RELEASES

This is the early eighties at it’s very best, whether it’s called Post-Punk, New Wave or whatever the historians are calling the age in which we evolved the music. These boys took all the best bits of the freedom that punk provided and turned it into something accessible, something you could dance to or at least tap your foot to without being accused of mediocrity.

This album is the journey (in no specific order) through the EG’s development to their break up shortly after the release of ‘Wolfman Tap’, a catchy smooth production which led some reviewers to tag the EG’s funk. It’s there, but it’s not alone, here is the diversity of sound that gave this era its reference.

So visualise while you listen, Matthew standing on his drum stool while delivering blows to a variety of misshapen objects. Novel then, much copied since. (Is that the drum stools irritating squeek at the end of ‘Interference’). Imagine or remember their pretty ridiculous outfits and hair in which termites could happily nest.

Dropouts from Bristol Polytechnic (or artists in pursuit or their dream) Neil Davenport (Vocals) and Richard Hall (Bass, Guitar, Vocals) together with Matthew Salt (Drums) paid rent for squat conditions in a shared house in Redland where they were joined by Dick Truscott (Keyboard, Guitar) and Andy Sanders (Guitar, Vocals) who had the sense to live elsewhere, Backing vocals were provided by Sarah and Wendy Partridge.

Here their first offerings to vinyl, ‘Dumb Words’,’ Le Camping’ and ‘Magic Surfaces’ were polished for the first Bristol Recorder, brainchild of Thomas Brooman CBE, he of Womad, among others.

‘Health’/ ’Continental Shelf’ was released as a single on Fried Egg Records and their second single ‘Work’, not written from experience, was a UK Indie chart hit on Recreational Records.

Signing to Stiff Records opened doors to Martin Rushents production, 7″, 12″ and EP delivered, covers designed by Peter Saville. They were the band most likely to!

Although never gaining mainstream fame, Electric Guitars deserve a chance to feature in modern playlists. Sandwich ‘Language Problems’ between Talking Heads and the B 52’s and you can’t go wrong. Play ‘Work’ at a Zumba class and watch them fall like flies!

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Format – CD plus Digital Download

For the past three years, Bristol Archive Records have shone the spotlight on the City’s musical legacy, particularly reggae. Last year we decided we’d turn the spotlight on the artists themselves and so in August, a who’s who of Bristol reggae artists gathered together for The Bristol Reggae Explosion Live. It was a unique chance to enjoy more than ten of the city’s finest veterans sharing the same stage, in some cases for the first time in two decades.

The show was a huge success with the whole crowd and all the artists going home with large grins on their faces, having enjoyed one of the best shows and some of the nicest vibes in years. By chance, young film makers from 8th Sense Media and the “Dubplate To Dubstep” Ujima Radio film project were in attendance to document the evening and although we hadn’t planned a commercial release, the show was such a great success we decided that perhaps we should share the footage.

With many of the artists coming from St. Paul’s and with most of them having been involved in past carnivals, it seemed obvious to turn this celebration of Bristol and St. Paul’s musical legacy performed by the elders and filmed by the youths into something that could benefit the community and the next generation of performers.

Knowing of the yearly struggle to raise funds for St. Paul’s Carnival, Bristol Archive Records will be releasing “The Bristol Reggae Explosion Live 2012” as a CD/DVD package on 3rd June 2013 with profits donated to The St. Paul’s Carnival.

Although technical issues mean that not every artist is represented, the DVD contains eleven performances from Lord John Hutchinson, Bunny Marrett, Dennis McCalla aka Dallas, Popsy Curious, Glen Crookes, Dan Ratchet, Jashwha Moses and the mighty Talisman, who also provide backing for the other acts.

The accompanying CD contains 17 studio recordings from the acts involved and as well as those featured on the DVD, we get to enjoy the talents of Winston Minott, Veronica Morrison aka Veereal, Vibes and Cool Runnings with several tracks previously unreleased.

A special mention must go to Michael Jenkins and Steve Street whose hard work on the video and soundtrack respectively, made this release possible and of course the young film makers who captured the evening.

Whether you were fortunate enough to be present on that August night, are a fan of the acts or the label, want to support St. Paul’s Carnival or are just curious, you are sure to enjoy this package.

