Steel Pulse - True Democracy (Reggae)

1. Chant A Psalm 

2. Ravers 

3. Find It...Quick 

4. A Who Responsible? 

5. Worth His Weight In Gold (Rally Round) 

6. Leggo Beast 

7. Blues Dance Raid 

8. Your House 

9. Man No Sober 

10. Dub' Marcus Say 

11. Ravers (12" Version) 

12. Leggo Beast (12" Version) 

13. Your House (Dub Version) 

14. A Who Responsible (Dub Version) 

 Mixing impassioned political and social protest with stellar Rasta bats, these sons of Jamaican immigrants-led by David Hinds rose out of humble Birmingham origins to become one of the U.K.'s all-time greatest reggae acts and a globallyl revered band. Their live shows-both headlining and opening for Bob Marley and others-are legendary. Steel Pulse's Elektra debut album, True Democracy, ranks as one of their strongest, and Earth Crisis further built on their legacy as musical innovators and human rights advocates. Often fusing elements of jazz, dancehall, hip-hop, and Latin music into a roots reggae base, Steel Pulse will forever remain icons of the genre.

Greensleeves - Various Artists 12" Rulers: Henry Junjo Lawes (Reggae)

1. Gunman - Michael Prophet 

2. Wa-Do-Dem - Eek-A-Mouse 

3. Look Youthman - Barrington Levy 

4. Saturday Night Jamboree - Wayne Jarrett 

5. Fire House Rock - Wailing Souls 

6. Slavemaster - Flick Wilson

7. Give Another Isreal a Try - Barry Brown 

8. Mr. False Preacher - Triston Palma 

9. Another One Bites the Dust - Clint Eastwood 

10. Who Can Make the Dance Ram - Yellowman 

11. Diseases - Smiley 

 I'll keep this short because I'm too busy enjoying the music. No filler here -- just great 12" versions that will rock your party. High points include "Wah Do Dem" by Eek-A-Mouse, "Look Youthman" by Barrington Levy and my personal favorite, a stunning 7:56 long version of "Firehouse Rock" from the Wailing Souls, which closes out with about three righteous minutes of crackling, rocking dub. If you've only heard the LP versions of these songs, you haven't really heard them. The 12" versions are so much better, combining the original hits with necessary B-side dub remix versions in all their trance-inducing fury. What I especially love about the musical period represented here is that the electronics never got in the way of the melodies or the performances, in contrast to the often over-processed sound of today's music. This is a fine additon to your conscious party. Enjoy and peace.

Jacob Miller - Who Says Jah No Dread (Reggae)

