Various Artists - Rub A Dub Soldiers

Various Artists - Rub-A-Dub Soldiers (Rare Heavyweight Rub-a-Dub Deejay Tracks) - Makasound (MKS18) 2007

I will be honest. DJ albums often leave me a little cold. While there are definitely some exceptions, most DJs are good for only a few songs on any LP release. I am of the firm belief that DJs are better in a singles format. For example, how many times have you gone back and listened to any Toyan albums? Funny thing is that I like Toyan but I just don't go back to him that often. In any event, it was with some trepidation that I purchased this recent Makasound release.

So, why did I buy this? Well, it is a Makasound release and their track record from previous releases is excellent. Second, there are numerous DJs on this CD, so different styles and deliveries will be represented. Finally, I try to be a reggae completest so I had to buy this. In other words, I am willing to take one for the team! So, what is the final verdict?

As I mentioned above, a singles format is best for DJs (my opinion). It also helps if the DJ has some good backing tracks to showcase his or her skills. Luckily for us, the odds of hearing a good backing track on this CD are high since it is the Roots Radics that are laying down the rhythms. In fact, all the tracks were originally recorded for Junjo Lawes, Linval Thompson, and the above mentioned Toyan, at Channel One between 1980 and 1983. Not all the rhythms are great but the ones that are good are really good. For example, Captain Sinbad's Eyes of the Tiger, Ranking Joe's Sheperd's Bush and River Jordan, and Little John's and Billy Boyo's Bushman Connection are as solid as they come. Others contributing lyrics over solid tracks are Brigadier Jerry (Roots Mans Skank) and Lee Van Cliff (Water Gone). Yet, this CD also includes some pretty uninspiring cuts by Nicodemus and the above mentioned Toyan.

Overall, this a decent period piece that provides the listener a snapshot of the DJ sounds of the early 80s. While the quality of the songs included in this collection is mixed, there is enough here for a serious reggae collector to enjoy. However, a person just getting into reggae music may want to pass on this release for a while. All in all, this is for advanced reggae music listeners only.