July 2002
Title : NU SHOOTS INNA ROOTS
Artist : VARIOUS ARTISTS
Label : FREE RADICAL SOUNDS
Format : CD / DBL LP
Wow. You couldn't really ask for a more sturdy and well-rounded collection of modern dubwise sounds (and I'm not even being paid to say that!). Followers of contemporary UK roots will recognise many of these dubs that have been lighting up dance floors for the past couple of years, and as such, this is a superb introduction to the genre.Relative newcomers like Bobo Black Star and Brighton's Shashamani Productions nestle alongside the movers and the shakers such as the Disciples, Manasseh, Vibronics, RDK Hi-Fi and Hi Tech Roots Dynamics. For me this boldly reaffirms where the real strength in British reggae lies - in the mixing of dubs; with special highlights being Martin Campbell's glorious dub of Robert Lee's 'Stride'. Also RDK Hi-Fi's pounding opener 'Dub The Brixtonites', Jah Warrior's versioning of the classic 'Declaration Of Rights' rhythm with our good friend Anthony Johnson revisiting his classic 'Africa' vocal in a healthy does on this dub wise version. Another highlight would be the rather tasty, exclusive mix of Creation Blues from Jah Free. Elsewhere Channel One veteran Mike Brooks' 'Over Yander' is given the stingray treatment whilst Gussie P versions Jnr Murvins ' Wiseman' collaboration with Londons Dubwise Productions.
There really needs to be more compilations like this, as musically this scene is so strong. A champion collection.
Ed Snugg ( Legion Of Dub / Rebel Bass )
NU SHOOTS INNA ROOTS - VOCAL STYLE
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Also check these Nu Shoots Inna Roots related links :-
Links to profiles & interviews with artists featured on Nu Shoots Inna Roots
Links to info on all FRS releases
Title : - FROM MARS WITH DUB
Artist : MAD PROFESSOR MEETS MAFIA & FLUXY
Label : ARIWA
Here's what Mad Professor himself says of the album ( paraphrased by Bimble ) :-
Format : CD / LP
From Mars With Dub is made up of tracks from the legendary brothers Leroy Mafia & Dave Fluxy, Two of the hardest working musicians in reggae, for the past decade. Originally from North London band The Instigators the brothers went on to play riddims for Fat Man and Bunny Lee, then moving to Jamaica where they've done sessions for every busy producer in the late eighties and nineties. This is dub for the new millennium from this millennium…. Recorded at M&F Studios mixed at the Ariwa Sounds in February 2002. Using Ariwa custom effects. Other musicians on this project include Buttons playing a mean trombone. I hope you enjoy listening to this, as much as I have enjoyed mixing it….MPBimble's review :-
( Note : - Due to a mistake on the artworks track listing, track numbers are also noted. I'm waiting for Ariwa to get back to me with the correct running order. Therefore some indicated title names may be wrong, Enjoy )Here Mad Professor perhaps the U.K's finest dub producer teams up with the long-standing and well-respected roots riddim section of Mafia & Fluxy. Recorded at M&F's studio's and mixed by the Professor at his S.E London studios with enhancements from the wonderful Matic Horns.
The luxury of a Mad Professor dub is a splendid thing indeed and is probably best show cased here on the wonderful horn laden 'Ursor Major' and the following 'Ursor Minor' version. Complete with that unmistakable phased bass sound known as 'The Warbler' that has become one of M.P's trademarks in recent years. Other highlights include 'Orion Dub' (Track 4) which features the mysterious intergalactic vocalist. The snatches of vocals used here are backed up by an upful 4/4 style riddim complete with some lovely 70's styled Syn drums and heavily effected percussion. 'Nebula Ring Mix One' (Track 5) is the most reminiscent of the MP's last album 'Trix In the Mix' with it's upbeat Steppers riddim and 'The Warbler' once again brought to fore. The upful Steppers vibe continues on 'Nebula Ring Mix Two' (track 6) with it's deeply effected Trombone solo. Another strong riddim comes in the form of the two cuts of 'Sunspots Of Dub' (tracks 7 & 8). A more laid back one-drop M&F riddim with jubilant horns from Matic. Mix two of the riddim reveals some sweet guitar and clavinet work used to great effect on this super strong dub. The Steppers vibe returns on the superb 'Galaxy Of Dub' versions (tracks 10 and 11). With perhaps Mix Two being my favourite, a frenetic dub that'll have your dance floor up on its toes in no time.
