I've been somewhat distracted as I made the mistake of deciding to sort out my CDs, two weeks later and other than numerous piles of CDs scattered about the house I haven't really achieved anything so back to playing Reggae LPs. I didn't even know I had this, found it in a box last week and have no recollection of where or when I bought it, I assume I thought it looked interesting and worth a listen, anyway a few years later and I've had a listen, surprisingly I kind of like it, need a few more listens, but I say that although not perfect it has a certain charm. Personally I wouldn't call this Dub, but they are excellent versions.
Did you all see that Studio One released a digital-only release on Bandcamp yesterday? Rare + unreleased mixes - Rebel Disco, by Studio One Pretty good! Really enjoying the "Arena Rock" unreleased track from Roland Alphonso & Jah Buzz.
I'm somewhat worried that there's no physical release, hopefully just a byproduct of the lock down and not a taste of future plans.
I doubt it's indicative of their future plans. The Studio One fan base seems much more physical than digital. I'm just happy they're offering new music at all during this time.
I had an Al Campbell listening experience today. he certainly has a unique voice. This has been a favourite since it was released. Al Campbell - One Beer Bad Boy (Lecturer Riddim)
Al Campbell is a favourite of mine. Here is he is in London on the Jump The Fence/Licking Stick/Proud Black whatever that amazing rhythm was actually called. Followed by the Massive Horns version:
One lyric (with killer dub version) that reflects these times we live in.... "Kingdom Rise Kingdom Fall, Babylon trying to find a solution..." Kingdom Rise Kingdom Fall - Wailing Souls (12" version - Greensleeves)
Great tune, played it to death back in the day, one day I'll needledrop all my Greensleeves twelves and create some CD-R comps, though I've been saying that for nearly twenty years.
Maybe ten(?) years ago, I downloaded a very large set of Greensleeves 12" needledrops via BitTorrent. There was a great set of Studio One singles (mostly 7") as well. I can't remember where the torrents were hosted (and I couldn't post it here even if I could) but they might still be out there.
I was doing some organizing of some of my vinyl, and came across my copy of Buju Banton 'Champion" 12" max single EP..Threw it on, and enjoyed hearing it again! Pretty intense (especially the acapella version of Champion".Probably not for the casual reggae fan, but a good listen!
Had a look at the Greensleeves twelves earlier, this will give you an idea why I haven't started recording them.
I think it's hard to overestimate the impact "My Boy Lollipop" had, I am born ten years after it was released and still I'd say everyone in my generation knows it, certainly everyone in my parents generation do, and I think still to this day maybe only a couple of Marley's biggest songs can beat it in recognition factor when it comes to music out of Jamaican. I knew it well before I had any idea where it came from or what kind of music it was, and probaly before I heard any other Ska or Reggae or any type of Jamaican inspired music. Most people at that time wouldn't have known anything about Jamaican music, and then that song came along and went into the top of the charts basically all around the world, and even if it was considered a novelty it must have opened lots of doors. I recall one time at a Reggae festival, probably my first time at one, in the early morning hours a sound system playing (I think Fatman) started working it's way backwards with the selection, through Early Reggae, Rock Steady and Ska, and the roots oriented crowd gradually started to loose interest through this, so the DJ stopped the music and gave everyone a good cussing for not appreciating the history of the music, and after an enthusiastic pep talk he finally had the whole audience skanking to "My Boy Lollipop", I'll always remember that moment, looking around at the crowd dancing to Millie blasting over the speakers. R.I.P. Millie... Obituary in The Guardian: Millie Small obituary Steve Barrow on Facebook: Steve Barrow
She was so much more than a one hit wonder novelty act. She was recognised as a legacy artist in Jamaica. I saw today she lived in New Zealand for some time in recent years. Why did no one know that. Not a lot of videos of her performing so I'll stick with her classic track for now.
Besides, the albums already suggested. I like Leroy's self-produced album, The Best, From 1990. Leroy Sibbles - The Best It's a fine digital album with Steelie on the keys. If remember correctly, most (if not all) the riddims are original. Looking at the discogs listing. I'm surprised it is selling for so much.
This was just posted a few hours ago. I am guessing that is a programme from the UK (BBC?). I know Alan Freeman. Don't know the other gentleman.
