STUDIO 1

Smell that? 


Yeah...my post went rancid. I left this post out uncooked for over a month! 


Popped into the microwave and here it is...

I spent all day tearing down a stockade style fence that I installed over twenty-five years ago. My dad offered to paint and do the bodywork on my first car if I put up the fence. My dad led me to believe that it was an even deal. He picked at my car on and off for a few weeks till he was finished. No sweat. Me? I spent over two weeks just digging out the post-holes. The whole project took me the whole summer of that year. My dad taught me a very valuable lesson...never trust anyone! 

Speaking of not being able to trust someone...

Back in the day JAMAICA was spilt into two warring political factions. Still basically a two party system today. Bustamante's Jamaica Labour Party and Manley Senior’s People's National Party. Each boasted better life for all walks of folks. The usual rhetoric. So no matter who is in the drivers seat... the poor always end up walking. 

Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd

Back in the day JAMAICA had two studios that ruled the scene. Duke Reid's Treasure Isle Studio and Coxone Dodd's Studio One. Sworn enemies during their reign but they retired as friends. Unlike their political counter-parts who kept the poor down trodden, these guys put boogie in your shoes. These studio’s provided the soundtrack to the SUFFERAH’S cause. Hell, the music pouring out of these studios could put a smile on your face.

It's funny how many roots snobs snub the new stuff and accuse today’s young LIONS of ripping off the riffs and clipping the words or stealing the soul of their 1970’s heroes.

But even back then big studio groups like the Aggravators or The Revolutionaries were already pilfering the “old” riddims. So everything these folks hold dear to their heart were recycled! Most of these roots rockers riddims were already begged, borrowed and stolen from the golden Rocksteady era!

 If I was eavesdropping in on an argument between these two giants, I would pick Coxone’s side. So this post will defend STUDIO ONE. This record label’s legacy is well represented by several different record companies.

Heartbeat out of a cold and concrete Boston Massachusetts puts together some nice deluxe editions. They re-release actual albums and tie together all the loose singles and bonus b-sides. A history of what your holding in your hand is explained in the linear notes. Premium goods at a knock off price.

London's SOUL JAZZ is not a label run by businessmen pushing units. You know the type…it makes no difference if their selling hotdogs or Reggae music, as long as their supply meets a money demand.  SOUL JAZZ is a label produced by a group of fans with the means. They release records that they themselves wanna hear. Thankfully these folks also have top choice taste.

Sadly these labels are disappearing like drops of precious water inna drought. BLOOD and FIRE and MAKASOUND are drying up.

SOUL JAZZ has a great run going on different themed compilations like Studio One Rockers, Studio One Soul, Studio One Scorcher Instrumentals and Studio One...you get the idea. All necessary goodies to complete your selection. The best way to get these riddims stuck in your conscious is to stuff these sounds in your ear till ya head expands. It is like knowledge…the best place too store it is in your mind.

Okay, last but not least is the facsimile label itself. The re-releases they offer up, offer no new linear notes packed with new insights into the music. The CD booklet opens into what is essentially an advertisement for their other product releases. Not necessarily a bad thing tho, because it reminds me that I need, not want, but need two more JACKIE MITTOO discs to satisfy my collection. Remember JACKIE? You should!

 Okay a brief background biography usually a short paragraph long is tacked on last page.  Like an after thought.

Although limited frills meet the eyes; great music still greets the ears. In the end it is about the music anyway. I’m just thankful it's back in print. Their catalog boasts both Dennis Brown's and Horace Andy's debuts. Big stuff right there! 


Oh and my first car...

My 73 didn't have the cool hatch-back feature but it was orange. Concerning the ladies? Thank JAH I had great hair!