CD Tracklisting:

1. Talisman – ‘Nitty Gritty’
2. Talisman – ‘Free Speech’
3. Lord John Hutchinson – ‘Little Eyes’
4. Cool Runnings – ‘Playhouse’
5. Bunny Marrett – ‘I’m Free’
6. Dennis McCalla aka Dallas – ‘Peacemaker’
7. Popsy Curious – ‘Chant Down Bobby Rome’
8. Veronica Morrison aka Veereal – ‘My Love’
9. Dan Ratchet – ‘Sweet Rosie’
10. Jashwha Moses – ‘Africa (Is Our Land)’
11. Talisman – ‘Nothing Change’
12. Talisman – ‘Dole Age’
13. Dennis McCalla aka Dallas – ‘Wake Up (Dub)’
14. Dan Ratchet – ‘Sweet Rosie (Dub)
15. Veronica Morrison aka Veereal – ‘My Love (Dub)’
16. Winston Minnott with Vibes – ‘Sell Out (Dub)’
17. Popsy Curious – ‘St.Pauls’

DVD Tracklisting:

1. Talisman – ‘Nitty Gritty’
2. Talisman – ‘Free Speech’
3. Lord John Hutchinson – ‘Little Eyes’
4. Bunny Marrett – ‘I’m Free’
5. Dennis McCalla aka Dallas – ‘Peacemaker’
6. Popsy Curious – ‘Chant Down Bobby Rome’
7. Glen Crookes – ‘Then Came You’
8. Dan Ratchet – ‘Sweet Rosie’
9. Jashwha Moses – ‘Africa (Is Our Land)’
10. Talisman – ‘Nothing Change’
11. Talisman – ‘Dole Age’

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30th Anniversary Rerelease RECORD STORE DAY SPECIAL with Unique Hand Made Screen Printed Sleeve (original sleeve included) Strictly Limited to 100 copies and Limited to 3 copies per person Released 20th April 2013.

With the release of the latest Black Roots album “On The Ground” and its dub counterpart “On The Ground In Dub” via our sister label Sugar Shack Records, Bristol Archive Records decided to do something special to celebrate the band’s return to the studio. What could be better than a very special reissue of Black Roots self-titled first album, released to coincide with its 30th anniversary and, as this will be a vinyl only release we thought we’d combine it with this year’s Record Store Day event.

“Black Roots” wa’The Bristol Reggae Explosion Live’ – Various Artistss originally released in 1983, by which time the band was established as one of the UK’s leading live acts with a strong repertoire of socially aware songs reflecting the issues of the day. When it came to their first album, they chose eight of their strongest tracks and assembled what was to become one of the classic British reggae albums of the decade.

Featuring the tracks; “The Father”, “Survival”, “Juvenile Delinquent”, “What Them ‘A Do”, “Opportunity”, “Tribal War”, “Africa” and “Move On”, the album covers themes of social alienation, deprivation, repatriation, Rastafari, violence within the black community and ends, with the tale of a failing relationship. Three decades later, many of the songs are just as relevant and provide the perfect complement to their latest recordings.

This new release will be strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide. 400 copies will be available for Record Store Day, 20th April 2013, at participating retailers and feature a facsimile of the original sleeve, whilst 100 copies will be available directly from Bristol Archive Records and very select retailers and feature a unique handmade screen printed sleeve as well as being individually numbered, a very special edition.

This is the first time this album has been available on vinyl for twenty five years and there is every likelihood that demand will outstrip supply so be sure to grab your copy.

www.nubianrecords.co.uk

Tracks:

1. The Father
2. Survival
3. Juvenile Delinquent
4. What Them A Do
5. Opportunity
6. Tribal War
7. Africa
8. Move On

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Format – CD plus Digital Download

Shoc Wave Records was the brainchild of Dominican immigrant Gene Walsh, Fitz Watson and Melford Gardener. From the late 1970s through to the 1990s, Shoc Wave provided the only label willing to put out records by the majority of the City’s reggae and soul acts ignored by bigger and more mainstream labels and too small to finance their own releases.

Fortunately for Bristol’s musical heritage, Gene Walsh kept an open mind when it came to what music his label should release and so over the course of the label he released roots reggae, dub reggae, dancehall, lovers rock, soca, disco, soul and pop, Gene and the team’s vision encompassed it all.

