Audio
Rockers Special 1st aired on the 24/6/90 with selections by Steve Barker, Steve Barrow, Lol Bell-Brown and Noel At Dub Vendor
Dub Syndicate -On The Wire Theme
Augustus Pablo -King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown
Jacob Miller -Baby I Love You So
Augustus Pablo -The Big Rip-Off
Augustus Pablo & Chosen Few -Java
Augustus Pablo & Jah Iny -El Rockers
Augustus Pablo -El Rockers (Clavinet Cut)
Augustus Pablo -Rockers Rock
Ricky Grant -Who Are Babylon/Babylon Man
Augustus Pablo -Dread Eye
Augustus Pablo & Herman -Aquarius Rock
Augustus Pablo -Iggi Iggi
Augustus Pablo -Feeling Moody
Augustus Pablo -Sahara Rock
Augustus Pablo -Hap-Ki-Do
Augustus Pablo -(Unkown Title)
Augustus Pablo -Cinderella In Black
Augustus Pablo -Pablo's Big Ride
Augustus Pablo -Black Out
Pablo Rockers All Stars -Unity Dub
Augustus Pablo -Unfinished Melody
Pablo All Stars -Melody Dub
Hugh Mundell -Run Revolution A Come
Augustus Pablo -Ras Menilik Congo (Harp)
Rockers All Stars -Roots Dub
Augustus Pablo -Earth Wind And Fire
Rockers All Stars -Cool Shade Dub
Paul Whiteman -Say So
King Tubby's -Say So Version
Latty -Can't Hide
Augustus Pablo -Pablo's Theme Song
Augustus Pablo -Tubby Dub Song
Augustus Pablo -Tubby Dub Song
Augustus Pablo -Fat Baby
Keith Hudson & Family Man -Pick A Dub
Augustus Pablo -Organ Style
Simplicity People -K.G's(Half Way Tree)
Simplicity People -K.G's(Crossroads)
Augustus Pablo -Classical Illusion
Augustus Pablo -Guiding Red
Simplicity People -Gussie Special
Augustus Pablo -Far East
Jacob Miller -Who Say Jah No Dread
Augustus Pablo -Ethopia
Sis Frica -One In The Spirit
Delroy Williams -Babylon Boys/Version
Audio
The Impressions-We’re a winner-Resist
Jacqui Williams-Real Love-Real Side
Gary des Estage-All I Wanna Do-Promo
Jimmy Jones-Live and Let Live-High Tone
Johnny Pate-Did you Mean Maybe-Warner Bros
Manzel -Midnight Theme-Dope Brothers
Thunder Lightening and Rain-Superfunky-
Esther Williams-It feels real good-Friends and Co
Mark Rae-Reach Out to Me-Sony
Wonita-The Ones-
Bugz in the Attic-Booty La La-Bugz in the Attic
Clyde Alexander-Gotta Have Your Love-Counterpoint Records
Lono Brazil-Ooh Love-Sony
Fertile Ground-Spirit World-Counterpoint Records
Reel People featuring Angela Johnson-Can’t Stop (Kenny Dope Remixes)-Papa Records
Trey Sonz ft Carl Thomas-Feels So Good-
Kenny Bobien-Hiya Luv-King Street
aGerald Levert-Crucify Me-Atlantic
John Legend-Live it Up-Sony
Urban Mystic-Long Ways-Warners
Vanessa Freeman-The Way-Chilli Funk
Heaven and Hell Orchestra-Watcha Gonna Do-MCA Records
Cymande-Bra-Soul Heaven
Herbie Hancock-Stars in Your Eyes-Columbia
Audio
Steve from Beijing + Nick from Operation Sound System
The Sharks-Music Answer-Soul Jazz
Eric ‘Rickenbacker’ Frater-Last date part 1-Motion 1
James Eastwood-Darkest night-Pressure Sounds
The Tenors-Crop Me Donkey-Trojan
Charlie Boy-Funky Strip-Pressure Sounds
Burning Spear-New Civilisation-Soul Jazz
Llyod and Devon-Push Push-Soul Jazz
Wayne Jarrett -Holy Mount Zion-Wackies
The Heptones-Move On-Heartbeat
Lacksley Castell-What a great day-Auraluxx008cd
Papa Levi-Mi Go Mi King-Trojan
Jah Batta-I don’t wait to wait-Wackies
Dennis Bovell and Brown Sugar-Hurtin-Kickin
Linval Thompson-Natty Pressure Them-Makasound
Aquasky-Red Out-Black Noise
Tokyo Paradise Orchestra-Skarada Dub-This is AfroArt
Operation Sound System-Rally Round-Operation Sound System
Superqueens-Let’s not call in the heavy bombers-Skinny
65 Days of Static-Retreat Retreat-Montreme Records
Num-Rocket-Best Before
Daniel Dale Johnston-Don’t Let the sun go down on your grievience-Gammofon
Jason Darling-Night in my Head-Yep Roc
Nora O’Connor-Til the Dawn-Bloodshot
The Great Northwestern Hoboes-Change your tune-Viper
The Heavenly States-King Epiphany-Baria Records
DOCTOR ECHO
DOCTOR ECHO
ANICCA CD
Doctor Echo is Justin DeHart from Sacramento, California, originally drummer in live dub band The Defendants he’s been mixing dub for over ten years and now relocated to Los Angeles. This is the Doctor’s self-released second album recorded between 1997 and 2002 without the aid of sampling or sequencing. Having said that this is the kind of album where I approach the review with, to coin a phrase, mortal dread. Although each tune stands as well constructed and executed, listening through the whole fourteen tracks I was overcome midway by a boredom that begat a strange forgetfulness – how long to go, where had the tunes gone? Despite the involvement of guitar guru Tyler Pope of Outhud, !!!, LCD Sound System et al there was just nothing to grip here, and as for Nkosazana Divine’s spoken vocals nothing more than the embarrassing fifth-form whimsy. Perhaps a holiday on the East Coast is called for?
DUBBLESTANDART
HEAVY HEAVY MONSTER DUB
ECHO BEACH CD
Dating back to 1988 Paul Zasky and Robbie Ost are part of the underground Austrian axis of dub that now circles Vienna’s Dub Club in times just as paranoid. Dubblestandart gorge on a living feast of rhythm pals for this ‘international dub stardom or bust’ album - Sly & Robbie, Keith le Blanc, Dreadzone, Manasseh, Mikey Dread, Dillinger and Mad Professor are just the names that come readily to mind. The title might be borrowed from Madness but the sound is more derivative of Dub Syndicate and the multiples of their UK progeny, with the emphasis on up-tempo steppers and one drops sprinkled with sampled vocals, vintage or contemporary. Any remix of ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ can only be preferable to the original and this set works best past halfway when we get to le Blanc’s remix shot of ‘Terrarists and Inhalers’ and Camel’ vocals on "Watch the Future’ and by which time we have already met the incredibly monikered Sonic Colin! Like many other bands across Europe Dubblestandart have taken risks in attempting to raise awareness of and combat their own country’s high degree of racism, so some of the painfully earnest lyrics must be forgiven.
THE DUB TRIO
EXPLORING THE DANGERS OF
ROIR CD
Catching the great Ernest Ranglin playing live a few times over the past few years has certainly been one of my reggae highlights, especially his improvisatory versioning of classic tunes from his ‘Below the Bassline’ album. I just wonder if the excellent Dub Trio took old Ernie as inspiration? They are Joe Tomino on drums and melodica, Stu Brooks on bass and keyboards and DP Holmes on guitar and keyboards. This acoustic-based live dub band out of New York City reminded me so much of the Necks in the Echo Chamber even before I notice the first track on their debut CD was entitled ‘Drive By Dub’. Before becoming Dub Trio the band played club gigs at the Knitting Factory, Tonic, NuBlu and elsewhere around the Tri-State area billed as a nameless band performing live dub, when people began referring to them as the "Dub Trio" the name just stuck. Prosaic but strangely apt for these three instrumentalists who record "live" dub in real-time, direct to tape with few overdubs fusing electronic, rock, and jazz techniques – in all languages this music simply rocks. The album is a mix of studio and live tracks – I assume they wanted to cement their live rep – and reveals an astonishing maturity belying their recent emergence, any doubters should start with ‘Awakening Dub’ made up from liberal quotes from classic JA tunes.
JAH BATTA
ARGUMENT
WACKIES CD/LP
Basically this is a Sugar ‘Lincoln’ Minott Youthman Promotion production on behalf of Bullwackies with rhythm tracks laid at Channel One circa 1982 and voicing, overdubs and mixing back in the Bronx. The chat comes direct from the Yellowman & Lone Ranger school of military march style slowed down steppas – "Ribbitttt! Flash it! Do it! Mash it! Rock it! Style and Fashion!" best demonstrated by the outstandingly scatted ‘I Don’t Want to Wait’ which spookily just ends mid track as in ‘outtake’! ‘Hold On Pon The Woman’ laments the DJ’s woman defecting to the producer using Jah Bob’s ‘So Much Trouble in the World’ as springboard whilst ‘Informa’ is a do-over the said producers hit tune. Just what Jackie Mittoo could add to this who knows, not prime Wackies fare by any means but some folks just can’t resist this back in style eighties DJ ‘biddlybong’ stuff.
VARIOUS
AQUARIUS ROCK - THE HIP REGGAE WORLD OF HERMAN CHIN-LOY
PRESSURE SOUNDS CD / DOUBLE LP
The Chinese first arrived in Jamaica in the early nineteenth century and quickly made their mark in the business world after their contractual release from indentured labour. A century later they were to make invaluable contributions to the development of Jamaica’s indigenous music scene, both creatively as musicians, DJs and producers and also as label and record shop owners. Their amazing story is yet to be told, but when it is pride of place will go to Herman Chin-Loy, the first to record the young Horace Swaby who he renamed Augustus Pablo and producer of the first dub album – ‘Aquarius Dub’. This excellent compilation of Herman’s early productions is centred around that album, recently seen around in vinyl reissue form, but it’s the other tracks here that make this release probably the strongest reggae reissue this year. Stylistically the sound is pre-roots with a strong soul influence along the lines of other recent reggaefunk sets, but there the similarities end as Herman takes a lot more liberties with the inputs as best evidenced by his own mystical DJ interjections on Pablo’s first tune ‘Iggy Iggy’, a version to The Heptones ‘Why Did You Leave’, reproduced in scat style on ‘Soul Vibration’. The ‘Augustus Pablo’ credited on ‘Snowball and Pudding’ is actually keyboardist Glen Adams, Herman had adapted the name as it sounded like a Spaghetti Western hero and later passed it on to the soon-to-be melodica king. Charlie Boy’s ‘Funky Strip’ has a Steve Wonderesque harp lead on top of a doped-up Ray Conniff vocal refrain, whilst ‘Roadrunner’ sounds like four Junior Walkers in a line and there’s a beautiful early Beres Hammond track ‘No More War’ with a wild dub totally out of synch with the rest of the set. Final tune is Pablo with ‘I Man’, a rhythm that eventually became ‘Cassava Piece’ before finally mutating into the almighty ‘King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown’.
VARIOUS
SCRATCHY SOUNDS
TROJAN 2XCD
It cannot be long before it becomes our turn to put together a compilation for Trojan but in the meantime avoid trying to work of the logic of targeting this set at a demographic of punters who once turned out to see a Clash gig and just check the track listing. Barry ‘Scratchy’ Myers was the Clash’s DJ and one time resident jock at London’s Dingwalls venue and as such was plied with vinyl for selection or rejection. So this double CD set can be purely judged on the questions – ‘do I have these tunes and if not, do I need them?’ If you are a hopeless case then on vinyl will be the cure, otherwise its good to hear alternate vocals on the ‘Skylarking’ rhythm from Errol Dunkley and DJ Lizzy, the extended 12" version of Niney’s ‘Blood and Fire’, the harmonica version to the Tennors ‘Ride Your Donkey’ titled ‘Copy You Donkey’ and one of Scratch’s weirdest outings ‘Baffling Smoke Signal’. And that’s just the first disc highlights.
VARIOUS
KING JAMMY IN ROOTS
AURALUX CD
Although Jammy was not the creator of the mighty ‘Sleng’ he still could be hailed or cursed as the father of the digital era through his championing of the monster casio riff that ruled the reggae world for months back in 1985. This selection predates his digi eminence to a time when ‘Prince’ Jammy was emerging from the tutelage of his master, King Tubby. Jammy’s forte was the nurturing of local talent and under his wing the fledgling Black Uhuru developed into a major force in reggae. This late roots pre-dancehall set captures the producer/engineer at his cultural height on a set of extended mixes and dubs that are stately and moodily restrained as befits the conscious content. Pick of the bunch are the two ‘Death in the Arena’ derivatives ‘Walk with Jah’ by the late Hugh Mundell and ‘Name of the Game’ by the unknown (at least to me!) Fantails, plus Mundell again on the ‘Queen of the Minstrels’ rhythm with ‘King of Israel’ followed by a dubstrumental by Pablo ‘King Pablo’. But all is eclipsed by the nine minute extended version of Lacksley Castell’s ‘What a Great Day’ where Jammy hits his funky heights on the dub with a filtered cymbal and swaying horns on rubbing percussion mix.