The albums penultimate track 'Sirius Dub' ?? (Track 13) is a spacious super subsonic outing into the deeper realms of true Sci fi dub with the Professor pushing, pulling and tweaking all the right buttons. 'Inner Corona' ??(track 14), the albums closer, sets us back down to earth with it's deep sub bass and phased everything mix.
A killer album, from a killer combination of musician & producer. This is an album for the dub fanatic with absolutely no filler included and is a headphone delight. Lets hope that this is a partnership that produces plenty more flights of fancy in the future.
bimble@freeradicalsounds.com
Title : READY WHEN YOU DUB
Artist : VARIOUS ARTISTS
Label : SMUGG
Format : CD
Not having yet had the benefit of hearing the 'Ready When You Ready' vocal edition, I'm reviewing these dubs purely on their own merits. 'Ready When You Dub' opens with 'Original Dub' from the forms inventor King Tubby, a militant early digital riddim that shows that even in his latter years the King never lost his touch. 'Ready When You Dub' features plenty of other heavy weight names, presented here in a dub wise fashion including Horace Andy, Bim Sherman, Sugar Minott, Jackie Mittoo and the Mad Professor .One of my personal favourites cuts is the simplistic yet purely infectious groove of 'Use 2 B My Dubber' from Nitty Gritty. A sparse mid tempo rocker with a clean and wickedly catchy b-line. Employing the same cayenne pepper strength riddim is the following 'Ident Dub' from Sugar Minott. A tune that is sure to rock tha floor. The Uptempo Players feature on two tracks 'Drop' & '007 In Africa' the former is an upful instrumental that keeps the dub pyrotechnics to a minimum and allows the musicians enough space to shine, whilst the latter is a fun dub that stretches the original Bond theme almost beyond recognition, a sheer delight that'll bring forth the grin and dance moves in tha dance. Another highlight here is the superb 'Wizla' again from King Tubby and is pure Sound Buoy bizznis. Mad Professor closes the album in fine style with the typically warped adventure that is 'Boo 2'
An interesting album, which taps into a source of 80's revive, tunes not previously explored within the compilation format and in doing so make this album almost unique. Roll on Vol 2
'Ready When You Ready' Vocal edition reviewed in our Roots - May 2002 section
Title : CAN'T STOP US NOW
Artist : - LINVAL THOMPSON PRODUCTIONS / VARIOUS
Format : CD
Label : EASY STAR RECORDS
NYC's Easy Star Records do it again, providing another top-notch album. If they carry on like this they're in series danger of becoming one of those all too rare, thoroughly dependable labels. This time they redon their archivist hats bringing forward rare cuts from one of the most well respected J.A producers. Step forward the man called Linval Thompson
Barrington Levy, Dennis Brown, Eek A Mouse, Freddie Mcgregor, Johnny Clarke, Sugar Minott, Johnny Osborne, Anthony Johnson, Gregory Isaacs and the Wailing Souls, these are just some of the huge reggae names that Linval Thompson produced in his late 70's, early 80's glory days. All these names and more are included on this excellent compilation.
'Can't Stop Us Now' is a not a moment to soon excursion into the now retired 'Thompson Sound' archives. Featuring 20 rare and previously unreleased songs from some of the biggest names in reggae's history backed up on the riddims by the 'Roots Radics' (in there prime) and Sly & Robbie. With the added delight of having Overton 'The Scientist' Brown at the desk controls, what more could you want. Simply an essential purchase.
