Title : DUB ITALIZER Label : UNIVERSAL EGG Format : C.D / LP
Artist : VIBRONICS
This Vibronics first solo release, follows on from the success of his joint release with Jah Free ( Outernational Dub Convention ). This is the album where these past works have borne fruit and boy does it taste sweet. Dub Italizer is a modern contemporary dub album with a healthy mixture of sound influences both old and new.
Dub Italizer tunes range from the sublime 'Rastaman's story' which acts as a nice set opener to the bin bustin’ Shaka style workouts of tunes such as ‘Jah Dub’ and Vintage Dub. Other tracks feature great melodica work and uplifting female vocals. Most notable of these is the Free Radical Sounds hit play - out tune ‘Jah Music’. Which never fails to set the floor alight with the dub being demanded by the dance.
Having already been thoroughly rinsed by the UK’s sound system heavy weights. It’s on the dance floor where the full subsonic vibes of this unmissable album comes alive. DJ,s play out any of the sixteen tunes contained herein and see your audience rock.
Released On both CD and sound system friendly double vinyl dub plates. Dub Italizeris both heavy duty and an essential part of any contemporary dubheads collection.
Dub Italizer is a very strong and varied album with a fitting tune for most play out environments. A future classic for sure, Love it, Thanks
Top
Tune : On Jah side / Dub.
A great upbeat
female vocal led tune which features strongly in my sets and is almost always
followed by its heavy weight dub version.
Runner
Up : Positive direction / Dub
A tune which
works well as a set opener with lyrics that let us know exactly where it’s
at " Give it up, give it in, let roots begin, heading in the right direction.
Roots never turn I away and Jah welcome all I to stay." The version is another
heavyweight Shaka style tune. Which has also proved to be a hit on the dance
floor.
Artist : KING TUBBY / VARIOUS ARTISTS
Title : CRUCIAL DUB
Label : DELTA MUSIC
Format : C.D
Artist : TONY ROOTS
Title : NOT FAR AWAY
Label : REGGAE ON TOP
Format : C.D / LP
A nice bunch of tunes on this vocal and dub showcase from this up and coming UK singer. Also recording for Jah Warrior, amongst others, Barry Isaacs has produced a very sturdy set of heavy roots rhythms as the backing for Tony’s conscious lyrics.
Whilst I’m not the biggest fan of his vocal style, Tony Roots sings with an undeniable passion that sounds slightly subdued and soulful, such is the effortless nature of the delivery of his positive message.
The dubs here are magnificently powerful, with gloriously accentuated bass and interesting effects sliding in and out of the mix, as we have come to expect from Reggae On Top.
Artist : MAD PROFESSOR
Title : TRIX IN THE MIX, Part One
Label : ARIWA
Format : C.D / LP
First off it would have been wiser I think to have spread this LP over two bits of vinyl, as the cut is a tad lacklustre given the thudding power and precision of the mix. With a great variety of rhythms from some pounding steppers to two-step beats. This set is characterised by lots of immense resonant sweeps and some peculiar yet pleasant sound effects , very distinctive.
Not an amazing album but definitely worth buying.
Artist : BIG BUD
Title : RUNAWAY
Label : GOOD LOOKING
Format : 7"
Artist : VARIOUS ARTISTS
Title : ROOTS OF DUB FUNK
Label : TANTY RECORDS
Format : CD
If this album were on vinyl I suspect ‘Return To The Controls’ is where side two would start as thing peak with ‘Return Of Sleng’ and come back to a more straight ahead dub style for ‘Return To The Controls’. The album closes with ‘City Of Angels Dub’ by DFA. A jubilant, skankworthy tune featuring the awesome digital double bass sound found on previous DFA releases.
A nicely balanced release that has both traditional
and experimental dub influences in equal measure. A useful
addition, Thank you.
Title : ARISE Label : MUSIC
CLUB Format : CD
Artist : PETER TOSH
From the opening bingi driven ‘Arise’ through to closing ‘Tell It to the Mountain’ this is killer stuff. Just under half of the tunes here are Tosh fronted Wailers tunes that, according to the sleeve notes were recorded during the 1966 - 67 period. The initial line up of the Wailers had fallen apart and Marley had left to work in the U.S. The Spiritual version of ‘Go Tell it to the Mountain’ , the brilliant ‘Soon Come’ and the Marley penned ‘No Sympathy’ are all fine examples of the man called Peter’s more than capable ability to take the lead. Other early ‘Tosh’ classics contained here include ‘Them A Fe Get A Beaten’, the awesome ‘Rudies Medley’ and a personal favourite ‘Maga Dog’ which is followed by the very hard to find Skanky Dog version side.
Lots of these tunes have been recently released on revive 7"s here in the U.K and are well worth seeking out on that format. As more often than not they contain ridiculously rare version b-sides. But for those of you who prefer your roots in the digital format this is the collection for seekers of Tosh's early works.
Top Tune : Downpressor
The original version of this long time favourite Tosh Tune
Runner Up : Rudies Melody
As the titles suggests a melody of Rude Boy anthems including
007 ( Shanty Town ) and The Toughest. Puts a smile on the face,
every time, of even the most downpressed
Artist : LEE SCRATCH
PERRY
Title : THE UPSETTER
Label : METRO
Format : CD
With hilarious lines and chucklesome moments aplenty like the infamous ‘Bathroom Skank’ and ‘Uncle Desmond’. Also here you’ll find more serious moments like the wonderful ‘Justice For The People’ A straight cover of the old ‘Chi - lites soul hit ‘Give More Power To The people’. This set closes with two wicked tunes in ‘City Too Hot’. An eight minute, sweltering tune. That gives a real sense of the stifling political and climatic temperatures that these tunes were produced under. Featuring a lazy beat and awesome dry vocal from the man himself. The last tune ‘ Bionic Rats is an upbeat seven and half minute closing anthem with a Scratch - typical flitting vocal of unfathomable content. The last four minuets is a classic ‘Black Ark’ era dub work out. A fitting close to this great collection of scratchiness.