VARIOUS
THE LOVERS ROCK STORY
KICKIN’ CD
Through the seventies Dennis Harris was the proprietor of some of the great independent reggae labels of the UK. His imprints included DIP, Lucky, Rama, Serious Business and cut into their grooves were some of the heaviest roots tunes being produced in Kingston, London and Birmingham. However Dennis really made his mark when he teamed up with John Kpiaye and Dennis Bovell to produce and market a truly unique Black British product – Lovers Rock. Although revisionists would like us to believe that the streets around London’s Ladbroke Grove were awash with Burning Spear and Aswad in 1977, Lovers complemented Rockers on the sound systems and the bass was just as heavy. Originating with Louisa Marks’ ‘Caught You In A Lie’ produced by Bovell for Lloydie Coxsone, this newly created genre found its true voice through acts like Cassandra and Brown Sugar, the latter featuring Caron Wheeler later of Soul2Soul fame. Unashamedly commercial in their approach their tunes were massive in North London but had little support on radio save for pirates, consequently great sides like Brown Sugar’s ‘I’m In Love With A Dreadlocks’, ‘Black Pride’ and their version of Barbara Lewis’ ‘Hello Stranger’ complete with horn section borrowed from Althea & Donna’s contemporary smash ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ were restricted to an audience that could really appreciate their value. A reappraisal is overdue and this great compilation is an essential addition to the history of black music in the UK.
VARIOUS
ROOTS OF DUB FUNK 4 – RISE OF THE ECLECTIC DREAD
TANTY CD
Over 500 tracks were submitted for consideration for inclusion in this latest chapter of Kelvin Richards excellent nu dub series and the sucker punch is applied right from the opener supplied by Steve Mosco as Jah Warrior and a track lifted from the Prince Alla’s "More Love" sessions mixed by Dougie Wardrop at Conscious Sounds studio with brass sounds by the Crispy Horns Section and in the mix is a genuine 25 year old analogue spring reverb. Most of what follows is mere validation of the part Kelvin Richards is playing in sustaining not only the UK but also the global dub scene. Standout tunes come from Prise d’Assaut (Paris), Social Living Sounds (Stockholm), Piano B (Italy & Martinque) and Kelvin himself as Dub Funk Association whilst Doctah X’s illbient excursion is plainly out of place
VARIOUS
STUDIO ONE DISCO MIX
SOUL JAZZ RECORDS CD / DOUBLE LP
Its syndrums agogo on this early eighties discomix extravaganza as Soul Jazz really test out the nerve of those of have faithfully followed them though their extended Studio One retrospective series, but when the set opens with the intro "Bus’ it now star …!" followed by the dedicated Curtom stylings of Lloyd (Robinson) & Devon’s (Russell) ‘Push Push’ all resistance fails. Although it could be argued that the albums’ centrepieces, Willie Williams’ ‘Armagideon Time’ and the Ethiopian’s ‘Muddy Water’, have been aired many times the inclusion of a few rarities more than compensates. ‘A Night in Ethiopia’ is a Jackie Mittoo nyahbinghi laden take on the Satta theme, there’s a rare outing for Judah Eskender Tafari on the pulsating warning of ‘Rasta Tell You’ and its good to find Winston ‘Mr.Fixit’ Francis represented by his classic ‘Going to Zion’. Can’t afford to miss this one.
Audio
THE REMOTE VIEWER -I'm Sad Feeling -(City Centre Offices)
I'M NOT A GUN -Sundays Will Never Change -(City Centre Offices)
STATE RIVER WIDENING -Desertesque -(Vertical Form)
JOHN SMITH -Bible Belt Babylon -(Peanuts & Corn)
NOAH 23 -Lizard Lion Eagle -(2nd Rec)
MCENROE & BIRDAPRES -Party People -(Vertical Form / Peanuts & Corn)
INSIGHT -Time Frame -(Brick)
BABY BLAK & TEAM SHADETEK -Just Begun (Scritchstrumental) -(Sound Ink)
LUSINE -Autopilot -(Ghostly International)
NKTAR -Truizm -(Outside)
THOMAS FEHLMANN -Prefab -(Plug Research)
BITSTREAM -F Codex -(Modern Love)
MADE -Dino -(SCSI-AV)
DIGITAL MYSTIKZ -B -(DMZ)
VEX'D -Lion -(Subtext)
ANTONIO FERREIRA -O Verao Nasceu da Paixo de 1921 -(Tomlab)
HENK BADINGS -Kain en Abel, Part 4, Arioso -(Basta)
BASIL KIRCHEN -Phibe's Preparations & Locusts -(Perseverance)
MARSEN JULES -Chanson Du Soir -(City Centre Offices)
ARTHUR RUSSELL -Answers Me -(Audika)
LOS JIBAROS -Decimas De Nacimento -(Dust To Digital)
ARVE HENRIKSEN -Bird's-Eye-View -(Rune Grammofon)
TAPE -Crippled Tree -(Hapna)
THE BOATS -Lessley -(Moteer)
MADDOX BROTHERS & ROSE -Jingle Bells -(Dust To Digital)
Audio
Steve from Beijing, plus poets Hovis Presley, Thick Richard, with help from Kevin and Melanie
Motohiro Natashima-Yap-Lo Recordings
Max de Wardener-Brown Snowflakes-Accidental
Trans Am-Pretty Close to the Edge-Thrill Jockey
Wagon Christ-Nightly night-Ninja Tune
Fat Jon-Day -Exceptional
Blockhead-Insomniac Olympics-Ninja Tunes
Operator-Tisch-Benbecula
Milanese-So malleable-Warp175
The Gasman-Imodium-Planet Mu
Hrvatski-Gemini-Planet Mu
Fonica-Scoot-Bip-Hop
Culture-Two Sevens Clash-Soul Jazz
Gone TO Earth-3 Drummers-Probe Plus
The Black Keys-Girl is on mind-Epitaph
The Rocks-We Got it-Scratchy Records
CC ADCock-Y’all’d think she’d goot o me-Yep Roc
Dolorean-Violence in a snowy fields-Yep Roc
Butches-Make yr Life-Yep Roc
Clinic-Circle of Fiths-Domino
Horace Andy Meets Mad Professor-Babylon Bridge-Ras
Prince Jammy-Slaughterhouse Five-Auralux
Audio
Red Astaire-Follow Me-Gamm
Nas-Bridgeing The Gap-Urban Division
Quantic-Don’t Mess-Tru Thoughts
Linn-Available-Jugglin Records
Rick James-Taste-Expansion Records
Gaturs-Gatur Bait-Tuff City
Sandy’s Gang-Hungry Sean P Edit-
Rainbow Brown-It Ain’t No Big Thing-Pap records
Ultramagnetic MCs-Ego Trippin-Ninja Tune
K-Rob-Cafe del Soul Weekend-
Sabrina Malheiros-Estaco Verao-Farout Recordings
Leela James-Good Time-Up Above
Alison Crockett-Cross Roads-Wah Wah
The 411-Teardrops-Sony
Johnnie Taylor-What about my love-BBE
Claudja Barry-Dance, Dance, Dance-Sussed
Keep Hope Alive-Underground Dance Artists United for Life-King Street Sounds
Cheryl Lynn-Sweet Kind of Life-Geffeb
Undisputed Truth-Big John is My Name-Soul Jazz
Detroit Spinners-You Go your Way-Atlantic
James Mason-Sweet Power your Embrace-Resist Music
Audio
Brian Jackson helps On the Wire with a show dedicated to John Peel
The Nightingales-Well done underdog-Cherry Red
Gene Vincent-Green Back Dollar-CEDE International
Bo Diddley-I’m a Man-Playtone
Captain Beefehart-Grow Fins-Reprise
Medicine Head-Next Time the Sun Comes Round-Dandelion
Incredible String Band-Mercy I Cry City-Electra
Requia / The Yellow Princess-Irish Setter-Vanguard
Frank Zappa-St Alfonzo’s Pancake Breakfast-Rykodisc
Loudon Wainwright III-I am the way-CBS
Little Walter-My Babe-Instant
Syd Barrett-Terrapin-EMI
Keith Hudson-Satia-Blood and Fire
Culture-Too Long in Slavery-
Upsetter-Django’s Shoots first-Trojan
Tapper Zukkia-Pick Up the Rockers-EMI
Burning Spear-Social Living-Spectrum
King Tubby-Dub Fi Gwan-Blood and Fire
Redskins-Unionised-Strange Fruit
Half Man Half Biscuit-Lock up your mountain bikes-Probe Plus
The Fall-wINGS-Rough Trade
Robert Wyatt-yolanda-Hannibal
The Membranes-Muscles-Round
The Delgados-Sucrose-Chemikal Underground Records
Anhrefen-Rhedeg-
Kanda Bongo Man-Sango-Nascente
The Bomb Party-Life’s A Bitch-Grunt Grunt a Go Go Record
The Bhundu Boys-Wenhamo Haaneti-Shed Music
Calvin Party-Maybe if Only-Probe
BURNING BABYLON
KNIVES TO THE TREBLE
MARS RECORDINGS CD
Burning Babylon is a one man dub reggae project from Boston, Massachusetts USA, created by Slade Anderson previously guitar honcho in various punk/metal bands in the Boston area in the eighties before he underwent overdue bass conversion, ditched all that toppy twang and headed overboard deep into the bottom end. Glen Brown’s Tubby mixed ‘Termination Dub’ provided the Damascene moment. Despite some of the titles here almost sounding like an intended pastiche, ‘Mash Up the DJ’ and ‘Satta Stylee’ indeed!, it’s clear from the music within that the boy Slade was determined not come out to play until he understood the rules. But inhabiting the ground between early Twilight Circus and Dub Syndicate is not a place to stay for long right now, following the guide from ‘Mek we Jump’ the set’s sweetest and least glum track might be the way to go.
BURNING SPEAR
SOUNDS FROM THE BURNING SPEAR – BURNING SPEAR AT STUDIO ONE
SOUL JAZZ RECORDS CD/DOUBLE LP
Mooted some twelve months or so ago this compilation has arrived at last. Such was the clash of personalities between Spear and Coxsone that he once remarked when asked about their collaboration "It is not I who deal with Clement Dodd, it is Clement Dodd who deal with I", nevertheless it was Studio One that gave him his ‘Iriginal’ voice. As both the debut albums, ‘Presenting Burning Spear’ and ‘Rocking Time’ have appeared sporadically over the past few years, both with alternate versions included, Soul Jazz have wisely concentrated on Winston Rodney’s magnificent series of first singles. Opening with ‘Door Peeper’ as mystical a piece of music that has ever been committed to vinyl and still a total sonic mystery, the productions come across as starkly confrontational with little embellishment save for the forlorn harmony of Spear’s now forgotten partners. As essential as Pressure Sound’s exemplary ‘Spear Burning’ in any serious collection of Spear and JA rhythm.
DILLINGER
COCAINE IN MY BRAIN – ANTHOLOGY
TROJAN DOUBLE CD
Another misleadingly titled set from the reggae juggernaut, although the forty odd tracks on this compilation pull together the critical sides from the DJ’s early days with Lee Perry, notably the ‘Tighten Up’ version ‘Cane River Rock’ and ‘Dub Organiser’ the key track from recently reissued and unmissable Scratch meets Tubby album ‘Blackboard Jungle’, plus a couple of killer Niney the Observer produced toast on Dennis Brown tunes - ‘Flat Foot Hustling’ on ‘Here I Come’ and the combination with Trinity ‘So Long Rastafari’ – it’s the missing years which are as notable. To make an anthology on the last of the great 70s DJs truly definitive the addition of material from the Hookims at Channel One is essential, as is stuff from Yabby You, Pablo, Winston Riley - and not forgetting Clement Dodd. What we get though is stacks of later Bunny Lee cuts and self productions many revisiting the tried and tested rhythms that have had the reissue retread a too many times of late. Nevertheless, through the 70s Dillinger was in prolific and often majestic form and failing bagging the essential ‘CB200’ album this is an OK place to start for any newcomer to his work.
THE HEPTONES
DEEP IN THE ROOTS
HEARTBEAT CD
With the departure of such a towering figure as Leroy Sibbles one would have expected the Heptones to fold, resting on their glory days with Studio One and Lee Perry. However the arrival of Dolphin ‘Naggo’ Morris signalled a new lease of life in the late seventies under the brief patronage of Niney the Observer at the then firing Channel One studios. Morris, coming with stripes from his ‘Su Su Pon Rasta’ (versioned as ‘Heavy Manners’ by Prince Far I) for Joe Gibbs, was a seasoned roots vocalist and an inspired replacement. This set compiles tracks from two albums, ‘King of my Town’ and ‘Better Days’, adding four towering discomixes which are the real bonus. The dub mixes employed by Niney come from Channel One house engineers Maxie and Bunny Crucial and seem heavier than the popular rockers sounds of the time, especially the roiling bass and thundering low-end piano on ‘Through the Fire I Come’ as tough a sound as the Heptones ever got on record.