Without Gene Walsh and Shoc Wave many artists would never have got the chance to record in a proper studio and their music would have been lost and forgotten. Many of Bristol Archive Records previous albums would have been all the poorer without being able to draw on Gene’s catalogue and so it is only fitting, that Bristol Archive Records celebrate Bristol’s pioneering black music label with the release of our latest compilation, “Shoc Wave – A Bristol Story”.

This new compilation attempts to tell the story of the label and reflect the diversity of musical styles it embraced. The 19 tracks range from its first release from 1979 with Gene’s own “Independence Fever” right up until the label’s last single with Haswell’s “Prissy Miss Maybe”. This compilation paints a picture of the musical developments in the City and the wider world as styles evolved or fell out of fashion.

Artists such as Joshua Moses, Sharon Bengamin, Bunny Marrett and Buggs Durrant will be familiar to those who follow Bristol Archive’s releases. Many others are new to us with The Rimshots, No Deposit, Nite Watch, Sweet Energy, Felix The Cat, Second City Sounds and Haswell helping to illustrate other aspects of the city’s music scene during the 1980s and beyond.

Released on 15th April 2013, “Shoc Wave – A Bristol Story” is available on CD and digital download from all good outlets, the CD comes with a booklet telling the history of Shoc Wave Records illustrated with archive images.

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Released 15th April – Cat Number ARC264CD

Format – CD plus Digital Download

With decades of involvement in the Bristol music scene, Winston Minott and Popsy Curious are no strangers to Bristol Archive Records. Winston was the lead vocalist with Cool Runnings and can be heard on their self titled album as well as volumes 2 and 3 of our “Bristol Reggae Explosion” series. It is on volume 3 that you can also hear Popsy with his “Chant Down Bobby Rome”. It was after these recordings and after they had shared the stage as members of Black Flames that the two men decided they wanted to focus more on reggae and create their own sound, from which Vibes was born. After a few months, a chance conversation with the sister of local singer Veronica aka Veereal led to her recruitment and with the unusual mix of two men and one woman on vocal harmonies, the group’s sound fell into place.

Although they gigged both locally and further afield, Vibes were always focused on recording. With Veronica, Winston and Popsy all writing songs, they soon got down to work creating their own unique take on the reggae sound which they then practiced and polished before heading for the studio. Over the next three years they recorded several tracks but were always too busy to finish the mixes, moving on to the next song and with no record deal they just kept writing and recording. The band would split up almost by accident when, with Popsy on an extended visit to Jamaica, both Winston and Veronica found employment opportunities in London and plans for the band went from being on hold, to a permanent split.

Having already worked with all three, the Vibes members decided that Bristol Archive Records should be entrusted with their precious masters and so Mike Darby took possession of the multi track tapes. It took a while to find the right person for the job, but we really got lucky when we decided to ask Dave “Oldwah” Sandford to mix the tapes and create the finished album. Dave has been a reggae fan for more than forty years. He is also an accomplished musician with years of experience and although this is his first commercial project, his previous reggae mixes have already gained him a cult following.

As soon as we heard the first finished mix we knew we had the right man and so, after twenty years, Vibes album “Reminisce” is finally completed and in the words of Popsy “everything we wanted it to be”. The album contains 15 tracks including dub versions and as a bonus, we’ve thrown in some mixes from Bristol Archive’s resident mastering engineer Steve Street (Doug The Dub).

Vibes “Reminisce” is released on 15th April 2013 by Bristol Archive Records as a CD with a booklet detailing the band’s story and a digital download, available from all usual outlets and finally taking reggae in Vibes own unique direction.

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Released 4th March 2013 – Cat Number FOD093CD

Format – CD plus Digital Download

2012′s “On The Ground” was the first new Black Roots album in more than twenty years and was eagerly received by fans old and new. As well as gaining numerous fantastic reviews, more than three decades after their formation, Black Roots were back as though they’d never been away and their music was equally relevant in the present as it was thirty years ago.

To celebrate the success of “On The Ground” and also to satisfy numerous requests from the band’s fans, Sugar Shack Records in conjunction with Nubian Records, have decided to release the dub counterpart to the album “On The Ground In Dub”.

