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2LP
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TX 131LP
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Gatefold sleeve. "Black Uhuru and Sly & Robbie burst onto the reggae scene in 1977, at a time when Jamaican music was starting to purr and spin in circles and when, on the other hand, English punks were blasting everything that moved. Black Uhuru is sort of a Jamaican answer to the Sex Pistols and the Clash. Borderline insolent attitude, provocative looks, leather jackets, often aggressive words... Supported by skinned alive, Michael Rose, Duckie Simpson and Puma Jones howled the anger of the left behind in the ghettos of Kingston without preaching or Rasta illusion. For several years, Sly & Robbie held this new generation trio at arm's length on their TAXI label before signing them to island, the label which had launched 6-7 years earlier their elders Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Bunny Wailer. At the time in the service of Peter Tosh, the riddim twins found in Black Uhuru an ideal testing ground for their futuristic arrangements. From 1977 to 1980, Black Uhuru experienced a dazzling progression, which the TAXI TRAX compilation that TABOU1 released in association with TAXI and Diggers Factory sets out to retrace, through titles that have become Reggae anthems, such as 'Abortion' or 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' but also rarities hitherto released only on 45 rpm in Jamaica, such as the coves of the hits 'No No No', 'Sun Is Shining' or the surprising 'Aquarius' which has nothing to do with the original from the 5th Dimensions. In total, 4 sides filled with singles release by TAXI label, including the unstoppable dubs and above all several 'Dubplates' these acetates containing 100% unreleased mixes engraved to be played in sound-systems and which we were able to miraculously restore. To top it off, the famous graphic designer Bruno Tilley agreed to create a cover in the spirt of Black Uhuru: without concession, the photos being provided by Adrian Boot who followed the group from its beginnings, the liner notes being as for they were written by Noel Hawkes, author of numerous articles and books on Jamaican music, who interviewed Sly Dunbar and the band for the occasion. This time capsule is an idea introduction to this band that revolutionized Jamaican music in just a few years."
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LP
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TB1 123LP
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"Former lead singer and main songwriter for the roots Reggae trio Foundation back in the late 80's, early 90's, Keith Foundation is releasing Hi Yo, his first solo album. Arranged by Robbie Shakespeare, this decidedly roots Reggae LP contains 6 songs in what the Jamaicans call the 'discomix' format: each song is followed seamlessly by its dub version to showcase the Black Disciples' artisan-like musicianship in a dub style and complement Keith's superb vocals. Recorded at Anchor in Kingston, Hi Yo features the nucleus of the legendary Black Disciples (Burning Spear, Justin Hinds, Ken Boothe...), reunited for the first time in 40 years: Robbie Shakespeare (bass, guitar), 'Horsemouth' Wallace (drums), 'Chinna' Smith (guitar), and Robbie Lyn (keyboards). Hi Yo was recorded in just two days the old school way, with this dream team playing live in just one raw take on a Monday, while the vocals were finalized the following day. The album was then mixed and dubbed by sound wizard Gaylard Bravo with Guillaume Bougard."
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LP
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TABOU1 002LP
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"Bitty McLean is a very strong singer, who together with Sly & Robbie plus the Taxi Gang (Robbie Lyn, 'Lenky' Marsden, Mikey Chung, 'Sticky' Thompson, 'Dougie' Bryan) has created a collection of tunes that has class stamped all over it - something you might expect from Bitty McLean and these well experienced musicians. Although many see him as a singer who's specialized in delivering beautiful romantic songs, Bitty McLean also excels on a number of noteworthy roots tunes that are part of this new album. One of them is the strong 'War Is Over', a track known from the December 2016 released 10' vinyl EP which furthermore included 'Never Let Me Go' and two versions of 'Rumours' by Bunny Rugs. The great 'Babylon Has Fallen', a popular theme in roots reggae music, shows that he's not only an excellent singer but also a real good songwriter. The same goes for the solid 'Open Eyes (Crisis)', a message tune which most likely musically has to grow on you. That however is not the case with the gorgeous 'Is That Your Reward', a moving cultural tune with an awesome backdrop that gets under your skin. Easily amongst some of the finest is the spiritual 'Every Word & Move', a tune with an inspirational vibe. And then there's also the solid 'My Call', which is just as fine as 'Every Word & Move'. Needless to say that Bitty McLean shines bright on fine love songs like the opener 'Take My Heart (Love Restart)', 'Broke My Heart' and 'Made To Fall In Love'. In particular 'Song Of Songs' is a very delightful offering and one which rises near the top of the album."
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LP
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TABOU 109LP
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"Mixed by Groucho Smykle, following their successful reunion album Dubrising two years ago. Throws you back to the golden age of Dub: heavy as lead, yet musical and refined, the best of both worlds. Features dub mixes of ex-Aswad leader Brinsley Forde's new album produced by Sly & Robbie. To give this fine album justice, no expense was spared: top notch mastering by Bruno Sourice on all analog tube equipment, the best vinyl pressing plant (Optimal in Germany), cover printed on super heavy 350g high grade cardboard with superb illustrations by Joseph Gloria Chapalys, known for his illustrations on top selling video games."
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