More Easy Star titles reviewed in our Roots - May 2002 section
Title : SANKOFA - ROOTS HI TECH IN DUB
Artist : ROOTS HI TECH
Label : ROOTS HI TECH
Format : CD /LP
Yes yes, more top-notch UK dub. Here we have ten Roots Hi-Tek rhythms mixed by Bubblers, Robert Tribulation and Russ D, and as such there is a nice gentle variation in style across the album. Some of this is perhaps a tad clean sounding for my filthy ears, but don't get me wrong, these dubs are ruff. Even with the slightly noodly guitar playing, which I'm not usually the biggest fan of either - the instrumentation here is a strong point, with subtle horns, the odd flute texture and some tasty percussion spicing up the tracks nicely.Ed Snugg ( Legion Of Dub / Rebel Bass )
Title : SELECT CUTS
Artist: - VARIOUS
Label : METEO
Format : CD
Does the world really need another electronic euro dub compilation? This 14-track album from new Berlin-based label Meteosound tries to prove that it does and has a more than fair stab at it.Vienna's Sugar B and LA's DNTEL join the mostly German artists and remixers in a well-chosen selection of downbeat and mid-tempo grooves and textures. The seemingly ever-present Thomas Fehlmann contributes the hypnotic 'Seerosengiessen' as well as linking up with Barbara Morgenstern on 'Shazzi Riddem' ( too short Susie.. ), and Jah Meek and The Rootsman collaborate on 'Beautiful World' which closes the album with a reminder of the classic days of lovers' rock.
Mellow rather than heavyweight, it's a taster that shows future Meteosound releases are going to be worth a nibble. Try it for breakfast.
Only Michael
26/11/02 :- Checkout our brand new Rootsman Interview
Title : SYSTEMWIDE
Title : PURE AND APPLIED
Label : B.S.I RECORDINGS
Format : CD
Something of an enigma, Systemwide mostly get covered in magazines dub sections. However the accompanying promo notes to this album suggest that it's filed under electronic so I'll be including it under both sections. It's great when music is difficult to pigeonhole and in truth Systemwide contain elements of both these sounds and more.'Pure and Applied's highlights include 'Interference'- A melancholic call to arms to the anti warmongers backed by a sparse yet driving riddim. Also the bi-lingual 'Reclame' - A more trad dub tune complemented by sparse voicings, which starts down tempo and gradually strips back till there's nothing left. After not being taken by 'Snipers' original mix, the following 'Dub Plate' version took me by surprise with it's drum and bass styled intro giving way to a heavy bass laden, mostly instrumental, up tempo cut, complete with newspeak samples and a nice lead melodica line. Elsewhere we get 'Crisis Time' featuring Brooklyn's Dr Israel (also available as a 7" single) a Ragga vocal led UK festi dub styled affair, whilst the following 'Carlos Jammy' brings forth a pure funk vibe. 'Pure and Applied's closing tracks bring back the dub taking in the excellent analogue synth driven 'Ripe Up' (version), the atmospheric sub bass tones of 'Valencia' and lastly 'People Of The Book' another live styled dub groove out featuring Dr Israel which segues nicely into 'Abyssal Plain Dub' the albums one minute play out groove.
At times 'Pure And Applied' is a little under produced for myself and I feel would have benefited from having a strong dub wise producer such as Adrian Sherwood on board. Sherwood would be the most natural choice for the producers role as his hard and some say clinical mixing style would suit the bands blend of dub inspired funk orientated grooves perfectly. Sherwood would also bring a little more sparkle to the mixes. That said this an interesting album debut from this most promising of acts. Definitely a name to watch out for in the future.
Title : THE DISCIPLES
Title : - BACKYARD MOVEMENTS DUBWISE 2001
Label : BACK YARD MOVEMENTS
Format : CD / LP
( Not exactly a new release but a cracking one that we missed reviewing at the time so here goes )
The mighty Russ D back with a long overdue dub album, full of unreleased versions of cuts from his Backyard Movements label. There's a much stronger yard-style feel to many of these tracks, aided by the intros provided by Afrikan Simba and the tight, slick production.
Although there's less of yer steppers here, fans of traditional Disciples dubs will be far from disappointed as the trademark big effects and spacious atmospheres are here in abundance, carried along with solid meaty bass lines and tight punchy beats. Danny Vibes also sounds better than ever on this, with his ( and also Tena Stelin and Tony Roots ) vocals dubbed up very nicely indeed on the cuts where they appear. Plenty of hard up-beat rhythms here, nestling alongside some really heavy, slow rootical dub workouts, my favourites being 'I & I Dub Truths', 'Realms Dub', 'Works To Do Dub' and the thunderous closer 'Dub Protection'. Fifteen tracks on the CD ( Ten on the vinyl ) and well worth it.