The dub mixes have been done by Louis Becket, a man who has a long history working with leading reggae bands including Misty In Roots and Culture. He has used those years of experience to craft a dub album worthy of comparison with those from the music’s peak during the 1970s. Recorded with a full band including a horn section, the dubs hark back to that time before digital production and sampling took over. Focusing on the rhythm section with the horns dropping in and out, weaving a new tapestry from the original multi tracks, this is classic dub music of the sort that has been rarely made in the last thirty years, a modern dub classic.

Stripped down and rearranged, “On The Ground In Dub” is a worthy release and stands on its own merits as a fine album that will appeal to all fans of dub Equally, those that already love the vocal album will get renewed enjoyment, hearing their favorite songs reshaped with the same authentic sound and attention to detail that have helped “On The Ground” succeed so well.

The 15 track album will be released on 4th March 2013 by Sugar Shack Records as a CD and digital download and will be available from all good outlets.

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Released 15th October 2012 on 12” Vinyl (Limited Edition) & Digital Download with additional exclusive mixes, through Sugar Shack Records / Shellshock and all digital platforms.

October 15th sees the release of “Pompous Way” on Sugar Shack Records in conjunction with Nubian Records, the first new Black Roots single in over twenty years. “Pompous Way” is taken from the band’s new critically acclaimed album “On The Ground” also released by Sugar Shack/Nubian Records.

The double A side twelve inch vinyl release features an exclusive extended mix of the album version of “Pompous Way”, clocking in at nearly seven minutes the vocal is seamlessly followed by the dub in classic discomix fashion. Although recorded this year and dealing with the economic and political mess we are currently facing, the song doesn’t attempt to cater to any current fads. Instead it’s a slice of roots reggae the way it used to be, real musicians playing real instruments and singing about real problems.

For the AA side we have teamed up with Rootikal Productions, which is David Hill and Ashley Beedle – both men are long-time reggae lovers who bring a wealth of musical experience to the project. David is one of the people behind Rootikal, one of London’s most successful reggae nights, which has hosted some legendary guests including Cornell Campbell, Linval Thompson and Al Campbell – plus A-list selectors such as David Rodigan, Channel One and Aba Shanti I. He’s recently overseen the Rootikal Selection series of 45s, reworking versions of hard to find or unreleased Jah Thomas productions and re-editing dubs or adding trombone overdubs with Matic Horns. Prior to that, he worked with David Katz reissuing rare reggae on the Auralux label. Ashley is perhaps best known for his role in X-Press 2, The Black Science Orchestra and the Ballistic Brothers (also with David). In 2010 he recorded an album with reggae great Horace Andy, which led to a European tour. Ashley and David recently had the privilege of remixing several Bob Marley and The Wailers tracks after Island Records gave them access to the original Tuff Gong multi-track masters. They also present the Rootikal radio show together.

Rootikal were given free reign on the mix and their “Rootikal Humble Yourself Version” takes the track in a whole new direction. Shifting the emphasis onto the rhythm, the drum, the bass, the guitar, the horns and adding just a little melodica, the track is reinvented for the twentieth century. It becomes a lost classic from the late seventies and an entirely different listening experience.

In addition to the 12” limited vinyl, there is also a digital download available which adds a further two exclusive mixes from Oldwah, although this is his first official commission, Oldwah has been making his own unique reggae mixes for years and has built a large and loyal following on YouTube.

For further information on Rootikal please see www.rootikal.net

Side A:

Black Roots ‘Pompous Way / Dub’
Written by Black Roots

Produced by Jeff Spencer & Black Roots
Mixed by Louis Becket
Engineered by Jeff Spencer at J&J Studio, April 2012

Taken from the album ‘On The Ground’ released Sept 2012

P&C Sugar Shack Records/Nubian Records 2012
Published by Archive Publishing Ltd 2012

FOD092V
All Rights Reserved

Disco 45

SIDE AA:

Black Roots ‘Pompous Way’ (Rootikal Humble Yourself version)
Written by Black Roots

Remix and additional production by David Hill and Ashley Beedle for Rootikal Productions
Additional melodica by Darren Morris
Engineered by Darren Morris at Cydonia One, July 2012

P&C Sugar Shack Records/Nubian Records 2012
Published by Archive Publishing Ltd 2012

FOD092V
All rights Reserved

Disco 45

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Released 8th October 2012 on LP (Limited Edition), CD & Digital Download, through Bristol Archive Records / Shellshock and all digital platforms.

