MAY 2002
Artist : VARIOUS
Title : DANCEHALL CULTURE VOLUME TWO
Label : EASY STAR RECORDS
Format : CD
Dance Hall Culture collates singles released in the last two years from New York's Easy Star Records. Combining some of the biggest names on the modern Dancehall scene ( Luciano, Anthony B, Frankie Paul, Half Pint ) with old school masters such as Beres Hammond, The Meditations and Triston Palmer. The album also includes cuts from rising stars of the J.A and US Dancehall scenes.
Recorded in both NYC & J.A Dancehall Culture contains eighteen riddims built upon the labels own homebuilt Thai Stick, Pick Up & Cool Down Riddims. Highlights include Luciano's 'Hopes On High' and Anthony B's 'Third Eye Blind' cuts. Both of which are voiced over the powerful 'Thai Stick' riddim. 'Just One Moment Away' finds Dancehall veteran Frankie Paul in Lover's mode while the 'Cool Down' riddim rocks the floor. Other highlights include the old school roots vibes of Tony Tuffs 'Wanty Wanty' ( Upon the 'Cool Down' riddim ). Tony Tuff is followed inna fine style by Sister Nancy with her wicked 'A Fool Say In His Heart' which I'm sure will rip up the dance every time. Also on the 'Cool Down' riddim is one of my personal favorite cuts 'Jah Breathe Life Inna Me' by Minx. A lady whose vocal talents I've not come across before and one I'll be looking out for in the future. Veteran Triston Palmer steps forward with the last cut upon the 'Thai Stick' riddim with his awesome 'Two Roads'.
By far the hardest dropping of the three riddims contained here is the Boff Um Baff styles of the 'Pick up' riddim which for my money is best used by Mojah on his 'Search' cut. A voicing that combines up on ya toes ultra fast deliveries on the verses, giving way to melodic yet still hard paced chorus. The 'Pick Up' riddim is also used to good effect on the massive combination styled 'God Love' featuring among others Luciano, Triston Palmer, Marcia Griffiths and Beres Hammond. The album closes with three dub versions on the 'Thai Stick' And 'Cool Down' riddims. Which closes the album nicely and gives you the chance to bring in your own toasters 'pon the version.
For home / album style listening the fact that the whole album is built on just three riddims can get a little tiresome. On the other hand if you're a contemporary roots selector you're given nuff versions 'pon the riddim to make your dance go boom. So it just depends where you're coming from. Versions range from the instant classic to the ruff and the smooth. For this writer the tracks I've mentioned are easily worth the price of entry alone.
Artist
: VARIOUS
Title : INSPIRATIONAL
SOUNDS OF JAH WORKS
Jah Works are veterans of the UK Sound System scene with nuff releases under their belts for over ten years. Jah Works are the latest crew to get the Universal Egg Inspirational works of … treatment ( following on from Mad Professor, Muslim Gauze etc ).
Rej Forte's Jah Works imprint has produced distinctive and unique roots music for over ten years now. Blending old school vibes with modern production techniques. In those years Rej has been responsible for unleashing the first releases of artist such as Martin Campbell, Donette Forte & Mene Man . All of whose works are featured here. Jah Works' blistering dub mixes have always been popular with the top U.K based sound systems and particularly with the likes of the mighty Jah Shaka and the brothers Joey and Norman Jay. Both vintage and dubs from Jah Works' new 'Seventh Seal' studio are included.
This CD only release ( shame ) opens with perhaps Jah Works' best-known sound system tune Martin Campbell's killer tune ' Wicked Rule'. Originally released back in 1990 on the Raggadelic label and sounding as fresh and relevant today as it ever did. It's endurance and influence over the years was once again confirmed when the London two-step outfit Matic reinvented the tune for our Garage Dubs compilation album( FRS002 ). Other top tunes included here are the heavy weight roots in the dance styles of 'Rhythm Of Resistance' featuring Donette Forte on vocals, backed by a militant and speaker bustin' riddim. The following 'Dub Man Dub' is a skanking guitar fest full of beautifully phased and phrased guitar and keyboard lines. Fans of the roots style horn section will turn the volume up a notch when 'Turn To Jah' hits the laser beam.
