The CD adds the Majority Rule album, also from 1978.

Forty-eight Alvin Ranglin productions… The Ethiopians, Cynthia Richards, Charlie Ace, The Slickers, The Maytones…

Tight, heartfelt, urgent sufferers. Niney when the two sevens clashed.

Sublime, masterful singing — poetic, polyphonic, evocative sufferers — over a stately and atmospheric Java excursion, more sombre than mystical. Super-soulful. Ace.

Max’s masterpiece & prime Upsetter.

This essential reggae LP was recorded at Randy’s and the Black Ark, and originally released in 1975 on Black World. Powerful songs, steeped in no-messing revolutionary socialism, beautifully delivered by Max Romeo at his peak, clear as a bell, with expertly lean production by Bullwackies’ Clive Hunt (besides Pete Weston and Lee Perry himself). The CD adds a heap of dubs, and toasts by Prince Far-I and I-Roy.

“Got to clean up your hammer and sharpen your sickle… In this time of revelation… Dread… Coming from high places where there is no screw faces… Selfish barbarism has got to stop.”

Soon after leaving JA for the US in 1978, Max conducted this moody survey of 8th Avenue, Manhattan.
With the same measures of disgust, funk and soul as Melt Away.
Don’t miss the organ instrumental on the flip, originally entitled Sin City. Jackie Mittoo in his own time and space.

Routinely 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, from 1965: a stomper illumined with sweet lyrics about suffering, gratitude, and fidelity.