Leading lights in the 21st century UK digi dub/roots scene Dubkasm have built themselves a worldwide following for their brand of reggae since launching their own Sufferah’s Choice label in 2003. What many fans may not realise is that even before that first Sufferah’s Choice release, Dubkasm had nearly a decade’s worth of recordings behind them. Unfortunately, other than a track on the 1996 “Dub Out West Volume Two” compilation album, those early recordings were the preserve of leading UK sound systems such as Aba Shanti and Jah Shaka and could only be heard played off dub plates at dances.

Dubkasm have finally decided that the time is right to share the story of those early years and make a selection of those formerly exclusive tracks available for everyone to enjoy. Being proud of their Bristolian roots, Dubkasm found the perfect partner for the project in Bristol Archive Records and the label’s ongoing programme to document and make available Bristol’s reggae heritage. As if a selection of previously unreleased tracks from Dubkasm wasn’t enough, these particular tracks were all played by leading sound system operator Aba Shanti and the versions were all personally mixed by him to achieve the ideal sound balance on his sound system. Once Dubkasm’s Digistep had finished initial mixes of the tracks, he would deliver the multi track master to Aba Shanti who would then mix down his own exclusive versions.

It’s the Aba Shanti connection that inspired the album’s title, for it was at Aba’s legendary sessions at the Brixton Rec that these tracks could be heard to full effect. The album is named in tribute to those great sessions and hopefully the music captures a bit of that magic as well as bringing back some great memories for those who were there, or even those who were only there in spirit through the medium of sound tapes.

Thanks to DJ Stryda’s long standing Sufferah’s Choice radio show Dubkasm are in contact with many of the scene’s leading players and four of the vinyl’s eight tracks are vocals with contributions from Tena Stelin, “The Soul” and “Spiritual Warrior Time”, the deeply missed Lidj Xylon, “The Order” and Bristol’s own, and Dubkasm regular Ras Addis, “Jah Bible.” Each of the vocals is accompanied by its dub counterpart and each track is UK roots of the highest order.

The CD and download version contain three bonus tracks, a melodica cut to “The Soul”, “106.2FM” a track that captures the vibes as Aba Shanti both mixes and sings live and finally “Earth Rocker” which is actually a recording captured in a dance at Brixton Rec; about as authentic as we could get even if the audio quality leaves a little to be desired. Bristol Archive Records take the story of reggae in the city forward into the 1990s with this essential and previously unreleased selection. complete with sleeve notes, telling the story of Dubkasm’s early years including rare archive photos. “Brixton Rec” is released on Limited Edition Vinyl, CD and digital download October 8th.

Track Listing – Vinyl:

Side A:
1. The Soul (ft. Tena Stelin)
2. Soul in Dub
3. The Order (ft. Lidj Xylon)
4. Dub Order

Side B:
5. Spiritual Warrior Time (ft. Tena Stelin)
6. SIM Dub
7. Jah Bible (ft Ras Addis)
8. Biblical Dub

Track Listing – CD

1. The Soul (ft. Tena Stelin)
2. Soul in Dub
3. The Order (ft. Lidj Xylon)
4. Dub Order
5. Spiritual Warrior Time (ft. Tena Stelin)
6. SIM Dub
7. Jah Bible (ft. Ras Addis)
8. Biblical Dub
9. 106.2fm
11. The Soul – Melodica Piece
12. Earth Rocker

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Released 1st October 2012 on CD (Deluxe Edition) & Digital Download, through Bristol Archive Records / Shellshock and all digital platforms.

NB this is not a compilation album.
20 tracks by the band that confused the hell out of record reviewers everywhere.

SOLO ALBUM originally released in 1980, and now re-released in 2012 rides again with a 16-page booklet entitled ‘The true story behind the most confusingly named band of all time’

In 2012 the members of THE VARIOUS ARTISTS may have bought a Band Name Generator App to ensure a name that guaranteed the correct allocation of royalties and an indexing in record shops to aid discovery. Then again, if you made one mistake, you might not add to it by calling your album SOLO ALBUM. But then again, if you’ve been in Bristol for a few years Bristolian irony may just have rubbed off. We have to take some credit because this lot weren’t born and bred.

