In 2007, Secret Records put out Dillinger’s Ten To One on CD, pairing the album with its dub versions produced by Niney the Observer. Niney, born Winston Holness, built a strong name in the early 1970s with a gritty, roots-driven style that people still point to when they talk about classic reggae production. His nickname came from losing a thumb, but what really stayed with listeners was his work with artists like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor and Freddie McKay. That reputation still holds today.
Now there’s a vinyl release that focuses on the dub side of the project. It comes with an insert full of details about Dillinger, Niney and the Soul Syndicate band. They’re the crew behind the riddim tracks, and their presence suggests the music was recorded in the late 1970s. The sleeve notes mention Channel One, Joe Gibbs and Tuff Gong as the studios involved, with Scientist and Errol Thompson at the controls. What’s missing, though, is any clear information about when Dillinger voiced his parts. There’s nothing in the notes that confirms if he recorded them back then or later, so that part remains unknown.
Dillinger’s bold, fiery performance comes through clearly, echoing in and out above the riddims. The remixing holds steady in a solid, confident style, which isn’t surprising with Scientist and Errol “ET” Thompson at the controls. The Soul Syndicate keep the foundation tight, giving each riddim the drive and feel it needs. Most backdrops will sound familiar because Niney pulls from some of reggae’s finest riddims. Dub Is Mine rides the Undying Love riddim. The Eternals’ Stars riddim returns for My Dub Lead the Way. Dub To One is built on Ten To One by the Mad Lads. Foreign Dub reshapes the sweet Queen of the Minstrel riddim, and Black Dub draws its inspiration from Henry Alexander’s Please Be True.