning to put up. It’s not working properly.

 

Version Girl can be purchased via the following link