Ed Snugg ( Legion Of Dub / Rebel Base )
Check out our interview with Russ Disciple
Singles
- 7"s & 12"s
( In Brief )
Reviewed By : -
Bimble ( Free Radical Sounds / Rebel Bass )
Artist ; Wayne McArthur, Tena Stelin, Livacation All Stars
Titles ; Livacation + Versions / Don't Judge, Blessings + Versions
Label ; Scoops
A great start for this fledgling label. Two very strong yard style UK roots releases issued on 12" & 10" format respectively. Both E.P's feature four cuts built on a heavy rootsical Steve Vibronics riddim. For my money Madu provides the strongest vocal on each release, with his 'Livacation' vocal on 001 being one of my favourite U.K vocal cuts in a while. On each release we also get an alternative vocal cut. On 001 long time, well-respected roots singer Tena Stelin steps up to the mike to bring us his 'Hold On To Jah'. While on 002 Wayne McArthur guests and provides us with his 'Blessings' which compares admirably to his fine work with the Disciples. On each record we get a killer melodica cut from Vitamin M. On 001 M holds the vibe solo style to provide us with the awesome 'Melodica Rockers' while on 002 the lady is joined by the newly recruited Spitz Horns for an enviable paring session. The last cut on each release is left to the riddims builder Mr Vibronics to provide us with some of his uniquely clean, hard hitting and down right grooved out dubs. If you get a chance to drop the riddim three times in a row save these for last, for the full stripped down, beefed up effect. Anyone who knows what a scoop bin is will know not only what to expect but also where the label lifts it name. Lets hope we see plenty more in the near future.Prince Francis ; Rock Fort Shock / Count Machuki & The Sound Dimension ; More Scorcha ; Soul Jazz Records
The one not to miss this time. Issued by Soul Jazz records as a pre-release to their Studio One D.Js album. This ten inch AA side is simply a scorcher. Prince Francis Rock Fort Shock on the 'Rockfort Rock' riddim is pure unadulterated vintage Studio One sound bwoy bizzness. "Coming from the top, this is rock fort rock. So hey yout'man, take off them music there and forward this rockfort rock" Complete with it's instantly infectous horn hooklines, this one mashes the dance everytime. Flip the thing over and you get Count Machuki & The Sound Dimension's 'More Scorcha' which again opens with a killer D.J dedication which works wonderfully in the dance. What follows is a mostly instrumental horn led affair with the Counts vibesy interjections keeping your dancefloor up on it toes and skanking. This is one definetly for dancing and is highly recommended.Luciano; Hopes On High. Anthony B ; Third Eye Blind. Meditations ; Run Away Heathen. Rob Symeonn ; Keep On Trying ; Easy Star Records
Versions galore on Easy Stars 'Thai Stick' riddim all these killer versions feature on the awesome 'Dancehall Culture' album. Luciano steps forward to deliver for myself the definitive version. Anupful tale of hope in these hard times, delivered in the messengers distinctive style. Anthony B's : Third Eye Blinds rides the riddim in a Ragga fashion singing consciously of those who do not have "Any knowledge, wisdom or overstanding". With two cuts as strong as these it would be all to easy to forget about the further versions 'pon the riddim but you'd do so at your own peril. The Meditations on their 'Run Away Heathen' deliver a more traditional sweet soulful vocal harmony take, which will get your dance swinging down low. Finally Easy Star stalwart Rob Symeonn delivers the uplifting 'Keep On Trying' which is also especially welcome in these dangerous times. All in all a killer riddim, get any or all of these and knock tha sound dead.Dubwise Productions feat Danny Vibes / Leroy Gibbons; Through The Valley E.P / Love Light Shine 7"; Dubwise Productions
Youth man Danny Vibes voices Through The Valley for DW over Chris Jays meditative 'Dub Yard riddim. On the flipside we have a top U.K steppers selection in 'Zulu Man' and its following 'Warrior Man' version. Release 10 for DW features the talents of veteran singer Leroy Gibbons. Voiced the day after Sept 11th 2001 'Love Light Shine' captures the emotion perfectly that ran through the world on that fateful day. Already a favourite in tha dance.I. Roy ; Welding / Version ; Disco Rockers (Revive)