WAYNE JARRETT
SHOWCASE VOL.1
WACKIES CD / LP
Not only Wayne Jarrett’s finest moment on vinyl but this is also a truly great dub showcase album belying the generally accepted factoid that nothing outstanding happened back in the early eighties. Fresh from cutting the wonderful ‘Youthman’ for Glen Brown, Wayne Jarrett’s roots credentials were impeccable as he arrived at Bullwackies for the application of Clive ‘Azul’ Hunt’s sparklingly original arrangements and Lloyd Barnes neo-Black Ark honeyed mixes. All the six tracks here are the highest expression of classic Wackiedom, from the fuzztone riffs ladled on the dub mix of the Horace Andy cover ‘Every Tongue Shall Tell’ to the flutes fluttering in and out of the ‘Rockfort Rock’ version ‘Bubble Up’ that make the restrained syndrums of ‘Darling Your Eyes’ almost acceptable. But all is mere preparation for the seductive descent into the viscous void that is the mix of ‘Holy Mount Zion’ a deeper than deep version of ‘Drum Song’, and the fourth Studio One rhythm on the set. But beware, before rushing out to buy this one best check if you have ‘Bubble Up’ in your collection - it’s the same album!
METEO / THIEL
BASS AND GO
METEOSOUND CD EP
Daniel Meteo and Tom Thiel are known as collaborators in the hiphop-influenced dub electronica vehicle "Bus". Whilst Bus have released two vinyl EPs and an album on Pole's high profile ~scape imprint, Meteo’s label has them debut under their own names. Leading the way now for European soulful dub-technologies out beyond the boundaries of sub-glitch Bus take the four tracks on this EP in wildly different directions. The title track mid tempo stepper with stripped ricochets of afro beats and multiple non-repeated riffs and handmade guitar working on top of a stomping riddim. ‘We Do’ returns to a more comforting half tempo for a classy off the edge dub where at times its tempting to hear a suggested melody. Side ‘b’ opener ‘Miami’ revisits an imagined stoner travelogue soundtrack from the eighties whilst ‘Towards Bounce’ could be a snatch of Louis and Bebe Barron in dub, and not before time.
PAUL ST. HILAIRE
DR’S DEGREE
FALSE TUNED 12" VINYL
The artist formerly known as Tikiman returns from his travels with Rhythm & Sound with this restatement of his claim to the title once owned by I Jahman Levi as the meditative man of reggae. His disappointing album from last year ‘Unspecified’ finished with a remarkable drifting beatless track ‘Changerine’ to be followed up by the remarkable 'Faith' collaboration with Rene Lowe of Scion, released on his own False Tuned imprint from late last year. The three tunes on this EP hopefully offer a similar portent for what is to come as 'Guiding You' picks up from his earlier work with Mark and Moritz but de-grains the sound to reach a warmer place with harmonies and murmured indistinct spoken vocals with the overall effect suspended somewhere between longing and melancholy. ‘Dr.’s Degree’ is a far darker affair with a random rhythm and stretched efx to stress test the studios insurance policy. ‘Roosty’ takes us back to the classic territory the artist attempted to explore with limited success on ‘Unspecified’, in a smaller dose it becomes much more appealing.
VARIOUS
DREAD BROADCASTING CORPORATION – REBEL RADIO
TROJAN DOUBLE CD
In the early eighties radio in the UK was a pretty dire place to be, even virtually, then came DBC – straight outta Neasden, the Dread Broadcasting Corporation, and although its high-rise block signal failed within a few miles, captured cassettes would reach further into the nation. DBC was the place that Ranking Miss P and Louis Lepke started alongside x amount of reggae dedicated DJs not least the dear departed Dub Bug – where is he when we need him now? The tunes on this peerless collection start with UK’s reggae anthem Aswad’s ‘Warrior Charge’ and pick up Papa Levi’s seminal UK proto fast-chat ‘Mi Go Mi King’ and Prince Lincoln’s outernational plaint ‘Humanity’ early on disc one with further flavour of the times added by archive jingles from original broadcasts cut into the mix throughout. Lest we forget that back in the day there were no reggae reissue labels or well-selected compilations of contemporary hits. Cassettes made by fans of the music or dubbed off shows on DBC were the only way to hear the music, certainly for those outside Jamaica or London. Also great to hear the mix on this collection reflecting the output of the station with Lovers clashing with dub, roots with ska, dancehall with calypso – no sanitised ‘urban’ programming.
VARIOUS
OUT ON A FUNKY TRIP: FUNK AND SOUL FROM RANDY’S 1970-1975
MOTION CD/LP
Prefaced by a couple of steaming ten inchers this collection showcases some of the funkier sides cut at Randy’s by producers Vincent Chin and his son Clive. Many Jamaican musicians tended to earn their living not through reggae sessions but playing soul covers at the touristy hotels spread along the island’s north coast, just as many UK jazzmen kept body and soul together by playing in popular dance bands. And the chops are all gathered here, whether from the younger guys best represented by Sly Dunbar in Skin, Flesh and Bones or the older school with guitarist Lyn Taitt brought to Jamaica pre-ska times by Byron Lee. ‘Stepping Up’ has Taitt deliver a Steve Cropper-esque solo whilst it sounds for all the world like Junior Walker arriving for the sax break, the title track is straight out of a Roger Corman exploitation movie with unrestrained moog generating a brand new frug agogo. Perversely the highlight tag is reserved for a Toots b-side, a horns-fuelled Memphis style dubstrumental jog sounding reminiscent of that classic you can never remember.
VARIOUS
STUDIO ONE FUNK
SOUL JAZZ RECORDS CD/DOUBLE LP
For years Sound Dimension may have provided token classic reggae funkified breakbeats for the bags of many a dance DJ in the shape of ‘Greedy G’ and ‘Granny Scratch Scratch’ but few had the nerve to explore much further. Just a glimpse of what they missed is in this set of nineteen JA originals, US covers and dub versions of earlier hits – mostly instrumental – that makes the most satisfying listening experience so far in this series and probably its most commercial offering. Blood and Fire utilised Curtis Mayfield’s song title ‘Darker than Blue’ to kick off the idea of relating reggae back to one of its many cultural feeds subgenre now its a whole new marketable proposition and new subgenre. Standout tracks here are Vin Gordon’s trombone version of Larry & Alvin’s ‘Your Love’ in a style that could have come out of a 1950’s Los Angeles r’n’b combo, the Sharks’ bass led rarity ‘Music Answer’ from the early eighties but bred from a yet to be born mechanikal funk, Cedric Im Brooks sax take on Horace ‘Skylarking Doctor’ mysteriously emerging as ‘Idleberg’ and ‘Poco Tempo’ a rare Studio One melodica outing as Pablove Black versions ‘Sidewalk Doctor’.
Audio
2hr mix by Neil Robbins
Slim Smith-The time has come-(Jackpot)
The Wailer's Band-Higher Field Marshall Dub-
Don Carlos-Big mouth dub-(Jamaican Records)
C. Dodd-Taurus Dubz-(Soul Jazz)
Burning Spear-Bad to Worse-(Soul Jazz)
Winston 'niney' Holmes-Mutiny-
Horace Andy-Tell Me Why-(Auralux)
King Tubby-Real Gone Crazy Dub-(Select Cuts)
Steve Boswell-I am Getting Bad-(Motion)
Upsetters-Upsetting Rhythm #3-
Jackie Mitto-You'll never find-(Weed Beat)
Original Survivors-Come away Jah Children-(Honest Jons)
Brentford All Stars-Throw Me Corn-(Soul Jazz)
Horace Andy-Fever-(Soul Jazz)
Roland Afanso-Last Call-(Studio 1)
Rydims-Rydim #2 Version-(Nugroove)
Psyche-Crackdown Re-mix-(Buzz Records)
Fuse-Another Time-(Warp)
Der Zykus-Biometric Systems-(Clone)
Optic Nerve-Nebula-(Direct Beat)
Du Commencement and L'Eternite-From the Beginning to Eternity-(Axis)
Plastikman-Ask Yourself-(Novamute)
Plastikman-Aquatik-(Minus)
Mike Grant-Driving While Back-(End to End)
Robert Hood-Untited 5-(M-Plant)
Jeff Mills-Man Made-(Axis)
Jeff Mills-From the 21st pt. 1-(Axis)
Jeff Mills-From the 21st pt. 2-(Axis)
Jeff Mills-Contact Special-(Axis)
Jeff Mills-Highlight Special-(Axis)
Jeff Mills-Absolute-(Axis)
Audio
Human Television-Saw you walking By-Gigantic
Frank Black-Holiday Song-Cooking Vinyl
The Mutts-Blasted-Fat Cat
Reigning Sound-We Repel Each Other-In The Red
Hayseed Dixie-Ace of Spades-Cokking Vinyl
Ball Boy-Art of Kissing-SL Records
Bush Chemists-Steppa Dub-Conscious Sounds
BamJamba-Blue on Blue-
Rob Smith meets Twilight Circus-No Burial Dub-M Records
Dubphonic-War No More-Hammerbass
Brain Damage-Armistice-Hammerbass
J.C.Lodge-Breakfast in Bed-Jet Star
Clinic-Circle of Fifths-Domino
Archie Bronson Outfit-Here he comes-Domino
Elvis Costello-Alison-Universal
Tarika-Fety-Ryko
Abantu-Abantu-Nation Records
Gnawa Diffusion-Itchak el baz-Warner France
Recon-Clear-High Point Lowlife Records
Stromba-Septic Skank-Fat Cat
Horace Andy meets Mad Professor-Change Your Ways-Ras Records
Can-I’m So Green-Spoon Records
Can-She Brings the rain-Spoon Records
September Collective-Schneller Urlaub-Geographic
Astor Piazzola-Tristreza separacion-Victor
Carlos Gardel-Tortazos-Rough Guide
Diplo-Way More-
Rich West-Curly-PF Mentum
Zukanican-somb-Pickled Egg
Audio
Negusa Nagast featuring Knowledge and Prince Fari-If you want good-
Dennis Brown presents Prince Jammy-Cool Runnings-Blood and Fire
The Heptones-Through the fire I come-Heartbeat
Don Carlos-There’s a Dub Faraway-Jamaican recordings
Dubdadda-Revival Dub-Dub Hooligan
Frank Black-Where is my mind? (treated)-Cooking Vinyl
Tappa Zukie-MPLA Dub (Bigga Bush Remix)-Echo Beach
Headset-Back Before-Meteosound
Two Culture Clash featuring Bling Dawg-Ole-Wall of sound
Doc and Merle Watson-Southbound-Nascente
Big Bill Broonzy-Baby Please-Nascente
Kate and Anna-Talk to Me of Mendocino-Nascente
Mrs Cakehead-Barking tree-
Pie-Nice as Pie-
Datblygu-Wyau-Ankst
Lo-cut -Sefyll Fel Un-
Rodney P-The Future-Riddim Killa
Colonel Claypool’s-Thai Noodles-Prawn Song
Hexstatic-Salvador-Ninja Tunes
Art Brut and Friends-Top of the Pops-Angular Recording Cooperation
Pure Morning-I Don’tr Want you around-Viper
Amy Farris-Heading East-Yep Roc
Jah Warrior-Ridiculous Dub-Tanity Records
Hi Lonesome Electric-Pierre and John Henry-Earsugar
Freeform-Blue Tooth Blues-Inflatabl Label
Blind Wille Johnson-Mother’s Children Have a Hard Time-Sanctuary
Charly Patton-Mississippi boll weevil-Sanctuary
Little Axe-People Grinning in Your Face-Virgin
Si-Cut DB-Reverse Help-HighPoint Lowlife Records
Thalia Zedek-Ship-Thrill Jockey
Audio
Raphael Saadiq-Detroit Girl-Pookie Entertainment
Snooop Dogg-Drop Like It’s Hot-Geffen
General Caine-Get down attack-Groove Time
Foreign Exchange-Come Around Ft. Darien Brockington-Street Beats
Bobby Lyle-The Genie-EMI
The Game-Westside Story-G UNIT records
Toshi -Breaking through yaheat-Sony Urban
Basic Black-Don’t make me fall in Love-Motown Sound Of NEW York
B.T. (Brenda Taylor)-You Can’t Have your Cake and Eat It Too-West End
Frayne-Weekend-EMI
Aftermath-Wastin Time-Glory Records
Loose Ends-Growing-Random
EPMD-Danger Zone-Nervous
hOUSTON-It’s already written-Capitol
Fela Ransome Kuti and the Africa-Fogo Fogo-Sound Way
Strange Fruit Project-Waiting-
Sunburst Band-Everyday-ZRecords
Anita Baker-You’re my everything-Blue Note
Jill Scott-Golden (Neon Heights Remix)-
Colourblind-Crazy-
Felicia Adams-Feels Good-Cade de Soul
Jesse Henderson-I Did It Again-Lasso
Audio
Azzddine -S'rir f'al houbb -Barbarity
Mogollar -Berkay oyun havasi -Dionysus
Girma Beyene -Ene negn bay manesh -Rough Guide
David Darling & the Wulu Bunun -Lugu lugu kan-ibi
Beijing Sound Unit -Minibus pimps -Post Concrete
Rosina Trubia Gioosa -Lu fistinu di Palermo -Kein & Aber
Radio India -Lowlands -Sublime Frequencies
Dong Singers from Guizhou (cdr)- -
Oz Fritz -What is your job -Sub Rosa
Isaiah Owens -God bless our love -CaseQuarter
Albert Ayler -Our prayer -Revenant
Staple Singers -Too close -Kent
Spirit of Memphis Quartet -Atomic telephone -Buzzola
Little Axe -Cloud -Real World
Robert pete Williams -Cane cut man -Arhoolie
RL Burnside -Glory be -Fat Possum
Jil Jilala-Baba Aadi-Rough Guide
Rachad Taha-Rock El Cashbah-Wrasse
Lee Perry and The Soulettes-Rub and Squeeze-Sanctuary
Double Standart feat Dillinger vs Sly and Robby-10 Tons of Dope (Heavy Heavy Moster Dub)-Echo Beach
One Drop East-Nu Steppa-Salmonella Dub
Burning Spear-This Race-Soul Jazz
Amusement Parks on Fire-Venosa-Invada
French Kicks-One More Time-Eat Sleep Records
Choog Family-More Murking-Gridlockaz Records
Howe Gleb-Splendid in a way and especially unseething in its most popular format-OW OM Recordings
Will Johnson-Sleep a While-Munich records
Skane Revisted-Milano Bass Machine-New Speak
BUTCH CASSIDY SOUND SYSTEM
BUTCHES BREW
FENETIK CD
On yet another album predicated on a fusion of reggae and funk, not only does Glasgow’s Michael Hunter possess the iron balls to mess with Miles Davis on the title but he also summons up the courage to cover the immortal Meters’ ‘Cissy Strut’ in a blatant pumping Upsetter style but with ersatz brass and making a fine job of it too– can that really be Dave Barker shouting out in the mix. Carrying on the pastiche with ‘Brothers and Sisters’ the boy blatantly goes for Yabby You style impact and there certainly seems to be a direct quote from ‘Jesus Dread’ about thirty seconds from the end of the track. But disturbingly and inexcusably there seem to be no credits for Junior Byles on the ‘Fade Away’ derived ‘Hear What I Say’, clearly New Orleans is closer to Glasgow than Kingston. The obscenely gifted Mr. Hunter might effortless cruises through this smartly created instrumentally based studio set in a fashion that might set high expectations for future releases – when he will really have to face the music.
