Tappa Zukie in Dub (Blood & Fire, 1995)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Tappa Zukie (David Sinclair) has had many jobs over the years. He has been a bodyguard to Bunny Lee, the owner of a pressing plant, and a retailer as well as being a toaster and producer. The eighth album released on B&F has 14 of his rootsy dub tracks. The first 12 were released on a limited run album in 1976. Tracks versioned include Prince Alla's "Bosrah", some Zukie, some Linval Thompson, and some Junior Ross tunes. Despite the dub tag, hardcore roots fans should enjoy this. The dubs are subtle and don't rely on heavy pause button interference or gimmicky samples. The vocals sometimes shine on tracks such as "Jah Jah Dub," even if they are broadcast from the bottom of a drain. A dub production should have a decent riddim, should employ imagination, and be listenable. This album manages all three using some very clean and high quality base tracks.

- ragudave