Just like Living Dub 1, there are two versions of this album. The one reviewed here is the original vinyl version, now re-released on CD by Burning Spear's own Burning Music label.

Burning Spear has done a lot to promote Reggae music to new audiences. Rock audiences, for example. Many people had never heard the music or could not be appealed by Bob Marley's style of Reggae, but they would love Burning Spear.

The music was originally released on the Island label, where Winston Rodney was signed to during the late 1970's, early 1980's. The label had connections with that rock audience in the UK and other places, and so introduced Spear's raw and militant Reggae to that audience.

This album, as said, was not released on the Island label but on Spear's own Burning Music. It was a time, wherein DUB was underestimated even more than it is today. The remixing techniques that had been developed in Jamaica were considered to be too local to appeal world wide.

How wrong they were...

(Original) Living DUB 2 is an essential addition to your collection. When you already own Hail H.I.M., it is even a must-have as the album reveals the power of Dub in an extraordinary way.

There are dimensions in Reggae Music which can only be heard when it is mixed in Dub Style, and Living Dub 2 is a school-example of it. Compare the Dubs with their vocal counterparts and realize that you are actually listening to two completely different vibes.

But it's all Burning Spear.

And Burning Spear means raw and militant Reggae, deep spiritual vibes and thoughtful lyrics. Every now and then, you will hear snippets of Spear's voice throughout the album and these fragments contain enough food for thought.

So: enjoy the Dub, meditate on the lyrics, and consider the true power of DUB every time you hear Original Living Dub Volume Two.