100 Greatest Songs of the 60’s #43 Alton Ellis – I’m Still In Love With You

Released: 1967

As ever when a musician gets asked the reason for anything, opinions can differ. Born in Jamaica’s Trenchtown, having released his first single in 1960 with Eddie Parkins (Alton & Eddy’s ‘Muriel’) Alton Ellis had by the middle of the decade already enjoyed a stop-start career which by the standards of the time and place was still respectable enough, recording primarily in tandem with Clement “Coxsone” Dodd at his legendary Studio One.

Whilst the pre-eminent sound in dancehalls had been ska, this began to change as violence – supposedly dished out by groups of ‘Rude Boys’ – led to a distinct slowing of the tempo. Here was where the conjecture came in. Ellis supposedly invented it’s sweeter, slower replacement rocksteady during a recording session at which short of a bassist he instructed organist Jackie Mittoo to fill in, only for him to be unable to match the pace and as a result, a new thing was born. Other versions of it’s origin are available.

Whoever got there first, I’m Still In Love With You eventually became a staple of a scene which peaked just long enough to make him an international star. Made special by Ellis’ rich vocals, here was a yearning that came with strings attached; “You don’t know how to love me, not even how to kiss me” he crooned, his one way crush presumably walking on by oblivious. The how was open to debate, but this was so good, the why wasn’t even a question.