Roots Archives Forum

Viviano wrote:Hi all BLACK ROOTS what a classic band.I have the first LP on kick records and i'm looking for The front line.I've seen a copy but i'm in doubt because the label is kick and the sleeve has the BBC logo on it.Is it possible the sleeve is not the original.??

I bought **["The Front Line"](http://www.roots-archives.com/release/1754)** when it first came out. I'll check the sleeve for you tonight.

Yop: what is 1st press: kick LP/label or BBC LP/label?

Thanks!

While at it: which is their strongest effort IYO?

It has only been released on Kick, the BBC is a live in studio session, totally different.

I like the BBC, as well as the Frontline. Their two earliest Nubian 12" are great too, especially the "Down Bristol Rock" 4 tracks EP.
Buut globally, their early sound is really wicked. Only the last attempts are quite poor.

Litelet wrote:It has only been released on Kick, the BBC is a live in studio session, totally different.

Here it is on BBC Records - **["The Front Line"](http://www.strictly-vibes.com/black-roo ... ight=front)**

I bought it when it first came out and have just checked and my copy is on Kick so I assume that is the first pressing. I say "assume" as I am not 100% sure. Until recently I didn't even know the was a BBC version. I'm also not 100% sure due to the fact that the title track was actually composed at the request of BBC TV.

I must admit I don't play either this or their first album very much as I don't think they are particularly good. The first album, **["Black Roots"](http://www.roots-archives.com/release/921)**, is the better of the two.

If you do like what you have already heard though, I would go for the Makasound **["On The Frontline"](http://www.roots-archives.com/release/3495)** compilation.

6anbatte wrote: Here it is on BBC Records - "The Front Line"

I must admit I don't play either this or their first album very much as I don't think they are particularly good.

Wow, didnt know that BBC press, sorry. Different tastes for different people, the only album I sold back is "Black Roots", though it wasnt weak I must precise, just found sufficient to keep the 12". The 12" version of Tribal War is different from the LP. I like the tune "Blackheart Man" on "The Frontline" one, great deep skank!

Litelet wrote:6anbatte wrote :
Here it is on BBC Records - "The Front Line"

I must admit I don't play either this or their first album very much as I don't think they are particularly good.

Wow, didnt know that BBC press, sorry. Different tastes for different people, the only album I sold back is "Black Roots", though it wasnt weak I must precise, just found sufficient to keep the 12". The 12" version of Tribal War is different from the LP. I like the tune "Blackheart Man" on "The Frontline" one, great deep skank!

Perhaps I am being a bit harsh. I did see them a few times back in the day and maybe it was a case of the albums not living up to the live experience!

I'll dig them out, dust them down and give them another spin!

Hi all BLACK ROOTS what a classic band.I have the first LP on kick records and i'm looking for The front line.I've seen a copy but i'm in doubt because the label is kick and the sleeve has the BBC logo on it.Is it possible the sleeve is not the original.??

Viviano wrote:Hi all BLACK ROOTS what a classic band.I have the first LP on kick records and i'm looking for The front line.I've seen a copy but i'm in doubt because the label is kick and the sleeve has the BBC logo on it.Is it possible the sleeve is not the original.??

Just checked and the Kick album doesn't have the BBC logo on the cover.

Go and check Bristol Archives.
http://bristolarchiverecords.com/index.html

Thanks for checking that out.I've since bought a copy with the original cover.