Easily passed over, King Edwards ska is for the gods, so a phase of Dub Store reissues is a mouth-watering prospect.
This opening salvo is low-slung, moody, trombone-led fire.
The leader usually goes by the diminutive Ron, reserving Ran and Rad for his Pantomine sides. He was an Alpha Boys alumnus, a Soul Brother after Don D’s departure, and an Upsetter for Blackboard Jungle.
Wayne and Larry Douglas’ flip is the A-side of the original Rio 45, in 1965: a stomper illumined with sweet lyrics about suffering, gratitude, and fidelity.
Island disco sung by a Rasta in the Bronx, over an 808 & chopper bass, with a gospel chorus, and fuzz guitar which sounds like P-Funk! Originally released in 1982 on the Sunshine label.
Plus Wilie Lindo leading a mellow instrumental version of Barry White’s Midnight & You, with Lloyd Charmers at the controls, for all the lovers in the dance. Original released in 1975 on Wild Flower.
Fifteen sides produced by Carl ‘Stereo’ Fletcher for his Uprising and Stereo Beat labels. Quality, mellow, seventies roots, in vocals, toasts and instrumentals. Five previously unreleased recordings in amongst hard-to-finds, and classics like Little Roy’s Christopher Columbus.
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.