Wackies

Natures Dub (Wackies, 2002 [orig. released 1982])

*GUEST REVIEW*
I am slightly embarrassed to admit it, but when I first saw this LP in my local shop I was sure it was called Matthews Dub. However, after a quick web search, I worked out that it was Natures Dub. The album is produced by Bullwackies, aka Lloyd Barnes, and is released by Wackies. Wackies is a high-quality reggae imprint based out of New York that recorded Horace Andy, Wayne Jarrett and the Love Joys, amongst others. There are seven tracks of interesting dub on Natures Dub. The players on the album include Jah Batta, Clive Hunt, Bullwackies All Stars, and New Breed. It is relatively noncommercial dub, and the vocals are few and far between. However, it is very danceable and contains some lovely tunes, nice production and even some bird-like sound effects. The highlights for me are “Rockford Dub” and “Mash It Up.” A delightful album that all dub and roots fans should seek out.

- ragudave

Track Listing
1. Natures Dub
2. Jah Natton Dub
3. Mash It Up
4. Judgement Rock
5. Kicking Scott
6. Rröckford Dub
7. Slave Dub

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African Roots Act 3: Strictly Dubwise (Wackies, 2002 [orig. released 1983])

*GUEST REVIEW*
The Wackies reissue continues with African Dub Roots Act 3 from 1983, which features Lloyd Barnes and Lincoln "Sugar" Minott on production duties. Ten dub tracks make this album, although it would be a better package if the best numbers were extended a little. Parts of this album get a cool groove going for a bit, then the excitement goes. "Feel it Dub" and the Sugar Minnott- led "Mother Land Dub" stand out on this disappointing album. Most of the dubs are tune- led, but apart from some Upsetter 101 techniques, the album just feels lethargic and loungey. However, fans of Sly and Robbie's dub and Sugar Minott will probably be interested in this set. Maybe 1983 was a bad year for dub?

- ragudave

Track Listing
1. So Much Dub
2. Good Thing Dub
3. Feel It Dub
4. Mother Land Dub
5. Think It Over Dub
6. Take Away Dub
7. Stay On Dub
8. Freedom Dub
9. Dubmatic
10. You I Love Dub

Jamiacan Super Dub Session (Wackies, 2002 [orig. released 1983])

*GUEST REVIEW*
The Basic Channel gents continue to reissue every last second of Wackies output. Jamaican Super Dub provides 10 dubstrumentals originally released in 1983. It was engineered and produced by Bullwackies and is the sort of album that only Wackies completists should pursue. The production is weak Sly and Robbie with a smattering of Upsetter effects. It's squidgy and has an unnatural feel. Somewhere under these versions a great album lurks. However, Super Dub will be easily forgotten by purists and dub fans alike. Best stick to the Wackies' vocal albums in the future.

- ragudave

Track Listing
1. Sibles in Dub
2. Promotion Rock
3. Jamaica Dub
4. Super Dub
5. Bag Man Dub
6. Dub Stew
7. Hot and Cold
8. Dub Parade
9. Summer Dub
10. Dub Star