VA - The Bristol Reggae Explosion Vol. 1, 2 &3 [2011-2012] (3 x CDs)

BRISTOL REGGAE

VA - The Bristol Reggae Explosion Vol. 1, 2 &3 [2011-2012] (3 x CDs)

Bristol’s contribution to the UK Reggae scene during the late 70s and early 80s is documented in “The Bristol Reggae Explosion” album series by Bristol Archive Records. 

Volume 1 includes music that reflects the popularity of Roots in Bristol, with Black Roots, Talisman, Restriction, and 3D Production being some of the highlights. Joshua Moses’s “Africa Is Our land” is also included, which is a rare UK Roots classic. The rest of the album is more mellow, but still showcases Bristol’s reggae talent. Volume 2 of the series features a more commercial sound in reggae, with Black Roots also appearing on this album. Their early Roots style is evident on “The Father,” and “Pin in the Ocean” is an example of their later commercial sound. Bunny Marrett’s “Times Are Getting Harder,” previously unreleased, is also featured. Cool Runnings’ “Robin Hoods of the Ghetto,” one of the scarcest reggae records with only 200 copies pressed, is included. Zapp Stereo’s “Way Out West” and Lord John Hutchinson’s “Little Eyes,” both previously unreleased, are also featured. Volume 3 offers 15 tracks, 11 of which have never been released before, making it the strongest volume in the series. The album mostly leans towards the Roots side of reggae, with Revelation Rockers’ “Jah Praises,” recorded in 1979, being the opening track. Black Roots is also featured on this album, with their song “What Them a Do,” along with tracks from Talisman, Sharon Bengamin, and Essential Bop. These albums showcases how reggae music started to change direction towards the end of the 80s, becoming more solo artist-based.

Overall, the “Bristol Reggae Explosion” series is an excellent documentation of Bristol’s reggae music scene during the late 70s and early 80s. The albums showcase the raw talent that existed in the city during that time, and how local bands and independent labels managed to release vinyl records despite tight budgets and minimal marketing campaigns. The inclusion of rare and previously unreleased tracks makes the series even more valuable for music enthusiasts who want to discover more about the UK reggae scene. This is a fabulous set that will delight every time. (B)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Black Roots - Bristol Rock 4:18

02 Joshua Moses - Africa (Is Our Land) 5:57

03 Talisman - Run Come Girl (Live) 7:27

04 Restriction - Four Point Plan 4:02

05 Black Roots - Tribal War (12" Mix) 4:20

06 Restriction - Restriction 3:05

07 Joshua Moses - Pretty Girl 5:34

08 Talisman - Wicked Dem (Live) 5:38

09 The Radicals - Nights Of Passion 3:08

10 Sharon Bengamin - Mr. Guy 4:31

11 Black Roots - Juvenile Delinquent 4:13

12 Buggs Durrant - Baby Come Back (Home) 3:35

13 3-D Production - Riot 2:43

14 Talisman - Dole Age (12" Mix) 11:05

15 Joshua Moses - Pretty Girl (Dub) 5:34

16 Sharon Bengamin - Mr. Guy (Alternative Mix) 4:24

CD2

01 Joshua Moses - Rise Up 3:58

02 Bunny Marrett - Times Are Getting Harder 3:28

03 Alfred Mcintosch - Wicked Man (Dub) 7:01

04 Zion Band - Twelve Tribes 3:01

05 3-D Production - Re-Arrange (Version) 3:28

06 Alfred Mcintosh - Ah It Dis (Dub) 3:49

07 Zapp Stereo - Way Out West 5:12

08 Restriction - Re-Action 3:54

09 Cool Runnings - Robin Hoods Of The Ghetto 5:17

10 Black Roots - The Father 3:33

11 Dennis Mccalla Aka Dallas - Peacemaker 3:39

12 Black Roots - Pin In The Ocean 6:43

13 Radicals - Time Out 3:33

14 Lord John Hutchinson - Little Eyes 5:07

15 Dan Ratchet And Teknikal Honours - Raggamuffin Girl 4:14

CD3

01 Revelation Rockers - Jah Praises 5:35

02 Bunny Marrett - I'm Free 3:15

03 Talisman - Takin' The Strain (Cave Mix) 5:14

04 Joshua Moses - Stick It Up 4:13

05 Alfred Mcintosh - Pain (Dub) 5:14

06 Zion Band - Babylon Fire / Babylon Dub 6:48

07 Talisman - Lick & Run 3:20

08 Cool Runnings - You Can't Pay Me 4:16

09 Ron Green Feat. Glen Quake - Then Came You (Dub) 4:47

10 Popsy Curious - Chant Down Bobby Rome 3:57

11 Zapp Stereo - The Mission 6:39

12 Cool Runnings - Playhouse 4:22

13 Radicals - Soul Eternal 3:45

14 Vibes - My Love 3:44

15 Dan Ratchet - Sweet Rosie 3:47

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