Roots Vibration Belgium 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: This is some essential original roots reggae from all the way back in 1977. Recorded by Earl (Sixteen) Daley, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Steely, Albert Malawi and Dalton Browne at the legendary Black Ark studios and now reissued by Belgian connoisseurs Roots Vibration, "Freedom" is a real stepper; sweet guitar licks and vocal work with drums and bass piled up on top of one another in perfect harmony. If you're after something deeper, flipover for the "Dub" version provided by The Upsetters. Timeless.

Review: The Ethiopians were a big part of the 70s roots and reggae scene. Their catalogue has been pillaged here by the always-on-point Belgian label Roots Vibration, and they have come up with their 'Obeah Book' tune for reissue on this 45rpm. It was produced by Niney The Observer and is a deep steady and rolling rhythm that has some nice and playful piano up top, but the icing on the cake is the heartfelt vocals. On the back, Observer goes it alone with 'Back Weh', a nice head-twisting dub.

Review: Belgium's Roots Vibration continue to do good work and now look to Winston Jarrett (the Jamaican reggae singer who was part of Alton Ellis' group The Flames in the 1960s) for another re-issue that is well worthy of your attention. This is heavy hitting roots rarity produced by Dillinger in 1983, and here Jarrett is in fine form as he muses on self empowerment. The bass cuts deep and the tropical synths bring the sunshine into this most carefree groover. Flip over for "Rebel", all lit up with slick effects and a tinkling piano line that tugs at the heart strings.

Review: Roots Vibration keep up their tireless dub reissue work with another dig into the untouchable back catalogue of the one and only Lee "Scratch" Perry. Back to 1978, this is a slab of gold that was first recorded in the revered Black Ark studios the dub don owned before burning it down in a stoned and paranoid state. "Captive" finds him musing inwardly on the continual enslavement of black people in the West, calling for mental and spiritual liberation. The Upsetters once again dub it out on the flip side in excellent fashion.

Review: Canada isn't often associated with dub but on this occasion it's where Belgium's Roots Vibration head for a fine reissue. The Uplifter were a duo formed of vocalists Egbert Dennis and Marcel Williams and their poison is heavy bass. On "Strength & Power" they are blissed out and laid back, while the little guitar riffs get you in a trance as the drums boom away. The slick dub on the flipside is even more drenched in warmth and reverb. This is a limited edition of 500 so move quick.