Roots Archives Forum

hey 6anbatte

I used to hang out at Daddy Kools, although was always made to feel really unwelcome despite spending all my money there.

He still sells on ebay

Hi jahadamdom.

I agree, if i`d listened to what some people have said about the Rhino label I would never have got the "United Dreadlocks" album. As it goes, it contains some great songs although the sound quality is slightly less than perfect.

The problem I have with releases on some of these obscure labels is that sometimes you cannot tell if you are buying a legitimate CD or a bootleg copy. Especially so when using second hand sources to try and find the titles that you`re looking for.

I have, in the past, bought releases on several labels (Abraham for instance) where the sound quality is quite good but have then found out later, through threads on this site and other sources, that they are probably bootleg.

It is only by sharing this information and asking questions that you can identify what to avoid in terms of bootleg copies and just outright poor quality copies in terms of sound.

I think this is what this thread is attempting to achieve, just like threads that have been posted on this subject in the past.

I don`t think anyone is trying to turn people off checking out albums just because they don`t like them, thats not what its about. We all have our own tastes.

However, I quite often ask the guys/girls on this forum for their opinions on certain releases. You get to know the peoples tastes over a period of time and can usually get a feel for a particular release from their comments. I`ve picked up some excellent stuff that I may well have passed on if I had`nt got their opinions.

This is a great forum because of people and the commitment they have to the music they love. People who have years of knowledge to share and I for one am glad that I can use this Knowledge in my quest for great music.

Big respect to all of you.

Dave

there are many very poor pressings, both old and new. Sometimes the pressing ruins the music, sometimes it doesn't. Most Cash and Carry LPs by Gregory Isaacs are often poor pressings but, like in the case of Leggo Dub on that label, are still well worth getting hold of.

But there is a distinction between poor pressing and poor mastering. I have the JetStar re of Surrounded by DReads, the master is obviously an actual vinyl LP! But at least I can listen to it in the car, which I can't do with my original LP pressing of it!

Reissues.

K.

Hello check on massive records in camden town go to camden lock place in the middle yard they have a good selection of used vinyl's good luck

Hi Dave

Sad to hear you sold all your jazz and reggae vinyl! I did the same with my reggae about 25 years ago as I needed the cash. Annoyingly, I didn't see the CD revolution on the horizon and assumed I would be able to buy them all back eventually!!! Fool!

The main annoyance (and you may have seen me banging on about this on other threads) is selling Cry Tuff Dub Encounter Chapter 2. For some bizarre reason my favourite track has been left off 'Dubwise'!!!

Hi jahadambom

I started the thread because I had seen some albums at Spitalfields Market. They were brand new, but looked a little iffy to me.

Consequently, I was interested to know if there were labels that anyone knew of that should be avoided.

If someone had, for example, said 6anbatte Records regularly release poor recordings because they are, say, recent live recording with relatively poor bass I would know not to buy the albums on sale at the market.

If someone else said definitely buy them if they are on say, Auralux, as they are from the original master tapes and made with loving care I would have bought them.

The reason I ask is because it is a major issue with blues music. I wondered if this was a case with reggae.

Actually, Chuck Berry is a good example. You have to buy his 'Chess Records' recordings. If not you will, more than often than not, be disappointed.

As it turns out the guy selling the reggae I was interested in wasn't there!

Thanks for all the feedback, by the way.

Re 'hey 6anbatte

I used to hang out at Daddy Kools, although was always made to feel really unwelcome despite spending all my money there.

He still sells on ebay.'

I assume it's shut down then. I hope you make a point of not buying from him!

Hi soufriere1

Please don`t take offence but I was wondering why a few people, like yourself, are so hostile towards re-releases of classic reggae.

There are many younger people growing up who are beginning to have an interest in reggae music and the artists/producers/labels involved. It is these youngsters who are the next generation of reggae fans and reggae needs them to re-generate the interest in the music to help keep it alive.

Most of these younger people weren`t even born 25/30 years ago when much of the greatest reggae music was recorded. They have absolutely no chance of finding many of these gems on original vinyl issue. How would they get to discover, listen to and gain a greater knowledge of the music if it was not for the process of re-issueing music.

If no albums were ever re-issued after the original pressings the music would now not be available to anyone. Its also a fact that many older people who purchase cds etc subsequently relenquish their original vinyl copies which enable the likes of yourself to pick them up.

I can understand people like yourself who probably have a fantastic vinyl collection (which is probably worth a lot of money) and is protective of it. However, it is selfish to not want people to be able to buy re-issues and hear the music they love just because of the detrimental effect you think it may have on your collect.

There is definately a rightful place in the market for re-issues. At the end of the day if you are buying these records for the love of the music, then a re-issue may make your original vinyl copy less of a financial investment, but that shouldn`t matter because you wouldnt sell it anyway. An original is an original whatever else is on the market.

Reggae is the greatest music bar none and should be heard by those who want to listen. Not hidden away for the privileged few.

Respect

Dave

There are some good quality re-releases too. Like those two Lacksley Castell LP albums on Negus Roots, excellent quality replicas, soundwise and the cover art re-production excellent too.

Strongly disagree with this kind protectionism against re-issuing. As long as it's done properly.