Originality is the key to any labels longevity and Jah Works have it in heaps. A fine example is on the truly inspirational 'Turn Israel' from the one time Lee Perry guitarist GT Moore ( definitely not the guy from Thin Lizzy !! ) A tune first released back in '95 on a Roots Records 10" single. 'Turn Israel' is a long lost gem, which will get a well-deserved new lease of life thanks to the release of this album. I have the original 10" and such is the tunes strength that I still regularly include it in my contemporary roots sets. 'Turn Israel is a deeply hypnotic ode to the Mighty Jah. The tunes mesmerizing performance and enchanting feel means that it always stands alone in the dance. A wicked tune, well worth the price of entry alone.
'Inspirational Works' is a useful compilation for those that have the original vinyl and a perfect introduction to the labels work for new audiences. Truly inspirational highs and deep sub lows, makes this quite simply a must have purchase. Well done to Universal Egg for once again shining the spotlight on the mighty works of Jah ( Works ).
Artist : VARIOUS
Title : - ROOTS OF DUB FUNK TWO
Label : TANTY RECORDINGS
Format : CD
The latest in Tanty’s series of collections ‘inspired by and inspiring’ the works of the Dub Funk Association, this is the label’s rootsiest and most impressive compilation so far.
Familiar UK names like Vibronics and Alpha & Omega are joined by the likes of France’s Munky Lee and Finn the Giant (from Sweden obviously) in an eclectic mix of producers brought together by a shared love of the heavyweight sound system.
Solomon Jabby’s ‘Youth Revolution’ gets closest to recreating the authentic Jamaican sound, Dub Farm’s ‘Jah Witness’ is topped by a crazy spacey synth line somewhere between ‘Telstar’ and the theme from ‘Dr Who’, while Dubclash’s ‘Dubs Dark History’ broods away like something from Massive Attack’s ‘Mezzanine’. All good stuff.
Only Michael
Artist : GLEN BROWN / VARIOUS
Title : BOAT TO PROGRESS
( The Original Pantomine vocal collection 1970 - 74 )
Label : SHANACHIE
Format : CD
"I'm rowing my boat to progress, to show the world there's hope for all"
Not a new release but I've playing this album so much lately that I had to include it and recommend you seek it out.
After spending time under the guidance of some of J.A's finest producers including Coxsonne, Duke Reid, Prince Buster and Harry J. Glen Brown began releasing his own roots productions on a whole host of self financed labels. The best known amongst these was probably the Pantomine (sic ) imprint. Also available is a collection of DJ cuts as well as another made up entirely of instrumentals. They all hail from the same 1970 - 74 period and are all wonderful collections but it's the vocal edition that I'll deal with here.
Featuring early voicing's from among others Johnny Clark, Gregory Isaacs, Little Roy, Roman & Tinga Stewart as well as the man Glen Brown himself. Recorded at Randy's, Federal Harry J's And Joe Gibbs Studios. The musicians laying down the riddims feature a star studded cast including as it does members of The Wailers, The Skatalites as well as the Zap Pow horn section and studio band The Soul Syndicate.
Glen Brown hade made several of the earliest 'Stax' style Jamaican soul tunes of the sixties and the American influence shines through here most obviously on tunes such as Keith Poppins 'Get It Together' and on the direct covers of soul classics 'Tell It Like It Is' and 'I'm Your Puppet'. On the roots tip the album opens with 'Realize' that sets the tone perfectly. The following 'Never Too Young To Learn' finds Roman Stewart in meditative mood backed up by infectious syncopated organ and bass lines. Other high lights include the early J.A funk vibes of Ritchie McDonalds 'Do Your Thing'. Also Glen Browns own 'Take A Step' and the title track 'Boat To Progress'. The inclusion of one of Gregory Isaac's best and rarest early sides ' One One Coca' will have upset many a dealer of rare pre's and will delight fans of the 'Cool Rulers' early works.
The album ends with the lamenting 'Save Our Nation' from Glenroy Richards and Glen Brown. A horn led tale of the desperation felt by those creating there music surrounded by the harsh reality's of the sufferer. Which brings to mind the fact that the uplifting quality of so much reggae music makes it all to easy to forget that these people don't just sing about poverty but live with it every day. A fact that's worth remembering next time you're thumbing through tunes at your local record shop, thinking you're skint cause you can only afford to buy one LP. Think on. Do something positive.