1. Keep In Knocking

2. Knocking Version

3. False Rasta

4. Hungry Town Scanc

5. Baby I Love You So

6. King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown

7. Who Sa Jah No Dread

8. Jah Dread

9. Each One Teach One

10. Each One Teach One Version

11. Girl Name Pat

12. Girl Name Pat Version

This showcase collection features all six of Jacob Miller's Augustus Pablo produced single A-sides back to back with their respective dub versions. It's a great collaboration: Miller's impassioned vocals, Pablo's uniquely strong rhythms, melodies and arrangements played by some of Jamaica's finest musicians; plus the legendary King Tubby at the mixing desk. All the tracks were recorded over an 18 month period (1974-75) at Randy's and Dynamic studios and provided much of the source material for the landmark "King Tubby meets rockers uptown" album, after being mixed at King Tubby's studio by the master himself. Miller was still a teenager when he started working with Pablo, but handles each vocal performance with an assurance that belies his youthful inexperience, whether it's the dread lyrics of tracks like "False rasta" or love songs like "Baby I love you so", and Tubby's dub mixes beautifully complement the A-sides. Dub was still a relatively new phenomenon when these recordings were made and hardly known outside of Jamaica. The idea of stripping a track down to its bare bones, adding effects such as echo and reverb, and dropping its constituent musical elements in and out of the mix was pioneered by Tubby, opening the door to a whole new world of sonic exploration. It's difficult to pick favourite tracks on a compilation as good as this one. The most famous of these singles is undoubtedly "Baby I love you so" or rather its dub version "King Tubby meets rockers uptown", which was one of the first examples of dub to make any sort of impact internationally. But from the opening "Keep on knocking", which begins with a statement of intent by Miller ("This is rockers! Original rockers!") it's non-stop quintessential mid-70's reggae from start to finish. Miller wanted to make more records with Pablo (who can blame him?) but given Pablo's dire financial status (he was often dependent on many of the musicians playing on his records for free on the basis that he would do the same for them), the promises of fame and fortune from other producers soon became too tempting. Before long Miller would become hugely successful with his band Inner Circle, but artistically at least, he never surpassed the recordings on this album. Sadly he was killed in a car crash in 1980, while Tubby was tragically gunned down outside his studio in 1989 and Pablo died a decade later in 1999. Although the rhythms collected together on "Who say Jah no dread" are all available elsewhere, these are the definitive versions and if you only ever buy one Augustus Pablo record make sure this is it. In view of the album's title it's also pertinent to mention that Pablo was a deeply religious man who often credited Jah as co-producer of his works and this one is no exception. On the sleeve, after the words "produced by Augustus Pablo" you can read the following in parenthesis: "produced by King Selassie I through his divine powers working through I and I to manifest these inspirations". What more can I say?

Thrid World - 96 Degrees In The Shade (Reggae)

1. Jah Glory

 2. Tribal War

 3. Dreamland

 4. Feel A Little Better

 5. Human Market Place

 6. Third World Man

 7. 1865 (96º In The Shade)

 8. Rhythm Of Life 

 "96 Degrees in the Shade" is Third World's most militant album, and in my opinion their best album so far. I loved this album on vinyl in the 1970's, so I was delighted to find it available on CD now. Beautiful melodies, strong roots rhythms, masterful musical arrangements and superb musicianship combine with powerful Rastafarian lyrical messages to make this CD a "must have" for anyone who appreciates great reggae music. The title of the album derives from the refrain of its best-known and most moving track, but the original and true title of the song is "1865." This reggae ballad is a narrative tribute to Jamaican freedom fighter Paul Bogle, who was hanged for leading a slave revolt in 1865, but was named a national hero 100 years later. This should be a lesson from history regarding the death penalty, not only in Jamaica and other Third World countries, but also in the United States, where capital punishment continues to be used extensively and almost exclusively as a weapon of genocide and political repression. Third World's lyrics are as relevant now as they were in the 1970's: "Some may suffer and some may burn, "But I know one day my people will learn, "As sure as the sun is shining way up in the sky, "Today I stand here a victim, the truth is I'll never die." (Third World, "1865") "96 Degrees in the Shade" is reggae music at its best. Enjoy - and learn!

Hugh Mundell - The Blessed Youth (Reggae)

1. Rastafari Tradition

 2. Oh How I Love H.I.M.

 3. Great Tribulation

 4. Blackman'S Foundation

 5. Time Has Come

 6. Don'T Stay Away

 7. Live In Love

 8. Time & Place

 9. Feeling Allright (Extended Version)

 10. Stop'Em Jah (Extended)

 11. Short Man

 12. Can'T Pop No Style 

13. Hey Mr Richman

 14. One Jah, One Aim, One Destiny

 15. Rastafari'S Call 

 Hugh Mundell's tragic life story -- he was a promising young roots reggae singer who, at age 21, was senselessly killed during an argument over a refrigerator -- has always overshadowed any examination of his actual vocal skill, which was impressive enough when he began his career as a young teen but did not have time to mature into anything more exciting than that. His songwriting talent was similarly middling overall, but remarkable in someone so young. Most American reggae listeners, if they know his work at all, are familiar with the album Africa Must Be Free by 1983, recorded under the supervision of producer Augustus Pablo between 1975-1977; Blessed Youth brings together selections from his subsequent three albums, which were recorded at a variety of studios between 1978 and his death in 1981. The music is a bit uneven, but there are moments of real brilliance, among them the powerful "Time & Place" and the repatriation anthem "Time Has Come." Mundell's mediocre singing on "Oh How I Love H.I.M." is saved by a nice cameo on the part of DJ Jah Bull, and he is charmingly diffident on the love song "Don't Stay Away." The best introduction to Mundell's art is still Africa Must Be Free by 1983 (which includes the album's dubwise counterpart on the CD reissue), but anyone who is left wanting more will enjoy this collection just as much.