DR.ALIMONTADO
BORN FOR A PURPOSE
GREENSLEEVES CD
Equally as essential as its predecessor, the much lauded ‘Best Dressed Chicken in Town’, the follow-up was bound to suffer as Tado’s UK debut was time to hit the wavecrest of ‘UK punks meets Dreadies downtown’ garnering unusually effusive patronage from one John Lydon. Indeed Johnny Rotten is rumoured to be harmony (!?) vocalising with Bim Sherman on the gloriously defiant title track here extended into a stomping dubwise version and separate bonus DJ take. The rousing impact of that tune is almost immediately mitigated by the achingly beautiful sound of the late Slim Smith’s reading of ‘The Beatitude’ aka The Sermon on the Mount with the good doctor appropriating the sentiment for the Rasta preferred part one of the Good Book – and we are not talking ‘Lord of the Rings’. And from there onwards the pace does not slacken qualitywise, perhaps because the album is actually a selection from sides cut at the Black Ark, Channel One, Joe Gibbs and Tubbys - where the cream of JA’s musicians were also employed. Reason to claim an unusal degree of self-insight on behalf of Tado in the selection of his best work for this second set.
DUBDADDA
LO-FI PON DE HI-FI
DUB HOOLIGAN CD
Dubdadda is none other than the new incarnation of Johno, one time member of Manchester’s Community Charge and Nucleus Roots and now spreading his infectious live enthusiasm to the Zion Train camp. The title of this set is a painfully honest admission from Johno as he seems to be keen to commit what he’s got to tape, but unfortunately we discover many of his ideas demand too much from the technology in Manchester’s Dubdadda studios. So, whereas the minimal stuff works well, best represented by the severely abstracted rhythm pulse of ‘Trod On’ featuring Stix Dan, the more demanding Johno’s tunes become then the execution is left wanting. Catch him live though – he’s a riot.
PHILIP FRASER
BLOOD OF THE SAINT
SILVER KAMEL CD
Though his place in reggae history is assured his name is not all that well known. Propelled by a burgeoning career as a solo artist Philip Fraser linked up with Bertram Brown to launch the now legendary Freedom Sounds label famous for its championing of Prince Alla and Earl Zero, going on to form other labels most notably Roots Tradition with Don Maïs. Blessed with a slight voice Fraser is able to float unruffled on the tuffest of rhythms, here demoed ‘Fussing and Fighting’ a spanking relick of Don Drummond’s ‘Heavenless’ with Dillinger in smokin’ old school DJ form as in "Tonight Dillinger is AlCapone …."! The track is extended into a version where only the percussion is dubbed, maybe Derrick May checked for this one? Most of the tracks here are either rerubs and have extended or dub versions, the title track is another Studio One evergreen ‘Real Rock’ that in its version plumbs sonic depths unexplored by Willie Williams more celebrated ‘Armagideon Time’. Engineer is Scientist at Tubby’s studios circa the early 80s, a time where he knew no boundaries. One of the best roots reissues of the year, plugging yet another gap in those lost reggae years at the start of the eighties.
HIGHTONE
BASS TEMPERATURE
JARRING EFFECTS CD
A label gratefully appropriating its name from Barbarity’s Aisha Kandisha’s Jarring effects host a band merging their nu roots identity with a blend of Sonia Pottinger’s High Note and the legendary 2-Tone – augurs well and expectations are high. Hightone are a five piece live band from Lyon apparently now collaborating with Chinese electronica star Wang Lei, who hails from the city famed as birthplace of SARS, Guangzhou in the southern Guangdong Province. Given the rapid pace of all developments in that region a dubbed up China cannot be far away. Lying somewhere between the energised chaos of ADF and the nu roots stylings of Iration Steppers, Hightone can lay genuine claim as France’s premier dubsters. Incorporating the intelligent and liberal use of less obvious reggae voice samples - rather than going for the straight vocal - together with a hip hop informed deployment of breaks, loping beats and loops on top of the rockstone bass, it’s a mix of pacey steppers, droning ethno-beat and stomach-pummelling one-drops on this their third album.
LINTON KWESI JOHNSON
LIVE IN PARIS
LKJ RECORDS CD
LKJ himself comes right to the point in the sleevenotes where he muses on who would have dreamed that the poems he wrote, and wrought from the rhythms of reggae, fully twenty-five years ago would still beproviding source for a profession. What’s a sadder observation is that the context for many of those tunes, ‘Sonny’s Lettah’, ‘Dread Beat and Blood’ etc. could still provide a soundtrack for the urban wastelands that stretch beyond Little England and across modern Europe. Accompanied as usual by the impeccable Dub Band, led by Dennis Bovell, containing a who’s who of the UK’s greatest reggae session players – Steve Gregory, John Kpiaye, Nick Straker and Paul Blake – LKJ proceeds through a once debate-provoking set of agit-prop dub poems now consigned to a set list of greatest hits. By the time we get to LKJ’s observations on the rewards of the so-called leisure society on ‘More Time’ it’s a story too late in the telling. If there is such a thing as an ‘LKJ fan’ then this is a great celebration of his 25 years ‘in da biz’, for newcomers go straight to ‘LKJ in Dub’ and ‘Poet and the Roots’.
MOSSMAN & BUNNY
MESSAGE IN THE DUB
DISPENSATION CD
Moss ‘Mossman’ Raxlen hit the spot back in 2001 with his dubbed-up dishing of globalisation on "Versus the World Bank", heavily soaked in Upsetter and Pablo references the album was nevertheless a mature expression of his understanding of the genre if not exactly a groundbreaking stride into unknown realms. This one dates back from 1998 being a dub companion to the vocal album ‘Message for the World’ from Canada’s Singer Judah and Jah Children. A ‘strict’ dub album reliant on the original vocal tracks tends to suffer in the ears of the orthodox reggae lover without knowledge of the original as the version is inseparable from the tune, proven in the track ‘Mystery Style’ in which the dubbed vocal echoes tantalisingly through the rhythm. Bonus track ‘One Fine Day’ is a gem of a psyched-out dub with an extended sucker-punch ‘Jah Love’ softcore intro before moving into a stoned keyboard vamp through to a breathless conclusion. Key reference point for most of the tracks though is early Dub Syndicate especially at the points where Mossman’s melodica shines through. A fine early dub set from a talent now proven.
UP AND BUSTLE OUT
CITY BREAKERS
ROUTES LP / MEDIA CREATURE CD
The return of Los Versionista! The 500cc Revolutionary Production Crew have stored up enough musical experience in their ranks to escape from the Bristol vortex of sound, but that’s where they operate best in perfecting the reggae/hip hop blend they did so much to pioneer. Maybe it’s the Spanish influences from the Caribbean that makes their work so warm, smoky and seductively smouldering even when the beats pick up to ska pace. New addition Jamaican
MC Blaze’s rap on the acoustic guitar riff of ‘Bob Your Head’ is the standout crossover track and a perfect segue into to Kenny Dope’s impossibly funky ‘Boomin’ in Ya Jeep’ from last year’s Soul Jazz ‘Nice Up the Dance’ N.Y. set, an obvious shout for a 12" mix. Nitin Sawnhey guests on ‘Talkin’ Tabla Dub’, reminiscent of Dub Syndicate’s ‘The Show is Coming’ but travelling eastwards and with a pervasive roots-style b-line that throbs on top of the mix whilst a raft of percussion shuffles onward. ‘Ras Jabulani’ from Black Roots is present again as is rudeboy DJ ‘Mexican’ and Spanish guitarist Cuffy ‘El Guapo’, obviously a not-so-closet fan of the ‘3 Amigos’.
VARIOUS
THE ROOTS OF DANCEHALL: THOMPSON SOUNDS MEETS THE ROOTS RADICS AT CHANNEL ONE
AURALUX CD/DOUBLE VINYL
After scaling the historical heights of dub with ‘Blackboard Jungle’ and ‘African Anthem’ Auralux finds its time again to engage with mere mortals. This is the sound of the Roots Radics and Sceintist searching for the sound they finally found under the sponsorship of ‘Junjo’ Lawes and at times veers far too close to a second rate Sly & Robbie who were at the time emerging with the triumphant metronomic Taxi sound. The overuse of the syndrum in Earl 16’s otherwise aching roots plaint ‘Trials & Crosses’ in enough to induce epiglottal spasm reactions, luck the bass holds things down. A shame also that clearly the best tune on the set, Horace Andy’s ‘Don’t Say No’, is burdened by such vacuous lyrics as the singer is clearly on top form. Nice though to have DJ Early B’s ‘Bible Story’ here and best track on the set ‘Thunder and Rain’ from the great Freddy McKay, lamentably underexposed on reissue. This is one for the hardcore collector intent on filling gaps.
VARIOUS
TWO CULTURE CLASH
WALL OF SOUND CD
Not surprising that after years UK producers flirting, finagling and fucking with reggae that a more serious business-wise attempt is made at creative and commercial miscegenation. ‘2 Culture Clash’ is portable brand masterminded by a Wall of Sound and Gee Street axis, the latter being a foundation UK hip hop label, the idea being new wave dancehall and established reggae stars come together with a batch of contemporary UK dance producers. The idea works best where the UK boys try to stretch their partners rhythmically, and if this were a real ‘clash’ JA would be the champs by straight K.O. In the company of the too hot Ward 21 Kid 606 is uncharacteristically restrained on the lurching ‘This Anuh Rampin’ and Justin Robertson comes rightly respectful in his sweet jogging rhythm ‘Save Me’ where Nadine Sutherland pleads a ‘country got soul meets reggae’ vocal. The experiment works best on Jacques Lu Cont’s two more abstract outings ‘…. And Dance’ and ‘Na Na Na Na’ both with the mightily underrated DJ General Degree. The latter is in combination with Ce’cile riding a breakneck bpm on a rhythm track qualifier for a Rephlex compilation with a frightening interjection by Degree.