One of my current favorite albums that's well worth seeking out on whatever format you can find it on. Highly recommended
Artist : HENRY & LOUIS / BLUE & RED
Title : - TIME WILL TELL
( Henry & Louis Meet Blue & Red In Kingston 20 JA )
Format : CD / LP
Label : BSI RECORDINGS
It may be my awareness but after a promising start a few years back it seems like ages since the last outing from Bristol's ( U.K )Henry And Louis. Henry And Louis are Jack Lundy and Andy Scholes also known for their work as Dub Ghecko. Blue & Red is Rob Smith of Smith & Mighty / More Rockers fame. The Smith & Mighty / More Rockers crew is one of the most respected production & DJ collectives in the world. Widely credited with helping to begin the phenomenon that came to be known as trip hop, they hold a unique place in the history of dance music by having created and continuing to build on a unique blend of dub, roots reggae, hip hop, jungle & digital soul. 'Bass Is Maternal', 'Selection 1 & 2' and 'Big World, Small World' are all undisputed classics.
Here though these acclaimed UK producers return to their base influences and musical roots with 'Time Will Tell' being for the most part a strictly roots, reggae affair. Riddims and dubs were carried to Kingston J.A to capture vocals from the masters including Johnnie Clarke, Willie Williams and Tony Tuff.
African Brothers veteran Tony Tuff opens the album with the devout and militant 'Answer'. A deep sub opener with a distinct J.A vibe meets UK flavor that'll add a fresh slant to any playout sets you care to add it to. Prince Green follows 'pon the version with his unique toaster / prayer style delivery. Preddi then delivers 'Blessed' over a familiar Henry & Louis riddim. One of the top tunes for myself is the truly uplifting 'Jah Jah Never Fail I' from Steve Harper ( AKA Shalom). Local J.A talent Ben Dice steps up to the mike to offer the awesome 'Words Of The Wise'. The first of two cuts laid down on Henry & Louis's 'Love And Understanding riddim. Which was first heard as the b side of their seminal 'How Can A Man' 12" a few years back. Roots reggae veteran Johnny Clarke closes side one of the vinyl with a vintage performance once again 'pon the 'Love & Understanding' riddim.
Side Two opens with two more vocal cuts provided by Steve Harper - The revolutionary 'Rise Up' and the Nyabinghi favored 'Creation', a killer tune for late on in the dance. On the following reinvention of the roots classic 'A Little Way Different' the beats turn ever so slightly toward a more U.K drum and bass / hard step favor. It's still a full on roots tune but with enough contemporary breaks and licks to set it apart in the dance. Voiced effectively by ex Wayne Jarrett backing vocalist Pacey this cut will certainly gain exposure on the wheels on steel from this writer / selector. Next up Daddy Ants's mid paced hypnotic toast 'Murderation' eventually gives way to Kerosene Oil's brilliant and mesmerizing 'Do Anything'. The last riddim of the album is hailed in with Willie 'Armageddon Time' Williams wonderful 'Plastic World'. Another killer tune. Upon the same riddim comes the already Free Radical Sound System favorite 'Chant Down Babylon' from Tippa Irie whose militant DJ cut to 'Plastic World' adds the last chapter to this remarkable album.
To sum up I'd say that though a truly brilliant album I do have my reservations due to the cross-faded nature of most of the tracks presentation. A fact that makes it great for easy listening but makes picking out individual tracks for DJ sets a difficult prospect. That said I love this album and it's hardly been off my home decks since I got it. Again highly recommended.
Artist : BIM SHERMAN
Title : LOVE FOREVER
( The Classic Jamican Recordings )
Label : E.F.A / CENTURY
Format : CD /LP
At last the promised roots compilation of the recently passed JA /UK roots singer. Released via EFA and Bim's Century label. Available in double vinyl and on CD format. It's a classic selection of Bim's early works plucked from the archives of Treasure Isle, Randy's and Channel One. Both the CD and excellent quality vinyl edition features hard to find and exclusive tracks including '100 years', Bim's first cut. Also the excellent 'Down In Jamdown', the original roots cuts of 'Golden Locks' and 'My Whole World' which Bim recut in a acoustic style on his awesome 'Miracle' album. Other fine cuts from one of the sweetest voices in reggae include 'Love Forever' 'What Sweet You So' and the wonderful '10,000 Ethiopians'.
A highly recommended release from a much missed reggae star.
Irie
Artist : KING TUBBY / VARIOUS
Title : - MEETS THE REGGAE MASTERS
Label : CHARM / JETSTAR
Format : CD /LP
At first glance this looks like just another collection of vintage Tubby's dubs gathered together on one convenient disc, but playing this album shows it to be something really special.
