Roots Archives Forum

Ok, I found this 6 track 12" acetate in a pretty nice roots collection that seemed to be a lot of old store deadstock. It has no markings on it whatsoever and came in a textured non die-cut sleeve. I had no idea what it is but it sounds damn nice. Really deep roots stuff. The first track is an absolute winner.

I have audio but get message

"Sorry, you can't post more than 1 link in your first message.
Please remove some links and try again."

Maybe I can post below or send direct..

I listed it online and got a response that a track sounded like a recut version of Ras Toney "Love Rastafari" on Word Of Life Weed Of Wisdom label. If u listen to the track around 4:10 on my clip it does in fact sound like a really slow version of this. Totally different cut but the lyrics and vocals are the same.

I decided to dig a little deeper and I found the only other release from this label is by Rafiel and Ras Brandell "Sprit of 77" .. I relistened to my acetate and found the last song recorded (around 10:00 in my clip) is a totally different version, but the same song. Same groove, the lyrics are changed from "This is the spirit of Rastafari" to "This is the spirit of 77".. same melody but a totally recut version.

What makes it even more interesting is the Rafiel and Ras Brandell 45 is listed on the Wackies discography http://bullwackie.smokeyroom.net/07inch/worldoflife.htm and there is a gentleman by the name of Toney Allen who was a session guitarist for Wackie's named Toney Allen.. possibly the Ras Toney in quesion??

Another interesting point is that the first track on the clip around :24 the singer misses their vocal cue. Rather sloppy and I don't think a version like that would have been released. Also few tracks the run in grooves are extra long run in grooves with 2 or 3 minutes of silence before the songs start. I kinda feel like this was a scrapped LP because of some sloppiness of the band and possible pressing/editing mistake (long cueing).

I have no other indication of any other releases from these names. I really believe this was an unreleased LP.


A few questions:

Is Word of Wisdom / Weed Of Life the name of the label or a band? Labels credit "lead vocalist" and releases by bands usually do that. Also there is a woman singing on the first track recorded. Mulitple singers would lead me to think this was a band's lp or a showcase LP from the label rather than an individual artist.

Label also says "Singers and Players Of Instruments", could this be a possible band/collective name?

Is there a Wackies connection here? I hit up the guy who runs the Wackie's discography site tonight but haven't got a response yet. Does kinda feels like an American/ NY 70's group. Somebody else even noted that on the RKR forum on facebook.

Any info/thought/comments are appreciated! I think this is a pretty cool unknown find!

Acetate Audio: https://app.box.com/s/cc0f6qs96ng4fkk58etggmdw4gcsdgnb

Ras Toney:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED-wGnX2GBk

Listen around 4:10 on my above link an uw ill hear a slow version of this same track

Rafiel and Ras Brandell "Spirit Of 77" audio: http://www.caledoniax.com/sounds/rafael_spiritof77_.mp3

If u listen on my clip at 10:00 u will hear a different version of this same song. The lyrics are changed and there's different arrangements but the melody and groove are the exactly the same.

Wow, this is an interesting record you found! Can't really help you but to me the "Word of Wisdom / Weed Of Life" version of "Love Rastafari" sounds absolutely like a Wackies production or at least a Wackies recording so I'd follow this clue with Ras Toney. It is also possible that both versions are by the same singer, what do you think?
The amateur-Sherlock in me concludes: this is likely as not a mid 70s NY band who recorded some tracks in 1977 at Wackies studio but not this EP/LP as it sounds quite different from the two 7".
Please keep us updated!

You should ask RB from DKR, he's putting out loads of Wackies & is probably in contact with Bullwackie himself?


cheers
j j

I saw a few days ago you posted it for 3 grand on ebay.

Anyways. You are stretching things way to far. It´s not related in any way to wackies.

this is a Bunny Lee thing as everyone can hear.. Most likely a dubplate.

Nice find. Thanks for sharing it with us.
But are you selling it without knowing all the truth behind it yet?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Root ... 2112592272

I obviousy know nobody is likely to pay 3000 bucks for it. I wanted to put it out there and get some attention on it and see if anybody recognised the tracks. That's exactly what happened. I was alerted to the Ras Toney track thru ebay.