One of the unsung movers and shakers of 1970s reggae, Ivan Smith worked as in-studio producer and record promoter for both Bunny Lee and Channel 1, whilst quietly producing and releasing his own catalogue of high-quality 45s.
Here is the first ever compilation, pure classics, all taken from master tapes, in a lovely silkscreened sleeve.
Ace.
The dubwise companion to the recent Roots From The Record Smith compilation, featuring the B-side dub versions from the original 45s, nearly all taken from master tapes, and culminating cataclysmically in Tubby’s out-of-this-world dub of Ronnie Davis’ Power Of Love.
Still breathtaking.
Poignantly-reflective next version of Horace’s Jah Is The One rhythm (from the Pure Ranking set), with MR’s unmistakable moves, and dub.
First time out for this recent do-over of Yabby You’s mighty King Pharaoh’s Plague — with dub.
Wholesome digi-roots bumper from 1990; rinsed by Shaka in the day.
Luminously upful mid-seventies roots.
Scunna’s bro King Tubby dishes up a heavy dub.
Lovely record.
This rare roots outing by the lovers specialist is a sweet, heartfelt tribute to the great JA revolutionary. A Lloyd Parks production, with a proper dub.
Good advice, beautifully delivered by the pair who had appeared as pre-teens ten years earlier in the film Rockers. Later known as Bitter Roots.
Doomy, futuristic, Channel One rub-a-dub, with sick synths and vocoder courtesy of producer Earl Lindo at Tuff Gong. The Version says everything that needs to be said.
Killer. Strongly recommended.
An unnerving ride on Yabby You’s almighty Conquering Lion rhythm — a darkly atmospheric tale of pestilence and the dark arts, our kind of Christmas Carol. Crowning a great year for Digikiller, this is essential.