What we have is twelve full vocal mixes on some famous and some not-so famous rhythms, ranging from tough stepping roots reality tunes from Anthony Johnson, Black Uhuru and Dennis Brown, to seriously heavy roots supplied by the likes of Horace Andy and Freddie McKay. With Bob Marley and Johnny Clarke on hand to lighten the mood at just the right times, with their skanking 'Mister Chatter Box' and 'Can't Stop Me', complete with gorgeous horns.
A smashing collection that is far deeper and heavier than you might imagine from such big names on one album, especially since it's on Charm. Two bonus tracks on the CD as well. Lovely lovely, buy buy buy!
Artist : ROOTSMAN
Title : ROOTS BLOODY ROOTSMAN
Label : THIRD EYE MUSIC
Format : CD
Brand new from third eye music comes this new collection of heavy hitting futuristic dubs with one toe in the ancient past. 'Roots Bloody Rootsman' is made up of previously unreleased tracks recorded between '96 and 2001. The only airing these tunes have had before this release was as exclusives to the Rootsman Sound System. Rootsman is apparently ensconced in the studio working on a new album that will feature the vocal talents of singers such as Earl 16 ( LeftField / Dreadzone ) U-Brown, Ranking Joe and more. So I suppose this album is a kind of stopgap for fans waiting for the new material. That's not to detract from this release but to put into context. Make no mistake this is a full on release from one of the UK's hardest hitting dubwise producers.
'Roots Bloody Rootsman' features nine never before released cuts alongside four remixes provided by Jammin Unit from Germany, Space Activator Hole from Poland, Ras Boras Inc from France and El Jethor based in Egypt and the U.K. The CD book contains some nice notes from The Rootsman on each of the tracks origins and style along with a note about any remixes included.
After a weird vocal introduction the album starts proper with the champion sounds of 'Tremors' which teases it's listeners with it's long ethnic favored intro before the thumping slow paced riddim kicks in the bass fest. 'Tremors' acts as a great warm up introducing the various textures and vibes that'll feature through out the album. The following 'We Nuh Ramp' is a much faster dub & bass affair. A riddim that will no doubt please audiences and selectors of any self-respecting experimental future dub style night. On the remix El Jethor steps forward with a mellower vibe but none the less kicking down beat remake.
Other highlights include 'Come With The Love' which ( it says here ) was an attempt to "Bring the aggression of industrial metal into the dubwise format". The odd thing is that it actually works. The ensuing sampled live drums and metal riffs blended with Rootsmans trade mark eastern vibed UK dub comes together nicely and creates an odd new juxtaposed sound. Another tune to raise the old Bimble eyebrows was 'Hard Fi Dead' A tune which I hated at the start and loved by the end. A tune I can't begin to break down here you'll just have to buy the album and work it out for yourself. 'Fittest Of The Fittest' is a strong digital roots riddim with a full release deserved for the vocal cuts that are mentioned in the sleeve notes. 'Ta Travudia' is actually a Rootsman remix for 'Rosapaeda' who are an indigenous folk act from southern Italy. The results of which is a kind of beatastical deep in dub meets Kleizmer folk affair. This tune will work perfectly at the world's summer festivals. The last track to be mixed here by The Rootsman himself is 'The Truth' which features samples lifted from a conspiracy-theorists conference ( !! ) Which is made up of a wicked almost two step riddim, a completely catchy b-line and topped off with loads of atmospheric pad sounds. A tune surely destined for the hybrid future dub dance floor.
The album ends with the four aforementioned remix tracks. The last of which for my money is the most interesting. 'Tremors' remix is supplied by Space Activator Hole from Poland and is a beatastical floor-filling gem. With its upful beats and loops. Enhanced by some wonderful trumpet from Dave Cosmic from Zion Train and The Love Grocer. 'Tremors' remix closes 'Roots Bloody Rootsman' on both a perfect high and an interesting note.
Rootsman is obviously not afraid to take risks with his sound and it's always a treat to see where he'll take us next. Stay tuned for news of future Rootsman and Third Eye crew releases.
You'll find more Rootsman reviews here.
26/11/02 :- Checkout our brand new Rootsman Interview
Artist : ZION TRAIN
Title : - ORIGINAL SOUNDS OF THE ZION
Label : UNIVERSAL EGG
Format : CD /LP
"Run go tell your partner, run go tell your friend.
