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Linval Thompson: Don't Cut Off Your Dreadlocks (TJDDD216)

From what I recall Linval was principally regarded as a dread heavyweight vocalising over some heavy heavy rhythms laid down by the Agrovators or the Revolutionaries over some dubwise mastery and trickery.  That is true as evidenced by some killer tunes of that ilk, like the title track, Jaj jah is the Conqueror , natty Dread Girl and so on.

However what I had reall appreciated was how good a singer he is.  So aside from the heacyweight  and essential cuts take some time out to (re)discover the sweeter tracks.

Cool down your temper for example, still coming lyrically and culturally from the same place, but more of a song, more reliant on the vocal.

Prominence came via Bunny Lee, but little changed in style thereafter, but there was more emphasis on the songs.  If I follow my heart to the Money in my pocket riddim is sweet with jamaican harmonic vocal support. 40 odd tracks in total but it is worth seeking out from within the less well known – Stay a little bit longer is a superb cut indeed.

As the tracks move towards 1980and beyod the mood changes, mellows down somewhat but still some fine songs harmonic like My woman is gone, or heavyweight Roots man dub.  Particularly strong is Dread are the Controller.

Linval Thompson: Don't Cut Off Your Dreadlocks (TJDDD216)

 

Format: Double CD album
Released: Oct 25 2004
Price: £13.99




The renewed interest in late seventies Jamaican music has resulted in a new appreciation of the works of its leading figures, and few of these individuals have received more of this belated appreciation than Linval Thompson. This collection traces his career from the days when he was just an up-and-coming singer with Bunny Lee, through to his own hugely popular productions throughout the tail end of the seventies. Included are all of his seventies hits of note, and the result is a truly must-have collection for all Roots fans.

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Tracklisting

  2-CD SET

  DISC 1:

  Kunk Fu

  Natty Dread Girl

  Natty Dread Dub

  Don't Cut Off Your Dreadlocks

  A King Version

  Jah Jah Is The Conqueror

  Cool Down You Temper

  Long, Long Dread Locks

  Don't Try To Rob I

  A Big Big Girl

  Jah Guiding Star

  Ride On (Natty Dreadlocks)

  Don't Trouble Trouble

  If I Follow My Heart

  Africa Is For Blackman

  Rock Is The Question

  I Love Marijuana

  Jamaican Colley Version

  DISC 2:

  Never Push Your Brother (aka Don't Push Your Brother)

  Roots Man Dub - Dread Are The Controller

  Not Follow Fashion (aka No Follow Fashion)

  Roots Lady

  Roots Dub

  Be Careful

  Jah Jah Dreader Than Dread

  Africa Love Dub

  Give Thanks And Praise To Jah

  Six Babylon (12" mix)

  Jah Loves Us All

  Danger In Your Eyes

  Stay A Little Bit Longer

  Lion And Riger

  Seventy Nine Rock

  Here With Me

  Pop No Style

  Gun Talk

  Pretty Little Girl

  Tell Your Friend

 

 

 

 

 

 

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