Roots Archives Forum

I bought the Justic League re-issue of "Return of Wax" a while ago, only to be surprised by Trojan re-issuing of this album with "Musical Bones" and "Kung Fu.."

The Justice League re-issue is obviously master from vinyl. Lots of pops and hiss.

Was this remedied by the Trojan "Dubstrumentals" re-issue?

How about the Trojan "Dub Triptych?" Fares better than the Clocktower releases?

Yes, its a far better mastering, good sound quality (considering of course it was recorded in the Black Ark around 1975). I think Trojan did a good work by compiling this three albums, Musical Bones is my personal favourite with some extremely rare bonus tracks. The dub Tryptich is a good choice also (Cloak and Dagger first time on cd) and those vinyl hiss and ruffles noises are minimum.
Anyway, the Justice League re-issue has some nice tracks from Delroy Butler and Keith Rowe, and a awesome cover-art.

Yes, I agree. The sound quality is very good. Not pops and hisses. Musical Bones is a great instrumental album and in my opinion the best of the three on the reissue. In terms of trombone-featured reggae albums, it comes second to Rico's "Man from Wareika".

Yes, all releases are solid. I just been had in the late 90s buying poorly mastered re-issues (on vinyl and CD)!

I have Trojan's "Dub Triptych". Does anyone know how the Blackboard Jungle Dub it contains compares with the Auralux 'Upsetters 14 Dub Blackboard Jungle'? I mean this on a sonic level.
Is the mastering better?

I see there are addtional tracks - Upsetting Rhythm #1, Upsetting Rhythm #2, Upsetting Rhythm, Happy Roots - but does it sound so good that it has to be bought again or would I just be buying it for these additional tracks?

Incidentally, the first time I bought Blackboard Jungle Dub on vinyl both sides were traditional Indian music!

The second time (11 years ago?) was on CD and it was a twofer. Blackboard Jungle Dub and, I am pretty sure, Scratch And Company - Chapter 1, The Upsetters.

Hi 6anbatte

I`ve recently bought the "14 Blackboard Jungle Dub" on Auralux and the sound quality is excellent.

The Auralux CD is a straight re-issue of the original JA album with the 4 extra tracks added.

It isn`t an essential purchase if you alreadt have the vinyl and are only buying it for the extra tracks. But to be able to listen to a re-issue of a classic album on the move imo makes it an essential purchase.

Respect

Dave

Hi Dave

I don't have the vinyl anymore (doh again!), I have it on the CD Dub Triptych - http://www.roots-archives.com/release/3483. I wondered if this was as good as the Auralux CD. Do you know if the version on Dub Triptych is also a re-issue of the original JA album?

Thanks.

Hi 6anbatte,

Yes its the same as the Auralux re-issue without the 4 bonus tracks.

Respect

Dave

Hi Darewon,

Exactly how poor is the sound quality on the Justice League re-issue of "Return of Wax"

I have the "Rastafari Liveth" re-issue on the same label and its pretty good sound considering where and when the tracks were recorded.

Would you, having heard the CD before purchasing, opted for the Dubtrumental release ?

Its just i`ve seen the 3 Cds that make up the Dubstramentals compilation on sale quiet cheap and was thinking about purchasing them individually as cost wise there`s not a lot in it.

Respect

Dave

Hi Dave

Thanks for that.