Roots Archives Forum

[cover=4730,2088]
Does anyone have this? A copy of the Coxsone pressing is coming my way, but I haven't heard it yet. Quite high anticipation levels, as it's apparently an early 1974 dub LP, which would put it around the same time as the raw/beautiful Blackboard Jungle Dub... Is Mello Dub at that level?

nah, It's definitly not as good as blackboard jungle dub.
It's (in my opinion ) also not the best studio one dub LP that was released.
.

I must admit I love all of the Dub Specialist albums, but do think they are an acquired taste.

Not sure if you can compare it to "Blackboard..." either as it is very different. Let's face it Scratch is pushing the outer envelope there.

The thing with the Studio One dubs is the riddims are (obviously) second to none and, consequently, that is the most important factor.

In this case the tracks include dubs of;
Just Say Who (Horace Andy), Where Do The Children Play (Horace Andy), Pretty Looks Isn't All, Creation Rebel (Burning Spear), Pick Up The Pieces (Royals) and Rougher Yet (Slim Smith).

If on first listening you are disappointed I would stick with it. It might take a while, but you will get it with after repeated listening. One piece of advice though is to not listen to it after you've been listening to anything recorded at Channel One.

Incidentally, I used to be a Channel One disciple, but now I would take a Studio One album everytime.
It did take me about 30 years to *get it* though!

Happy listening.

You're so very right 6anbatte. Studio One is the Foundation.

Yes, it is an acquired taste and it may take awhile to get into Studio One sound, but there is something unique in that sound which makes it uncomparable to the other studios.

I've been playing an old WINRO copy of Zodiac Dub a lot recently. It's brilliant stuff.

I've definitely acquired the taste for early Studio One dubbing.

Interesting analysis, 6anbatte, thanks! I'm even more keyed up to hear Mello Dub now.

Well, my copy of Mellow Dub on Coxsone Dodd turned up today, and it didn't take me long to get into this fine set. I was hooked after the first few bars... exceptionally warm, languid sound. (I suppose that's why it's called Mellow Dub.) I love the rounded production as well -- it sounds spherical somehow.

I forget which track it is, but there's one standout rhythm which also appears on The Mighty Two's African Dub Chapter 2... It's awesome on Chapter 2, and the cut here is possibly even better.

All round, great stuff; very glad I spent the money on Mellow Dub and look forward to playing it over and over.

Jonti wrote: I love the rounded production as well -- it sounds spherical somehow.

Typical Studio One sound with absolutely no dynamics. Usually, it's upsetting but when it comes to studio one, it's amazing. I guess it's because that lack of dynamic comes from the studio and not from post-engineering, gives a warmy-clampy-smoky atmosphere, love that !

Jonti wrote:I forget which track it is, but there's one standout rhythm which also appears on The Mighty Two's African Dub Chapter 2... It's awesome on Chapter 2, and the cut here is possibly even better.

Hum, is that the "Pretty Looks Isn't All" riddim? I am currently in a sound-free zone so can't confirm.

**["Lion Niah"](http://www.roots-archives.com/release/2 ... ight=26008)** from "Mello Dub" and **["Heavy Duty Dub"](http://www.roots-archives.com/release/1 ... ight=22277)** from "African Dub Chapter 2".....maybe.

So pleased you got into "Mello.." straight away. Incidentally this is my favourite Studio One dub album;

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Antonin: Right on!

6anbatte: I'll keep a look out for African Rub-a-Dub. Thanks for the recommendation!

How are Better Dub and Bionic Dub?