Jacob's Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Creams: A Jamaican Treat. NEW – On Irish Telly at the moment they are running adverts for these iconic biscuits with tunes from Jamaica

Jacob's Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Creams: A Jamaican Treat.
Jacob's Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Cream, as Irish as Roy Keane, (and as equally unsavory) they have been the snack of choice in Irish households for decades.
However the recent advertising campaign to promote these biscuits, and the Jacobs range in general, have a decidedly Jamaican feel about them. The two original reggae tunes from the late 60’s & early 70’s, which compliment the adverts, both feature one of the greatest studio bands ever – The Upsetters (not to be confused with Little Richard’s backing band of the same name).
The tracks we hear on the TV adverts (‘Return Of Django’ and ‘Double Barrel’) sound neigh on exactly the same as the definitive versions, but are in fact professionally done studio covers! Unlike many of the more chart topping reggae singles (Tide is High / Israelites etc) these two tracks are predominantly instrumental yet retain some of the traditional laid back flava of the genre.
The Return of Django
The Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Cream range are advertised with the track ‘The Return of Django' - a catchy tune with a cyclical refrain and a truly exceptional reggae groove. The storming saxophone helps to soften the potentially tinny feel of the rhythm guitar on this track.
Permanently upbeat and almost Jazzy in its feel, Trumpet, Saxophone and a heavy bass line gives an aura of fun in the studio.
Written by Lee Scratch Perry in 1968 this track made no 5 in UK charts and ironically, based upon its current use, was also sold for a series of adverts. At a time when racial harmony was starting to give way to resentment in certain urban areas, this song and others of the genre helped to breakdown barriers. The Skinheads in Britain were only starting to emerge and were adopting Reggae as their anthem. It was not until the early 70’s that the two began to seem incompatible.
The title is almost definitely a reference to a contemporary spaghetti western: Django. Following hot on the heals of the success of the classic ‘Dollar trilogy’ by Sergio Leone ( A Fistful of Dollar [1964], For a Few Dollars More [1965] and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly [1966]). Django (released in 1966) tells the story of a town controlled by two factions at war, but our mysterious hero, plays the two off against each other. Hugely successful at the time it spawned many imitators. Similarly, this period’s American Spaghetti Westerns inspired a series of Tracks including ‘Clint Eastwood’ and ‘Django shoots first’. All of these were performed by Perry’s in house band - the Upsetters
More recently the track has been brought to public attention following a cover version by the London based Asian Dub Foundation, on the soundtrack to the film The Beach.
Double Barrel
The original begins with its most famous section, Dave Barker shouting ‘I ….. am the Magnificent’!!
Amazingly this is left off the track used in the current advert (you know - they guy dunking his biscuit and grinning when it drops into his coffee!), but has been sampled by 100’s of artists. Barker continues with a tongue twister before the track is introduced with one of the most mellow base lines in history. This quickly gives way to an upbeat gritty reggae sound which gives the impression of a loose, smooth vibe revolving around a tight beat. We then get into the bass heavy refrain that is the stock of reggae, with sharp, succinct cycles before the piano and keyboard come in to give it a gospel feel at points.
The repetitive piano sounds simplistic in isolation; however this haunting refrain occurs throughout the tune and gives it a bright feel running over the heavy bass.
Double Barrel was written by the co-producer Winston Riley. It reached the top of the charts in Jamaica and UK, and went just shy of the top 20 in the US (22nd in 1971).
Special mention should be made of the equally exciting follow up to Double Barrel, Dave & Ansell Collins hit Monkey Spanner. This did not do as well as its predecessor – but did chart respectably in Jamaica and UK. Ironically however for two semi-vocal tracks – anyone who bought the album expecting the same was to be disappointed - the subsequent LP (with a GREAT sleeve image of a pistol with two wooden barrels for gun barrels) was mainly instrumentals!
THE Upsetters
The Upsetters had changed their line up over the intervening period between the tracks. Indeed these 2 chart hits sandwich a fascinating period in the history of the outfit:
The band got its start in 1968, when Perry decided to start his own record label, Upsetter Records, and needed a house band to back the various vocalists he was producing. Unable to afford any of the big name session players, Perry began to use a floating line up of musicians, including Gladdy Anderson and Winston Wright (keyboards), Jackie Jackson (bass) and Hux Brown (guitar). He named them after his label and his first big hit.
