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Reggae Music, it can be that an artist's
finest works is hidden in some archive, or
even lost. And with Right Time Rockers - The
Lost Album we have an example of such a
collection.
Originally recorded at Channel One
Studio's in 1976, the tracks themselves are
pretty familiar. Much of the material is
used as backing music for vocal group The
Mighty Diamonds, but never before were they
released in the DUB style on which the
Godfather of Reggae toasting does his work.
That is to say, they have been played in
public by a number of Sound Systems (mobile
discotheques), especially King Tubby's
Hi-Fi. Listening to "Daddy" U
Roy's vocal works would reveal that in a
second or two.
Within the Sound System culture, these
are called "Specials". Dub tracks,
voiced by an MC or "Toaster"
hailing up the particular Sound System that
owns the "Special".
Now, when the Godfather of Reggae
Toasting chants over Mighty Diamond Dubs,
this is a thing which will definitely appeal
to more people than just the owners of the
Sound System.
And when the Godfather of DUB, King Tubby
himself, is at the control tower this would
enlarge the appeal even more.
The folks at the "Sound System"
Label fortunately would agree with that and
they decided to release a collection of
these specials. Hence: Right Time Rockers -
The Lost Album.
The music, for those who don't know the
Mighty Diamonds album "Right Time"
and Dillinger's "CB 200", could
best be described as "Cool
Rockers".
Pure niceness!
Steppers, One Drop rhythms, basslines
that go on and on, combining the militancy
of Rockers with the sweet voices of the
Mighty Diamonds.
Is this U Roy's best album? Obviously,
that is a matter of taste and what have you.
But there are not many Reggae enthusiasts
and connoisseurs who would give this
one a low rating at all.
In fact, there would be a rather large
group that could very well label this to be
U Roy's best album.
A special recommendation for those who
love Roots Rockers in DUB Style, who like
Dillinger's work and Reggae Toasting from
the late 1970's in general.
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