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| Downbeat the Ruler: Killer Instrumentals from Studio One (Heartbeat, 2006) While you may not think that you know many -- if any -- of the songs on this album, at the rate that reggae rhythms are recycled (for better or worse), chances are you've heard many of them several times over. Along with the re-releases The Best of Studio One and Full Up, Downbeat the Ruler completes a wicked triumvirate of classic Studio One compilations courtesy of Heartbeat Records. The two most recognizable instrumentals here, the waist-winding dancehall standard "Real Rock" and the "horny" ska of "Rockfort Rock" (actually is a cover of "El Cumbanchero" by legendary Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernandez) kick off the album. Although both tunes were originally released by the Soul Vendors ("Rockfort Rock" originally titled "Psychedelic Rock"), these renditions are performed by Sound Dimension, an all-star collective featuring Jackie Mittoo, Cedric IM Brooks, Ernest Ranglin, Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace, Leroy Sibbles, and more, whose impact on '60s reggae trailed only The Skatalites. Five other Sound Dimension tracks fill out the album, three of which ("Mojo Rock Steady," "Heavy Beat," and the jazzy "Return of the Scorcher") weren't available on the original Downbeat the Ruler release. In fact, Heartbeat has expanded the original 12-song album into 18 full-length tracks, and we're all better for it, as we're treated to awesome cuts from the Soul Vendors' like "Swing Easy" and the woozy "Darker Shade of Black" (which bears a striking resemblance to The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood") in addition to the Sound Dimension selections. Whether you're looking for a skanking good time or just trying to learn more about the early roots of reggae, Downbeat the Ruler is an invaluable resource. |
| Track Listing 1. Rockfort Rock -- Sound Dimension 2. Real Rock -- Sound Dimension 3. Swing Easy -- Soul Vendors 4. Mojo Rock Steady -- Sound Dimension 5. Heavy Rock -- Sound Dimension 6. Freak Out -- Jackie Mittoo 7. Tunnel One -- Tommy McCook 8. Moon Ride -- Brentford Road All Stars 9. Race Track -- Brentford Road All Stars 10. Throw Me Corn -- Brentford Road All Stars 11. Baby Face -- Sound Dimension 12. Love Again -- Jackie and the Invaders 13. Darker Shade of Black -- Soul Vendors 14. Banana Walk -- Dub Specialist 15. Heavy Beat -- Sound Dimension 16. Return of the Scorcher -- Sound Dimension 17. Popcorn Reggae -- Soul Agent and the Soul Defenders 18. Death in the Arena -- Soul Vendors |
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