Entries from December 2009
December 9, 2009
Arthur “Duke” Reid was a former policeman who left the force, after winning the lottery, to run a liquor store with his wife Lucille. He was also the soundman behind Duke Reid’s Sound System which was the #1 soundsystem in Jamaica in the later half of the ’50s. Mighty enough to top his rival, and long-time soundsystem leader, Sir Coxsone Downbeat, in the Kingston scene. As a result of using his massive trucks to haul around his soundsystem and liquor, Duke Reid was given the moniker “The Trojan” by his fans throughout the city.
Once the advent of ska hit the island in the early ’60s, he joined the industry and started Treasure Isle Studios at 33 Bond Street above his liquor store. In the early part of the decade, he scored hit after hit, but it was in 1966 that his studio developed the sound that I’ve cherished since the day it first hit my ears. It was then that Tommy McCook joined The Trojan, after The Skatalites had disbanded, and formed the Supersonics. The studio would reign supreme in the Rocksteady era, become the first to showcase versions on the flipside of 45s from the likes of U-Roy, and their shift to the slower-pace and accessible-arrangement of Rocksteady would provide the birth of Reggae which would go on to dominate the ’70s onward.
Collected here are some of the best hits to come out of Treasure Isle. By no means comprehensive, but loaded with gems from start to finish. An excellent introduction to Duke Reid’s sound for the uninitiated and a stellar collection for those who have these tunes scattered elsewhere. Enjoy the vibes that, for me at least, will be in constant rotation on the hi-fi until the day I’m gone. Simply timeless.
“All other soundsystems haffi pack up an’ go home, for The Duke is on now!”
Various Artists – Treasure Isle Hottest Hits Vols. 1-3; Treasure Isle, 1966-68
Find Similar Posts in Navigate The Vault : Drop a Line »
December 8, 2009
Culture’s Two Sevens Clash had been collecting dust in the crates for far too long until I came across it last week. Dropped the needle on it and immediately kicked myself for having not listened to it in so long. It has since been in heavy rotation alongside the extended versions and Joe Gibbs’ dub reworkings.
This classic roots-reggae record was recorded in 1976 at Joe Gibbs’ studio in Kingston 5 and was released in the early part of the following year; after which it became a huge hit throughout the island and abroad in the UK punk scene. An impeccable and essential piece of reggae music. Read more about this release here.
Culture – Two Sevens Clash; Joe Gibbs, 1977
Culture and Friends – Culture and the Deejays at Joe Gibbs 1977-79; 17 North Parade, 2008
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals feat. Errol Thompson – No Bones For The Dogs (Dubs From The Mighty Two 1974-79); Pressure Sounds, 2002
Find Similar Posts in Navigate The Vault : 1 Comment »
December 7, 2009
December 6, 2009
A case of confusion in Phang Nga Town.
J.C. Security doing a stellar job of suppressing crime in the streets of Phang Nga Town.
Find Similar Posts in 9°28'51"N, 100°02'35"E : Drop a Line »
December 4, 2009
This record was compiled by Analog Africa over the course of four years and serves as the follow up to last year’s The Vodoun Effect – Funk & Sato from Benins Obscure Labels, 1973-75 which was completely mind-blowing. As was Soundway’s Kings of Benin Urban Groove 1972-80. Holy shit, I can’t wait to get home and spin this record. I’ll try to remember to pick my jaw up off the floor while listening.
Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou – Echos Hypnotiques from the Vaults of Albakira Store 1969-79; Analog Africa, 2009
Find Similar Posts in Navigate The Vault : Drop a Line »
December 4, 2009
Intellekt & Dirty Digits, aka the I.D.Double, consisted of Dan Chavez, the DJ, and Dillon Maurer, the rapper, who are both from sunny Florida, but have made the ATL their home for a few years now. This is their debut album; sadly, there would be no more to follow. Wicked fresh vibes on this one.
Intellekt & Dirty Digits – Intellektual Property (Revised); Arc the Finger, 2006
Find Similar Posts in Navigate The Vault : Drop a Line »
December 4, 2009
This is the time of year when hoops fever is supposed to be in full effect. NBA on TNT doubleheaders every Thursday, featured games on Wednesdays and Fridays on ESPN, and Sunday doubleheaders on ABC. Not to mention the glory days at 1041 when NBATV was hooked up and supplied 24-hours of content. Now, the action on the hardwood only makes it to my eyes via some Web highlights every now and then. Not enough to make me feel involved. So it goes.
Well, check the two videos below which reminded me how much I miss The Association. Best facials from throughout November and, while D-Wade’s is supremely nasty, my favorite was A.I. 2.0′s monstrous jam. My goodness. Replay, then replay, then replay…
By the way, I’m lovin’ the Sixers decision to go back to the 80s logo. That red, Adidas track jacket is looking hella sweet! So does the Court Series version.
Find Similar Posts in Not That, Not This : Drop a Line »
December 2, 2009
Vibes from last Saturday nite while sippin’ Two Oceans Shiraz from 7-11 and gettin’ loose with some hip-hop beats that were added to the stacks recently.
Top Rankin’ Hi-Fi – Gettin’ Loose; 2009
Find Similar Posts in Navigate The Vault, Top Rankin' Hi-Fi : 1 Comment »
December 1, 2009
Bukowski: Born Into This chronicles the life and times of the hard-drinking, hard-living, and hard-loving author Charles Bukowski. It is an intimate story of struggle and redemption, pain and humor, and above all, artistic truth and authenticity.
Bukowski: Born Into This - Directed by John Dullaghan, 2006
Pt.1, Pt.2, Pt.3, Pt.4, Pt.5, Pt.6, Pt.7, Pt.8
Find Similar Posts in Film Reels : Drop a Line »