The Key brothers Jonjo (Vocals/Guitars) and Robin (Guitars/Vocals/Keyboard), were originally from Birmingham which perhaps explains a certain TWO TONE reference here and there. They were joined by John Langley a drummer of some distinction, with Christian Clarke providing Bass.

3/4s of THE VARIOUS ARTISTS were simultaneously THE ART OBJECTS, (with original Various Artists member Bill Stair on Bass Guitar) and it was from this ‘school’ that emerged THE BLUE AEROPLANES. Not that the bands were taking the same subjects and this isn’t an album that traces that evolution. Nor do we have to find echoes of the ‘Bristol Sound’ because it isn’t there.

The eclectic mix of tastes that the bands personnel brought with them works; it’s an album that feels so familiar that by second playing humming is compulsory. This album is not just a soundtrack to the 80′s it feels like an album you’ve known all your life.

‘UNLUCKY IN LOVE’ and ‘STRAIGHT SEX’ could so easily have been hits for ELVIS COSTELLO, an influence that Jonjo (principal songwriter) acknowledges in the accompanying booklet of the real story behind the album in his own words.

Jonjo’s lyrics are intelligent and their poetry connect them to their ‘school’, ‘ obsessed by a cure for mortality, caressed by your normality’. There is a history lesson in the clearly enunciated lyrics. ‘UNOFFICIAL SECRETS’ is about sexual oppression in the home. His words tell the story of things that mattered in an era when young people questioned inequality and discrimination. So what’s in a name, it could have been worse they could have called themselves THE WHO.

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Released 10th September 2012 on CD, Limited Edition Vinyl and digital download,
through Sugar Shack Records / Bristol Archive Records

Following the 2011 release of “Black Roots – The Reggae Singles Anthology ” and the 2012 rerelease of “All Day All Night” deluxe version by reissue label Bristol Archive Records, Black Roots and their label Nubian Records have now teamed up with Bristol Archive’s parent label Sugar Shack Records to release their brand new album “On The Ground”.
It may be more than twenty years since the original line up were together in the studio, but for their new record they’ve picked up where they left off and are right back in that classic Black Roots groove that will keep their existing fans happy and appeal to a whole new generation of reggae lovers, many of whom weren’t born when Black Roots released their string of classic records.
The music is entertaining and upbeat, but it is still roots music. These songs have a social message that is just as relevant in the troubled world we inhabit in 2012 as the band’s songs were during the ups and downs of the 1980s.
Opening track “I Believe” makes it clear that for all the progress we’ve made, for many people life today is just as hard as it’s ever been. Surviving the system isn’t easy. Second track “Pompous Way” is also concerned with society, but this time with fixing it and reaching out to the next generation rather than labelling them as the problem. The music itself harks back to Black Roots of old and other than the mention of the digital age could easily have been recorded thirty years ago.
Another song that sounds like it could have come from the band’s first incarnation is “Militancy” definitely sounding like Black Roots of old and also touching on the theme of slavery, a theme that receives further exploration in the aptly titled “Slavery” recalling the memory of the great evil that befell millions of Africans and their descendants.
There are more upbeat songs recalling a life in rural Jamaica with “Long Long Ago” or celebrating Africa with “Oh Mama Africa.” In fact whatever the message the band are delivering they still do it with great and enjoyable music, the new members of the band more than earning their place alongside the founding fathers.
More than three decades after they formed, Black Roots are back with a brand new 17 track CD album that defies the passage of time and will appeal to all reggae fans, released on September 10th on CD, limited edition vinyl and digital download, available from all good retailers.

www.sugarshackrecords.co.uk / www.bristolarchiverecords.com / www.nubianrecords.co.uk

ARTIST: Black Roots
TITLE: On The Ground
RELEASE DATE: 10th September 2012
LABEL: Sugar Shack Records / Bristol Archive Records
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock
FORMAT: CD, Limited Edition Vinyl and Digital Download
CAT NO: FOD091CD, FOD091V
BARCODE: 5052571032725 / 5052571032718
GENRE: Reggae

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