Search - Abyssinians :: Satta Dub

Dubroom Review

Messian Dread | Drachten, Fryslan Netherlands | 09/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Both Heartbeat Records as well as French Label Tabou.1 have provided the world with a nice collection of dubs from the Abyssinians. Classic reggae from this essential vocal trio in a Dubwize style, that's something the people were longing for in the time the originals were released! Satta Dub contains 4 versions of the Satta Riddim: 3 instrumentals and one dub. Apart from these four tracks, 11 other crucial dub shots of which I enjoy each and everyone. Meditation Dub is my favorite, never before had I heard that the bassline of this song (My Meditation) is so wonderful! They are not the most spaciest dubs from that era, but this music is so essential in the history of reggae that it would be a disgrace if there would not have been dubs available by now. The riddims are beautifull, the Abyssinians themselves sound much more powerful in dub. Satta Dub is certainly a high quality product because it gives a much better impression of the original sound then the other, US based Heartbeat release. A lot of effort is put in trying to maintain that original sound as much as possible. As a result of this approach, most of the imperfections that were present in the studios on Jamaica in the 1970's can still be heard. But especially because Dub is (primarily) Studio Music, this pre-digital sound is important for the enjoyment of the music. Taking away what we conceive as imperfections will also remove the atmosphere of the recording in such a great manner that for a lot of people it is unacceptable. So Big Up for TABOU1."

Very nice, but hear the originals, as well

Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 09/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love the Abyssinians and their unique and angelic vocal stylings, so this lp of dub mixes on many of their best known and loved tracks is both a blessing and somewhat of an irritant.As a fan of dub, I apreciate what has been done on this album- taking many of their best songs and making tasteful dubs out of them is fine- indeed, doing such a thing is a common reggae tradition and allows for dance mixes and the like to be made, showcasing the skills of the engineer who makes them. The dubs here are rather middle of the road and not offensive- nice background dub music.As a fan of the vocal stylings of the Abyssinians, while I appreciate the dub, I know that it was their voices that made these songs, so in that light, this album does not to the group complete justice in terms of their vocals.Enjoy this lp for what it has to offer, but you should also get their studio lps to best appreciate the Abyssinians for what they did best- sing."