A The Gladiators – Live Wire (Take One)
B Justin Hinds – Rub Up Push Up
Recorded and released in early 1968, Live Wire by The Gladiators, featuring Albert Griffiths on lead vocals, stands out as a top-tier rocksteady song. The Gladiators, who rose to fame as one of the iconic reggae bands of the 1970s, recorded three tracks at Treasure Isle Studio under the direction of producer Duke Reid before moving to Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One in 1969. There they quickly scored a hit with Hello Carol and experienced a few years of modest activity. In 1974, their popularity surged again with tunes like Bongo Red and Roots Natty. The three tracks produced by Duke Reid include Sweet Soul Music, You Were To Be, and the outstanding Live Wire. The latter was uniquely released in Jamaica on a blank label, with Sweet Soul Music on the reverse side.
This reissue features The Gladiators’ Live Wire alongside Rub Up Push Up by Justin Hinds. Originally released in 1964 on the Treasure Isle label, the track was titled Love Up And Push Up, credited to Justin Hinds & The Dominos along with the Ba Ba Brooks Band. When Island Records put it out in the UK in 1965, the label read Justin Hines & The Dominoes. This ska classic became a massive success for Treasure Isle, and it is arguably the most iconic song of the group. With Justin Hinds’ electrifying vocals and the harmonious blend of the Dominoes, the Ba Ba Brooks Band contributes captivating beats, blazing riffs, and a fervent trumpet solo that elevate the track to the highest heights.