Augustus Pablo - Thriller / Dubbing In Africa

[costarica]

Having worked out that these are one and the same album, I'd be interested to know if it can be regarded as a bonafide Pablo album or as some have suggested that his involvement was minimal and limited to appearances on only 4 or 5 tracks. Also which is the best pressing to own. Thanks.

[davek]

No, Pablo used to be quite p**d off about this one, Enos McLeod liscensed it to a UK company as "Thriller" using his name. It was released in 1980 or 1981 in Canada by Abraham records as "Dubbing In Africa".

I have a copy of both releases, but years since I have played either, but I recall that "Thriller" is pressed on better quality vinyl than "DIA".

[Funky Punk]

Are we talking about this one?

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/1740

I was thinking of getting that on CD soon, because it's recently been reissued/remastered. No good then?

[flashman]

I've been wondering about this myself.
@davek. Can you clarify? Was he upset because his name was on it but he had no involvement, or because Enos released some of his work without his consent/without rights

Because at this late date, if it really is actually Pablo but it was released shadily, I'd still be interested. If its just bogus and he had nothing to do with, but it's still good, I still might be interested, though less so.

If it's bogus and it sucks as well, then I won't bother.

[costarica]

Are we talking about this one?

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/1740

I was thinking of getting that on CD soon, because it's recently been reissued/remastered. No good then?

yes or this one...

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/2445

[davek]

I've been wondering about this myself.
@davek. Can you clarify? Was he upset because his name was on it but he had no involvement, or because Enos released some of his work without his consent/without rights

Because at this late date, if it really is actually Pablo but it was released shadily, I'd still be interested. If its just bogus and he had nothing to do with, but it's still good, I still might be interested, though less so.

If it's bogus and it sucks as well, then I won't bother.

They aren't his productions, he is only on a few of the tracks as a session man. His objection was that it was framed as a "Pablo" LP. I don't think I have played it since the days of Regan and Thatcher, but I recall it being quite mediocre. But tastes vary, so I would suggest listening to it before you drop down any cash, there are so many better "Pablo" records to buy.

[costarica]

Even so the tracks I've heard sound fantastic to me. Mixed/engineered by Tubby reputedly or at least at Tubbys studio. Still on my wish list.

[jayb]

Just reading one of the More Axe compilations of articles/interviews put together by Colin Moore and Ray Hurford. This one includes an interview with Pablo and includes the following interchange:

Q "On the theme of LP's recorded, did you record an LP for Wackies?"

A "I didn't do an LP with Wackies. That album was just music I did for two producers. And they just put two tunes together and two tunes together until they form an album. And they name the album three different name 'Thriller', 'Pablo Nuh Jester' and 'Dubbing in Africa'. The same album. They just keep changing the name, different jacket."

It got some good tracks on it but not really out of the top draw...

[flashman]

I finally got this. It's got some great stuff on it! Who is that on piano on the Marcus Garvey rhythm? I guess it's Gladdy. So killer! It's really obvious this isn't a Pablo record. I think he is only playing on about half the record. And it's mostly the tunes without melodica that are the best. He kind of phones it in on some tracks. Some really enjoyable horns and piano leads though. Pretty nice instrumental reggae lp.

In my opinion this is well worth getting, just know the credits are dubious.

[Lost Shoe]

Despite not being a consistent album I really like most of the tunes. In my opinion this is far from a waste of your money. Some tracks are definitely strong.