Sanctuary Records Group – Trojan
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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.
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.
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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