However various members of his line up were unable to go on the tour. Perry therefore approached others, including producer, Edward "Bunny" Lee. His ‘Hippy Boys’ (Featuring Alva "Reggie" Lewis on guitar, Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass and his brother Carlton on drums) became the new stand ins. Perhaps most famously most of this line up went on to become the back bone of Bob Marley’s Wailers – something Perry initially encouraged.
By 1972, The Upsetters were a true "floating" band. Perhaps consciously Perry decided to forego a permanent line-up - avoiding problems over money and artistic claims to his dominance - and simply used the best musicians he could find at the time; it really was a case that if they played for Perry, they became Upsetters.
Just before the advent of the Black Ark Studios era (1974) artists like Sly Dunbar (who is on Double Barrell) and Boris Gardiner passed through the ranks. Also included later was the veteran jazz king Val Bennett, who had provided the saxophone on "Return of Django".
Lee Scratch Merry
These tunes predate Lee Scratch Perry’s penchant for smashing studios as a kind of exorcism! Often ignored, or at best overlooked, Perry has produced some of the greatest and catchiest Reggae tunes and his debt is, in some cases, only now being recognised. The man himself turned 70 earlier this year and is still going strong, producing and touring regularly. Despite his flamboyant and eccentric whims it must be said that, when it comes to timeless reggae tracks Lee Scratch Perry really takes the biscuit!!
Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Cream – the biscuit
As for the biscuit, as well as being healthy (for a biscuit!) it is also one of the particular favourites of the Irish all over the world. Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Creams are as constantly recognizable as Brennan’s Bread, a pint of Guinness or a cup of Barry’s tea.
They are the biscuit of choice for parties, with many a fond memory of them placed side by side with Rice Crispie buns and musical chairs.
INFO /Availability
Return of Django - released 1969, album of the same name was reissued in 2003 available on LP/CD - and any good compilation.
Double Barrel – released 1972, album of same name reissued in 2000’s, but get a copy of the original not compilation of same name.
However both tracks are available on the especially good compilation the 2 CD set Old School Ska: An Anthology. Catalogue No & details are SMD CD 139 snapper music 1997
Jacob's Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Cream, as Irish as Roy Keane, (and as equally unsavory) they have been the snack of choice in Irish households for decades.
However the recent advertising campaign to promote these biscuits, and the Jacobs range in general, have a decidedly Jamaican feel about them. The two original reggae tunes from the late 60’s & early 70’s, which compliment the adverts, both feature one of the greatest studio bands ever – The Upsetters (not to be confused with Little Richard’s backing band of the same name).
The tracks we hear on the TV adverts (‘Return Of Django’ and ‘Double Barrel’) sound neigh on exactly the same as the definitive versions, but are in fact professionally done studio covers! Unlike many of the more chart topping reggae singles (Tide is High / Israelites etc) these two tracks are predominantly instrumental yet retain some of the traditional laid back flava of the genre.
The Return of Django
The Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Cream range are advertised with the track ‘The Return of Django' - a catchy tune with a cyclical refrain and a truly exceptional reggae groove. The storming saxophone helps to soften the potentially tinny feel of the rhythm guitar on this track.
Permanently upbeat and almost Jazzy in its feel, Trumpet, Saxophone and a heavy bass line gives an aura of fun in the studio.
Written by Lee Scratch Perry in 1968 this track made no 5 in UK charts and ironically, based upon its current use, was also sold for a series of adverts. At a time when racial harmony was starting to give way to resentment in certain urban areas, this song and others of the genre helped to breakdown barriers. The Skinheads in Britain were only starting to emerge and were adopting Reggae as their anthem. It was not until the early 70’s that the two began to seem incompatible.
