Great Reggae LP's (unlikely to be re-issued)

[vlad]

In this great re-issue era, I will go against the current, and post, here, as regularly as possible, LP titles that are fantastic in their own right/style, but are probably unlikely to be re-issued (anytime soon), as either the artist isn't "trendy" and/or there aren't enough solid tracks granting an album re-issue, but still plenty to bite (I'll avoid albums with 1 great track and 9 fillers)

...so look for them elsewhere.

To kick-off the series:

(Wilfred) Jackie Edwards, I Do Love You, Trojan Records, 1972

I see a couple copies on Discogs at a reasonable price. Grab one while they last (and I'm not the seller).

Please don't spoil the show with obvious stuff that will be re-issued (such as Greensleeves/VP which will put out all its back catalog as we can all see, even the pac-man scientist dub stuff, as clock ticks - great

[vlad]

And here is a second recommendation (at least one track released as part of recent Souljazz compilation). Masterpiece from beginning to end, but I doubt a reissue label will take the risk to re-issue this one as well:

Sandra Reid, If Dreams Were Real, Sir George, 1983

[vlad]

About the Edwards LP above, someone just sent me this review:

"As a music nerd, it’s easy to overuse superlatives when talking and writing about music. There’s so much good music out there. This one however is easily one of the best Lp’s I’ve ever heard, regardless of genres. If I had to take one album only with me to a deserted island this would be the one. The first time I heard it I was probably around 15 or 16 years old and I had just started listening to “Reggae”. A Jamaican friend (who hates “Reggae”) had borrowed some vinyls for me from his dad and among them was this album.

It was not love at first sight (or sound), I thought it was okay. At that time I was more of a “Roots” fan and this is as “Lovers rock” and smooth as “Reggae” ever gets. “Jackie Edwards” has probably done more “Soul” and “Easy listening” music than “Reggae”. Throughout the years I kept listening to it and I slowly started liking it more and more. My tape dub of it was getting worn and “Trojan” refused to re-release it on Cd. Getting back into vinyl I started searching for it and bought one “Jackie Edward” after another before I found this; therefore, I was willing to pay good money for it.

On to the review. First up is “I Do Love You”, a sensitive ballad with a strong piano foundation. It’s an excellent start to this album. Jackie’s voice is as strong as ever and fits the tune perfectly. Those of you who want uncompromising Roots with a strong backbeat, experimental instrumentals with quirky sounds, echoes and stripped down dub will be disappointed. It has a commercial, early seventies “Reggae” vibe. I don’t use the word “commercial” in an insulting kind of way. Yes, this album was made for the charts and (most likely) intimate moments with your loved one. That does not make it any less powerful.

Next song is “Don’t Stop” which is similar to the first song. Skip a few tracks and we get to “Your Eyes Are Dreaming”. Still very much dominated by a piano, but more upbeat than the first few slower songs. The tempo gets faster with the sixth and last song on side A, “Julie On My Mind”, which has a “full” sound with flutes and violins among the instruments. It’s not a bad song, but probably my least favorite on here.

I’m a firm believer in variety on an album. You can’t have songs of only one kind. There has to be some upbeat ones, a few slower and if it’s a “Roots” you need a few love songs and vice versa. The first song on side B is “On the Run (With a Gun)” which not too surprisingly is a “rudebwoy” tune. Smooth and relaxed all the same, but lyrically different and more up-tempo than the other songs. After this it’s back to the love songs with “A Little Story” and “Do What You Wanna Do” which musically remains among the more upbeat tunes. We’re treated to another “rudebwoy” tune with “Johnny Gunman”, a very catchy tune with a great chorus and among my favorites on here. Another favorite is “Miss Black & Beautiful” which is a sensitive ballad about a woman very dear to Jackie Edwards’ heart. I can’t say enough positive things about it.

In all this is an amazing album and “Jackie Edwards’ “ best. He walks the fine line between commercial and genuine, but manages to produce one of the best fusions of “Reggae”, “Soul” and “Pop” I’ve ever heard. As mentioned, this is not for the “Roots” crowd as it’s very polished, but if you like the more commercial examples of early 70’s “Reggae” this is a gem. If you enjoyed Trojans’ successful “Tighten Up” series this is right up your alley."

[Nickyjprod]

I'm actually not a big fan of this Jackie Edwards' LP. I'm more likely fan of 70's roots vibes. Then there is an album I wish some actual label should re-issue this is the Freddie McKay's "Harsh Words" LP on Gorgon Records 1982. By the way I'm looking for the vinyl copy since such a long time and I still don't have it yet...

[vtov]

Yes vlad - for those who want to check it - a whole heap of those Jackie tunes are on this compilation:
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/3835

Is a major set with lots of good tracks going way back in time - I haven't had chance to get through it all yet

[vlad]

Here is another Edwards, in case the previous doesn't do it for you.

Jackie Edwards ‎– The Original "Mr. Cool Ruler", 1983 Vista LP

Includes a killer ride on the Queen of the Minstrell rhythm called "Angel of Love" which deserves a 12" issue, if someone can get ahold of the master tapes.

[kalcidis]

That is a lovely and highly underrated album, vlad. His King of the Ghetto LP which is of equal strength goes for ten times the cost. I would personally say I rate both as high. Generally that early 80's period of heavy and sparse Bunny Lee productions with singers on them are some of my favourite albums (Paragons, Cornell Campbell, Jackie Edwards, Johnny Clarke etc etc). A lot of classic rhythms updated without sounding tired.

My favourite songs on the set is You Lied and All Night Session.

[kevin]

Carlton and The Shoes - This Heart of Mine
Cultural Roots - Hella Go Pop
Dub Specialist - ALL of the Studio One dub albums
Ethiopians - Everything Crash
The Heptones - Black is Black (Ting a Ling)
John Holt - Up park camp
Keith Hudson - Furnace / Class and Subject / From One extreme to Another / Steaming Jungle
Jolly Brothers - Conscious man
I Kong - The Way It Is
Light of Saba - Light of Saba / In Reggae
The Meditations - Message from... / wake Up
Sugar Minott - Bitter Sweet
Mystic eyes - Mysterious
Ras Michael - Tribute to the Emperor / Movements
The Viceroys - We Must Unite / Brethren
Wayne Wade - Evil Woman / Dancing Time / Fire Fire / Black is Our Colour
Yabby You - Jah Jah Way

that's for a start....

[kalcidis]

Cultural Roots - Hella Go Pop
Light of Saba - Light of Saba / In Reggae
Mystic eyes - Mysterious (partially at least as an Anthony Johnson LP)
Ras Michael - Tribute to the Emperor / Movements
Yabby You - Jah Jah Way

These have all been reissued in the last five or so years I'm quite certain.

[Siegi]

I Kong - The Way It Is also reiussed VP I believe