Tommy Mcook - Blazing Horns/Tenor in Roots (Reggae)

1. Blazing Horns (Extended)

 2. Tears Of Love

 3. Glorious Lion

 4. Mine Eyes

 5. Jamaican Place

 6. Yellow Bird

 7. Tommy's Mood

 8. Ites Of Zion

 9. Jah

 10. Lambs Bread

 11. Riding West (12" Mix)

 12. More Music

 13. Tubby's Control

 14. Everyday Sax

 15. South Side Feeling

 16. When I Fall In Dub

 17. Far Over Yonder

 18. Gold Street Skank

 19. Harry Meet Tommy

 20. Way Down In South 

Here are two 1970s LPs by Tommy McCook, as well as one extra single (Riding West). The CD remastering is good...clear, crisp, deep, and colorful. The design and short essay are very satisfying. This disc was produced by Blood & Fire, who TRULY care about the music, and have consistently brought the public a valuable product that is worth their money and time. Tommy McCook was highly versatile, and here we have him playing some kind of mix between ska, rocksteady, reggae, 70s groove music, and jazz, with touches of other tropical genres. There are beautiful, refreshing melodies running throughout, great musicianship, and even some dub. Tracks 1-10 were produced by Yabby You, whilst tracks 12-20 were produced by Glenmore Brown. Track eleven, "Riding West," is a once rare number produced by Edward "Striker" Lee, and is a nice extra. ALL tracks in this collection were expertly mixed at King Tubby's studio, by the great King Tubby and his protege' Prince Jammy. Tubby's mixing is subtle and sophisticated, as witnessed on the very first track which is over eight minutes long, with the original LP track blending flawlessly into its gorgeous dub version. I don't rate this quite as high as releases such as Soul Jazz's "Studio One Scorcher Instrumentals" or Heartbeat's "Downbeat The Ruler," which also feature McCook, but it's good anyway, and fans of instrumental JA music will definitely want to pick it up. While you're at it, check out Rico's "Man From Wareika" and Trojan Records' "Alpha Boys School." I love this stuff.

King Tubby - Dub Gone Crazy (Reggae)

1. The Champion Version

2. Satta Dread Dub

3. Real Gone Crazy Dub

4. Exalted Dub

5. Dreada Version

6. No Love Version

7. Peace And Love In The Dub

8. Wreck Up A Version

9. Hold Them In Dub

10. Jah Love Rockers Dub

11. Step It Up On The Dub

12. Dub With A View

13. Dub To The Rescue

14. Dub Fi Gwan

As with many of the Blood and Fire releases, this is a good look at some of the work of King Tubby and his studio band the Aggrovators. Many of these tracks are clssic dub versions from original songs sung by Johnny Clarke, Livinal Thomson and others. A good starting place if you don't know the amazing work of King Tubby and the Aggrovators.

Augustus Pablo - Original Rockers ( Reggae )

1. Rockers Dub
2. Up Warrika Hill
3. Cassava Piece
4. Tubby's Dub Song
5. Jah Dread
6. Brace A Boy
7. Thunder Clap
8. Park Lane Special
9. New Style
10. AP Special
11. Tubby's Dub Song (dub version 2)
12. Brace A Boy (dub version 2)

 

In retrospect, it's difficult to believe that this remarkable dub recording dates from 1979. Augustus Pablo, a musician of undervalued imagination and talent, lays down some eerie and hauntingly beautiful dub on this project, which came during the peak of his creative and commercial success. Accented by his thin, arching melodica, Pablo's dub is deep and heady, barely giving way to the percolating vocals that only suggest melodies and lyrics, rather than stating them outright. Original Rockers was recorded at the legendary studio of the great reggae producer King Tubby, and though the recording quality varies wildly, the thoughtful, quiet dub moves forward without hesitation.

