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REGGAE ARCHIVE

RSD

Dubplate Archive

    Rob Smith, RSD is not only a successful dubstep producer and pioneer of the Bristol sound, but also a very popular deejay travelling the world sharing his music. Coming from a reggae background and well-versed in sound system culture, Rob kept some of his best productions for his exclusive use when deejaying, the only way you would hear these gems was being played in one of Rob's sets. Fortunately, we've managed to persuade Rob to let Reggae Archive Records share these dubplate specials with a wider audience on a limited-edition vinyl LP. Compiled and sequenced in conjunction with Rob, the LP features nine tracks newly edited and mastered by Rob to enhance the bass playback on vinyl - it's cut heavy! The tracks were recorded between 2006 and 2011, a time when one strand of dubstep heavily embraced reggae and dub. Rob calls these tracks reggae infused dubstep and that's what they are, but Reggae Archive Records is a reggae label and this selection of dubstep tracks will most certainly appeal just as much to reggae and dub fans. Fusing dubstep beats, reggae samples, and seriously heavy basslines, this is a joyous celebration of musical cross fertilisation that has been tried and tested in clubs worldwide. In keeping with the dubplate origins of the tracks, we have designed the labels to replicate an old school acetate, while the sleeve pays tribute to seventies pre-releases albums with a replica stamp giving just the artist and title on a plain white sleeve with aged effect. 

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Ruthless selection of reggae inspired dubstep from Bristol legend and Grand Central alumni Rob Smith (Smith & Mighty) composed during arguably, the most fertile period of the genre.

    TRACK LISTING

    1. Bend Down & Prey
    2. Babylonian
    3. Bredrin
    4. Jah The Creator
    5. Do You Believe
    6. Risking Dub
    7. Jah Is My Light
    8. Production Plan
    9. Dub Kingdom

    Iganda

    Mark Of Slavery / Slow Down - 2024 Reissue

      It's fair to say that the inclusion of Iganda's sole 7" single "Mark Of Slavery" / "Slow Down" spread across the first two volumes of the "Midlands roots explosion" series, has not only greatly raised the profile of the band, but also sent the price of the original release through the roof.

      TRACK LISTING

      Mark Of Slavery
      Slow Down

      Sis Jendayi

      Feel It

        Recorded in 1982 but never released "Feel It" is a moving slice of digital reggae. In addition to the vocal there are three dub mixes which are perhaps the earliest available examples of Rob Smith productions. These recordings may be seen as the start of Rob's illustrious career which includes Smith & Mighty, Three Stripe, More Rockers and RSD. The dub mixes in particular with their sparse instrumentation and use of a drum machine's programmed beats foreshadow the UK digi-dub scene pioneered by artists such as Nick Manasseh and The Disciples as well as labels including Conscious Sounds and Riz. Released via the impeccable Reggae Archive, this 10" pressing sound super clean and should be a welcome addition to any reggae collectors box... Recommended!

        TRACK LISTING

        A1. Feel It
        A2. Feel It (Dub Version 1)
        B1. Feel It (Dub Version 2)
        B2. Feel It (Dub Version 3)

        Various Artists

        The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume Two

          "The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume One", saw the culmination of many years work spent tracking down artists and tapes to shine a light on one of England's greatest, yet most overlooked musical scenes; the home grown take on reggae that briefly flourished from the mid-seventies and had almost disappeared little more than a decade later. Mixing themes of struggle, resistance, justice, equality, identity and Rastafari played and sung from the heart with both conviction and skill, our first volume received a rapturous reception from critics and purchasers alike. Now Reggae Archive return with more of the same, but if anything they've surpassed Volume One with an even stronger selection.

          Volume Two starts off in exactly the same way as its predecessor with Handsworth's biggest musical exports, the legendary Steel Pulse and "Bun Dem produced by Dennis Bovell. Natural Mystique are next with their 1982 single "Generals". Then there are A and B sides from some of the most popular artists included last time, with Iganda's "Mark Of Slavery", Carnastoan's "Sweet Melody" and yet another "Generals", this one from Musical Youth. "Africans" from Bass Dance featuring a second appearance from former Steel Pulse guitarist / vocalist Basil Gabbidon, is the first of four previously unreleased tracks. The other three that we've managed to track down on long forgotten tapes, are Leicester's Groundation with "Rebel", "Cannot Take It Away"; another lost gem from Handsworth's Mystic Foundation and "Equalisation" another lost slice of early eighties roots from Wolverhampton's Capital Letters. The late Linton Haughton is another new name with his scarce Shield label 12" cut "Hustling Man".

          Also making their first appearances, are Afrikan Star with "Run And Hide" originally issued in 1980 on Black Vinyl Records and from the Crucial Music stable, Sledge Hammer with "Ruled By The Stone" released as a 7" single on the Crucial Music Inc. label. The remaining three tracks are provided by label favourites and key players in the Birmingham scene, Black Symbol, Sceptre and Eclipse and showcase songs from the individual albums we've previously released by each band.




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