Audio
Fennesz -Caecilia -Mego 035
Minit -Now right here -(Touch Music)
State River Widening -Lowlands -Vertical Form
Mike Fellows -Sunshores -Vertical Form
Juana Molina -Martin Fierro -Domino
David Grubbs -Wave generators -Fatcatfat
Sunburned Hand of Man -Buried pleasure -Spirit of Orr
Incredible String Band -A very cellular song (excerpt) -Hannibal
(Heron)John Renbourn -Bransle Gay/Bransle de Bourgogne -Castle Music
Dollboy -Juicyfruit -Different Drummer
Meteo/Thiel -Towards bounce -Meteosound
Two Lone Swordsmen -The lurch -Warp
Young Marble Giants -Ode to Booker T -Les Disques du Crepuscule twi984
Felt -Evergreen dazed -Cherry Red
PK14 -Modern Sky cdr-
David Byrne -Glass, concrete & stone -Nonesuch
David Byrne -Au fond du temple saint -
The Neck -He led them into the world -ReR
V.L.A.D-Xiringuitos Perdido-Laboratory Instinct
Suburban Kids with Bibical Names-Rent a week-Labrador
Toots and the Maytals with No Doubt-Monkey Man-Virgin
Prince Fari-Love Devine Dub-EMI
Dubdadda-Got to be a warrior-Dub Hooligan
Winston Groovy-Please Don’t Make me Cry-Trojan
James Yorkston and the Athletes-Heron-Domino
Isobel Heyworth-Falling through the Cracks-Blue Cat
Max Seymour-Poems – soiled goods-Eli Records
Shiyani Ngcobo-Yekanini-World Music Network
Boyd Rice-Solitude-Mute
Audio
On the wire 20th Birthday with Jah Wobble
John Martyn -Small Hours -Spectrum
Lee Perry & Dub Syndicate -Train to Doomsville -On U Sound
Burning Spear -Joe Frazier -Soul Jazz
George Faith -To be a lover (Have Mercy) -Island
Break Boys -And the break goes on -Westside
Master at Work -Dum dum cry -Westside
Masters C&J -Dub love -Westside
Armando -Confusion -Westside
Lee 'Scratch' Perry -Seven devils dead -Island
Mark Stewart & the Maffia -Stranger than love dub -Mute
Dub Syndicate -The show is coming -Virgin
The Strange Parcels -Disconnection -On U Sound
Blue Murder -I bid you goodnight -Hoeky Pokey
Royal Rasses -San-Salvador -Ballistic
Gary Clail On U Sound System -Human nature -Perfecto
Joe Gibbs and the Professionals -No bones for the dogs -Town & Country
Cup & Saucer -Hamba ntombi -Heritage
Chief Ebenezer Obey -Eyi yato -Virgin
Henry Kaiser -Future blues/Pony blues -Metalanguage
Phuture -Acid tracks -Trax
Terry Bladwin -Delta house -Future Sounds
Mr Fingers -Washing machine -Jack Trax
Dancer -Am a dog -Trax
Tackhead -What's my mission now -On U Sound
Fats Comet vs. D.J.Cheese -King of the beat -World Records
Arthur Russell -Tower of meaning/Rabbit's foot -Upside
Audio
Golden Flamingo Orchestra-The Guardian Angel is Watching over us-Golden Flamingo
Rupee-Tempted to Touch-VP Records
LL Cool J-Feel the Beat-Def Jam
R Kelly-Love Streets-Jive
Roy Davis Jnr-Slow it down-Ubiquity Records
Jill Scott-Better at Home-Hidden Beach
Rare Essence-Body Moves-Rare Essence
The Jamaica Boys-Shake it Up-Reprise
The Equals-Funky like a train-Polydor
The Beatnuts-Find Us-Penalty Recordings
Brides of Funkenstein-Disco to go-Atlantic
Siani-Love You-Kyra
Em-Cee-If I was Your girl-MoVintage75 Records
Raghav-Winter in My Mind-A+r
Michael Cooper-Are we cool-Thump
Conway and Temple-You can lay your head on my shoulder-Jive
Leprachaun-Loc it up-Citation
John Legend-Used to love you-Columbia
Cooly’s hot-box-Don’t be afraid-Dome
213-Another Summer-TVT Records
The Jazzy Three-The Rappin Spree-New City
Jo Jo-City Lights-Mercury
Pass Da Dutch-Pharaon feat Miss E-Pharaon Records
Jill Scott-Whatever-Hidden Beach
Audio
Twilight Circus-One Drop-ROIR
Big Youth-Love is what we need-M Records
Meat Beat Manifesto-Caramel Dub-Quatermass
Horace Andy-The Children-Jamaican Recordings
King Tubby-Strange Dub-Jamaican Recordings
Don Carlos-Big Mouth Dub-Jamaican Recordings
Little Tempo-Astral Hop-M Records
Rod Taylor-Run Run-Patate Records
Charlie Eskimo Fox-This Man-On U Sound
Cedric Brooks-It’s up to you-Disco antiz
Horace Andy-Jah Provide-Auralux Recordings
The Uniques-My conversation-Trojan
The Congos-Feast Dub-Bloof and Fire
Delroy Wilson-Conquer Dub-Cousin Records
Slim Smith-Burning Horns-Counsin Records
Radian-Transistor-Thrill Jockey
65 Days of Static-The Fall of Math-Monotreme
Dogs Die IN Hot Cars-Lounger-V2
The Black Keys-Grown so Ugly-Fat Possum
Two Dollar Pistols-Without Goodbye-Yep Roc
Dexter Romweber-Blues that defy my soul-Yep Roc
The Forty Fives-Go Ahead and Shout-Yep Roc
Dead Alvin-Ashgrove-Yep Roc
The Rocks-Can you hear me-Scratchy Records
Jimmy Martin-Homesick-Thrill Jockey
Chris Stamey-14 Shades of Green-Yep Roc
Tres Chicas-Sweetwater-Yep Roc
James Yorkston and the athelets-Heron-Domino
DENNIS BROWN PRESENTS PRINCE JAMMY
UMOJA / 20TH CENTURY DUBWISE
BLOOD AND FIRE CD
Collating two albums first released in the late seventies on DEB, the label that the late Dennis Brown ran in the UK with the help of friend Castro Brown. Of the two ‘20th Century Debwise’ is the more celebrated and certainly the tougher set with the then Prince Jammy in particularly fierce form clearly separating out a new style from King Tubby’s more classic, inventive and at times jazzy approach. In fact the earlier album, released as ‘Umoja Love & Unity’ – and not to be confused with the Pablo album of a similar title – emerges as a blueprint for what was to become the UK nu roots style of the nineties that also developed under the influence of Jah Shaka. ‘Umoja’ has more brass evident whereas ‘Debwise’ is hardcore drum and bass. Mostly versions of Dennis Brown staples of the time, there’s also mixes of tunes from Lennox Brown, Junior Delgado and the Tamlins. Representing Jammy at his heights.
THE BUG AND WARRIOR QUEEN
AKTION PAK
REPHLEX VINYL EP / EXTENDED CD
Kevin Martin aka The Bug threw the dice now other young guns are queued for their turn at the table throwing down even more fucked up beats, but even in his previous incarnations Kevin was a master of taking it to the edge and its on the edge he stays with the introduction of ruff style Warrior Queen aka Wendy Culture, staple of sound system clashes across the UK. The rhythms on the six bonus dubs thud like a four pound wasp banging against the side of a portaloo trying to escape the noise emanating from the mutant casio keyboard echoing in the bowl. Of course all this is as English as an Ealing comedy, especially Kevin’s studied Bug persona, perhaps Mark E. Smith needs drafting in for vocals next time.
IJAHMAN LEVI
I AM A LEVI (EXTENDED) / PART 2
BASIC REPLAY 12" VINYL
Trevor Sutherland first recorded as ‘Youth’ for producer Duke Reid back in the early sixties only becoming Ijahman Levi around ten years later after trips back and forth between JA and UK. ‘I am a Levi’ was recorded in 1975 in London’s Gooseberry Studios and re-recorded for ‘Haile I Hymn’ his debut Island set that soon became a homegrown classic, a sort of roots style ‘Astral Weeks’. The original version, although opening up as a meditative chant, turns out to be a much more serious affair sonically when it appears an early studio practice session for Einsturzende Neubauten who seemingly assume control of dubbing with enormous crashing metalloid drops zooming unpredictably into the mix. At the end of the three mixes, each one becoming progressively more testing, taking off headphones has the same physical effect as stepping off a roller coaster.
JUNIOR DAN
EAST OF THE RIVER COBRE / VERSION
HONEST JON’S RECORDS 10" VINYL
A quick follow up to ‘Look Out for the Devil’ and both pieces preface a soon revive set for this neglected artist. As always the geographical details are as seductive as the tune as we learn the River Cobre runs from St. Catherine through Sligoville and on to Spanish Town reaching the sea at Brayton by Tryall Heights in turn giving name to the Hi Try label on which this tune was first released. Mixed at Joe Gibbs studios its one of those nagging melodica tunes that’s obviously not Pablo and therefore a desirable item given his relative domination of the instrument, delivered on top of a choppy percussion bed with more space in the version. Vocals ‘Wise Man’ and ‘Jah Foundation’ on the flip.
LOVE GROCER MEETS BUSH CHEMIST
EAST OF JARO/JARO DUB
CONSCIOUS SOUNDS 10" VINYL
Love Grocer is a musical collaboration centred around the songwriting duo of Chris Petter on trombone, keyboards & bass and David Fulwood on trumpet & guitar whose two albums have been heartily recommended in this column and, as the Crispy Horns brass section, have worked with a literal who’s who of British reggae with their tunes recently being picked up by none other than the mighty Shaka. Here they meet Bush Chemist aka Dougie Wardop of Conscious Sounds Studios and together come up with this prime roots instrumental and dub on top of a languorous binghi style rhythm track reminiscent of those lovely old Bongo Herman tunes but with this time with those instantly recognisable horns that make you want to sit back with a cool can of Red Stripe rolling across your brow.
‘Hornsman Serenade’ is as good as it sounds and I suppose Dougie could just not resist ‘Steppa dubs 2’.
MILANESE
1UP
WARP CD/DOUBLE 12" VINYL
Not checked out Freddy vs. Jason yet and no intention of doing so really so I suppose these tracks from Chris Clark as Milanese may very well make up for that experience as he turns in this debut meeting the expectations of what we all thought Alec Empire might sound like if he was really such as big fan of Lee Perry. The lyrics of ‘Billy Hologram’ need a bouncing ball software upgrade on the iPod but its clearly a shotgun wedding of Mark Stewart of Maffia era and the throatier Buju Banton, snatches of blurry ragga vocal lines smear the surface of the junglist disruptions of ‘So Malleable’ and by the time ‘Iacon’ comes up its clearly noise, not ‘noise’ as we know it rather as a Bash Street Kids vs Whitehouse clash, whereas ‘Head Bocs’ perversely displays disturbing orchestral intentions for a closing track. It’s as though we didn’t really appreciate that swift passage through the sonic tunnels of industrial, jungle and gabba, now we must endure self-induced flashbacks.
THE ROYALS
DUBBING WITH THE ROYALS
PRESSURE SOUNDS / BEATBACK CD/DOUBLE VINYL
Like many other artists Roy Cousins was another student at Studio One where he cut the first version of his most famous ‘Pick up the pieces’. In 1972 he set up his own Tamoki label, later to re-emerge as Tamoki-Wambesi and Dove, in attempt to control his own product. Running both a post office in Spanish Town and a series of jukebox operations helped to keep things together until the success of a ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ compilation licensed to Ballistic in the UK eased him back into the business when he nurtured the talents of the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Earl Sixteen, Cornell Campbell and the Meditations. Apart from a couple of super rare DJ versions from Prince Far I and I Roy, this dubwise set is an excellent companion to the previous Royals release on Pressure Sounds also titled 'Pick Up the Pieces' with dub versions of real from the heavyweights Tubby, Jammy, Scientist, Lee Perry, Errol T at the mixing board.
EARL SIXTEEN
SOLDIER OF JAH ARMY
PATATE CD
Earl Sixteen may be better known these days for his work with Dreadzone, Manasseh, Rootsman and especially Leftfield who scored a massive dance hit with his vocal assistance back in the early nineties but the artists pedigree stretches back to the seventies when he recorded an impressive series of sides with producers Lee Perry, Mikey Dread, Augustus Pablo, Linval Thompson, Coxsone Dodd amongst others. This set from the Parisian imprint allows us a glimpse back to those earlier days with his version of ‘Malcolm X’ originally cut for Joe Gibbs and used as a demo for Dennis Brown’s hit version from his great ‘Visions’ album plus ‘Rastaman’ a tune cut for Pablo here with its dub. Five discomixes appear including the eight minute epic ‘Going to Africa’. All strictly roots and culture of course but this album is the place to head if you cannot bag his ‘Studio One Showcase’ despite the sad lack of provenance against the tracks.