Glen Brown & King Tubby - Termination Dub ( Reggae )

1. Wicked Tumbling Version
2. Termination Dub
3. Save Our Dub
4. Leggo The Herbman Dub
5. World Dub: Away With The Bad
6. Dub Universal
7. Wicked Can't Run This
8. Assack Lawn No.1 Dub Version 1
9. Assack Lawn No.1 Dub Version 2
10. Father For The Living Dubwise
11. There's Dub
12. Version 78 Style
13. Lambs Bread Dubwise
14. Melodica International

 


A combination of Rhythm Master Glen Brown and Dubmaster King Tubby that just can't miss! Glen's superheavy rhythms, raw and melodic at the same time, are dubbed to perfection by the master. Several cuts prominently feature the tenor sax of Richard 'Dirty Harry' Hall, most notably the title track, a previously unreleased Tubby dub of Glen's famous 'Dirty Harry' rhythm

Dennis Brown - The Best Of The Joe Gibbs Years ( Reggae )

1. Deliverance Will Come
2. Black Liberation Time
3. Money In My Pocket
4. Malcolm X
5. Oh Mother
6. Ain't That Loving You
7. Rasta Children
8. Coming Home Tonight
9. So Jah Say
10. Sitting And Watching
11. The World Is Troubled
12. Hold On To What You Got
13. A Little Bit More
14. Lovelight

One of Brown's biggest hits, "Money In My Pocket," was a product of the collaboration, and that tune is featured here in its 12-inch ... Full Description version, along with other roots and lovers rock classics.

Yellowman - Just Cool ( Reggae )

1. Getting Divorce
2. No Mention
3. Ain't No Donna But You
4. In a Dis
5. Life Story
6. Woman a No Something Fi You Ramp Wid
7. Jamaica a Fi Wi Country
8. Sometime a Lie
9. Build a Roof Over Your Head
10. The Rat
11. Rub a Dub a Play
12. Hold On To Your Woman

 

The title may be misleading as it is in fact a Yellowman & Fathead combination. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic set.they have done a good job in mastering this release. A must have.

Johnny Osbourne - Greensleeves Most Wanted ( Reggae )

1. Fally Ranking
2. Trench Town School
3. Ice Cream Love
4. Back Off
5. Trying To Turn Me On
6. Give A Little Love
7. Angel In My Arms
8. Water Pumping
9. Rewind
10. In The Area
11. Buddy Bye Bye
12. No Sound Like We
13. Dub Plate Playing
14. Struggle Ha Fi Gwan
15. Trickster

 

Following on from the very successful series of compilations entitled `Most Wanted’, which featured albums from Wailing Souls, Yellowman, Ranking Dread and Eek-a Mouse, comes the next installment from Johnny Osbourne which puts the superb singer under the spotlight with a collection of essential tracks from the Greensleeves vaults.
Includes full-length extended versions of tracks previously only available on 12” such as `Fally Ranking’, `Back Off’ and `Trickster’ appearing on CD here for the first time.
Produced by Prince Jammy, Linval Thompson and Gussie Clarke.

Leroy Brown - Color barrier ( Reggae )

01 - What a Fire (Disaster)
02 - Color barrier (album version)
03 - Don’t give up
04 - Rulers of Babylon
05 - Money barrier (Skully version)
06 - Stand up strong
07 - Mind how you walk
08 - African Roots (Mam Bu Ya)
09 - Time of decision
10 - Money Barrier (7’ horn version)
11 - Gone Gone feat. Captain Charghand
12 - Metro Pigs
13 - Prayer of Peace
14 - Color Barrier feat. Clint Eastwood
15 - Money Barrier (7’ Dub version)

 

All tracks recorded between 1974 & 1980 at Channel One, King Tubby’s, Treasure Isle, Sound Canada, Kink…