The sadly passed top toaster delivers a humorous and ever so slightly slack chat. Where the welding referred to in the title becomes transparent to those that care to listen. But this doesn't come across at all offensively ( at least to my ears ) and raises a smile from all in the dance. The vintage riddim is pure 70's classic one drop, which well deserves the flip to the version side.Barry Brown ; Cool Pon Yu Corner ; Jackpot ( Revive )
Many a roots heads favourite singer steps up with a message to keep things down and cool over a militant rockers rockers riddim provided by The Aggrovators with King Tubby providing the wizardry on the version. A vintage revive release that shouldn't be missed.Singing Melody / Scotty ; Watch This Sound / Version
George Nooks ; Two Roads Version ; Digital B
Veteran singjay Scotty ( probably most famous for his 'Draw Your Brakes' cut on the 'Harder They Come' movie ) teams up with Singing Melody for this cracking update of the Slim Smith rock steady classic. I've recently also picked up the 'Two Roads' voicing 'pon the same riddim by George Nooks which drops nicely either on its own or perfectly as a version excursion on the 'Watch This Sound' riddim.Ruff Scott / Easy Star All-Stars ; What Goes Around / Dub Back Around ; Easy Star Records
Regular readers will know of my love for upful and jubilant horns and here 'Burning Brass' do not disappoint. Ruff Scott rides the riddim in fine style with gentle Ragga / conscious dancehall styled delivery. Another favourite in the dance.Father Sweets / Easy Star All-Stars ; Sight Of An Eagle / Eagle Dub ; Easy Star Records
Father Sweets singjays in a conscious dancehall style over easy stars rocking riddim. Drops heavy on the sound particularly 'pon the version.Half Pint ; Love Potion No 9 / Guyanese ; Hit Tune ; Easy Star Records
Double A side single with both tunes available on the excellent 'Dancehall Culture' album from N.Y.C's Easy Star records. The 'Boff Um Baff' of Michael G 's Pick Up riddim is given the love treatment by Half Pint who try's to teach us how it's right to treat a lady good. On the flip Guyanese chat on the ups and downs of the busy version singer. Not as strong as some of the cuts available on this riddim but still good all the same.Roman Stewart ; Rice And Peas / Version ; Thompson Sound (Revive)
For many the classic Roman Stewart vocal reissued on 7" in it's original form with its original dub version on the flip. Built in the golden age of Thompson Sound this one will always endure. Not so much a review more an alert to let you know that it's out there again, so get it while you can.Lukie D ; One In Ten / Leego ; Brother Pieyaka. Half Pint ;Bounce ; Rhythm ; Black Diamonds.
Been meaning to mention this one for a while now. When I originally got this there were about eight different seven-inch cuts available on the riddim. I plumped for these two, as over the four sides they seemed to do the most with the riddim. I'd be interested to hear from others with other cuts. Lukie D' provides us with a killer update of the classic UB40 lyric where the haunting original lyric is still very relevant. Don't let any anti UB40 feeling put you off as this rocks. On the flipside Leego's 'Brother Pieyaka' takes the riddim to full tilt, as Leego fast chats inna fine style. 'Bounce' from Half Pint most naturally follows Lukie D's take on the original lyric. 'Bounce' bigs up the dance and gets everyone up on their toes and ready for Leego's aforementioned cut. After all this drop the rhythm cut for either your own toaster to ride the riddim or let the full instrumental version run for the full rocking riddim effect.
Just In
CDR from The Rootsman of his forthcoming album 'New Testament'. After a couple of listens first impressions are good. 'New Testament' features 13 tracks with a different vocalist on each, including, among others Earl 16, Sandeeno, U Brown and Channel One veteran Mike Brooks.
Tracks range from Cudjoe Banton's fastchat yard stylings of 'Rocky Road' to Dayjah's smooth 'Faith'. An instant favourite of mine is Mike Brooks' 'Higher Place' which also features on one of two 10" E.P's that The Rootsman also has coming out. As does Winston McAnuff 's 'Sort Me Out' & Jah Masons 'Joy & Sorrow, both of which also feature on 'New Testament'. Full 'New Testament' review, soon come.
26/11/02 :- Checkout our brand new Rootsman Interview
Also just in a fresh stack of 7", 10" and 12"s which will all be detailed in our next update. Our next crop of reviews for all music genres will be written in August and uploaded in early September. Anyone who would like us to review their releases should send them to :-
F.R.S
PO BOX 2869
BRIGHTON
EAST SUSSEX
BN2 5DP
U.K
Thanks for listening