SUPER T
WEST BOUND D TRAIN
WACKIES 10" VINYL
The original guitar lick opening Dennis Brown’s version of this tune was filched by the Observer from Willie Mitchell’s production of ‘Love and Happiness’ for Al Green. On this relick Dennis’s lyrics are usurped by the come and gone Super T, once a Kingston 3rd World cop with a rep as bad as that other ex-lawman Duke Reid. This 1983 cut runs the D train from Itopia deep into Wackie’s territory in that deeply viscous sub-Scratch style that typifies Lloyd Barne’s mixes of the time. The flip lifts the mood as ‘Style and Fashion’ are celebrated in a combination style by knockabout MCs Jah Batta and Skatee who stretch the fun for the whole cut – just.
VARIOUS
STEPPING UP EP
MOTION FAST10EP014
The first of two ten inch pieces both tough dancers paving the way for the album ‘Out on a Funky Trip’ with funk, soul and dub all licensed from Clive Chin of Randy's fame. An artist who is now getting more recognition is guitarist Lyn Taitt featured here on the JBs’ style ‘Steppin Up’ whilst with Toots & the Maytals its more of a Memphis groove with the rare dub ‘Who Knows Better (Version)’, Jablonski retreads Manu Dibango’s ‘Soul Makossa’ in what surprisingly emerges as a lighter almost showband version of the original but a peculiar choice for closer is Jimmy London’s take on the Everley Brothers’ ‘Cathy’s Clown’ only redeemed by a too short guitar break that even Chet Atkins would have been proud of.
VARIOUS
STUDIO ONE CLASSICS
SOUL JAZZ RECORDS CD/DOUBLE VINYL
This must be a case of Soul Jazz taking breath before issue of a Studio One rarities and unreleased tracks album for its stone killer hits right the way through with vocals, harmony groups, DJs, instrumentals, dubs and no surprises at all. Still, its nice to hear ‘clean’ takes of tunes I have never heard without hiss and pop, especially Jazzbo’s ‘School’ – even though he steals the motorbike intro from Jah Youth’s ‘S90 Skank’, and Lone Ranger also takes inspiration from that elder DJ on ‘Automatic’ as like Youth’s ‘Jim Screechy’ he quotes the Last Poets.
Recommended for Studio One novices and as a great party album.
VARIOUS
STEPPIN’ THE NEIGHBOURS – JAPANESE MEETS DREADBEATS
FOR LIFE MUSIC CD
Picked up for next to nothing as a Japanese cutout in a dubious Beijing back-of-the-shop operation this is the kind of release that won’t reach the West because the roots credentials don’t ping that red, green and gold flashing credibility indicator, but as a sample of reggae pop exotica executed to perfection would be difficult to better. As Spinna B-Ill and the Cavemans (sic) scat through ‘Boogie Walk’ and the Cool Wise Men with Momoko Bito on vocals sweetly murder Erroll Garner’s ‘Misty’ in a ska-lite style one can only yearn to spend a night at the club where all these guys gig. Needless say this is all gobsmacklingly faultlessly played with tongues nowhere near cheeks.
X PROJECT
JAH SET IT / GHETTO GEDDON
NATTY CONGO RECORDS 12" VINYL
Dating back to around 1992 this Rebel MC Ras Project production disappeared from view but never touched any kind of original visibility to evince a fall from sonic grace and possessing that irresistible mix of ferocity and cloying sweetness to be found on most of the London produced ragga inflected jungle from the period. Although the main tunes on these 12s form what is now understood as the prototype strain of jungle based d&b, the dubs are all half speed and still sound in front of the pack. Also around at the moment is the previously unreleased X-Project tune featuring Junior Reid and Supercat ‘Banana Boat Man’ and the unbelieveable ‘Walking in the Air’ that does audaciously sample that ‘Snowman’ tune.
Audio
Burka Band -Burka blue -Monika
Kronos Quartet -El llorar -Nonesuch
Tinariwen -Dualahila ar tesninah -IRL
Isiah Owens -I'll fly away -Casequarter
Troubleman -Strikehard -Far Out faro
Jolie Holland -Old fashioned morphine -Anti
Cleoma Falcon -Blues negres -Kein & Aber
Blind Mamie Forehand -Honey in the rock -Bluebird
Nico -Frozen warnings -Alchemy Magic
John Fahey -Steamboat qwine 'round de bend -Takoma
Leo Kottke -Jesus Maria -Bluebird
Go Team-Get it Together-Memphis Industries
The Bug Ft. Warrior Queen-World War 3-Rephlex
Creation Rebel-Rising Star-On U Sound
Eek-a-Mouse-Keep Accusing Me-Greensleeves
Errol Dunkley-A Little Way Different-Trojan
FJ and the Living Souls-Salungano-Nascente
Introducing Sukke-Santa Klog-World Circuit
Samia Farah-Homesick Blues-On U Sound
Introducing Vakoka-Vorondolo-World Circuit
M Craft-Emily Snow - Track 3-678 Recordings
Noakes Pressure-Lounge Philosophy Pt1-Projector Records
Vacuum Boys-Wack Ass Alien Creeps-TM
Mr 76ix-OL4-Skam
Amon Tobin-Intro-Ninja Tunes
Mclusky-London whine Company-Too pure
Upon Cycles- -
Dastan Trio-Prelude to-Arc
Quandrant-Hyperism (at 33rpm)-Planet E
Audio
Steve and Robin's Chinese minority music special
Dolan Musicians (Xinjiang)-Muqam Bayawan -Inedit
Uyghur Musicians of Xinjiang -Raq Muqam -Globestyle
Musajan Rosi (Ili Valley, Xinjiang) -Saderbrinji -Globestyle
Dong Minority (Guizhou) -Cicadas are crying, I sigh as my youth passes me by-Mediafusion
Dong Minority -Missing you (pipa song) -Mediafusion
Shi Yong Quan Ensemble -cry for heaven -Hugo
Kum Ming Chiu -Autumn elegy by the Chu river -Hugo
Li Xiang Ting -Spring wind makes the south bank of the river green again -Poloarts
Kenny Knots meets de bush Chemist-Real Dub-Conscious Sounds
Creation Rebel-Black Lion-On U Sound
Jah Warrior-It’s your Dub-The Age of Venus of Venus Records
Mikey Dread-JBC Days and Proper Education Dub-Auralux
Imindain-Falling Sword-Demo
The Fall-Sparta FC-Action Records
Cornershop-TopKnot-Rough Trade
The Great Northwestern hoboes-Between Catherine and Hope-Viper
Beef Sharky-Where’s the fun?-Demo
Jon Lonford and Sallt Timms-Pissed off 2AM-Cooking Vinyl
The Wailing Jennys-One Voice-Red House Records
Jonathan Richman-Cosi Veloce-Sanctuary
The Beauty Shop-Paper hearts for Josie-Shoeshine Records
The Black keys-10am automatic-Epitaph
Audio
Tribe called quest-Bonita applebum – curious house vocal-kos
Empress-Dyin to be dancin-Prelude
Salsoul Orchestra-Salsoul Rainbow (Danny Krivit re-edit)-Sussed / Salsoul
Jill Scott-Golden-Hidden Beach
Calvin Harris-Let Me Know feat. Ayah-promo
The MICSTRO-Radiance-Ware Records
Jazzanova-Let Your Heart Be Free-Sonar Kollektiv
Lonnie Liston Smith and the Cosmic Echoes-Mardi Gras-BMG
The Players-I Wish-Harmless
Tarralyn-Gotta have you-Casablanca
Most Def-Beauty in the Dark-Legacy
Felicia Adams-Hello-
Swing out sister-Where lour love grows-EMI
Tony Aiken and Future-Better Days-K2000
Jacqi Williams-The whole dammed world is going crazy-
FAM-LAY-Fresh N Drivin-Star Trak
Dimitri From Paris featuring Omar-Strong Arm-Discograph
Vaughan Mason and Crew-Bounce Roack Skate Roll-
Diane Jenkins-Tow away zone-sanctuary
Eddie Drennon -cOLLAGE-Friends and CO
Minnie Ripperton-Perfect Angel-
Audio
China Reggae and Marshall Jefferson in interview
Ethiopians -Hong Kong Flu -JJ Records
Stephen Cheng -Always Together -cdr
Desmond Dekker -Fu Man Chu -Trojan
Byron Lee -Rock Steady -Soul Jazz
Augustus Pablo -Hap Ki Do -Hot Shot
Wong Chu & the Wailers -Keep on Moving -JAD
Frankie Paul -Tu Sheng Peng -Greensleeves
Jacob Miller -Susie Wong -Ras
Augustus Pablo -Eastman Sound -Rockers International
Barrington Levy & Jah Thomas -Shaolin Temple -Trojan
Craig Parkes -Chiney Girl -King of Kings
Yellowman -Mr. Chin -Greensleeves
Pyrana -Shanghai -7" pre cdr
Dean Fraser -Dean in Chinatown -Maximum Pressure
Prince Jammy -Shanghai Downtown Dub -Trojan
Culture -Chineyman -cdr
Jackie Motto-El Bang Bang-Soul Jazz
Virgo-Free Yourself-Trax
MARSHALL JEFFERSON interview- -
The Salsoul Orchestra-You're Just the Right Size-Sussed / Salsoul
Biggabush-Outernational Anthem-Soul Food
Julie's Haircut-In the air Tonight-Homesleep Records -
Dark Magus-Clean Tonight (Electrodubvooodoo Mix)-Intone
BUTCH CASSIDY SOUND SYSTEM
HEAR WHAT I SAY E.P.
FENETIK TIK019
Only encountered in this column on compilations to date Glasgow’s Michael Hunter is Butch Cassidy Sound System and although the idea of a rerub on the Junior Byles’ classic Rasta confrontational hymn "Fade Away" might not automatically trigger multiple frissons this joint turns out as pure warm joy right from the one drop. Previously with outings under the unwise guise of ‘Pablo’ on the Good Looking and Guidance labels as well as his own Red Hook, this single prefaces the irresistibly titled album debut ‘Butches Brew’. As no other musicians are credited one can only assume a one-man effort, if so this is in the Twilight Circus league of modern dub excellence and there can be no higher recommendation. A beatless version of the title track seems obvious only after hearing it, but the jerkier beats of ‘Push Button’ have a more unfortunate feel of the increasingly oppressive new orthodoxy of wacky drum patterns.
DJ SPOOKY vs. TWILIGHT CIRCUS DUB SOUND SYSTEM
RIDDIM CLASH
PLAY PLAY007CD
Ryan Moore comes to Spooky’s rescue and pulls him back from the dreadful abyss that was the Spookster’s dalliance with Scratch and the Mad Prof. in combination style launching into this more deeply cultural excursion. A couple of harmless doodles open up the set before the appearance of "Dust Storm on NGC 7023" clearly gone missing from soundtrack of the yet to be made 3-D version of Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ and the serious business begins. Title track "Riddim Clash – Heavyweight Style" opens with a lyrical flute fluttering into ersatz gamelan before bursting into the teetering paranoia unheard since those early 80’s Tack>>Head 12" monsters, all thundering percussion and stabbing synth that only lurches back into the foliage after a full four minutes. "Phase Anansi" is vintage "Superape" Scratch material complete with whacky whistle and Reginald Dixon Wurlitzer and "Interlude" reprises a more steely gamelan before the Mantronix-style stabs herald the entrance of "Dub Cultivator". Good to hear Spooky once reaching the heights of his seminal "Galactic Funk" and Ryan Moore heading in brave new multiple directions.
GRIEVOUS ANGEL vs. NINEY THE OBSERVER
BLOOD AND FIRE (TWIST-UP JUNGLE MIX)
REVUE MUSIC REV008D
Whether the Grievous Angel actually issues vinyl or the label designs on his old Shards, Fragments and Totems blog are solely virtual, who cares. Stylistically related to Ray Hurford’s Small Axe People in his unashamed approach to sonics and their source, the Grievous Angel Sound System mangles and mashes the slim precedents of UK 2-step/garage/r’n’b/whatever back into the deeper roots of Niney and Scratch’s epochal chant with the result a frenetic shower of blows to Babylon head! There’s a whole site full of such whimsical experimentation to be found on his relocated spot at grievousangel.net.
KING TUBBY
KING TUBBY IN FINE STYLE
TROJAN TJDDD063
Showcasing Tubby's collaborations with foundation producers Rupie Edwards, Derrick Harriott, Vivian "Yabby You" Jackson, Winston Riley, Keith Hudson, Bunny Lee, Augustus Pablo, Lee Perry and Winston "Niney the Observer" Holness, this double set can be kindly interpreted as an attempt at part one of the definitive six CD set to document the legacy of the great sound man. Working from a small 4-track home studio in the tough Waterhouse district of West Kingston, Tubby preferred jazz to reggae and fixing TVs to engineering a session. Most of the tunes brought to him for mixing and dubbing were ‘a job’. Yet many of the end products are only just now being rightly recognised as sonic revelations that were to exercise profound impacts on the development of modern dance and other genres of contemporary music. The essential missing bits are of course Glen Brown, Carlton Patterson, Sugar Minott, Harry Mudie and Jimmy Radway, the latter two for whom Tubby probably provided his most considered and revolutionary work, plus the once-largely ignored digi-period at Firehouse. Containing a mix of the well-known and harder-to-find this set will appeal to both the hardcore and those persuaded to find out that the extravagant claims made on behalf of the Dubmaster are all true.
