Roots Archives Forum

I was hoping that some of you could share information about releases that were remixed for foreign markets or remixed over the artists' wishes.

Off the top of my head I can think of:
* Black Uhuru "Anthem" (US) and (UK) releases.

* LKJ "Making History"

* Burning Spear "Living Dub 1" and "Living Dub 2" on Heartbeat.

* Burning Spear "Dry and Heavy"

Can you [pl.?] add a few more?

And, if possible, recommend ways to get the original releases?

Thanks!

There are many. To get the original releases always go for the early (and sadly usually expensive) JA presses.

Wasn't the most famous one of all The Wailers - Catch A Fire, now released on a double CD containing both versions? But Chris Blackwell always insisted the London overdubs were done with Bob's blessing (and he's probably right).

Other albums to beware of are the first two by I Jah Man. I doubt they strictly meet your criteria because both versions were for the UK market, but the CDs of Haile I Hymn and Are We A Warrior aren't only different to the LPs through the addition of bonus tracks. In both cases the original songs were remixed and variously extended or shortened when re-issued on CD.

As for Burning Spear's Living Dubs, they were issued on CD in 2002 on the Burning Music label under the title Original Living Dub Vol.1 (BM316) & Vol.2. Ernie B currently has a repress LP of Volume 1 available for $9.99, and the original press for $39.99 if you're prepared to pay for authenticity!

There's also Spear's Marcus Garvey that was speeded up or slowed down (I forget which) for the international market, not forgetting the confusion that is Social Living (aka Marcus Children).

Peter Tosh LP Wanted dread or alive was also released with different mixes & also some track changes in US compared to the UK release.