The title is almost definitely a reference to a contemporary spaghetti western: Django. Following hot on the heals of the success of the classic ‘Dollar trilogy’ by Sergio Leone ( A Fistful of Dollar [1964], For a Few Dollars More [1965] and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly [1966]). Django (released in 1966) tells the story of a town controlled by two factions at war, but our mysterious hero, plays the two off against each other. Hugely successful at the time it spawned many imitators. Similarly, this period’s American Spaghetti Westerns inspired a series of Tracks including ‘Clint Eastwood’ and ‘Django shoots first’. All of these were performed by Perry’s in house band - the Upsetters
More recently the track has been brought to public attention following a cover version by the London based Asian Dub Foundation, on the soundtrack to the film The Beach.
Double Barrel
The original begins with its most famous section, Dave Barker shouting ‘I ….. am the Magnificent’!!
Amazingly this is left off the track used in the current advert (you know - they guy dunking his biscuit and grinning when it drops into his coffee!), but has been sampled by 100’s of artists. Barker continues with a tongue twister before the track is introduced with one of the most mellow base lines in history. This quickly gives way to an upbeat gritty reggae sound which gives the impression of a loose, smooth vibe revolving around a tight beat. We then get into the bass heavy refrain that is the stock of reggae, with sharp, succinct cycles before the piano and keyboard come in to give it a gospel feel at points.
The repetitive piano sounds simplistic in isolation; however this haunting refrain occurs throughout the tune and gives it a bright feel running over the heavy bass.
Double Barrel was written by the co-producer Winston Riley. It reached the top of the charts in Jamaica and UK, and went just shy of the top 20 in the US (22nd in 1971).
Special mention should be made of the equally exciting follow up to Double Barrel, Dave & Ansell Collins hit Monkey Spanner. This did not do as well as its predecessor – but did chart respectably in Jamaica and UK. Ironically however for two semi-vocal tracks – anyone who bought the album expecting the same was to be disappointed - the subsequent LP (with a GREAT sleeve image of a pistol with two wooden barrels for gun barrels) was mainly instrumentals!
THE Upsetters
The Upsetters had changed their line up over the intervening period between the tracks. Indeed these 2 chart hits sandwich a fascinating period in the history of the outfit:
The band got its start in 1968, when Perry decided to start his own record label, Upsetter Records, and needed a house band to back the various vocalists he was producing. Unable to afford any of the big name session players, Perry began to use a floating line up of musicians, including Gladdy Anderson and Winston Wright (keyboards), Jackie Jackson (bass) and Hux Brown (guitar). He named them after his label and his first big hit.
However various members of his line up were unable to go on the tour. Perry therefore approached others, including producer, Edward "Bunny" Lee. His ‘Hippy Boys’ (Featuring Alva "Reggie" Lewis on guitar, Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass and his brother Carlton on drums) became the new stand ins. Perhaps most famously most of this line up went on to become the back bone of Bob Marley’s Wailers – something Perry initially encouraged.
By 1972, The Upsetters were a true "floating" band. Perhaps consciously Perry decided to forego a permanent line-up - avoiding problems over money and artistic claims to his dominance - and simply used the best musicians he could find at the time; it really was a case that if they played for Perry, they became Upsetters.
Just before the advent of the Black Ark Studios era (1974) artists like Sly Dunbar (who is on Double Barrell) and Boris Gardiner passed through the ranks. Also included later was the veteran jazz king Val Bennett, who had provided the saxophone on "Return of Django".
Lee Scratch Merry
These tunes predate Lee Scratch Perry’s penchant for smashing studios as a kind of exorcism! Often ignored, or at best overlooked, Perry has produced some of the greatest and catchiest Reggae tunes and his debt is, in some cases, only now being recognised. The man himself turned 70 earlier this year and is still going strong, producing and touring regularly. Despite his flamboyant and eccentric whims it must be said that, when it comes to timeless reggae tracks Lee Scratch Perry really takes the biscuit!!
Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Cream – the biscuit
As for the biscuit, as well as being healthy (for a biscuit!) it is also one of the particular favourites of the Irish all over the world. Kimberly, Mikado and Coconut Creams are as constantly recognizable as Brennan’s Bread, a pint of Guinness or a cup of Barry’s tea.
They are the biscuit of choice for parties, with many a fond memory of them placed side by side with Rice Crispie buns and musical chairs.
INFO /Availability
Return of Django - released 1969, album of the same name was reissued in 2003 available on LP/CD - and any good compilation.
Double Barrel – released 1972, album of same name reissued in 2000’s, but get a copy of the original not compilation of same name.