MANASSEH
DUB PLATE STYLE VOL.2
HAMMERBASS BASSCD019
A quick comeback for Manasseh, the exemplar of modern roots, after sharing last year’s "Step like Pepper" with the Equalizer. And, to paraphrase a Prince Lincoln Thompson tune, its "dub the way it should be …" as this set is more of a return to the classic vocal or instrumental followed by its dub version whilst its forerunner was packaged as showcase for the varied styles within the producers grasp. If any proof were needed of Manasseh’s clear superiority then head straight for the acoustically bassed ‘Western World Version’, a dub to Spiky T’s ‘Paper Soldier’ twelve inch, that purges a jazz based percussion bed with fast and dirty wah wah. Guests on this trip though Manasseh’s well spun dubplate crates are veteran Danny Red on the digitalized major pump ‘Don Gorgon’, Earl 16 on the passionately fluent ‘Zion City’ and the up and long time coming Brother Culture almost dubbed off the disc on ‘Challenging Version’. ‘Science Pt.2’ is one of those incessantly driving tunes that only exist in reggae where the synth horns are in sweetest tension with the urgency of the rhythm.
MIKEY DREAD
AFRICAN ANTHEM
AURALUX LUXXCD003
Chances are you will be familiar with parts of this album even though you may never have heard it, for the radio stings and jingles that link the dubs and instrudubs here have been shamelessly plundered by countless dance acts since before the simple act of sampling began. Michael "Mikey Dread" Campbell’s fame rests on his revolutionary input from the time he was employed as a radio DJ by Jamaican Broadcasting Corporation to fill in the ‘dead airtime’ after midnight. Little did the management know he would have the sheer neck to play reggae tunes back to back on his ‘Dread at the Controls’ show. By the time they realised what was going on Campbell was an overnight musical phenomenon supported in his righteous mission by the cream of the island’s producers and artists – didn’t stop him getting the sack though. This is his second, and most celebrated album, released first in the UK on the Cruise with the radio links blended into the mix by English Connection Dave Hendley. Taken individually there are three or four great tunes, but taken as a whole as one long celebratory segue this is one great reggae album and must rank well into the top ten ‘must have’ dub sets. Even more so as a bunch of contemporaneous dubs cuts are included, including the well-dread dub to Wally Bucker’s ‘Raggamuffin Style’ drenched in delay. Mikey went on to issue some fine side on his own DATC imprint and record some killa tunes for On U Sound, but this is the one he will be remembered for re-available at last.
OVERPROOF SOUND SYSTEM
NOTHING TO PROVE
DIFFERENT DRUMMER DIFCD27
The debut from Overproof Sounds – a Jah Grizzly and Stallion offshoot from Birmingham’s G.Corp – who with vocalists Ras MC T-Weed and Juggla have been busy on a non-stop Euro conversion tour. Their first single, the plea for quality control spliff build, "Watch What You Put Inna" opens this set with a jump-up intent that’s delivered in the remainder with a largely d&b/dancehall accented selection. Kenijah Booth, unsurprisingly son of the great reggae crooner Ken Boothe’s appears "Live It Up Right". Ultimately though a largely vocal reggae album demands a few great tunes but even with the impassioned vocals and accomplished technique this is mostly flat, despite the Alcapone impression on "Get with It" and Cheshire Cat’s late appearance on "The Herb". Top track turns out to be a polite version of Mad Professor’s "Kunta Kinte", a tune with mysteriously vague provenance.
VARIOUS ARTISTS
HITEK BY METEOSOUND
METEOSOUND CDMETEO11
A dub aesthetic always informs the decisions of the A&R department of Berlin’s finest electrodance label, and although there’s techno and hiphop styles present here if the product had to be dropped into a category then Daniel Meteo would go for dun. Dabrye maddeningly persistent signature kickbeat on "Magic Eyes" is only broken by brief ragga style MC interjections and an occasional keyboard twirl whilst Tom Thiel’s remix on Contriva’s "8 Eyes" is clear contender for ultimate anti-glop tune of the year. As Bus, Meteo and Thiel introduce the most favoured Earl 16 to voice ‘Simple Way’ and old friend the Rootsman also guests with ‘My World is Spinning’ his startling single from last year featuring Horace Andy – the one with the Hindi vocal percussion intro, there’s an Apparat remix from Monolake and old time Thiel connections via Sun Electric the Orb allow their ‘Green Ginger’ to be sliced up in a Bus dub remix. A freestyle selection of future classics all mastered down by Stefan Betke.
VARIOUS ARTISTS
SUCKER PUNCH – JAMAICAN BOXING TRIBUTES
TROJAN TJCCD186
At last the Trojan concept team hits a pay dirt one-two! The links between reggae and the once sport of real kings has always proved strong, from experienced pugilist Prince Buster’s shout to Ali and Frasier on "Earthquake on Orange Street’ through to Cornell Campbell’s roughest outing "Boxing" cut for Joe Gibbs. As he strode out to face "Iron" Mike, Lennox Lewis rode riddims straight into the ring, UK’s ex-World Middleweight champ Nigel Benn became a well-known habitué of Daddy Kool’s reggae emporium in London’s Soho and African Head Charge’s Bonjo reputedly threw a killer right. Even though there’s no room in the ring for Bobby Kalphat’s "Counter Punch" this selection gets a unanimous decision for the inclusion of Big Youth on Burning Spear’s "Joe Frazier/He Prayed" rhythm with "Big Fight", superchamp Ali is represented by Charlie Ace, Trinity, Dennis Alcapone and Derrick Morgan and the great Joe Louis by the Dynamites. The whole package is rounded off with notes from the undisputed world welterweight champion from 1986 and now reggae anthropologist Lloyd "Raggamuffin" Honeyghan.
VARIOUS ARTISTS
THE DEFINITIVE AUGUSTUS PABLO
ROCKERS RPBSCD101
This retrospective set must suffer the same criticism as the Tubby set reviewed above despite coming as highly recommended. Any attempt to chronicle the work of Augustus Pablo in a compilation set that may claim ‘definitive’ status would have to trawl further than Pablo’s own Rockers label – at least pulling in Clive Chin and Herman Chin Loy productions. Also there is a balance and selection issue here, as the Rockers catalogue is open for plunder then why are great vocals from Paul Blackman, Junior Delgado, the Heptones, Yami Bolo and others so obviously missing. But with an awesome line up of the deeply spiritual and heartfelt tunes that confront us here all such criticisms melt away. Direct from the Black Ark comes a rare outing for ‘Silent Satta’, there’s the boomingly crisp Tubby dub ‘New Style’, ‘Thunder Clap’ the clavinet cut to the rhythm better known as Dr Alimontado’s ‘Best Dressed Chicken in Town’ and the ultra sound chasm that is ‘Ras Menelik Harp’ stand out amongst some of the more obvious classics that have appeared many times on reissue sevens and compilation. Two hours plus of guaranteed bliss.
Audio
Jeff Mills in interview
MOVE D -Ice Tango -City Centre Offices
THE BEANS -Number Four -Intr_Version
PENDLE COVEN -Jaunty Angle (Claro Intelecto Remix) -Modern Love
TELEX -Moskow Diskow -Azuli
JEFF MILLS INTERVIEW- -
DEODATO -Keep It In The Family -Azuli
DIPLO -Way More -Big Dada
YELLOTONE w/ BUDDY PEACE -Crunk -Ai
ACTRESS -Credit Da Edit -Werk
SONAR BASE -Cyanide -SCSI}AV 12"
HOMELIFE -Harder -Ninja Tune
ARTO LINDSAY -Combustivel -Righteous Babe
ANTIBALAS -Indictment -Rope A Dope
MID AIR CONDO -Serenade -Type
AROVANE -Tokyo Ghost Stories -City Centre Offices
THE NECKS -The Sleep Of Champions -Fish Of Milk
SWOD -Nein } Gehen -City Centre Offices
HOOD -It's Been A Long Time Since I Was Last Here -Aesthetics
BLASTCORP -No One Might Ever Know -City Centre Offices
Audio
Lloyd Ricketts -Jahology dub -Rootical Dubber
The Bug / Warrior Queen -Aktion pak version -Rephlex
Beef Sharky -The spider -cdr
Archie Branson Outfit -Islands -Domino
Ben Weaver -Grieve all you want -Fargo Records
Great Lake Swimmers -Moving pictures silent films -Fargo Records
Twilight Circus -Lift off -ROIR
Reggae Disco Rockers -Steppin' the neighbours -For Life
Adrian Sherwood -Boogaloo -Real World
Charlie Ace -Superchamp -Trojan
The Heptones -Pretty looks isn't all -Soul Jazz
Lyn Taitt -Steppin' up -Motion
Jacob Miller & Inner Circle -80,000 careless Ethiopians -Trojan
King Tubby -Peace and love in the dub -Nascente
Earl Sixteen -Dread a general -Patate
DJ Spooky vs Twilight Circus -Riddim clash -Play
Mikey Dread -JBC days/Proper education dub -Auralux
Sly & Robbie -Top ranking style dub -Trojan
Grievous Angel vs. Niney the Observer -Blood and Fire mix -cdr
Kid 606 -Buckle up -Ipecac
Tapper Zukie -Born to be black -Trojan
Glen Brown -Tel Aviv drums -Trojan
Love Grocer meets Bush Chemist -Jaro dub -Conscious Sounds
Junior Dan -East of the Rio Cobre -Honest Jons
Glen Brown -Ska diap -Studio One
Ijahman Levi -I am a levi -Basic Replay
Butch Cassidy Sound System -Hear what I say -Fenetik Hunter
X Project -Ghetto geddon -Congo Natty Records
Audio
OTW Beijing and selector Neil Robbins
Glenn Branca-Lesson No.1 for Electric Piano-Acute Records
Fennesz-Transit-Touch
Deerhoof-C-All Tomorrows Parties
Anne Laplantaine-Dicipline-Emphase Records
Ear Sugar-Faust Chick-Ear Sugar
Tod Dockstader-Eight electronic pieces #3-Locust
Charalambides-Magnolia-Kranky
Outhud-Hominid jump-Echo Beach
Zimoun-Ladung-Tonus Music
Vibracathedral Orchestra-Goodnight stars goodnight air-VHF
Micah p. Hinson-It's hard to look at you and breathe at the same time-Sketchbook
Kraftwerk-Tour de France-EMI
Ghost-Hynotic Underworld-Drag City
Jeff Mills-Expanded-Axis
Bunzen and Ohno-Rage et Fuge-Bunzen
Markus Wormstorm-Books Books Books-Soundink
Richard Devine -Asect:Dsect-Schematic
Keith Hudson-My Nocturne-Basic Reploy
Icarus-Frog Manik-Leaf
Text of Flight-052402 Echo 4-Table of the Elements
Akchote/Auzet/Ferrari-Sur Le Rhthme-Blue Chopsticks
A Certain Ratio-Rub Down-Factory
Jah Lib-Pillz-Stones Throw
Prince Po feat MF Doom-Social Distortion-Lex Records
Quasimoto-Geenroner-Stonesthrow
Declaime-Life-Hum Drums
Viktor Vaughn-Mr Clean-Soundink
Mad-Villain-Shadows of Tomorrow-PIAS
Yesterday new Quintet feat Dudley Perkins-Nuclear War-Kindred Spirit
David Grubs-Coda (Breathing)-Fat Cat
Malik Flavours-Mind Expansion-Stonest Throw
Squarepusher-Kill Robok-Warp
Mike Kelley-Silver Ball (Light and Colour-Table of the Elements
Audio
Max Sedley -Happy-Sunday Best
Circle City Band-Magic-Soul Brother Records
Wally Badarou-Chief Inspector (Precinct 13)-Fourth Broadway
Donny Hathaway-The Ghetto-Atlantic/Rhino
The Sunburst Band-Until the End of Time-ZR Records
Portrait-Turntables-Soul Japan
A Tribe Called Quest-Award Tour-Zomba
Amp Fiddler-Blacksmith r’n’b rub-Genuine
Earth Wind and Fire-Reel people-Charly
Fela and Roy Ayers-2000 blacks got to be free-Kal Akuta Records
Quantic featuring Spanky Wilson-Don’t joke with a hungry man-Thru Thoughts
Latoiya Wiliams-All for you-Doggstyle Records
Martin Solveig-Sur La Terre-Defected
Sunburst Band-Everyday-ZR Records
Leena Conquest-Boundaries-Natural Response
Donny Hathaway-Little Ghetto Boy-Atlantic/Rhino
Audio
Deadbeat-A joyful noise pt. 2-~scape
Vauxhall 44-scrp-Inflatabl Label
Bill Wells-Pick up Sticks-Leaf bay
Bill Frisell-Boubacar-Nonesuch
Cloudead-The teen keen skip-Big Dada
To Rococo Rot-Miss You-Domino
Mum-The ghosts you draw on my back-FatCat
Terry Riley-Song from the old country-CDLA
Mahwash-Beshnaw az nai-Accords Croises
A Certain Ratio-Flight-Universal Sound
Voltaire Brothers-Trouble Man everyday-Fall of Rome
Krispy-Work-Damn Right
Laurel Atkin-Eatsen Standard Time-Trojan
Sean Paul-Brethren-Jet Star
Cecile-Haffi Chill-Jet Star
Johnny Clarke-Academy Award Version-EMI
Boredom-Boredom-Noize Anoize
Hope-Last Song-Noize Anoize
The Runs-End of Day Is-Noise Anoize
Ignition-Million and One-
Clinic-The Magician-Domino
Campag Velocet-It’s Beyond Our Control-Point
Falter-Nachtflug-Thinner Records
CREATION REBEL
DUB FROM CREATION
ON U SOUND / BEAT RECORDS BRC89
REBEL VIBRATIONS
ON U SOUND / BEAT RECORDS BRC90
Creation Rebel's first album "Dub from Creation" was released in March of 1978. Originally a studio outfit known as the Arabs utilised by the mighty Prince Far I for rhythms, the band effectively provided the young Adrian Sherwood with the sonic equivalent of playdoh. Now available for the first time since its original appearance with the addition of two Far I tracks ‘Frontline Speech’ and its version both on the rhythm of the album’s opener and title track. Four of the other tracks were dubbed from Eric ‘Fish’ Clarke’s ‘A Love that Grows’ album as playgrounds for studio efx especially the dub staples of echo and reverb. On 1979’s much tougher outing ‘Rebel Vibrations’ Fish was replaced by the imported Style Scott, preceding "Starship Africa" by over a year both sets were instrumental dub affairs and can now be appreciated as largely experimental in their approach as breeding grounds for what was to follow. Of the six bonus tracks Dr.Pablo’s melodica led ‘Joyful Noise’ and ‘Creation Fever’ stand clear as the rest are mainly lightweight vocals. For committed On U devotees only.
