Studio One V Channel One - Which studio gets your vote

[AnorakTrev]

My mistake!!

[gunosantos]

Though Studio One has released some of the most important records in reggae history, and is credited to be one of the pioneers in the reggae industry, much of their work doesn't catch my attention, with some obvious exceptions like gladiators, burning spear, sugar minott, johnny osbourne, among few other reggae star wich studio one presented to the world.

On the other hand, Channel One has established the kind of drum pattern that I enjoy the most. Plenty of my favorite records are recorded at channel one by either Revolutionaries or Radics, mostly between 78-83.

So, without any doubt, Channel One gets my vote. It's a matter of (my) taste!

[Lion]

Studio One lost his quality production when Morris left the Studio.

And at Channel One when scienst take over they loss there sound.

Lion

[gunosantos]

In fact, 77-83.

[leggo rocker]

leggo rocker wrote :Dubs aren't the Studio's strong point...

I totally and utterly disagree with both you and Picaraza, although I would have agreed with you not so long ago. The dubs truly are astonishing. Take my advice and hold onto them and one day, like me, you will get them! It may take some time though!!

I bought some more STudio One dubs recently. This time I paid silly money to get the originals. This made all the difference. Better Dub - which I had abandoned because the repress was so poor I could barely listen to the LP through without running for the stop button - suddenly made sense.

But I guess having 'grown up' on Channel One dubs I can't help feeling more 'at home' with that brilliant mid to late 70s Revolutionaries style.

Same goes for the 80s stuff. It was wall to wall Greensleeves for us in those great times, until we discovered Wackies that is. So again, I feel really comfortable listening to old Scientist dubs from the era.

But I want to improve my education so I will keep spinning some Studio One dubs until I understand them better.

Fortunately, my bredder MightyZ is a Studio One fanatic and has always helped me with my education!

[6anbatte]

Hey Leggo Rocker

I must admit I grew up on Channel One as well (I think we are the same age) and if I am completely honest I viewed the Studio One dub albums as, well, old fashioned.

Not sure what caused it but something suddenly clicked and I just found myself listening to them in a different way. I wish I could tell you what it was that clicked, but I can't remember. Maybe it was a more gradual process than I remember.

I have a few originals, but mainly reissues/represses.

I tend to buy them from Sounds Of The Universe and I always try and look at anything before I buy it. Probably sounds odd for a reissue, but they do seem to vary a lot. If I don't like the look of it I don't buy it.
As it isn't always down to being able to spot a bad pressing with the naked eye I have taken albums back and they have happily exchanged them.

I also bought this essential *educational tool* - "[NEVER GROW OLD -
Studio One Singles Listing & Rhythm Directory](http://www.downbeat-special.co.uk/shop.html#booksale)"

[leggo rocker]

I agree with the old fashioned impression. That has been part of my problem, even though I really like Ska and Rocksteady, I enjoy early reggae less so (70 - 74 period).

But, I really wouldn't want to be without the Studio One stuff in my collection! I just don't have nearly as much of it as I do Channel One stuff.

I agree about represses, they do vary. Sadly, HMV Lincoln doesn't have a great stock of Studio One represses (like none) and I'm not in London much nowadays.

I've been toying with the idea of buying that book for a while now and as I am trying to read more reggae material maybe nows a good time to get it.

How come we never had textbooks like that at school?

"Go to school and learn how to be a fool"

[6anbatte]

I've just ordered it's *companion* - "[Downbeat Special](http://www.downbeat-special.co.uk/shop.html#booksale)" - and have just seen that "Never Grow Old" is currently out of print!!

Buy it as soon as it comes back into print. By the way, it's a reference book as opposed to a book you sit down and read. It really is unbelievable. Total respect to Rob Chapman. Absolutely incredible.

[leggo rocker]

Yes, and it's nice to see one of these directories dealing with 12s instead of the usual 7s only!

[picaraza]

I agree with the old fashioned impression. That has been part of my problem, even though I really like Ska and Rocksteady, I enjoy early reggae less so (70 - 74 period).

That is a big problem you've got there!

My preferences run towards the early stuff. The later the date, the more my interest wanes actually. I have to admit when I first read the thread title, I laughed. Channel One is far, far down my list of preferences. I was genuinely surprised to see anyone choose Channel One. [So I'm on a different page completely-- must be *my* age!]

That said, I have to answer 6abette's post. I "get" Studio One. But I don't think the dubs are anything special. When they succeed it is on the strength of the rhythms.

Maybe I'm splitting hairs. But I don't think that the dubs are particularly inspired, even though the rhythms definitely are.