Another Monday, another reggae compilation. I might have to make this the last one otherwise it might turn into a "feature" and I don't need the stress that goes with that.
Anyway this time out it is "X-Ray Music", a dub compilation released on the Blood and Fire label in 1999. I found the CD in a 50p box with no sleeve and no track listing on the CD itself, but when I saw the Blood and Fire logo I knew it would be a good buy. And so it proved.
Many of the big names are there - Tubby, Jammy, Scientist and Scratch - but I have chosen a couple of lesser lights for your enlightenment and entertainment today.
"Moses Dub" - JoJo Hookim
"Cool This Dub" - Phillip Smart
Back when the tracks on "X-Ray Music" were recorded Jammy was a mere Prince. He has long since been crowned a king, rightly so, and he has a new album out this Friday. It is called "King Jammy Destroys The Virus With Dub" and it comprises new takes on old tracks. I was sent a couple of them in my capacity as international tastemaker and I'm very pleased to report he is sounding as good as ever.
You can order a copy of the album here and elsewhere, and the video for lead track "Closed Border Dub" premieres on YouTube on Friday to coincide with the album release. And here is an hour-long documentary about the great man from 2006 to help keep you occupied while you are waiting:
I'm happy to have some Dub injected into my arm.
ReplyDeleteIt would blast the virus to smithereens!
50p for anything on Blood and Fire is an absolute no-brainer, cover or no cover. What a great find. Thanks also for the Jammy documentary - I'll be digging into that this evening.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure X-Rated Music was the first Blood And Fire release I bought, brand new for a bargain price of £4.99 from the Virgin Megastore in Bristol. I go back to it frequently.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the King Jammy documentary - thanks for the tip!