Reggae greatness compliments of Cliff from the UK

As he had promised, Cliff from the UK has provided us with some awesome reggae stuff, as I have said, I am not an expert, far from it, but, I do love the stuff...... here is his latest contribution, and let us all give him proper thanks so he gives us A LOT more, this stuff is awesome and this guy knows what he is talking about, I respect his tastes and if you are even moderately interested in reggae, PLEASE check Cliff's submissions, I have a feeling that this could become a FANTASTIC semi-regular feature, ala the "Greek Punk" posts or any of the other fantastic guest posts that are always welcome here!

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Well it is time for some more reggae on Big Scott’s blog; here’s hoping my choices for this post are acceptable to one and all.

First up is Black Uhuru’s breakthrough album of 1980 Sinsemella. This was their first album to have what is considered their classic line up of Michael Rose, Puma Jones and Duckie Simpson. For me Black Uhuru never got any better than this; though the albums Red and Chill Out pushed it close. Black Uhuru had a distictive sound of an electro-funk reggae style and were backed by the legendary Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar, who also produced the album. They established an edgy sound blending traditional roots with modern digital effects, echoing dub trickery, and early dancehall vocals. The stand out tracks being the title track and Vampire, but there is no real filler track on the album.

1.    Happiness 2. World Is Africa 3. Push Push 4. There Is Fire 5. No Loafing (Sit and Wonder) 6. Sinsemilla 7. Endurance 8. Vampire
Black Uhuru – Sinsemilla - http://www83.zippyshare.com/v/gfZAJpt7/file.html

Next up is the Wailing Souls’  Wild Suspense. Released in 1979 this album contained some of the heaviest roots of the Wailing Souls career. Wailing Souls have been a group who have never received the acclaim that they deserved however this album is the high water mark of their career and an album that should be in everybody’s record collection in my humble opinion. If you like reggae with sublime harmonies then this is for you. Stand out tracks are Bredda  Gravalicious, Wild Suspense and the gorgeous Very Well. This cd version of the album contains ten bonus dub tracks. They may not add anything special to it but they don’t take anything of the majesty of this album as a whole away either.
01 - Row Fisherman 02 - Slow Coach 03 - We Got To Be Together 04 - Feel The Spirit 05 - Bredda Gravalicious 06 - Wild Suspense 07 - They Never Know 08 - Black Rose 09 - Something Funny 10 - Very Well 11 - Walk But Mind You Don't Fall Dub 12 - Row Fisherman Dub 13 - Bredda Gravalicious Dub 14 - Slow Coach Dub 15 - Something Funny Dub 16 - We've Got To Be Together Dub 17 - Very Well Dub

Wailing Souls – Wild Suspense - http://www37.zippyshare.com/v/9S8TJXMk/file.html

Johnny Clarke was recognised as one of the best vocalists in Jamaica but for some reason he did not gain the acclaim internationally like his peers Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaaacs. Dreader Dread 76-78 is as the title says a collection of tracks recorded between 1976 and 1978. It shows Clarke at his absolute best setting his sweet crooning voice against grinding bass lines and hi hat cymbal rhythms that cut through you like a sword; all produced by Bunny Lee. When you see the name Bunny Lee on a label you know you are in for a delight. Clarke was equally adept at singing love songs and songs of a “conscious” subject matter. Fire & Brimstone A Go Burn The Wicked, with its deep and slow engaging Roots, is a great gem from Clarke but for me the real stand out track is Roots Natty. Do yourself a favour take the phone off the hook, pull up a chair, light one up and sink into this.

1. Top Ranking (I'm The Toughest) 2. In The Roots Of The Ghetto 3. Live Up Jah Man 4. Love Up Your Brothers & Sisters (Extended Mix) 5. African People  6. Dread A Dread  7.Fire And Brimstone A Go Burn The Wicked  8 African Roots (Extended Mix) 9. Roots Natty 10 Every Knee Shall Bow (Extended Mix) 11. Play Fool Fe Get Wise (Extended Mix) 12. Age Is Growing 13. Time Will Tell
Johnny Clarke - Dreader Dread 76-78

 http://www32.zippyshare.com/v/4OFE8taB/file.html