Talisman – ‘Dole Age : The 1981 Reggae Collection’ (Bristol Archive Records)

CD Reviews

Written by Nev Brooks   

Saturday, 19 March 2011 05:00

The first thought to go through my mind when listening to this album was what was I doing in 1981? The simple answer – still in school and preparing for my first ever festival or stay away all dayer (Motorhead in Port Vale’s football ground to celebrate ‘No Sleep ’til Hammersmith’ going in to the charts at number one!!!) but that’s another story!! I think it shows how much everyone’s taste changes, alters, distorts and becomes accepting of other styles of music (saying that I still watch Motorhead most years and probably always will).

 I have to lay down a marker here – I really like reggae music, I like the feel, the grooves laid down and the messages that came across through the 80′s led by Black Uhuru, Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, Black Roots et al, but I hold my hands up to not having heard Talisman; what a loss as this album is simply stunning, I cannot recommend it highly enough, it is just such a shame that prior to this compilation the music was so difficult to source.

 Talisman, for history’s sake, came out of Bristol, achieved massive critical acclaim and toured with, amongst others, Burning Spear, The Clash and The Rolling Stones – yeah, I did say The Clash and The Rolling Stones!!!! But even that could not get them a major label deal and that is just criminal. What the fuck were the majors thinking? There are live tracks on here from two, what must have been superb, events in Glastonbury and Bath University and also the band’s first two original singles.

The standout tracks are many but I challenge anyone to listen to songs such as ‘Wicked Dem’, ‘Stride On’ and ‘Free Speech’ without moving to the music. This is a band at the top of their game represented here and, fair play to Bristol Archive Records, another quality release; keep the faith and keep the music coming. Irie.

 0rder Now from www.bristolarchiverecords.com

Taken from : http://www.uberrock.co.uk/cd-reviews/23-march-cd/2152-talisman-dole-age-the-1981-reggae-collection-bristol-archive-records.html