[.ca] Dub Factor (W/Dlxpk)

Started A Tradition:
Maybe the first Uhuru dub is the best one; I remember, when all I had to this album, was the island cassette, I remember too, some island cassettes, ran the who album on both sides, maybe they said, you could use the space on the other side for some of your own taping, I am not sure. but now, CDs, liner notes; I never knew if Sly and Robbie were on the back of the original album art, probably. the dub tracks often have titles reflecting the mechanical nature of the dubbing technique, i.e. "ion storm", "android rebellion" but make no mistake about it, underlying these titles are the original Black Uhuru songs; appropriately, "big foot" and "fleety foot" for "ion storm" and "I don't like " for "android rebellion". The biggest share of these dubbed tracks are from the album, "Chill Out", however, there are some also, from "Red" and other releases. It became a tradition; with Black Uhuru after this release, to dub every CD; correct me if I am wrong, it seems that way. In fact, contrary to what I just said, the liner notes, states that "the digital revolution virtually erased dub albums from Jamaica's musical map." Then, why? and one can search it out here, are there dub albums for Black Uhurus subsequent releases, "In dub", "Brutal dub", "Love dub" to name just three of them? But, the liner notes must have reasoning to them, & are edifying to read, Paul "Groucho" Smykle in London is largely responsible for the dub product we hear on this release. And what a product: in college, with that cassette, it was just curiosity; to get the dub; now hearing it some years later, it is fresh anew; with three added bonus tracks. "Ion Storm" sets off the album, the first dub note, "Youth" (from Eglington) is next; "Ion storm" is very memorable to listen to and again and again. Youth is what one might expect. "Big Spliff (Right stuff)" has some awesome percussion beat; nice voice dubbing (all tracks have the Uhuru vocalists tracks on them and in the case of say, Michael Rose, such an interesting performer, it does let you have another chance to hear some of his spontaneous vocalizations); "Boof n Baff n biff (eye market)" what a name, but this is one of the better tracks too. With a bit of editing; maybe would make a good movie theme. And in this and recurrent in the album, is that Reggae Keyboard theme. Beautiful. "Puffed out" and "Android Rebellion" hold their own, the former, you get a good listening to the guitar riffs involved. But starting with "Apocalypse (Darkness)", a more serious side, takes hold of the album. You might wish to wear headphones for listening to all this. "Apocalypse" might be to heavy, intense, dives into darkness a bit too much for some sittings, be ready; a bit like the first time some sees some parts of the movie Fantasia. Luckily, things balance out. I could go on, and write about the remaining tracks. "Cool off (Carbine)" is an already dubbed song; interesting to hear the remixes. Oh, and in all these songs, one can find some amazingly fine bass playing by Robbie Shakespeare; so much dub on the drums, and percussions, one wonders, is it ? or is it? understand! maybe the first Uhuru dub is the best one, but I don't know, I've got to find that out first hand; it is a lot to get on a budget, but eventually; since Black Uhuru has put out so much good music throughout the years, not only with Michael Rose, the pereniall member, Duckie Simpson; I admire for his solid devotion to the group. But if you all haven't heard, it is reported, M. Rose will return to the group; we will see.

Dub Review:
I bought this C.D. as an accident, not knowing that it was dub. I was almost going to return it, but after listening to the songs a couple of times it turned me into a dub fan. I would suggest this album to any reggae lovers, even if you generally dont like dub.

• Ion Storm
• Youth
• Big Spliff
• Boof N' Baff N' Biff
• Puffed Out
• Android Rebellion
• Apocalypse
• Back Breaker
• Sodom
• Slaughter
• Cool Off \o#\c\o*\c
• Destination Unknown \o*\c
• Fire and Brimstone \o*\c