Roots Archives Forum

One of my favorite DJs and IMO one of the best of the earlier period was Dillinger, I don't know how many would agree with me on this but that's my opnion.

Please share with me your thoughts on Dillinger, his best album, best tracks etc..

Also if anybody has some information about him, please share as I have only read the quite concise and in many ways inadequate information about him (Lester Bullock) on wikipedia, and sometimes this information is fallacious anyway.

(As I have seen the wealth of knowledge/anecdotes about Ranking Dread in a previous post, I was wondering if there would be as much information about Dillinger, maybe not, since he's not as notorious)

Bless.

Generally, his output before he signed to A&M in 1981 is the best stuff. I like his early stuff recorded for Scratch, though he perhaps peaked in the mid-70s with his first few albums. His funk-reggae hit "Cocaine in my brain" is a classic. There are lots of compilations around, many of which duplicate tracks a lot. The 'Live at the Music Machine' album is one of the better 1970s live reggae albums in my view (I think it was also released under a different title). Personally, I don't rate much of his stuff recorded after the 70s. Some great stuff from the 70s though. If I had to pick one album, I'd probably go for 'CB200'.

For some reason I've always loved his singing material. Like »Warrior« from the Cornbread LP (preferably together with the dub version from Page One Rock-A-Dub LP).

But my favourite album of his has always been the classic CB200 (ROCKERS!) and the clash album he did with Trinity on Burning Sounds (with those WICKED productions by Clem Bushay).

But I must admit I have only a few of his releases. I haven't heard nearly enough of his music. I've barely touched his singles and discos. Only heard eight or so albums.

*(As I have seen the wealth of knowledge/anecdotes about Ranking Dread in a previous post, I was wondering if there would be as much information about Dillinger, maybe not, since he's not as notorious)*

Dillinger led a simpler life, not as much to write about. The most controversial thing about home may be his name(Lester Bullocks) and the stir he raised when he released "Cocaine In My Brain".

Also, a lot of what you hear about about Ranking Dread on the internet is simply rumours anyway. Someone recently tried to start a story that Ranking Dread spent time in Ireland because he was training with the IRA for a hit on Maggie Thatcher, like he was actually some sort of Robin Hood!

IMO Dillinger was and is by far a superior DJ when you compare the two, both in session and on record. Check out the work he did with Bunny Lee

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/1689

These tracks have been released on a myriad of LPs over the years, but they are some of his best. His "Ready Natty Dready" set for Studio One is also a great set.

The compilation Ultimate Dillinger is the best available record, IMO.
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/4487

No Lee Perry or Studio One productions,
but has most of the essential (c. 1976-79) tracks!

I made this mix of Dillinger tunes almost 2 years ago now:

http://bettermustcome.blogspot.com/2009 ... -inna.html

Got many of his dj efforts combined with singers and some dubs. If interested I can reupload it, if I manage to find it back in my own archive.

Have quite some of his albums and think he's a talented deejay, rate him highly, though no U-Roy or I-Roy standards, my two favourite DJs from the 70s.

Not sure why his name, 'Lester Bullocks' is controversial?


maybe if his name was Lester "Bollicks"

j j

I've always rated U roy but not so much I roy, admittedly i havent listened to him a lot. I think Dillingers Cocaine album (marijuana in my brain, I Thrist, Jah Love etc..) was a classic, i plan to buy CB200 next.

my favorites are Top Ranking Dillinger and Superstar, both from '77.

BMC - pls. reupload it again.

I haven't heard a lot of his reggae. Maybe this will stimulate me to start buying his music.