| Personally,
I am always very exited over albums or
tracks containing both the vocal as well as
the dub version in one mix. Albums with such
tracks are usually called a
"Showcase" in Reggae Culture. This
album almost is such a showcase: only the
last one doesn't come with it's Dub version.
I wonder why. No space? Mmm.... This album
used to an LP, but then, in this Re-issue
from Ras Records it would have been a nice
bonus as a CD can contain much more music
then the 36 and a half minutes it lasts now.
Clearly a missed change. As the title
already indicates, we are talking here about
an album recorded during the times in which
Gregory Isaacs was a rising star. The
"Cool Ruler", as the nickname of
the master of the Lovers' Rock genre is
called, as he rides over riddims created by
Sly and Robbie's own Taxi Gang. Super-tight
Roots and Culture tracks as well as some
slick Lover's tunes.
The album starts of with a nice version
of "Soon Forward", riding on the
One Drop rhythm. Gregory's voice reaching
the higher regions without problem and the
Dub is, eerrr...., cool. The second track
(You'll Never Know) is more energetic, as
the Steppers Drum are introduced and some
chord changes improve the very melodic vibe.
Excessive use of Bell Percussion adds to
this vibe. It could have been a little less,
but then, the song isn't very long too.
Track number three is a Roots and Culture
song called "Motherless Children":
a biblical commandment to take good care of
those in need on a tight Roots Reggae
rhythm. Roots and Culture is not over with
only this track, cause the next song is
"Slave Driver", a heartical cry to
remember that injustices and wickedness will
not last forever. What babylon has done to
the slaves will come back at their own head.
This track has become a true Reggae Classic,
and many artists have recorded or performed
their own version of it. Gregory's rendering
is not the least of them. After this,
Gregory goes back into Lovers' Rock with
"Mistake", an upfull tune with
some nice conga works in the mix and a dub
which is way too short. Not the strongest
track on the album. The one after is way and
way much stronger: "Going
Downtown" is a strong track about
Reggae Music as freeing up the minds of
people because it gives strength for those
who suffer. Hear Gregory singing about the
things that were done in the past and how he
is not going to allow babylon to push it
onto him too. The CD closes of with
"I'm Coming Home". As soon as you
hear the first lines, you hear that this
track comes from totally different sessions
than the other tunes. The track is dubby,
mellow and low: chill out.
The Dubs on the album aren't really
heavy, or excessively psychedelic. And many
of them are not of the same length as the
vocals. I've heard better dubs from Sly and
Robbie and so when I listen to the riddims,
I am a bit disappointed. The riddims are
good and simply ask for a treat by such as
Prince Jammy. The bassguitar is
professionally mixed to a prominent
position. I would still recommend this album
to those who are interested in Reggae's
history, as this album features the voice of
Gregory during the time in which he was an
upcoming star as well as the tight rhythm
twins: Sly and Robbie. No essential addition
to your collection, but also not a mis-buy.
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