Finally the follow up to the first class album The Bristol Reggae Explosion 1978-1983 (read my raving review about it)!
As the title suggests, the album focuses on a later period of British, or rather Bristolian Reggae. And already the first tune, “Rise Up” by Joshua Moses is a bad, bad tune. Killer Roots Reggae as it is hardly ever played today. Astonishingly, the tune is previously unreleased. But if it had been cut on vinyl back in the days, you had to spend serious money on this “Rare killer Shaka soundman’s choice” on eBay today fe true. “Rise Up” was engineered and produced by Scientist. No, not the Jamaican Scientist, but Bristol Reggae legend Richard Grassby-Lewis. You can hear other productions of him on BRE 1978-83 or on the Black Roots album on Bristol Archive Records.
Other favourites are “Peacemaker” by Dennis McCalla, “Re-Arrange Version” by 3-D Production, “Way Out West” by Zapp Stereo, and “Twelve Tribes” by The Zion Band. But there is a lot more moody, heavy and bassy early 80s Roots and Dub Reggae to discover. All in all, this album is even better than the first, and I say this as a lover of mainly 60s and 70s Reggae. Whether you’re a Rude Boy or a Skinhead, if you have any interest in Roots or Dub or consider developing some, give this a try. Soon, this album will be legen -wait for it- dary. Legendary.

Whereas The Bristol Reggae Explosion 2 will be released soon, the Black Roots’ singles anthology has been released on September 5th. You can listen here why you need it, too. Alternatively, wait for the forthcoming explanation why you need it on this blog.

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