This 34 track collection comes with almost all tracks new to CD and some are Dub mixes of many classic Reggae hits. The tracks are mixed by the legendary Dub master, Errol Thompson and in the late ’70s the 12″ single first raised its head. This allowed for a longer playing time and a superior audio experience. Joe Gibbs was putting-out a raft of disco-mix singles from his Kingston-based studio mixed by Errol Thompson. Many of the Dub mixes will be familiar, including ‘Money In My Pocket’, ‘Ain’t That Loving You’ and ‘Boxing Around’. The collections tracks first appeared on vinyl and moving along with the times are made available by Cherry Red Records via the Doctor Bird label. With the above in mind, one now takes-a-look at a selection of the collection’s tracks.
DISC ONE
1. CORK IT. This starts off with a double talk-over intro before going into a mid-tempo Dub sound. Some fine percussion is heard at times and the talk-over returns from time-to-time. Good way to start this collection. 3. BIONIC DISC. This is a quirky sound on which a female chorus is present along with a catchy Soul style rhythm track. Not really a Dub number but a very likeable recording. It is The Joe Gibbs Family on backing vocals. 6. HOLIDAY STYLE. This is a version of ‘Everyday Is Just A Holiday’ recorded by The Sensations. A brass section starts off this and it ends up as a slowish Dub number. It has some strange sounds and some oscillation, if you liked the above-mentioned vocal version this could be just up your street. 8. KNOW IT. Piano starts this off and it becomes a full-on semi-Dub sound. Some fine guitar work on a track that holds one’s attention throughout. One of the top sounds on this disc. 12. YOU CAN’T HIDE. This has a Reggae feel at the start before going into a more Dub style recording. Some oscillation is present at times and the Reggae feel does return at times. Nothing special about this, Dub fans may no doubt feel otherwise. 14. LOVER BOY. This comes as a version of ‘I’m Still In Love With You’ by Marcia Aitken. Marcia can be heard from time-to-time performing the original vocal, apart from this it has a standard Dub rhythm track of the original with oscillation at times. Good, not as good as the original. 15. PASSING ON. This is a mid-tempo Dub sound with the expected heavy drumming. A vocal is present at times and some percussion is heard mid-way through at times and although nothing special, this track does hold one’s attention. Pleasing end to this disc.
DISC TWO
1. SILVER FOX. This starts off with a vocal talk-over before moving into a full-on Dub sound. The talk-over does return and the rhythm track has some organ. Basically, the track goes nowhere but there is another vocalist that comes onto the scene from midway through. Not actually a full-on Dub sound, nevertheless fits into this collection well. 4. MODELLING QUEEN. This was the b side to a release by Eek A Mouse titled ‘Once A Virgin’ and is a mid-tempo Dub sound on which a vocal is present at times, this is spoken and not sung. The Dub rhythm is pulsating and contains some Reggae vibes from time-to-time. Pleasing sound this track. 6. MOUTH TALK. Originally this was the b side to a Barrington Levy recording of the same name and is a version. This Dub has some percussion on the intro and some oscillating sounds come-and-go on this mid-tempo track. This is not a full-on Dub sound as a Reggae style rhythm comes and goes at times. A catchy recording this one. 9. JAM DOWN ROCK. The original of this was by Culture and here we have a slowish number that doesn’t go anywhere much and becomes repetitive by the end. 11. LOVE DUB. This was originally by Dennis Brown and after starting off as a Reggae sound it moves into a mid-tempo slice of Dub. Plenty of fine bass guitar on this and drumming. A really cool sound that keeps one’s attention. 13. TOO HOT. Some percussion gets this going before the Dub sound arrives. Plenty of bass guitar and more percussion at times. This was the b side to ‘I Can’t Stand It’ by Dennis Brown and this is Dub at its best and a top track on this disc. 17. MIX UP. Finishing off this collection we have a full-on Dub sound with some percussion. Piano is featured on the rhythm and overall it is a top-notch sound. This was the b side to ‘Talk Too Much’ by Danny Marangoo back in 1983, never heard of this artist.
CONCLUSION
With most of the recordings being unavailable on any format since first being released on vinyl, this makes for an essential acquisition for connoisseurs of superior Dub sounds. It will also be a must buy for all those that appreciate the best that classic Reggae has to offer. One can never get why disco has a connection with Jamaican music, but on the other hand does it matter. The retail price will not break the bank at £14 99p.