Zion Train sound say we come back again"It looks like the summer will once again reverberate to the tones of the mighty Zion Train. With a new album to push they will no doubt be present at loads summer festivals, so expect loads of fun fuelled times and sets pushing both there new product and their unique one love vibe.
Opening with the pure upliftment that is the aptly titled 'Zion High'. A great show opener with Jono from 'Nucleus Roots' providing the toaster style voicings and a sweet trumpet lead Crispy Horn line. On the following 'Ella's Melody' the tempos temporarily shift down a gear as the vibe heads towards a more introspective vibe. Other highlights include the wonderful 'Beatmass' which will have the masses stomping on down and reminds this writer of many a crazy moment spent down the front at a 'Zion Train' show. Think full on future dub meets dance floor mayhem. The following dance floor friendly 'Beautiful Children' deserves to be a summer time No 1 but probably won't be due to its performers truly underground status. 'Behold The Rainbow' manages to reproduce perfectly the actual feel of being at a sound system clash with it's almost lo fi production putting you in mind of rattling speaker boxes and hazy atmospheres. The closing tune 'Earth Quake' finds Zion Train back on familiar ground doing what they do best. That is producing super heavy sub driven steppers for the masses with sirens aplenty and heavily effected everything.
After three years since the last proper album from Zion Train it's a big welcome back to the (adopted) welsh massive. Lets just hope the sun shines.
Singles
- Sevens & Twelve's
( In Brief )
Reviews : -
Bimble ( Free Radical Sounds ) / Ed Snugg ( Legion Of Dub )
Artist : Prince Allah / Intemidaters(sic). Title : Funeral. Label : Stars.
One of my top tune's of the moment. A Tappa Zukie produced classic from the man from Bosrah. Alla tells of the Rasta's firmly held belief that they shouldn't attend funerals. Set to an upful riddim with some cool baritone sax honks that are even more enhanced on the version side. ( Bimble )Artist : Tony Roots. Title : Pirates. Label : Hi - Tek
Built with Russ D at the Disciples studio. This is the strongest vocal yet from Tony Roots, surrounded by an upful riddim and jubilant 'Crispy Horns. Uplift your dance with this one. ( Bimble )Artist : Nagoo Morris. Title : Su - Su - Pan Rasta. Label : Joe Gibbs / Globe
The classic riddim and vocal that the mighty Prince Fari built his 1977 sound system hit 'Heavy Manners' upon. Here on the original vocal cut Naggo Morris delivers a heart stopping classic vocal and provides a pleading D.Brown style vocal while Gibbs's studio engineer ( not credited ) makes sure the riddim drops heavy with plenty of space for the vocalist to stretch. Classic. ( Bimble )Artist : Horace Andy. Title : Quiet Place. Label : Gorgon
At last available again on seven inch with a killer King Tubby version on the flip. The mix on the vocal side is sometimes a little crowded for myself but that never bothers the crowd when you drop this all time classic tune. The version is a good quality Tubby version with all the right drops and cuts. If you can manage to pick up the Doc Alimtado 'Poison Flour' toasted version as well. Then you'll be truly ready to mash up yer dance. ( Bimble )Prince Fari : Wisdom : Clinch Records
One of my all time favorite DJ's the gravel voiced Prince Fari delivers his 'Wisdom' sermon over a super heavy weight cut of the 'Satta Massagana' riddim. Veteran 'Bongo Herman' provides an enchanting binghi style work out 'pon the version. A surprise release. Get it while you can. ( Bimble )Artist : I David / Wayne McArthur. Title : Jah Love to the Rescue/ A who Dem. Label :Bigga Vibes
A very nice li'l 12" here, with two vocal tracks and accompanying dubs. I David on fine form on the mix - clean and tight with plenty of space, especially on the dubwise where the echoes, effects and the sterling guitar licks are given plenty of room to breathe. I feel 'A Who Dem' is the stronger of the two tunes, with a nice groove to the rhythm and some lovely snatches of percussion With 'Jah Love To the Rescue' being more yer traditional UK steppers style sound but corking all the same. ( Ed Snugg )Artist : Luciano Title : One In A Billion Label : Lion And Roots
Actually a stealth Dub Syndicate release and the same Luciano vocal cut as on their highly recommended 'Acres Of Space' album. Only now with the added bonus of a killer dub mix on the flipside. This and the 'Capleton' vocal were my favorite tunes on the album and it's great to see it get a full seven-inch release.Such is the musical snobbery against anything that does not hail directly from J.A that Dub Syndicate choose not to credit either themselves or Adrian Sherwood's involvement in this fine cut. Which is shame for people that have done so much to take form forward to new ears.
