| Many
Reggae releases, especially those in the
past, would have a Jamaican release and a
foreign pressing. That's not quite the case
with this one, but nevertheless it's worth
mentioning it.
Original Living Dub Volume One was
originally released on vinyl, but later an
album of the same title would be released in
CD format. It would also be a completely
different album.
Now here is the original in CD format as
well.
No longer is this classic work only
available on irritating vinyl that will
slowly tear the music apart and turn it into
an inaudible cacophony of scratches.
No longer is it only available for big
sums of money on sites like E-bay where only
the collectors seem to be the ones making
money.
Living Dub volume one contains Dub
versions of Burning Spear's album
"Social Living". And it should be
noted, that even those who love Roots Reggae
but don't really care for Dub as still enthusiastic
about Living dub.
And with reason!
The title track, as well as tunes like
"Jah No Dead", definitely captures
the rootsy and meditative vibe that comes
with Burning Spear's material.
But that's not all, for this album goes
beyond that vibe and explores deeper
realms.
Winston Rodney's majestic voice appears
on quite a number of occasions, while skillful
use of the effect devices (phasers, reverbs,
echo's) will impress the listener with an
exposure of a dimension in Burning Spear's
music that is unheard of in his non-dub
releases.
The music is mixed by Sylvan Morris, who
was very influential in the legendary Studio
One Sounds. He had released a couple of Dub
albums under his own name, but never went to
gain the same status as let's say a King
Tubby or Prince Jammy.
Too bad, because this album showcases his
talents in the discipline of Dub mixing.
Talents that enabled him to mix Burning
spear's works in a way which, again, also
appeals to the lovers of Roots Reggae that
could not be moved by Dub.
Is it worth, to get the 1990's version of
Living Dub, too? You decide. But if you were
to choose between Original Living Dub and
the 1990's remake by Barry O' Hare, we
highly recommend the Original.
Even when you don't have the album Social
Living.
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