However both tracks are available on the especially good compilation the 2 CD set Old School Ska: An Anthology. Catalogue No & details are SMD CD 139 snapper music 1997
Opening Pandora's Box - Now case closed unfortunately - to Non US Residents anyway.

‘Upon opening Pandora’s Box……’ www.pandora.com
Intro
As an avid, perhaps even obsessive, listener of music, I have over the years become a collector of a cross spectrum of vinyl and CD’s. I am always willing and eager to turn my ear to quite literally anything (yes even dance music!). So you can imagine my unbridled delight when I recently discovered a truly magnificent website which, unfortunately at present, is only open to US residents (or those who know a US postcode….). My eternal quest for music has now been given a lifeline without the crippling economic and time consuming hunt. Some might say the fun is in the chase but not all artists are ultimately worth the chase … enter the power of Pandora! It plays songs by, and similar to, artists and tracks of your choice.
The aim is quite simple – it is an ‘Online music discovery service’, however, exactly how altruistic the idea or completely impartial the play list is, is still unclear.
The site
Direction
Some progressions are logical, others bizarre, but generally consistent and no surprises:
Ivor Cutler brings up some spoken word, music hall style interludes and medleys, but then deviates towards stand up comedy at the expense of music.
However a bit disappointingly Rainbow’s Since You’ve Been Gone does not generate a barrage of anthemic rock tunes, instead it drones out melodic progressive rock by Asia, Van Halen, Helloween and Bon Jovi.
Strangely, this site still seems to capture the quirky humour of artists such as Canada’s finest, Barenakes Ladies. But this search tends to bring up almost exclusively North American artists.
Your chosen performer features on between one in three and one in ten of the tracks played. However, there is a danger this may get repetitive if played for too long and there are only so many maudlin, suicidal singer-songwriters you can listen to in one sitting! For diversity, links such as Lloyd Cole bring up bands as eclectic as Marcy Playground and U2.
Criticism
The site will also tell you the rationale behind each of its selections citing: ‘vocal harmonies’ melodic phrasing ‘extensive vamping’ acoustic sonority ‘minor and major key tonality’ which seems to crop up whatever you select.
Perhaps a valid criticism of the site is that it appears to be weighted to country – if an artist shows slight leanings – the random selection will pick upon the country and western aspect rather than the Jazz, pop, blues etc.
The fact that you cannot rewind or replay a track nor can you play only one artist at a time can be a bit frustrating, but then where would the fun be in that!!
Omissions
To pick holes in the site at all seems a tad unfair and almost trivial, however, there are a number of omissions that were surprising – no Tim Rose, no John Philips, no U96 and no Klaus Nomi though I am assured this is being rectified. It is the anomalies that are more conspicuous – you have the New York Dolls and Buster Poindexter, but no David Johansen solo material. Peter Blegved does not feature and yet his solo items are superior to the Slapp Happy material that is there. Likewise – the Dubliners and Christy Moore are omitted, but the less popular Chieftans appear! More confusing and frustrating – it sometimes cannot find more by the very artist it is playing – (Mark Spoelstra)! Also missing is James Last whilst for Mantovani you can only get his Christmas hits!! That said those in attendance far outweigh the omissions – here you can listen to everything from 2 Live Crew & NWA to Aqua and Ray Price!!
To put all this in perspective – no where else in the world would I expect to search for Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps and have the software randomly select the collectable The Litter alongside Daniel O’Donnell!!
Conclusion
I personally am a dissenter of the Internet, always quick to shoot it down and condemn it as an expensive toy and a frivolous luxury. However, I have for the past few years been happy to buy and sell several hundred items on Ebay. Seldom do I use the internet as a useful tool of information, mainly because I don’t trust many sites. This site silenced my cynicism.
So far I have not searched for the dreaded Beatles / Stones for fear that it will bring up second rate imitators or artists who lack the exceptional chemistry of these ‘premier league’ bands … but give it time and I will be checking who sounds like them and am sure that Oasis will not be the only band mentioned!!
Being a US site – certain artist also have a ‘Holiday’ section – for Christmas songs – which would be a corker at the office party.
