Linval Thompson 45 review -- reposted from B&F site.
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:14 pm
Linval Thompson
"Kung Fu"/Version
Striker Lee (dist. Deadly Dragon/ http://www.deadlydragonsound.com/)
This is an interesting and EXTREMELY rare recut of the better-known "Kung Fu Man" that Linval first recorded for Lee Perry. It's unclear if this version has been previously released or not. Linval didn't recall the track until he heard an .mp3 of it but said it was a slightly later Bunny Lee production. It rides a minimalist fliers rhythm that unfortunately doesn't have the force or the sense of humor of the original, not to mention Scratch's knee-breaking 'shout chorus.' The raw fliers sound is similar to Linval's early cuts of "Ja Jah Dread" and "Girl You Got To Run" recorded for Phil Pratt.
For Linval Thompson or Bunny Lee enthusiasts, this record is a must, for general interest, it's not as compelling. It's a Deadly Dragon exclusive, so props to them for bringing it out. You can hear a sound sample here:
http://www.deadlydragonsound.com/v3_rec ... p?id=11040
Also, if anyone can verify the detail about the first release noted in the link above, please do! The entry on www.riddimbase.net implies that the World Champ release was the Perry original.
--Carter Van Pelt
"Kung Fu"/Version
Striker Lee (dist. Deadly Dragon/ http://www.deadlydragonsound.com/)
This is an interesting and EXTREMELY rare recut of the better-known "Kung Fu Man" that Linval first recorded for Lee Perry. It's unclear if this version has been previously released or not. Linval didn't recall the track until he heard an .mp3 of it but said it was a slightly later Bunny Lee production. It rides a minimalist fliers rhythm that unfortunately doesn't have the force or the sense of humor of the original, not to mention Scratch's knee-breaking 'shout chorus.' The raw fliers sound is similar to Linval's early cuts of "Ja Jah Dread" and "Girl You Got To Run" recorded for Phil Pratt.
For Linval Thompson or Bunny Lee enthusiasts, this record is a must, for general interest, it's not as compelling. It's a Deadly Dragon exclusive, so props to them for bringing it out. You can hear a sound sample here:
http://www.deadlydragonsound.com/v3_rec ... p?id=11040
Also, if anyone can verify the detail about the first release noted in the link above, please do! The entry on www.riddimbase.net implies that the World Champ release was the Perry original.
--Carter Van Pelt