The riddim is a classic Roots Radics style one drop while Luciano once again reaffirms his faith to all things Rasta in a way that only he can. Possibly my all time favourite Luciano vocal, ignore it at your peril. ( Bimble )
Artists : Freddie McGregor / Sugar Black. Title : Hand In The Fire / Stress. label : Stingray
Each vocalist gets a side each on which to air their views and their individual talents. Sugar Black sings of how the stress's of Babylonia leads to "Hungry children, desperate mothers and angry fathers" and pleads for the time when the almighty will set them free. Freddie McGregor meanwhile advises us in fine style not to dabble in all things evil. The 'Stingray' riddim drops super tuff and sweet. ( Bimble )Artist : Yellow Man. Title : Zung Zeng. Label : Volcano
At last available on seven inch again. This tune is probably best known for it's inclusion on the seminal 'Greensleeves Sampler Volume One' and is considered a classic by all. I've been playing out this killer tune all my Djing life so it's nice to finally get it on a seven and with its version as well. I'm not going try and explain it, you will either will kill to get this on seven or you don't know it. The version side is a sweeter Sax led affair and such is the strength of Yellow Man's vocal that the riddim is virtually unrecognisable without his voicings. This was a massive dancehall smash and still rips the floor every time you care to drop it. ( Bimble )Artist : Junior Byles / The Upsetters Title : Beat Down Babylon Label : Orchid
This classic from Lee Perry's heyday is once more available at last on seven inch and with a killer dub version from Scratch on the flip side. This is quite simply a must have purchase for any self respecting Roots selector or fan. ( Bimble )
Artist : Ras Nyto. Title : Ghana / Yu Talent. Label : Channel One ( UK )
A new name from the Channel One UK stable. Ghana is a tale of the singers brothers visit to Ghana and how he was received and treated there. This is one where we could all learn something from listening closely to the words. The B side is an uplifting message to the youth. "You're probably gifted with a skill, that everybody needs. Don't let your talent go to waste" just about captures the gist of it. Both voicing's are killer and perfectly suited to that easily identifiable Channel One ( UK ) production sound of high quality spacious yet driving riddims. ( Bimble )Artist : Admiral Tibett. Title : My Determination. Label : Humal
Artist : Junior Kelly. Title : Burn Down Rome. Label : Humal
Two cuts on the Determination rhythm out of Birmingham's Humal studio - a nice, beefy and crisp production that sounds a lot more Jamaican than a lot of the stuff from over here in the U.K. Admiral Tibett rides a smooth, lilting melody with positive and uplifting lyrics about standing firm and believing in oneself, while Junior Kelly sings out with passion against the Babylon system. ( Ed Snugg )Artists Wayne McArthur / Vibronics. Title : No Fears. Label : Moonwave Music
This release finds Wayne once again putting material out on his own Moonwave label and it's his best track in a while. Then again, with Vibronics providing the rhythm I would say that anyway. Great big chunky one-drop with a lovely deep bass line carrying the strident positive lyric of determination and rallying together in order to overcome the struggle against evil. The dub shows Vibronics on a slightly more traditional rootsy tip, but with Stevie Vibronics distinctive mystical edge to the instruments that weave in and out of each other in the mix. A glorious platter well worth seeking out. ( Ed Snugg )Artists : Lloyd Charmers / The Hippy Boys. Titles : African Zulu / Safari. Label : Trybute
Issued on red vinyl and with a picture sleeve which in itself is a rarity for a release aimed at the seven-inch roots revival market. The tunes here are original recordings from 1969. African Zulu is an instrumental with a spiraling riddim interspersed with producer Herman Chin Loy sipping hot tea and belching. Which is hilarious for the fact that someone would actually record and release such a thing. A fact that can only add to the charm of the thing. The flip side is another vintage piece and is a kind of duel between Lloyd Charmers on piano and Lester Sterling on sax over a 'Coxsonne Dodd' Riddim. ( Bimble )
Artist : Anthony Johnson Title : I'm The One Label : Teams
The latest seven inch from the Channel One / Sturgav Sound veteran. 'I'm The One' is a sweet ode to his loved one and is voiced over a vintage classic 70's style Phil Pratt produced riddim. Anthony's voice hasn't aged at all in the 20 years or so since his big sound system hits. The version drops tuff with Channel veteran Mike Brooks at the controls and it's on Mike's Teams label that this seven is released. ( Bimble )Artists : Tena Stelin / Iration Steppas. Title : Jungle Jungle. Label : Tandoori Space Hoorah! Iration Steppas back on vinyl, on the new label of Leeds' Sub Dub club. I have to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of Tena Stelin's vocal style; he's a bit hit-and-miss for me. Which is a shame cos he's been recording for some superb producers of late. Unfortunately, this is not one of his stronger cuts. Flip it over and it's a different story - the Steppas back on fine form, with a heavy, eerie sub-bass dub, a moody little number for those dark, late-night times, complete with a gloriously haunting pizzicato-style melody. ( Ed Snugg )
Artists : Vibronics / Iration Steppas. Titles : One Drop / One Drop Remix. Label : Tandoori Space.
