Fresh Produce (Dubhead, 2002)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Does good quality roots reggae still get made in the 21st century?  Does roots reggae have to come from Jamaica?  The answer to these two questions is yes and no, respectively.  This is the second album from UK- based roots band Love Grocer. They have worked with many top quality artists in their Crispy Horns guise and have learned their trade there as well.  They have taken the best parts of Dreadzone, Zion Train, Dub Syndicate, Misty in Roots, and Steel Pulse to put together a very interesting and fresh sound.  Vocals are provided on three tracks from Earl 16, Cheshire Cat, and MC Spree.  As expected, the horns add significantly to the rootsy sound as does the odd funky keyboard sound.  If you like the Love Grocer groove, then try A New Breed of Dub Volume 3, which includes a couple of Love Grocer tunes as well as a decent selection of new dub and roots artists on the Dubhead imprint. Or alternatively, buy the debut album by the Butch Cassidy Sound System and smile.

- ragudave