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Toots & The Maytals

True Love

Albums built on celebrity cameos are generally mediocre attempts to put the squeeze on fans. This set is less offensive since the songs are so good they overshadow the straining egos. The best moment is “54-46 Was My Number,” in which Jeff Beck adds snarling counterpoint to the classic penned by Toots Hibbert about his own prison ID. Also ringing true are readings of “Never Grow Old” with Terry Hall, U-Roy and the Skatalites, and a nice “Take a Trip” with Bunny Wailer. Drop-ins by No Doubt, Keith Richards and Ben Harper are tolerable.

Take away: Supporting cast

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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and alBerto Trevino ([email protected])