The group was formed by Winston Riley in 1962 while still at school, with the initial line-up also featuring Slim Smith, Franklyn White, and Frederick Waite. They regularly performed at Edward Seaga's Chocomo Lawn club, where they were spotted by talent scouts from Columbia Records, who released their first single, "No One", released only in the United Kingdom in 1963. Their Jamaican debut came in 1965 when they were introduced to producer Duke Reid by singer Stranger Cole, with Reid-produced singles such as "Don't Leave Me", "When You Are Wrong", and "Little Did You Know" appearing on labels such as Island Records, and Reid's own Duke and Treasure Isle labels. Smith left the group in 1966, to pursue a solo career at Studio One, and later forming The Uniques with White. He was replaced by Pat Kelly. The shift from ska to rocksteady suited The Techniques, with a string of hits in 1967 and 1968 following, including "You Don't Care", "Queen Majesty", "I Wish It Would Rain", "It's You I Love", and "Love Is Not a Gamble".
The group left Treasure Isle in 1968, with Riley setting up his own 'Techniques' record label, releasing further sides by the group and also his productions of other artists. The group's line up changed regularly with Riley the only constant member. Other members in the late 1960s included Lloyd Parks, Bruce Ruffin, and Dave Barker. Kelly returned for a time, recording lead vocals on "What Am I To Do?".
Riley became one of the most successful Jamaican producers of the 1980s. Kelly and Ruffin enjoyed successful solo careers. Parks worked as a prolific session musician as well as working as a solo artist. Barker found fame as part of the duo Dave & Ansell Collins. Waite emigrated to the UK where he managed Musical Youth, the band including his sons as members.
The Techniques were briefly revived in 1982, with ex-Paragon Tyrone Evans on lead vocals, releasing a re-recorded "Love Is Not a Gamble", and a new album.
Discography
Albums
Little Did You Know (1967) Treasure Isle
Unforgettable Days (1981) Techniques
I'll Never Fall In Love (1983) Techniques
Compilation albums
Classics (1982) Techniques
Classics vol. 2 (1982) Techniques
Rock Steady Classics Rhino
Run Come Celebrate (1993) Heartbeat
Techniques in Dub (1997) Pressure Sounds
Queen Majesty (2007) Trojan
You Don't Care
The Techniques Lyrics
Jump to: Line by Line Meaning ↴
yasss omg omg omg omg
i love food they are so so good
i love you my sweet child
dookie on a stick yass
dookie on a samwitch lol yass
omg little
little did you know i am so ugly lol i hate this song
Despite your ignorance, I possess physical traits that society labels as unattractive. Your musical preference is not to my liking and I find it distasteful.
yasss omg omg omg omg
I am expressing my excitement and enthusiasm through the usage of internet slang.
i love food they are so so good
Food brings me joy and satisfaction. I appreciate the flavors and textures of various dishes.
i love you my sweet child
I have deep affection for you and address you with a term of endearment.
dookie on a stick yass
The concept of feces on a stick elicits a positive response from me for reasons unknown.
dookie on a samwitch lol yass
I am amused by the thought of feces on a sandwich, despite it being unappetizing in reality.
omg little
I am beginning to express another instance of excitement or amazement, but the thought is left incomplete.
Contributed by Maria S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.