Babylon: The Original Soundtrack (Chrysalis, 1980) 

*GUEST REVIEW*
Okay this is confession time. I don't own a video player, dvd player, have cable TV or even satellite. But I do enjoy watching films and buying the odd soundtrack. In recent years, I have purchased the soundtracks for Morvern Caller, A Clockwork Orange and Babylon. I picked up the Babylon soundtrack because it appeared to have a decent roots pedigree which includes Yabby U, I Roy, Aswad and Dennis Bovell. Not seeing or even knowing about the film shouldn't put you off purchasing the soundtrack. The film was directed by Franco Rosso and looked at the adventures of some London kids who follow a sound system. It was a low budget affair that highlighted the racial tensions that were common in seventies Britain. The album splits down the middle with side one moving between roots, toasting, and lovers rock. Side two is the dubby side and highlights experimental dub that Sherwood and Professor would be proud of. Dennis Bovell managed to turn the instrumentals into slinky brass numbers that showcase his love of jazz.

- ragudave