* Best Version of the Augustus Pablo Classic *
Jasper | New England | 12/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is THE version to get of the classic Augustus Pablo album, "Original Rockers," indisputably one of the finest reggae LPs of the genre's golden era. The version released on Shanachie in 1991 suffers from poor sound, and only features ten tracks. This version, released by Greensleeves in 2006, has been sonically scrubbed for stunningly clear, colorful sound, and features 12 tracks instead of 10. In fact, out of the many Pablo releases I have, this one easily sounds the best, audio-wise. The two extra tracks on this issue fit right in, as they are extra-heavy Tubby dubs of "Tubby's Dub Song" (the original of which is actually more of a melodica instrumental) and "Brace A Boy." "Brace A Boy" is a DJ cut by Dillinger, but the extra version here cuts out the vocals and dubs the rhythm to the top. "Tubby's Dub Song (version 2)" is up there with Tubby's heaviest, most trippy dubs, and is as essential as anything on the original LP. In fact, I can't see listening to the album WITHOUT these two dubs now, they fit in so well. I like to sequence these extra versions right after the original versions on this album, as I find the flow quite natural this way, and it still ends with Pablo's haunting xylophone meditation "AP Special," as he no doubt would have wanted.
"Original Rockers" is definitive Pablo, a cohesive mix of instrumental and dub sounds which form a heady, transcendent listening experience. Most tracks are deep melodica instrumentals, although there are a few straight-out dubs, and "Thunder Clap," a funky clavinet instrumental on the "Ain't No Sunshine" melody. For me, "Original Rockers" is right up there with "King Tubby's Meets Rockers Uptown," and is part of what I consider the great trilogy of original Pablo LPs, along with "East of the River Nile." "Up Warrika Hill," "Cassava Piece," "Jah Dread," "Thunder Clap," and all of the others tracks are simply killer after killer after killer. The heavy bass, deep grooves, and visionary musicianship and production of Augustus Pablo make this one of the greatest Jamaican albums of all time, a statement I do not make lightly. The fact that this music was recorded at Tubby's and mixed by King Tubby and Prince Jammy doesn't hurt any either. This music has so much color, so much groove, and so much soul, that I have no doubt it will provide any true music lover with hours and hours of blissful listening, as it has (and continues to) for me.
Remember, my friends, if you want to get the quality release, make sure that it is from 2006, lists the label as "Greensleeves" and features twelve tracks instead of ten...trust me, you'll thank me when you hear it. Enjoy."
The better version of the best Pablo.
Jack Smith | W-S, NC uSSa | 01/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This has been, hands-down, my favorite collection of dub/reggae for over 20 years. If you are a fan of Pablo, this is a must own!
p.s. The other reviewer is dead-on. The Shanachie version is quite inferior to this version. My only complaint is the re-working of the artwork...oh well, I still have my original vinyl to look at (it was worn out years ago)"
Great reggae
Arlo Vortex | Third Stone | 12/13/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Sorry for the 3 stars. It's great, but being my third Augustus Pablo, it doesn't sound much different than the others. Are there some repeat songs on here? It's nice and everything and I'll def hang onto it, but two were probably enough."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1