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Presents The Black Foundation (Heartbeat, 2000) If Jack Ruby, AKA Laurence Lindo, did nothing other than produce Burning Spear's Island material, he would still be remembered today as a vital figure in reggae history. But, as this compilation shows, he did indeed produce more than those few albums, and although his other work wasn't as commercially or critically successful as Burning Spear's albums were, the tracks on The Black Foundation are no less impressive. Of course, two of Burning Spear's most famous tunes, "Marcus Garvey" and "Slavery Days," are included, but just as good are The Black Survivors' "Come Away Jah Jah Children" and "Every Knee Shall Bow" -- both excellent examples of roots harmony -- along with The Eagles' "Warn the Nation," and "Decent Citizen" by the folksy Leonard Dillon/Toots Hibbert-ish Prince and The Seraphim. Even if you already know some of these cuts (Chances are you won't know most of them.), there are plenty of previously unreleased versions/songs available here, including an alternate mix of Vinnie Taylor and The Revealers' "Hard Time," the unreleased instrumental horn-fest "Sounds of Thunder" by Ruby's all-star band The Black Disciples, and the how-could-they-not-have-previously-released-this "African Children" by The Heptones. As with Ruby's Burning Spear work, the tunes on Black Foundation are slices of raw roots, featuring powerful horns and driving bass lines. |
| Track Listing 1. Marcus Garvey -- Burning Spear 2. Mosiah Garvey -- Big Youth 3. Come Away Jah Jah Children -- The Black Survivors 4. Hard Time -- Vinnie Taylor and The Revealers 5. Warn The Nation -- The Eagles 6. Death Before Dishonor -- The Black Disciples 7. African Children -- The Heptones 8. Come Running Back -- The Gaylads 9. Slavery Days -- Burning Spear 10. Every Knee Shall Bow -- The Black Survivors 11. Free Rhodesia -- Jack Ruby and The Black Disciples 12. Decent Citizen -- Prince and The Seraphim 13. Fire (Is the Desire) -- Justin Hinds and The Dominoes 14. Rasta Harvest -- The Eagles 15. Youths of Tomorrow -- The Gaylads 16. Tell Me Not of Other Lands -- Justin Hinds and The Dominoes 17. Sounds of Thunder - The Black Disciples |
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Jack Ruby Hi Fi (Auralux, 2005 [orig. released 1981])
*GUEST
REVIEW*
Up until 2004 or so I thought the reggae reissue industry had reached it peak with the combined talents of London's Pressure Sounds and Manchester's Blood & Fire Records. Then a new breed of labels, led by Hop Pot and Auralux, entered the
hyper-competitive environment. To successfully enter such an industry requires a competitive advantage or a large cash pile. I don't know about Dave Katz's net worth is, but he certainly managed to differentiate his products with great concepts, packaging, and an amazing ear for tunes.
The Jack Ruby Hi Fi showcase may recall a shop selling old turntables and amps, but is the latest Auralux concept album. Ruby ran a
sound system and was a producer in the '70s and '80s. This album brings together some pretty rare cuts made pretty much for his
sound system with a small production run on the Clappers label.
Four top class roots tracks are extended into their version here. They were recorded at Tubby's studio and Ruby's gaff as well. This is a great album of
sound system material, but is very full on and rough in some ways, just like a proper soundclash. Buy this showcase on the strength of Ruby's reputation, rather than skimming the
track listing, and you will enjoy the listening experience.
- ragudave
| Track Listing 1. Peace Time -- Ken Boothe 2. Khomeni Skank -- The Iranian Students 3. Hypocrites -- Earth Last Messengers 4. Brezinsky Dub -- The Black Disciples 5. Better Must Come -- Lenox Miller 6. Jah Coller Speaks His Mind -- Jah Coller 7. Jail House Free -- The Revealers 8. Rikers Island Dub -- The Crucial All Stars |
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