BIG YOUTH – Dread Locks Dread (Black Story 2024 Edition) – LP – Vinyl

LP – Limited Black Story 2024 Edition. Re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London. Out of print for over 20 years!

Originally released on KLIK Records, in 1975, Dread Locks Dread became one of the new Front Line labels first key releases when reissued in 1978.

One of reggaes best and most recognizable toasters, Big Youth broke new ground as a DJ in the early 70s with a flowing, chant-like cadence that was equal parts melodic and invigorating, applying his infectious vocal approach to heavy social and political lyrics.

A huge favourite of the punk and new wave artists at the time of release, Big Youth was embraced by The Clash, via Don Letts, and PiL, amongst others. John Lydon was part of Richard Bransons A&R envoy to Jamaica, helping sign credible artists to his new Front Line reggae label.

Featuring the legendary Skin, Flesh & Bones band, formed around Lloyd Parks (bass), drummer Sly Dunbar (before he started working with Robbie Shakespeare), Ansel Collins on keyboards, and trombonist Vin Gordon. The album was produced by Tony Robinson and Errol Thompson and mixed at the famous Joe Gibbs studio.

Dread Locks Dread skanks from punchy, rhythm-heavy reggae to the deepest, dubbiest roots. The hypnotic Some Like It Dread reworks Dennis Browns Some Like It Hot, where the DJs toast is entwined with a bluesy harmonica (the dub version re-titled (Black Man Message). Also features a fiery version of Burning Spears Marcus Garvey (Marcus Garvey Dread), a tasty take on the John Holt classic Keep on Moving Moving On and a scintillating dub of the Techniques rocksteady masterpiece You Dont Care.

Not your typical DJ album by any means, the music equals the toasts and vice versa an essential release for a dub fan or a Big Youth supporter.

Re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London.Out of print for over 20 years!

Tracklist:

Side A
1 Train To Rhodesia
2 House Of Dread Locks
3 Lightning Flash (Weak Heart Drop)
4 Natty Dread She Want
5 Some Like It Dread

Side B
1 Marcus Garvey Dread
2 Big Youth Special
3 Dread Organ
4 Black Man Message
5 You Don’t Care
6 Moving On