To reiterate how small a world it is – up comes Simon Joyner with the classic titled ‘Don’t begrudge a father his funeral’ – only hours after reading about him for the first time in a music magazine!! But don’t take my word for it – check it out!!
Intro
As an avid, perhaps even obsessive, listener of music, I have over the years become a collector of a cross spectrum of vinyl and CD’s. I am always willing and eager to turn my ear to quite literally anything (yes even dance music!). So you can imagine my unbridled delight when I recently discovered a truly magnificent website which, unfortunately at present, is only open to US residents (or those who know a US postcode….). My eternal quest for music has now been given a lifeline without the crippling economic and time consuming hunt. Some might say the fun is in the chase but not all artists are ultimately worth the chase … enter the power of Pandora! It plays songs by, and similar to, artists and tracks of your choice.
The aim is quite simple – it is an ‘Online music discovery service’, however, exactly how altruistic the idea or completely impartial the play list is, is still unclear.
The site
Direction
Some progressions are logical, others bizarre, but generally consistent and no surprises:
Ivor Cutler brings up some spoken word, music hall style interludes and medleys, but then deviates towards stand up comedy at the expense of music.
However a bit disappointingly Rainbow’s Since You’ve Been Gone does not generate a barrage of anthemic rock tunes, instead it drones out melodic progressive rock by Asia, Van Halen, Helloween and Bon Jovi.
Strangely, this site still seems to capture the quirky humour of artists such as Canada’s finest, Barenakes Ladies. But this search tends to bring up almost exclusively North American artists.
Your chosen performer features on between one in three and one in ten of the tracks played. However, there is a danger this may get repetitive if played for too long and there are only so many maudlin, suicidal singer-songwriters you can listen to in one sitting! For diversity, links such as Lloyd Cole bring up bands as eclectic as Marcy Playground and U2.
Criticism
The site will also tell you the rationale behind each of its selections citing: ‘vocal harmonies’ melodic phrasing ‘extensive vamping’ acoustic sonority ‘minor and major key tonality’ which seems to crop up whatever you select.
Perhaps a valid criticism of the site is that it appears to be weighted to country – if an artist shows slight leanings – the random selection will pick upon the country and western aspect rather than the Jazz, pop, blues etc.
The fact that you cannot rewind or replay a track nor can you play only one artist at a time can be a bit frustrating, but then where would the fun be in that!!
Omissions
To pick holes in the site at all seems a tad unfair and almost trivial, however, there are a number of omissions that were surprising – no Tim Rose, no John Philips, no U96 and no Klaus Nomi though I am assured this is being rectified. It is the anomalies that are more conspicuous – you have the New York Dolls and Buster Poindexter, but no David Johansen solo material. Peter Blegved does not feature and yet his solo items are superior to the Slapp Happy material that is there. Likewise – the Dubliners and Christy Moore are omitted, but the less popular Chieftans appear! More confusing and frustrating – it sometimes cannot find more by the very artist it is playing – (Mark Spoelstra)! Also missing is James Last whilst for Mantovani you can only get his Christmas hits!! That said those in attendance far outweigh the omissions – here you can listen to everything from 2 Live Crew & NWA to Aqua and Ray Price!!
To put all this in perspective – no where else in the world would I expect to search for Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps and have the software randomly select the collectable The Litter alongside Daniel O’Donnell!!
Conclusion
I personally am a dissenter of the Internet, always quick to shoot it down and condemn it as an expensive toy and a frivolous luxury. However, I have for the past few years been happy to buy and sell several hundred items on Ebay. Seldom do I use the internet as a useful tool of information, mainly because I don’t trust many sites. This site silenced my cynicism.
So far I have not searched for the dreaded Beatles / Stones for fear that it will bring up second rate imitators or artists who lack the exceptional chemistry of these ‘premier league’ bands … but give it time and I will be checking who sounds like them and am sure that Oasis will not be the only band mentioned!!
Being a US site – certain artist also have a ‘Holiday’ section – for Christmas songs – which would be a corker at the office party.
To reiterate how small a world it is – up comes Simon Joyner with the classic titled ‘Don’t begrudge a father his funeral’ – only hours after reading about him for the first time in a music magazine!! But don’t take my word for it – check it out!!