Another one on the new Tandoori Space label. This time with the mighty Vibronics laying down a deep, mystical and hypnotic track, very repetitive and quite strange. The Iration Steppas remix on the flip keeps the same rhythm but beefs it up with plenty of the trademark militant horns, crashing percussion and sirens galore. A wild mix indeed !! ( Ed Snugg )You'll find more Vibronics product reviewed in the following Roots review pages. Checkout our interview with Stevie Vibronics.
Artist : Jayzik. Title : Money Soon Done. Label : Ariwa
An urgent, skittery rhythm drives this peculiar little number along, while Jayzik carries her upfront and confrontational poetry with conviction, sharp lyrics and some slightly amusing accents. She has a very unique style which demands attention but I wouldn't want to listen to too much of it, and there's even something odd about the militant sounding chorus. What a glorious version on the flip, mind! Typical of Mad Professor at the moment with his big sweeping filtered bass sound, this dub growls to the max and sounds very different from the vocal - completely instrumental and with some nice little phased chords thrown in for good measure. ( Ed Snugg )Artist : Don Carlos Title : Money And Woman. Label : Attack
Produced by Bunny Lee, Don Carlos delivers an update of Horace Andy's classic 'Money Is The Root Of All Evil' tune. Carlos turn's the vocal into a humorous tale that draws parallels between the mighty dollar and the fairer sex. The classic status of the original means that this one always raise's the audience who are then suitable surprised and entertained by the new vocal. The King Tubby version is a stripped back delight with some nice effected horn stabs and loads of hard hitting heavily reverberated snare drums. ( Bimble )Artist : Mike Brooks / Earl 16. Title : Ruff And Tuff. Label : Channel One ( UK )
A light hearted nice up the dance style vocal in combination style from these highly acclaimed roots veterans. Set to a brilliant oldie style rock steady riddim. Complete with tooting harmonica, walking bass lines a steady, steady beat. One to catch your dance by surprise and to raise a smile. ( Bimble )Checkout our interview with Mike Brooks
Artist : Luciano / Steve Machete. Titles : Not Until / None Shall Escape. Label : Riddim Driven
A riddim perfectly suited to Luciano's vocal style. Opening with a call for us to all live as one backed by a high quality mid paced one drop riddim. I always find Luciano an uplifting force and he doesn't fail us here. On the flipside Machete (a new name to myself) delivers a worthy alternative vocal. Both sides are well play out - able with the Luciano cut just tipping the scales for myself. ( Bimble )Artists : Mission Control feat Lee Scratch Perry. Title : The Last Trumpet. Label :Poptones.
I don't know much about the label except that they usually put out poppy indie stuff ( I think ). So this release is a bit of an anomaly and what's more is great. A down beat contemporary roots riddim provides the backdrop for vibes straight from the centre of Perry's being. A great tune to end the night with. ( Bimble )Artist : Toots And The Maytals. Title : Prayer Of David Label : Charm
Occupying a similar space to the aforementioned Last Trumpet : Lee Perry tune but on a much more ethereal tip is this wonderful seven inch from Toots Hibbert. Very different from usual Toots material 'Prayer Of David comes over like a lesson from a Rasta elder. The backing is under stated and at no time interferes with the vocal. I can't really find the words to explain this holy vibed, awe inspiring tune, just buy the thing. The version is a very laid back roots affair but with loads of subtle sub bass and a beautifully melancholic trumpet part. If you only buy one Toots And The Maytals track this year make it this one. ( Bimble )