DUBPHONIC
SMOKE SIGNALS
HAMMERBASS BASSCD017
The sound of Dubphonic is already implanted in the sub-conscious of many via the use of their dreamily insistent remix of G-Stone’s ‘Orozco’ on the cult TV show ‘Six Feet Under’, its included on this set. A further triumph was their handling of Linval Thompson’s ‘Jah Jah is a Guiding Star’ on a Blood & Fire remix compilation for Echo Beach. Following their touring support of Audio Active the French trio of Stefane Goldman, Sylvain Mosca and Alexis Maura a.k.a. Alexkid are back courtesy of the irrepressible dub adventurers at Hammerbass, pioneers of the Dub Federation for All. If the dedicated mission of Dubphonic is to achieve the sonic equivalent of a warm glow then they are already there, but by the time we get to ‘Djibouti Love Affair’ and the gorgeous stabs of Christian Lechevretel multi-tacked trumpet the effect is getting almost physical. Quite the most enervating music I have come across in a long time, without any effort, should come with some king of warning about driving or machinery.
FENIN
SUSTAIN E.P.
METEOSOUND METEO 011 12" VINYL
Shitkatapult´s inbuilt dub expert wanders across the corridor again to the offices of Daniel Peter’s Meteosound. Lars Fenin might be driven by dub but thankfully he’s also constrained by his own awareness of the tekno excesses that can make many of his European contemporaries now sound old-fashioned by comparison. Following on from his well-received ‘Driven EP’ he again wisely curbs any expansionist tendencies by holding down the tunes within an extended play vinyl format with six tracks in the style of a jump-up edition of Mark and Moritz around the corner at Rhythm & Sound. Fenin´s first cooperation on record with a reggae singer comes with Gorbi on ‘No C.I.A.’, the uptempo opener ‘3 Snares’ threatens to herald a classic 70s roots tune but the groove comes quick and stays, rootical electronic dub comes from ‘Half a Song’ and ‘Warning’ and the only slip is on ‘Shake’ that relies on a mid tempo techhouse shuffle.
BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS
GROOVING KINGSTON 12 – THE JAD MASTERS 1970 - 1972
UNIVERSAL ISLAND 602498164723
The first in a promised epic series in the pre-Island history of reggae’ s most influential standard bearers, achievable via a deal between Danny Sims’ JAD imprint and the Universal owned Island. All the music has appeared on JAD over the past few years but suffered from poor or non-existent UK distribution. The lavishly presented long-book format contains 3 CDs, the first features early Tuff Gong output including a proto-version of ‘Lively Up Yourself’, ‘Concrete Jungle’, ‘Screw Face’, ‘Trenchtown Rock’ and U Roy’s DJ cut ‘Kingston 12 Shuffle’, the second has material from London sessions including the long-lost ‘Music Gonna Teach’ and the third disc has a retread of the Perry sessions that we know and love. The importance of the set is that its complier, Wailers and Perry expert Jeremy Collingwood, reworks the myth of Marley portraying a young, hip but hardworking musician focused on his eventual success and mainly influenced by the contemporary sweet soul and funk providing the soundtrack for the growth of black consciousness. Musically, apart from the aforementioned unreleased track, amongst the sixty nine tunes here there are twenty three versions which is a seriously brave move for this opening set of the series and should be applauded.
SLY & ROBBIE
RIDDIM – THE BEST OF SLY & ROBBIE IN DUB 1978 TO 1985
TROJAN TJDDD162 2XCD
Although the title may overreach its claim in stretching the ‘best of’ definition through to 1985 this is still a great introduction to Jamaica’s most feted drum and bass due. The Taxi production unit they created in early 80s may have been responsible for those metronomic rhythms literally churned out for the first part of the decade but many of the productions collected here prove that Sly and Robbie had done it the hard way in sessions run by the likes of Jah Thomas, Bunny Lee and Linval Thompson. As members of the groundbreaking Revolutionaries, creators of the militant Rockers sound and relaxing into the production line that was the Aggrovators, Sly’s explosive style and Robbie’s sinuously melodic basslines revivified old rock steady rhythms and created endless new classic combinations. Fully expecting boredom to set in well before halfway in this massive two CD set the affair turned out to be a delight, especially the snatches of Gregory Isaac’s vocals in selections from his great ‘Slum Dub’ set and the intros to versions produced by Nkrumah ‘Jah’ Thomas. Head for ‘Sly & Robbie: The Kings of Dub’ a take on ‘Death in the Arena’ and ‘Lambsbread’ a version to John Holt’s ‘My Heart is Gone’ but save all admiration for the sublime Taxi dub to Dennis Brown’s ‘Revolution Part 2’ on which S&R replace brass with a heavenly peal of steel pans.
LINVAL THOMPSON AND FRIENDS
WHIP THEM KING TUBBY!
AURALUX LUXXCD001
According to Linval Thompson all the songs and dubs on this collection were blessed by mind and fingers of the master, and certainly on listening to the dubs here that claim seems to hold true as Tubby takes a robustly classic course in application of effects and tweaks the hi-pass filter in that deadly subtle way of his. Remarkable that this material has remained hidden away until now as there’s a stylin’ version of Pablo’s ‘Rockers Dub’ voiced by Thompson as ‘Whe the Wicked’ and re-tweaked by Tubbs in a masterly restrained fashion with percussion claiming all the action plus a great opener by Horace Andy ‘Wise Man’ and a light jazzy take of ‘King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown’ on the albums title. Other fine vocal contributions come from the late Jacob Miller and the still great Johnny Clarke. Thompson’s rep as artist and producer moves up a notch or two with this debut of new UK imprint Auralux, a collaboration between eminent Scratch scholar Dave Katz and Dave Hill of the culturally sound dance label Nuphonic.
TWILIGHT CIRCUS
DUB FROM THE SECRET VAULTS
ROIR RUSCD8285
In his ten years or so in the guise of Twilight Circus (Sound System) Ryan Moore has been so prolific that there was always bound to be tunes at the end of quarter inch tapes, on cassettes at the back of drawers, hidden behind the mixing desk etc. and here they are into’d by new friend Big Youth at the album’s opening. The tracks vary from r’n’b styled noodling, ‘East of Memphis’ to a 80s Laswell tribute ‘Electric Africa’, from a fully fledged dubout that mysteriously escaped a release ‘One Drop’ and right through to a cool too-short binghi-sleaze groove ‘Lift Off’. So Ryan becomes a sort of dubstyle version of Money Mark or Tommy Guerrero – no bad thing!
LEE PERRY
DUB-TRYPTYCH
TROJAN TJDD172
Although the title may sound pretentious we are actually dealing with revolutionary music of the highest order consigned to what is still regarded by many as a sub-genre of a kind of subordinate provincial r’n’b. This essential double CD that has a trio of classic early Upsetter dub albums – the original 1973 JA version of Cloak & Dagger, the legendary collaboration between Perry and Tubby Black Board Jungle (the Auralux reissue is reviewed elsewhere) and the largely ignored 1975 set Revolution Dub, all cleaned up and with bonus tracks. Cloak and Dagger starts with the much sampled intro "Greetings Music Lovers …..", and moves into spooky horns instrumentals and drum and bass dubs and the more famous Dillinger’s deejay piece ‘Dub Organiser’. Bonus tracks are sourced from an impossibly rare 1974 7" 33rpm vinyl and there are instrumental and dub versions of Perry at his rare groove best on the ‘Jungle Lion’ rhythm. Revolution Dub never came out in Jamaica but appeared in the UK on the Cactus label and was recently bootlegged out of France. Moodily quirky describes the atmosphere as Perry takes liberties with his own material that other dare not touch - dialogue from the seventies British sitcom Doctor In The House being the most bizarre example as well as selections from Perry’s own repertoire of bodily functions. As long as Trojan continue to issue material of this quality then we can accept even more reissues of ‘Long Shot Kick the Bucket’!
VARIOUS
RAGGA SESSIONS
SESSIONS SESHDCD218 2xCD
Drive right past the generic series titling to reach this selection from Firehouse in Jamaica and Fashion in London, two foundation labels of modern reggae, and as picks come from the rarely-played Ian McCann there’s a quality guarantee. The Firehouse sits nicely alongside the Pressure Sounds overview of Tubby’s digital label from a couple of years ago, and the Fashion tribute is overdue as intimated in this column a few months ago. The ‘Tempo’ rhythm dominates the JA half with cuts from Redrose’s original , King Evarald, the mutated strain of ‘Crank Angle Pt.2’ via King Asha and King Kong’s strictly anthropological ‘Aids’. But other killers jostle to the fore, notably Little John staking a claim on Junior Byles’ ‘Fade Away’ and the return of King Evarald murdering Bacharach & David on the sound system paean ‘Kill Ole Pan’. Plenty intros from the late MC Fuzzy Jones and Redrose weighs in again at the close on the ‘Joe Frazier’ rhythm with tribute to the Tubbsmeister on ‘Dub Organiser’. The UK end at Fashion’s A-Class studio holds up well against such tough opposition, but with Cutty Ranks’ ‘The Stopper’ and ‘The Cutter’ book ending the selection it’s a head start. In there too is the ex-Jah Walton reverting to his original identity as Joseph Cotton with his yard-style gossip chat ‘No Touch the Style’ and the newly arrived in London Junior Delgado voicing ‘We A Blood’ generating x amount of versions in turn.
VARIOUS
STUDIO ONE DUB
SOUL JAZZ RECORDS SJRCD/LP89
The death of a major figure in music usually signals the start of a distasteful wave of cash-in reissues, so we have been fortunate over the past few years that Clement Dodd presided over excellent Studio One retrospective programmes with Heartbeat in the USA and lately Soul Jazz in the UK. Fitting then that the latest in the Soul Jazz series is this dub set as many of the rhythms showcased here have proved so durable that they continue to be versioned twenty five years after their creation, ‘Pretty Version’ with dubbed vocals running through the mix from the Heptones’ ‘Pretty Looks’, put a name at last to ‘Running Dub’ from Delroy Wilson’s ‘Run Run’ and perhaps the most revisited rhythm of recent times ‘Creation Version’ derived from Dawn Penn’s ‘No, No, No’. Interviews Mr.Dodd and engineer Sylvan Morris who, along with Syd Bucknor, was responsible for engineering duties on the Brentford Road desk reveals only a few tantalising secrets of the recording sessions will always be best remembered by the sounds rather than the processes employed. Another vital chapter in this excellent series.